Tom Hanks adapts his short stories for new Broadway play

The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline reported that actor Tom Hanks will star in a new play titled This World of Tomorrow. The production is scheduled for a limited Broadway run in autumn 2027 at a Shubert theater that has not yet been named. Producer Brian Anthony Moreland announced the production. Deadline reported that Tony Award winner Kenny Leon will direct the play. [1][2][4][6]

The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and Deadline all reported that Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara will co-star alongside Hanks. Both actors will reprise their roles from an Off-Broadway run at The Shed. The Hollywood Reporter noted that Hanks co-wrote the play with James Glossman. Outlets differed on the projected launch date, with The New York Times reporting next autumn, while The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline stated it will open in autumn 2027. [1][2][3][4][6]

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the plot is based on short stories written by Hanks in his book Uncommon Type. The story follows Bert Allenberry, a man living at the end of the 21st century who travels back in time to the 1939 World's Fair, where he falls in love with a woman he meets. [2]

Variety reported that this play marks the return of Hanks to Broadway after 14 years. His last Broadway appearance was in the 2013 play Lucky Guy, written by Nora Ephron, which earned him a Tony nomination. Hanks made his professional acting debut on stage in 1977, playing Grumio in a Great Lakes Theater production of The Taming of the Shrew. [3][10]