Faye Dunaway Set To Revive Katharine Hepburn In Broadway’s 'Tea At Five'

Faye Dunaway Stepping into Katharine Hepburn's Shoes

There's something magical about the theater—a place where legends live on through the talents of those who follow in their footsteps. Next year, we’ll get to witness a remarkable moment as Academy Award-winning actress Faye Dunaway takes on the iconic role of Katharine Hepburn in the Broadway revival of Tea at Five. This will mark Faye’s return to the New York stage after an impressive 35-year hiatus. Her last performance was way back in 1982 with The Curse of an Aching Heart. Now, she's ready to bring her unique flair to this legendary role, giving audiences a chance to experience the essence of Hepburn once again.

About 'Tea at Five': A Journey Through Time

Tea at Five, a beautifully crafted play written by Matthew Lombardo and directed by John Tillinger, is the reimagining of a 2002 production that originally starred Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager). The setting is 1983, a pivotal year in Hepburn's life following a car accident that left her housebound. This one-woman show dives deep into her storied career and personal life, focusing particularly on her enduring romance with fellow actor Spencer Tracy. It's a story that not only explores the love between two extraordinary talents but also delves into the complexities of Hepburn's independent spirit and her unyielding determination.

Matthew Lombardo's Vision for 'Tea at Five'

Reprinted on TotallyKate.com, Matthew Lombardo shared his reflections on crafting the narrative for Tea at Five in the original program book of the Pasadena Playhouse. He talks about the glaring absence of answers to the questions that have long surrounded Katharine Hepburn's life. Questions like, why did such an independent woman choose to be with a married man for 27 years? What drove her to seek validation from a father who would never approve of her? How did a shy, awkward teenage girl cope with finding her brother's body and being forbidden to speak his name again? These are the mysteries that linger in her story, and Lombardo's play seeks to explore them with sensitivity and respect.

“Hepburn,” he continued, “never really provided answers to these questions, even in her autobiography. She was steadfast in