LONDON BRIDGES TO B'WAY

Star-studded shows look to cross the Pond 

The National has for some time now been the city's predominant theatrical address. It's no surprise, then, that the month's attention will first be focused on Nicholas Hytner's Olivier auditorium staging of Shakespeare's two "Henry IV" plays, with Michael Gambon as Falstaff. The six-hour event opens back to back May 4.

So luxuriantly cast is the production --- Matthew Macfadyen, Mr. Darcy in the imminent film version of "Pride and Prejudice," is playing Prince Hal --- that Tony winner John Wood ("Travesties") is taking the relatively small role of Justice Shallow. But though the National has an ongoing first-look deal with Broadway impresarios Bill Haber and Bob Boyett, this one looks unlikely to cross the pond, not least because Lincoln Center Theater mounted its own "Henry IV," with Kevin Kline and Ethan Hawke, last season.