- The Washington Times - Monday, July 17, 2017

If you ever wondered how Alec Baldwin would have done in the iconic Jack Nicholson’s boots in “A Few Good Men,” you’ll have to tune into NBC next spring.

The network will broadcast a live staged production of military-courtroom drama in the second quarter of 2018, with Mr. Baldwin playing the role of Col. Nathan Jessep, The Hollywood Reporter said Monday. The play, written by Aaron Sorkin in the 1980s, is perhaps best remembered for its 1992 silver-screen adaptation, which Mr. Sorkin also wrote.

This is the “first live production of a Broadway drama in more than 50 years,” THR said. The network has already broadcast live stage productions of popular musicals in recent years, beginning with 2013’s “Sound of Music Live!” which starred country-music star Carrie Underwood as Maria von Trapp.

Known for dynamic performances as a leading man and versatile character actor — his iconic role as Blake in 1992’s “Glengarry Glenn Ross” particularly comes to mind — Mr. Baldwin of late has explored his comedic side, voicing the title character in the 2017 animated feature film “Boss Baby” and appearing with regularity on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” as President Donald Trump.

From 2006 to 2013 he played network executive Jack Donaghy on NBC’s “30 Rock,” written by and starring SNL alumna Tina Fey.

“Having him play this role — live onstage for a television audience — is a dream come true,” Mr. Sorkin said of Mr. Baldwin coming aboard the project, THR reported. “This will be a brand new take on Nathan Jessep and I expect that Alec is going to bust through TV screens and right into living rooms.”

• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.

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