Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz on Broadway: Big box office expected

Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz are proving to be a box-office draw even before the real-life spouses open on Broadway in a revival of Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal.”

Strong advance sales have prompted producers to open the Barrymore Theatre box office earlier than planned, from July 29 to Aug. 3. The box office will then reopen Sept. 3 as scheduled.

Tickets have been available by phone and online since July 12, and there were concerns the entire 14-week run would be sold out before the theater box office opened.

Tony-winner Mike Nichols will direct the drama, starring Oscar-winner Weisz and Craig (the movies’ current James Bond) in Pinter’s examination of an extramarital affair.

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The production marks Craig’s first return to Broadway since he starred opposite Hugh Jackman in 2009’s hugely successful “A Steady Rain,” and Weisz’s Broadway debut.

Pinter’s play originally premiered at London’s National Theatre in 1978 and won the Olivier Award for best new play the following year.

The drama, which was last seen in Broadway in 2001, is known for its nonlinear structure, which starts in 1977 and ends in 1968.

“Betrayal’s” 14-week engagement at the Barrymore Theatre starts previews Oct. 1, and opens Oct. 27.

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