CHAIN THEATRE is pleased to announce the NYC premiere production of award-winning actor and playwright Eric Bogosian’s HUMPTY DUMPTY, directed by Ella Jane New (New York Times Critics pick macbitches). An enduring survival story about our dependence on modern technology, HUMPTY DUMPTY will play a five-week limited engagement at Off-Broadway’s Chain Theatre Main Stage (312 W. 36th St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10018). Performances begin Thursday, April 3, and continue through Saturday, May 3. Opening Night is Saturday, April 5 (7 p.m.).
When four friends decide to take a vacation in Upstate New York’s rural ski country, no sooner do they get to their cozy cabin, than the lights go out, their phones stop working, and their comfortable world is turned upside down. What begins as a pleasant break from their urban lives morphs into a trying and ultimately fatal journey down the rabbit hole of survival.
“HUMPTY DUMPTY was originally written in 2000 when Y2K was on everyone’s mind”, says playwright Eric Bogosian. “Twenty-five years ago, the idea that our world might shut down was more fantasy than fear. Now we know that it’s a very real possibility. After the pandemic, people got the message that things can change fast. Our interconnected world is super vulnerable. And oddly, those most vulnerable are those of us with comfortable lives living in the thick of an urban society of vast pecking orders. These pecking orders are mostly constructed from status in the mass media, rather than anything practical. So when push comes to shove, and the lights go out, the guy who knows how to sharpen an axe becomes the top dog.
I’m so happy that the Chain Theatre has chosen my play for a revival because it is one of my favorites and has not been produced in the city. The Chain makes theater that platforms actors and acting, and I love them for that.”
The production of HUMPTY DUMPTY features an outstanding cast bringing new life to this gripping play. Marie Dinolan (NYTimes Critics Pick macbitches, Theatrely’s Best Standout Star) takes on the role of Spoon, the free-spirited actress navigating the unsettling world of an isolated retreat. Gabriel Rysdahl (The Better Sister on Amazon Prime, THIS G*D DAMN HOUSE at Chain Theatre) steps into the role of Troy, a screenwriter whose sharp wit and survival instincts are put to the test. Brandon Hughes (SIMPATICO, Off-Broadway, Chain Theatre; A CRIME TO REMEMBER) plays Nat, the rugged caretaker whose local knowledge proves invaluable as tensions rise. Christina Elise Perry (THIS G*D DAMN HOUSE, NYC Premiere SIX CORNERS) embodies Nicole, a high-powered book editor struggling to maintain control as the world around her begins to unravel. Rounding out the cast is Kirk Gostkowski (World Premiere GARBAGEMAN, TALK RADIO) as Max, a novelist caught between intellectualism and the primal need to survive. Together, this ensemble brings this dark comedy to life.
The production features scenic design by David Henderson, costume design by Rafaella Rossi, and lighting design by Michael Abrams. Greg Russ is the sound designer and Grace Loeb is the stage manager.
Chain Theatre extends a special thanks to the Shubert Foundation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.
There will be one 10 minute intermission.
No late seating.
No refund or exchanges.
