Retirement Announced by Broadway Director Daniel Sullivan After 55 Years

Tony-winning Broadway director Daniel Sullivan has announced his retirement after a 55-year career, stepping down from directing the upcoming Manhattan Theatre Club world premiere of David Hare’s Montauk. Jonathan Kent will take over directing duties for the production, which stars Laura Linney at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

The Manhattan Theatre Club made the unexpected announcement, noting that Sullivan was originally scheduled to direct the spring production. No specific reason for the timing of his retirement was given by the theater company. The production timeline remains unchanged, with previews scheduled to begin March 30, 2027, ahead of an April 19 opening.

Director Jonathan Kent Replaces Sullivan for Montauk

Jonathan Kent steps in to helm Montauk following Sullivan’s departure. Kent is a former joint artistic director of the Almeida Theatre who has directed Broadway productions including Long Day’s Journey into Night, Faith Healer, Man of La Mancha, and MTC’s The Height of the Storm.

Playwright David Hare praised the transition, noting his long history of collaboration with Kent. “Almost thirty years ago, Jonathan and I started collaborating on plays by Pirandello, Chekhov, Ibsen and Brecht,” Hare said. Kent expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that working with Hare and starring Laura Linney is an exquisite gift.

Plot Details and Production Schedule for Montauk

Montauk follows abstract painter Jared Speight, who has lived alone on the wilder end of Long Island since the early success of his first show. Laura Linney stars as Roxy Margaux, a popular essayist who visits Jared’s studio, sparking a relationship that tests their survival strategies. Additional casting remains to be announced.

Performances are set to begin on Tuesday, March 30, 2027, with an official opening night scheduled for Monday, April 19, 2027, at Broadway’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The production explores far-reaching questions about passions and the sacrifices made for them.

Five Decades of Acclaimed Theater Productions

Sullivan’s career spans 55 years and includes 20 shows for the Manhattan Theatre Club, both on and off Broadway. He won a Tony Award in 2001 for directing David Auburn’s Proof, and staged Pulitzer Prize-winning productions such as David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole.

Former MTC Artistic Director Lynne Meadow highlighted their 25-year collaboration, noting that Sullivan will continue as a special advisor to the company. Sullivan’s extensive Broadway credits also feature The Heidi Chronicles, Glengarry Glen Ross, and The Merchant of Venice, alongside Off Broadway stagings like Hare’s Stuff Happens at the Public Theater.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Montauk Leadership Change

Who is replacing Daniel Sullivan as the director of Montauk?

British theater and opera director Jonathan Kent is stepping in to direct the Manhattan Theatre Club production, replacing the retiring Sullivan.

When will Montauk open on Broadway?

The world premiere production begins performances on Tuesday, March 30, 2027, and officially opens on Monday, April 19, 2027, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

Who is starring in the world premiere of Montauk?

Four-time Emmy Award winner Laura Linney stars as essayist Roxy Margaux in the David Hare play, with additional casting to be announced later.