Broadway's Prima Facie has announced a special performance with understudy Dani Arlington taking center stage of the one-woman show May 26 at 2 PM. Announcing the news via social media, there's another important thing to know about the performance: the tickets are free.
The Suzie Miller play is allocating tickets on a first come, first served basis through 12 PM ET May 25. The Olivier-winning Prima Facie plays at the John Golden Theatre with 2023 Tony nominee Jodie Comer usually starring as Tessa. The extended run through July 2 opened April 23 to critical acclaim. Read the reviews here.
The play follows British defense lawyer Tessa who works her way from a working-class background to a rising star in the legal field. Often assigned to defend men accused of sexual assault, she dedicates her career to a system she believes in. But her whole world is thrown into question after she ends up in the witness stand.
Prima Facie began years ago in the back of playwright Suzie Miller’s mind when she was a law student and then a defense lawyer. Miller seeks to “call out the legal system” and highlight one of the issues which continues post the #MeToo movement. Read more about how Miller developed the play and how it's been a catalyst for real change in her interview with Playbill.
Miller will soon adapt the play for the screen in a recently announced film adaptation starring Tony winner Cynthia Erivo. BAFTA winner and Emmy nominee Susanna White will direct.
Justin Martin (The Jungle) directs the production which features an original score by Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem), scenic and costume design by Miriam Buether, lighting design by Natasha Chivers, sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, and video by William Williams for Treatment Studio. Buether received a 2023 Tony nomination for her scenic design while Chivers, and Ben and Max Ringham have been nominated in their categories, respectively.
Partnering with organizations to further change, the Broadway production works with U.K.-based charity The Schools Consent Project, which seeks to educate young people on issues surrounding consent and sexual assault. It has also launched the Prima Facie Pro Bono Project, offering low-priced ticket lottery and rush tickets at every performance, while also providing free ticket access to specific partner and community organizations.
The show does include a trigger warning for including sensitive subject matters with references to sex, violence, and sexual assault.
Prima Facie is produced by Empire Street Productions, Elizabeth Armstrong, Barbara Broccoli, Caiola Productions, Kristin Caskey, Echo Lake Entertainment, Eilene Davidson Productions, Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Faliro House, FilmNation Entertainment, Dale Franzen, L.T.D. Productions Inc., Holly Anderson Levow, Stephanie P. McClelland, Olympus Theatricals, Rachel Sussman and The Shubert Organization.
Take a look at the Broadway production below.
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
