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Keira Knightley is the latest star to make her stage debut.  Knightley plays a “beautiful, promiscuous” American film star in The Misanthrope.  Her pulling power was apparent in the phenomenal advance ticket sales, according to The Independent.  She’s only one of many big-name celebrities attracting the crowds.  Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, Jerry Hall and Cate Blanchett are also pulling their weight on Broadway and in London‘s West End.

The formula for a play’s successful run is due in large part to a famous name.  While it’s very true that an unknown actress could do a much better job, a show would rather bank on a big name to sell tickets.  And sell, they did. According to the Society Of London Theater, 2008 was a huge year for London’s plays and musicals, pulling in over 14 million attendees.  Bananas!

Gallery Info: Keira Knightley signs autographs for fans as she leaves the Comedy
Theatre in London after her first night performance of her new West End
production of The Misanthrope.