Off-Broadway Debut and Reception
The play made its Off-Broadway debut in January 2011 at the Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. This production was directed by Joe Mantello and featured many award winning actors. Wonderful theatrics and a strong storyline earned the play favorable reviews from the critics and it was also well received by the theatergoers. Other Desert Cities won an Outer Critics Circle Award and was named as the ‘Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play’.
Broadway Premiere
Receiving positive reviews, Other Desert Cities moved to Broadway and premiered at the Booth Theatre in November 2011. The famous actress, Judith Light played one of the roles in the play. This Broadway production was also directed by Joe Mantello. The play gathered an overwhelming response from the audiences that led the Other Desert Cities tickets to sell quickly. Witnessing several sold out shows; the play completed its successful run and closed in June 2012.
The Broadway production of the play met with even better reviews from the renowned theater critics and was hailed for its well-sought stage dimensions and characterization. During the same period, the play was nominated for five Tony Awards and Judith Light packed one for the ‘Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play’. The show also won a Drama Desk Award.
Other Desert Cities – A Glimpse
The play is written by one of the most acclaimed playwrights and screenwriters, Jon Robin Baitz. Some of his other revealing works include Brothers& Sisters, The End of the Day, The Substance of Fire and Three Hotels. Besides Other Desert Cities, his autobiographical work A Fair Country was also one of the finalists for the 1996 Pulitzer Prize.
Set during the time of Christmas in Palm Springs, California, the play reveals the conflict of an influential Wyeth family and their quest to keep their family secrets. The exchange of sharp quips between the family members along with their attempt to settle their clashes strikes a balance between the well-crafted comedy and intense dramatic peaks.
The Creative Crew
Both the past productions of the play were directed by Tony Award winning director, Joe Mantello. With his gifted abilities, he converted Baitz’s work into a lively theatrical experience. He is also famous for his other successful ventures including Assassins, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Take Me Out and Wicked, for which he won a Drama Desk Award. The original music of the play was produced by Justin Ellington while the sets were designed by John Lee Beatty. The current production which will open at the Hampton Theatre is directed by Sarah Hunnewell.
Recent Revival
Ready for its latest revival, Other Desert Cities will be hitting multiple cities of the country. Sound in theme and acting, the play presents a mix of humor, drama, emotions and family life challenges. Watch this award-winning play at your nearest venue.