Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway premiere production of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle begins preview performances March 18 at the American Airlines Theatre. Opening night is set for April 10, with the limited engagement continuing through May 29.
Vivienne Benesch directs the cast, led by Emmy winner Debra Messing (Will and Grace, Outside Mullingar) and including Tony nominee John Earl Jelks (Sweat, Radio Golf), Enrico Colantoni (Just Shoot Me, Veronica Mars) in his Broadway debut, Crystal Finn (Roundabout's Bobbie Clearly), Susannah Flood (The Cherry Orchard), and Christopher Livingston (Roundabout's Something Clean).
The play follows Ernestine Ashworth (Messing), who, through the baking of a birthday cake over a 100-year period, examines her life and place in the universe.
The design team includes set design by Christine Jones, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Jen Schriever, sound design by John Gromada, and original music by Kate Hopgood.
Birthday Candles was commissioned by Detroit Public Theatre where it premiered in 2018. It was originally slated for production at Roundabout in spring 2020. The play marks Haidle's Broadway debut, but his work has previously been seen on New York stages at Roundabout Theatre Company (Mr. Marmalade) and Lincoln Center Theatre (Saturn Returns).
Look inside the rehearsal room below!
John Earl Jelks and Debra Messing
Debra Messing and Susannah Flood
Crystal Flynn
Christopher Livingston
Debra Messing
Enrico Colantoni
Enrico Colantoni and Debra Messing
Susannah Flood and Debra Messing
Debra Messing, Vivienne Benesch
Noah Haidle, Enrico Colantoni, John Earl Jelks, Debra Messing, and Vivienne Benesch
