David Hare’s Straight Line Crazy, which made its world premiere in March at London's The Bridge, ends its run at The Shed's Griffin Theater Off-Broadway December 18. The production officially opened October 26 following previews that began October 18.
Tony winner Ralph Fiennes (Hamlet) again heads the cast as Robert Moses with Tony winner Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys, Carousel) and Jamie Armitage at the helm.
Read the reviews here. Check out photos from opening night here.
Fiennes is joined on stage by Aisha Bailey as Mariah Heller, David Bromley as Stamford Fergus, Al Coppola as Sandy McQuade, Andrew Lewis as Lewis Mason, Alana Maria as Shirley Hayes, Guy Paul as Henry Vanderbilt, Krysten Peck as Carol Amis, Judith Roddy as Finnuala Connell, Helen Schlesinger as Jane Jacobs, Adam Silver as Ariel Porter, Mary Stillwaggon Stewart as Nicole Savage, and Danny Webb as Governor Al Smith.
Straight Line Crazy delves into the questionable legacy of Moses and his enduring impact on New York. The play presents an imagined retelling of the arc of Moses’ controversial career in two decisive moments: his rise to power in the late 1920s and the public outcry against the corrosive effects of that power in the mid-1950s.
“When I first read Straight Line Crazy, I was compelled by its provocation, humor, and, of course, by the portrayal of Robert Moses. It seemed its natural home was NYC and now—thanks to The Shed—the play can be seen there. I’m excited. It’s a New York play—that’s simply what it is,” said Fiennes in an earlier statement.
The production also has set and costume design by Bob Crowley, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, sound design by George Dennis, music composition by George Fenton, associate design by Jaimie Todd, and casting by Robert Sterne. The production stage manager is Cynthia Cahill.
Fiennes (Faith Healer), Hytner (One Man, Two Guvnors), and Hare (Skylight) previously collaborated on Hare's Beat the Devil, which ran at The Bridge in 2020.
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Ralph Fiennes and Judith Roddy in Straight Line Crazy at The Shed
Danny Webb, Ralph Fiennes, Judith Roddy, and Adam Silver in Straight Line Crazy at The Shed
Helen Schlesinger (center) with Alaina Marie, Al Coppola, Andrew Lewis, Mary Stillwaggon Stewart, and Krysten Peck in Straight Line Crazy at The Shed
Adam Silver, Ralph Fiennes, and Alisha Bailey in Straight Line Crazy at The Shed
Ralph Fiennes in Straight Line Crazy at The Shed
