View Comments Stage and screen star Joely Richardson will star in the off-Broadway revival of The Belle of Amherst, William Luce’s one-woman play that captures the revered career and private life of poet Emily Dickinson. Under the direction of Steve Cosson, performances will begin on October 7 at the Westside Theatre. Opening night is set for October 19. In The Belle of Amherst, Emily Dickinson’s poems, diaries and letters are woven into an illuminating portrait of the prolific wordsmith. Dickinson’s encounters with close friends and family and her often-amusing observations come to life on stage. The play originally premiered on Broadway in 1976. Richardson has appeared on stage previously in Side Effects, The Lady from the Sea, Ivanov and Madame Melville. On screen, she has appeared in Nip/Tuck (for which she received two Golden Globe nominations) and numerous films, including The Patriot, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, 101 Dalmations, Thanks for Sharing and Endless Love. The Belle of Amherst will feature set design by Antje Ellermann, lighting design by David Weiner and sound design by Daniel Kluger.