The Broadway premiere of Young Jean Lee's Straight White Men celebrates its official opening July 23 at the Hayes Theater. The production, a subversive exploration of privilege, identity, and American values, is directed by Tony winner Anna D. Shapiro and produced on Broadway by Second Stage Theater.
Read: YOUNG JEAN LEE LEANS INTO THE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH HER BROADWAY DEBUT STRAIGHT WHITE MEN
With Straight White Men, Lee makes history as the first Asian-American woman playwright produced on Broadway. The story follows Ed and his three adult sons who come together to celebrate Christmas over board games and takeout.
The cast is made up of Armie Hammer, Kate Bornstein, Paul Schneider, Josh Charles, and Ty Defoe, all making their Broadway debuts, as well as the recent addition of Stephen Payne, who, originally the understudy for the Broadway production, replaced Denis Arndt in the role of Ed during early previews.
Arndt himself was a late addition to the cast, stepping in for Tom Skerritt days before performances began June 30 (delayed by one day to allow for the new cast member).
Straight White Men was originally produced Off-Broadway at the Public Theater (directed by Lee) in 2014. The play has been staged around the country and the world.
The creative team for the Broadway premiere also includes scenic designer Todd Rosenthal, costume designer Suttirat Larlarb, lighting designer Donald Holder, and sound designer M.L. Dogg. Choreography is by Faye Driscoll and casting by Telsey + Company.
