The world premiere of Marthe Rachel Gold's War Stories completes its Off-Broadway run June 12. The drama had a single preview performance ahead of opening May 21 at The Tank's Proscenium Theater.
Starring in the production are Sophia DeLeo (Sleepy Hollow), Jorge Sánchez Díaz (The Skin of Our Teeth), Lenny Grossman (Blackbird), Maia Karo (Anarchy), Max Katz (the devil smokes American Spirits), Arlene A. McGruder (Elizabeth’s Precious Kitty), J. Ryan (Harmony in A Flat), and Kaya Simmons (Two-Fifths).
Set in New York City during World War II, the new drama presents a coming-of-age story through Ruth, a young, pro-war musician from a working-class, immigrant family whose perspective is challenged by Nat, who holds anti-war views and comes from a wealthy, industrial Jewish family. Through their journeys, War Stories delves into workers' struggles and labor action, racism, antisemitism, the ethics of war, and conscientious objection.
Christina Roussos directs the production, which features scenic design by Maryam Khosravi, costume design by Lui Konno, lighting design by Jon DeGaetano, sound design by Hannah Birch Carl, projection design by Lacey Erb, props design by Sean Devare, hair design by Skipper Silberberg-Edwards, and compositions by Zach Catron. The stage manager is TaTyana Smith, and the line producer is Frank Nicholas Poon.
"War Stories is a play about people who are engaged in the fight for a more just world while they go about living their lives,” said Gold in a statement. “Idealists in every generation wrestle with choices, both personal and political. In writing this play I hope to have given a nod to those who came before and help us see them in ourselves."
For tickets and more information, visit TheTankNYC.org.