New York Theatre Workshop and WP Theater celebrated the opening of Madeleine George's comedy Hurricane Diane February 24. A co-production from the two Off-Broadway theatres with direction by Leigh Silverman, the new play looks at the blind eye we all turn to climate change and the bacchanalian catharsis that awaits us, even in our own backyards.
Hurricane Diane stars Becca Blackwell as Diane, a gardener whose true identity is really the Greek god Dionysus. When Diane is returned to the modern world to gather mortal followers and restore the Earth to its natural state, her mission lands her among four housewives in a suburban New Jersey cul-de-sac. Completing the cast are Mia Barron, Michelle Beck, Danielle Skraastad, and Kate Wetherhead.
Performances began February 7 and are scheduled to continue through March 10. Read reviews for the Off-Broadway premiere below.
The Hollywood Reporter (Frank Scheck)
New York Magazine / Vulture (Sara Holdren)
The New York Times (Jesse Green)
New York Theatre Guide (Donna Herman)
Hurricane Diane features scenic design by Rachel Hauck (What the Constitution Means to Me), costume design by Kaye Voyce (Hamlet), lighting design by Barbara Samuels (Dance Nation), sound design by Bray Poor (Othello), original music by The Bengsons (Hundred Days), and choreography by Raja Feather Kelly (The House That Will Not Stand). Melanie J. Lisby (Pacific Overtures) serves as stage manager.
For tickets and more information visit NYTW.org.