SYNOPSIS


A LIFETIME BURNING
July 28 - September 5, 2009
A World Premiere
Written by Cusi Cram
Directed by Pam MacKinnon
If you had the power to revise your past, what would you change? Who would you be? In this World Premiere of Cusi Cram's 'A Lifetime Burning,' trust fund darling Emma imagines what her life would have been like had she come from a less privileged background. Trouble is, she chronicles her alternate life in a new tell-all 'memoir' that was sold for a hefty advance. When Emma is exposed, will her sister Tess stand by her? Or will Emma's deceit destroy their already fractured relationship? This dark comedy brings up questions of legacy, loyalty and what it means to belong.

Primary Stages has had the honor of presenting the earlier works of many gifted playwrights including Donald Margulies, Conor McPherson and John Patrick Shanley. We are thrilled to present this World Premiere production. Cram's work has been described as 'imaginative, original, poetic' and has been produced across the country at theaters such as Barrington Stage, The Public and South Coast Rep.


THE NIGHT WATCHER
September 22 - October 31, 2009
A New York Premiere
Written and Performed by Charlayne Woodard
Directed by Daniel Sullivan
Simultaneously a best friend, advisor, confidant and sage to the many young people who call her 'Auntie,' Charlayne Woodard is childless only by biological standards. Told with penetrating grace and candor, Woodard beautifully weaves together stories of the ordinary and extraordinary ways she has mentored the children in her life. Declared 'thoughtful, vivid, entertaining and poignant' in its Seattle Repertory run last October, The Night Watcher is an intimate look at the various definitions of parenthood.
'This gifted actress knows how to show pain in a smile and affection in a scowl.' – The New York Times
'Woodard has fashioned a powerful rumination on her nurturing role as 'auntie' in the lives of many children. And in doing so, she vividly illustrates a critical source of love for young people living in a culture that exalts the idea of biological parenthood.' – The Seattle Times


HAPPY NOW?
January 26 - March 6, 2010
A New York Premiere
Written by Lucinda Coxon
Directed by Liz Diamond
A chance encounter at a hotel plays upon Kitty's mind as she struggles to balance personal freedom with family life, fidelity and a demanding job. Her husband is more interested in misplaced apostrophes than in their marriage, her parents are looking down the barrel of oblivion, and although she toys with the idea of joining a gym, Kitty's running out of time for big changes. Happy Now? dares to ask just that, in this painfully truthful, darkly comic take on contemporary life and how to survive it. Happy Now? opened to rave reviews at The National Theatre in London last year.
'A sharp, entertaining comedy. Delves with eloquence and insight into the way we live now.' – The New York Times
'Startlingly true, funny, smart and sardonic' – Variety


*All dates and programs are subject to change.