Ars Nova, which recently celebrated the opening of its new downtown theatre, Ars Nova at Greenwich House, also celebrated the opening of their latest production: Mrs. Murray's Menagerie. Devised by company in residence The Mad Ones (the collective behind last season's acclaimed Miles For Mary), the world premiere opened Off-Broadway April 8.
In Mrs. Murray's Menagerie, the creators of a 1970s children’s TV show have commissioned a focus group to probe the parents of the show’s target audience. Over stale coffee and donuts, this group of strangers navigates the murky waters of American belief and perception.
The cast is made up of The Mad Ones’ company members Marc Bovino, Joe Curnutte, Michael Dalto and Stephanie Wright Thompson, who are joined by Phillip James Brannon, Brad Heberlee, Carmen M. Herlihy, and January LaVoy. Company member Lila Neugebauer directs.
Read reviews below.
The Hollywood Reporter (Frank Scheck)
New York Magazine / Vulture (Sara Holdren)
New York Stage Review (Michael Sommers)
The Theatre Times (Abigail Weil)
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Mrs. Murray's Menagerie is created by The Mad Ones along with cast members Brannon, Heberlee, Herlihy, and LaVoy.
The creative team includes You-Shin Chen and Laura Jellinek (scenic design), Ásta Bennie Hostetter (costume design), Mike Inwood (lighting design), Stowe Nelson (sound design), Emmie Finckel and Noah Mease (prop design), Alfreda “Fre” Howard - Face by Fre, LLC (wig and makeup design), Justin Ellington (composer), Raja Feather Kelly (core artistic collaborator), Sarah Lunnie (dramaturg), Lauren Port (casting consultant), John C. Moore (production stage manager) and Bryan Bauer (assistant stage manager).
Mrs. Murray’s Menagerie began performances March 26 and is scheduled to run through April 27.
