Pictured: Stacy Keach 

Goodman has announced Jim McGrath’s world premiere of PAMPLONA, starring Stacy Keach as Ernest Hemingway and directed by Robert Falls, will conclude Falls’ 30th anniversary season as Artistic Director. The previously scheduled LADY IN DENMARK will be postponed to a later date.

“I am honored to work with Stacy on the world premiere of Jim McGrath’s beautifully rendered work about one of our most charismatic yet complicated literary titans—and a Chicagoland native—Ernest Hemingway,” said Robert Falls who, in addition to KING LEAR (2006), also directed Keach in Arthur Miller’s FINISHING THE PICTURE (2004). “Stacy is a voracious reader, and Hemingway has fascinated him for a long time. The opportunity to dive deep with him to reveal this troubled artist and amazing man—at once a father, husband, lover, wartime correspondent and adventurer—is thrilling.”

Based on one of the most acclaimed novelists and short story writers of the 20th century, PAMPLONA marks Keach’s second exploration of the literary legend: he earned a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy Award nomination for his portrayal of Hemingway in the eponymous 1988 television mini-series.

“When I played him in the 1980s, I was somewhat intimidated; I felt simply too young to fully appreciate the emotional turmoil he had experienced, due to his failing health and his inability to continue writing, ” said Keach. “This is why I am so excited with the prospect of revisiting this literary giant now, at the right age to fully explore the essence of his later years. The opportunity to work with Bob, with whom I’ve been blessed to collaborate twice before, and work again at Goodman Theatre—so close to where Hemingway grew up—is perfect.”

PAMPLONA runs May 19 through June 18 in the Owen Theatre. Tickets ($20-60, subject to change) go on sale Monday, February 20. For more information visit goodmantheatre.org.