The world premiere of Emily Mann’s Gloria: A Life officially opens October 18 following previews that began October 2 at the Daryl Roth Theatre in Union Square.
Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Christine Lahti stars as Gloria Steinem. She is joined by DeLanna Studi (And So We Walked, August: Osage County) as Wilma Mankiller and others, Patrena Murray (Venus, The Death of the Last Black Man) as Florynce Kennedy and others, Joanna Glushak (War Paint, A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder) as Bella Abzug and others, with additional roles played by Liz Wisan (Other Desert Cities, These Paper Bullets!), Francesca McKenzie (As You Like It, Othello, Our Lady of 121st Street), Fedna Jacquet (Ain’t No Mo, The Tempest/Henry V), and Brittany K. Allen (True Right, Minor Character).
Tony winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin) directs the new play that presents Steinem as a symbol of past, present, and future change. The production features an all-female creative and producing team, the latter led by Tony winner Daryl Roth.
The first act focuses on Steinem's personal life and activism, and the second serves as a "Talking Circle," in which the audience is invited to carry the themes of the play into a conversation of their own.
Read: NEW PLAY ABOUT GLORIA STEINEM TO PREMIERE OFF-BROADWAY
“Gloria Steinem helped me find feminism, which has been my life jacket, a way to navigate through a world that doesn't treat girls and women like full human beings,” Lahti said in an earlier statement. “For over forty years, she has worked tirelessly to enrich, empower and save women's lives. To be able to play her and tell her remarkable story is one of the greatest thrills and honors of my life, not to mention my career.”
The production also features scenic design by Amy Rubin, costume design by Jessica Jahn, lighting design by Jeanette Yew, sound design by Leah Gelpe, and projection design by Elaine J. McCarthy.
The casting director is Tara Rubin, CSA, the production manager is Mary Duffe, the production stage manager is Ana M. Garcia, the Act 2 coordinator is Laura Fischer, and the creative consultants are Amy Richards and Kathy Najimy.
Lahti starred on Broadway in God of Carnage, The Heidi Chronicles, Present Laughter with George C. Scott, Division Street, and Loose Ends. She earned her first Oscar nomination for Swing Shift, then took the statue home ten years later as a first-time director for her short film Lieberman in Love. She received Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for Chicago Hope.
Joining Roth on the producing team are Jenna Segal, Elizabeth Armstrong, Sally Horchow, Janet Kagen, and Alix Ritchie.
Tickets are on sale at GloriathePlay.com.
(Updated October 18, 2018)
