Spielberg a likely Sorkin backer

Steven Spielberg may help bring “West Wing” creator Aaron Sorkin back to Broadway, according to Variety, which reported Tuesday that it was likely that the filmmaker will join Broadway producing organization Dodger Theatricals (“Jersey Boys”) for a New York production of Sorkin’s play “The Farnsworth Invention.”

Michael David of Dodger Theatricals told Variety that his company currently has no plans to produce “The Farnsworth Invention,” but should that change, “Mr. Spielberg would be involved as a limited partner.”

The new drama, Sorkin’s first play since his 1989 breakout Broadway hit, “A Few Good Men,” explores the controversial story behind the invention of television. Originally commissioned by Dublin’s Abbey Theater, it is in development at the La Jolla Playhouse, running through March 25 as a work-in-progress under playhouse artistic director Des McAnuff.

Reached for comment, McAnuff told The Times that he would expect to move forward with the play as the director beyond La Jolla, but that no decision regarding the play’s future has been made.

-- Lynne Heffley