The Bengsons' My Joy Is Heavy Extends Off-Broadway

The work, playing New York Theatre Workshop, explores a young family navigating the loss of a pregnancy.

March 24, 2026 By Logan Culwell-Block, Margaret Hall

Shaun Bengson and Abigail Bengson in *My Joy Is Heavy* (Marc J. Franklin)

My Joy Is Heavy, directed by Tony winner Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown), has extended its run at Off-Broadway's New York Theatre Workshop, which will now continue for an extra week through April 12. The work opened March 17—see what critics had to say here.

Through song, the production explores a young family's yearning for connection amidst the loss of a pregnancy in rural isolation. Performed live by Shaun and Abigail Bengson (All In: Comedy About Love), My Joy Is Heavy features choreography by Steph Paul (How to Defend Yourself) and music supervision by Or Matias (Grey House).

The production also features scenic design by Lee Jellinek (Marjorie Prime), costume design by Hahnji Jang (The Keep Going Songs), lighting design by Alan Edwards (Memnon), sound design by Nick Kourtides (Picnic at Hanging Rock), dramaturgy by Sarah Lunnie (The Seat of Our Pants), and video design by David Bengali (Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole). Alison Kopit (Dark Disabled Stories) serves as the Access Dramaturg, and Katie Girardot (Becoming Eve) as the production stage manager.