March 27, 2001
'Ally' star tackles 'Philadelphia Story'
By JAM! Theatre
"Ally McBeal" star Calista Flockhart is trading in the small screen for the bright lights of London's West End.

Reuters reports the 36-year-old star is set to star in a London stage production of the classic comedy "The Philadelphia Story."

The report said Flockhart will play snobby rich girl Tracy Lord, a role memorably performed in the film by Katharine Hepburn, then taken on by Grace Kelly in the musical adaptation, "High Society."

Robert Downey Jr., Flockhart's troubled "McBeal" co-star, is said to be on a wish list of possible leading men to play opposite her in the production, Reuters said.

Should the production go ahead as rumoured, Flockhart would be the latest in a line of Hollywood types who've sought a shot of career credibility on the London stage. Kevin Spacey, Kathleen Turner, Daryl Hannah and Jessica Lange and Macaulay Culkin have all given it a go.

Flockhart, though, has long-established stage credentials and was a rising Broadway star when she landed the part of "Ally McBeal."