More stars of stage and screen have joined the rotating lineup for the Off-Broadway hit Pen Pals, which has extended into 2026 at the DR2 Theatre.

Written by Michael Griffo and directed by SuzAnne Barabas, newly announced for the ongoing production are Tony nominee Montego Glover (Memphis, Gypsy), Tony winner Randy Graff (City of Angels, A Class Act), Tony winner Beth Leavel (The Prom, The Drowsy Chaperone), Emmy winner Melissa Gilbert (Little House on the Prairie, The Miracle Worker), Obie winner Veanne Cox (Company; Caroline, or Change), and Oscar and Tony winner Mercedes Ruehl (The Fisher King, Lost in Yonkers).

Inspired by a true story, Pen Pals invites audiences into the lives of Bernie and Mags—two women whose bond was forged in adolescence. This story of connection and resilience unfolds through five decades of letters between the two women who never meet in person.

The production features a rotating cast of duos performing the work, including Kathleen Chalfant and Ellen McLaughlin (October 1-12), Priscilla Lopez and Pauletta Pearson Washington (October 15-26), Catherine Curtin and Marcia Cross (October 29-November 9), Sharon Lawrence and Maureen McCormick (November 12-23), Paige Davis and Glover (November 25-December 7), Donna Lynne Champlin and Emily Skinner (December 10-21), Gilbert and Cox (December 23, 2025-January 4, 2026), Ruehl and a performer to be announced (January 7-18), and Graff and Leavel (January 21-February 1).

“The response to Pen Pals has been extraordinary, and we are thrilled to extend the run into the new year,” says producer Lisa Dozier Shacket in a statement. “This story of enduring friendship clearly resonates with audiences across generations, and it’s a privilege to welcome an incredible new group of women to bring Bernie and Mags to life. Each actress brings her own heart and perspective to the roles, deepening the ways this story continues to touch and inspire.”

The production also has scenic design by Jessica Parks, costume design by David C. Woolard, lighting design by Jill Nagle, sound design by Nick Simone, and production stage management by Rose Riccardi. 

Pen Pals is produced by Shacket, Rachel Stange, Joe Trentacosta, Logan DeWitt, Anthony Hazzard and Scott Stolzenberg, Holly Garman, Michael Graf, Cherie Lindley, in association with NJ Repertory Company, Heiress Productions, Inc. 

General management is by LDK Productions/Michael Shannon.

The production began at NJ Rep and made its Off-Broadway debut at St. Clements Theatre.