Curse of the Starving Class 1985 - Articles Page 2

Ages: 13+
Opened: July 30, 1985
Closing: February 16, 1986

Curse of the Starving Class - 1985 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Promenade Theatre
2162 Broadway New York, NY 10024

Sam Shepard’s Curse of the Starving Class is a darkly comic look into the world of dysfunctional Tate family, as they struggle amongst themselves for food, freedom, and meaning in their run-down lives. Tate Family patriarch Weston, is an alcoholic, who leaves his family for days at a time, buys into scam business deals, and owes money to all the wrong people in town. His wife, Ella, is utterly burned-out and will do just about anything to leave her husband behind. Their daughter, Emma, is a smart and rebellious teen, itching to get away from her crazy home. The entire upkeep of the farm falls on the shoulders of their idealistic son, Wesley, the only one who seems to have some hope for the family left. The “curse,” as Ella puts it, of the Tate family is that they have nitroglycerine — liquid dynamite — running in their blood. Perhaps that’s the reason they’re stuck where they are: broke, hungry, and fighting. Whatever the cause, the Tates will do just about anything to raise themselves out of the downward spiral into which they’ve fallen. But is it even possible, at this point? Or are some families, Shepherd asks, just cursed before they begin?

Curse of the Starving Class - 1985 - Off-Broadway Cast

Get Curse of the Starving Class Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Curse of the Starving Class - 1985 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 2

Word for Word Presents Sam Shepard's 36 STORIES, Now thru 6/22
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2014


Word for Word presents '36 Stories by Sam Shepard' arranged for the stage and directed by Amy Kossow opening with a press night on Saturday May 24 8pm, running through June 22 (previews May 21-23) at Z Space's second venue, Z Below, at 470 Florida Street. Last year the Magic Theatre spearheaded a multi-theater celebration of Shepard's 70th birthday when they opened their season with Shepard's Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Buried Child.' Other companies participating in the celebration have been Crowded Fire, American Conservatory Theater in collaboration with Intersection for the Arts/Campo Santo and Word for Word.

Sam Shepard's A LIE OF THE MIND to Close Trinity Rep's 50th Season, 5/29-6/29
by Tyler Peterson - May 1, 2014


Trinity Rep brings its 50th anniversary season to a close with Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind, directed by Brian Mertes in Trinity Rep's Dowling Theater from May 29-June 29, 2014, considered by many to be a modern masterpiece of American familial dysfunction. Brimming with enormous vitality and humor the play asks us to look deeper into the human heart and the destructive power of love. Two mid-western families are joined together by marriage and torn apart by a life-changing incident. "Sam Shepard is surely the only dramatist alive who could tell a story as sad and frightening as this one and make such a funny play of it without ever skimping on its emotional depth,' The New Yorker asserts. Tickets are on sale now at www.trinityrep.com, by calling (401) 351-4242, or at the theater's box office at 201 Washington St., Downtown Providence.

Athol Fugard's THE SHADOW OF THE HUMMINGBIRD Makes World Premiere at Long Wharf Theatre, Now thru 4/27
by BWW News Desk - Mar 26, 2014


Long Wharf Theatre presents the world premiere of The Shadow of the Hummingbird, written by and starring Athol Fugard, with an introductory scene by Paula Fourie, and directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.

Athol Fugard's THE SHADOW OF THE HUMMINGBIRD to Make World Premiere at Long Wharf Theatre, 3/26-4/27
by Diana Heisroth - Feb 19, 2014


Long Wharf Theatre presents the world premiere of The Shadow of the Hummingbird, written by and starring Athol Fugard, with an introductory scene by Paula Fourie, and directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.

Word for Word to Present Sam Shepard's 36 STORIES, 5/21-6/22
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 19, 2014


Word for Word presents "36 Stories by Sam Shepard" arranged for the stage and directed by Amy Kossow opening with a press night on Saturday May 24 8pm, running through June 22 (previews May 21-23) at Z Space's second venue, Z Below, at 470 Florida Street. Last year the Magic Theatre spearheaded a multi-theater celebration of Shepard's 70th birthday when they opened their season with Shepard's Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Buried Child.' Other companies participating in the celebration have been Crowded Fire, American Conservatory Theater in collaboration with Intersection for the Arts/Campo Santo and Word for Word.

Word for Word to Present 36 STORIES by Sam Shepard, 5/21-6/22
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 7, 2014


Word for Word presents "36 Stories by Sam Shepard" arranged for the stage and directed by Amy Kossow opening with a press night on Saturday May 24 8pm, running through June 22 (previews May 21-23) at Z Space's second venue, Z Below, at 470 Florida Street. For this year-long celebration of Sam Shepard's 70th birthday, Magic Theatre spearheaded revivals of his most acclaimed works in theaters all across the Bay Area. "What sets "36 Stories by Sam Shepard" apart is that these are Shepherd's prose stories, turned into performance, the only completely new work created for the celebration..." remarks Word for Word co-artistic director Susan Harloe. "Word for Word was invited to create an original work by adapting his prose for the stage." Company member Amy Kossow spent a year sifting through five of Mr. Shepard's collections of short stories, eventually choosing to begin with a single story, set, simply enough, in a roadside diner. The resulting script, "36 Stories by Sam Shepard", weaves together tales of his beloved great American desert highways, the endless lonesome roads along which one may meet any type of fellow wanderer.

BWW Reviews: Sam Shepard's FOOL FOR LOVE at Convergence-Continuum
by Roy Berko - Dec 2, 2013


Sam Shepard, the author of FOOL FOR LOVE, which is now in production at convergence continuum, described the script as 'a very emotional play and in some ways embarrassing for me to witness but somehow necessary at the time.' The time was shortly after breaking up his marriage to be with another woman.

Jimmy Davis, Lucy Owen and More Set for Long Wharf Theatre's CLYBOURNE PARK, Beg. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 8, 2013


Long Wharf Theatre concludes its 2012-13 season with Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Clybourne Park, by Bruce Norris, and directed by Associate Artistic Director Eric Ting. The play will take place on The Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage from tonight, May 8, 2013 through June 2, 2013.

Jimmy Davis, Lucy Owen and More Set for Long Wharf Theatre's CLYBOURNE PARK; Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Apr 11, 2013


Long Wharf Theatre concludes its 2012-13 season with Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play Clybourne Park, by Bruce Norris, and directed by Associate Artistic Director Eric Ting. The play will take place on The Claire Tow Stage in the C. Newton Schenck III Mainstage from May 8, 2013 through June 2, 2013.

Theater for the New City Presents Awake in a World that Encourages Sleep, Closes 4/24
by BWW News Desk - Apr 24, 2011


Theater for the New City presents 'Awake in a World that Encourages Sleep,' written and directed by Raymond J. Barry.

Theater for the New City Presents Awake in a World that Encourages Sleep 3/31-4/24
by BWW News Desk - Mar 31, 2011


Theater for the New City presents 'Awake in a World that Encourages Sleep,' written and directed by Raymond J. Barry.

Theater for the New City Presents Awake in a World that Encourages Sleep 3/31-4/24
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 17, 2011


Theater for the New City presents 'Awake in a World that Encourages Sleep,' written and directed by Raymond J. Barry.

ANGELS IN AMERICA, OUR CLASS, et al. Set for Wilma Theatre's 2011-12 Season
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 10, 2011


The Wilma Theater is pleased to announce the four plays that will make up its upcoming 2011 - 2012 Season.

NVA Presents SIMPATICO, 3/2-27
by BWW News Desk - Mar 2, 2011


New Village Arts has built quite a reputation for its productions of the work of one of America's greatest dramatists, Sam Shepard. To celebrate Season 10, NVA presents a Shepard favorite. SIMPATICO blends all of Shepard's trademarks with an unbelievable sense of humor in a film-noir style. The plot deals with a horse-racing scheme run amuck and follows two former best friends through blackmail, intrigue, betrayal and redemption and includes bourbon, Buicks and a Kentucky Derby dress. Equity actor Mike Sears (Carter) and NVA Ensemble Member Manny Fernandes (Vinnie) bring the two friends to life and are joined by NVA Ensemble Member Jack Missett (Simms), Kelly Iversen (Kelly), Terri Park (Rosie) and Kim Strassburger (Cecilia). Watch unbelievable actors tackle extreme situations under the direction of award-winning director and NVA Ensemble Member Lisa Berger, known for her ability to take edgy stories and tell them with compassion, humanity and humor. SIMPATICO will be playing at New Village Arts Theatre (2787 State Street, Carlsbad Village) from March 2 - 27, 2011. The official opening night is March 5 at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.NewVillageArts.org or by calling 760-433-3245.

NVA Presents SIMPATICO, 3/2-27
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 26, 2011


New Village Arts has built quite a reputation for its productions of the work of one of America's greatest dramatists, Sam Shepard. To celebrate Season 10, NVA presents a Shepard favorite. SIMPATICO blends all of Shepard's trademarks with an unbelievable sense of humor in a film-noir style. The plot deals with a horse-racing scheme run amuck and follows two former best friends through blackmail, intrigue, betrayal and redemption and includes bourbon, Buicks and a Kentucky Derby dress. Equity actor Mike Sears (Carter) and NVA Ensemble Member Manny Fernandes (Vinnie) bring the two friends to life and are joined by NVA Ensemble Member Jack Missett (Simms), Kelly Iversen (Kelly), Terri Park (Rosie) and Kim Strassburger (Cecilia). Watch unbelievable actors tackle extreme situations under the direction of award-winning director and NVA Ensemble Member Lisa Berger, known for her ability to take edgy stories and tell them with compassion, humanity and humor. SIMPATICO will be playing at New Village Arts Theatre (2787 State Street, Carlsbad Village) from March 2 - 27, 2011. The official opening night is March 5 at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased at www.NewVillageArts.org or by calling 760-433-3245.

Genesis West Presents CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS, 11/5
by BWW News Desk - Nov 5, 2010


On Friday, November 5, Genesis West of Santa Barbara will present the modern American masterpiece, Curse of the Starving Class by Sam Shepard with a newly revised edition by the playwright. A major work by one of contemporary theatre's most respected and celebrated writers; Time Magazine said, 'It may be his best.' Winner of the Obie Award for best play. The Village Voice called it, 'Epic, unpredictable and deliriously ironic'. Genesis West's production of this brilliant dark satire will be the Santa Barbara premier. The production will run through November 20, 2010 with performances Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm at Center Stage Theater.

Genesis West Presents CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS, 11/5
by Molly Hagan - Oct 13, 2010


On Friday, November 5, Genesis West of Santa Barbara will present the modern American masterpiece, Curse of the Starving Class by Sam Shepard with a newly revised edition by the playwright. A major work by one of contemporary theatre's most respected and celebrated writers; Time Magazine said, 'It may be his best.' Winner of the Obie Award for best play. The Village Voice called it, 'Epic, unpredictable and deliriously ironic'. Genesis West's production of this brilliant dark satire will be the Santa Barbara premier. The production will run through November 20, 2010 with performances Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm at Center Stage Theater.

Rick Snyder Directs OLEANNA And SPEED-THE-PLOW At ATC
by BWW News Desk - Sep 16, 2010


American Theater Company (ATC) opens its 26th season with David Mamet's Oleanna and Speed-the-Plow in repertory for the first time ever. The productions are directed by Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder and will run at American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St, Chicago. Press opening for Speed-the-Plow and Oleanna is Monday, September 20 at 6:00PM and 9:00PM, respectively.

Rick Snyder Directs OLEANNA And SPEED-THE-PLOW At ATC
by Gabrielle Sierra - Aug 18, 2010


American Theater Company (ATC) opens its 26th season with David Mamet's Oleanna and Speed-the-Plow in repertory for the first time ever. The productions are directed by Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder and will run at American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St, Chicago. Press opening for Speed-the-Plow and Oleanna is Monday, September 20 at 6:00PM and 9:00PM, respectively.

Photo Flash: The New Group Presents A LIE OF THE MIND
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 17, 2010


The New Group proudly presents Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind directed by Ethan Hawke as the second production in its 2009-2010 season.

Atlantic's AGES OF THE MOON Extends Through March 21
by BWW News Desk - Jan 28, 2010


Atlantic Theater Company (Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Jeffory Lawson, Managing Director) is proud to announce an extension of the American premiere production of Pulitzer Prize winner Sam Shepard's AGES OF THE MOON through Sunday, March 21, 2010.

Ireland, Hamilton, Siff & More Lead Ethan Hawke-Helmed A LIE OF THE MIND for The New Group; Premieres 1/29
by BWW News Desk - Jan 29, 2010


The New Group has announced casting for it's revival of Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind, the second show of their 2009 - 2010 season. Directed by Ethan Hawke, the production will feature Josh Hamilton, Marin Ireland, Deirdre O'Connell, Alessandro Nivoloa, Maggie Siff and Frank Whaley. Additional casting to be announced very soon. The limited Off-Broadway engagement set to begin January 29, in advance of a February opening.

Martin Henderson Stars in ABC Pilot of 'Off the Map'
by Lauren Wolman - Jan 28, 2010


Martin Henderson is set to reunite with producer Shonda Rhimes when he stars in the pilot of ABCs new drama, 'Off the Map.'

Carradine, Metcalf & Young Set for Hawke-Helmed A LIE OF THE MIND; Final Casting Announced
by Jessica Lewis - Dec 9, 2009


Final casting has been announced for The New Group's revival of Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind, directed by Ethan Hawke.

Ireland, Hamilton, Siff & More Lead Ethan Hawke-Helmed A LIE OF THE MIND for The New Group; Premieres 1/29
by Jessica Lewis - Nov 19, 2009


The New Group has announced casting for it's revival of Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind, the second show of their 2009 - 2010 season. Directed by Ethan Hawke, the production will feature Josh Hamilton, Marin Ireland, Deirdre O'Connell, Alessandro Nivoloa, Maggie Siff and Frank Whaley. Additional casting to be announced very soon. The limited Off-Broadway engagement set to begin January 29, in advance of a February opening.

Curse of the Starving Class FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Curse of the Starving Class have there been?
Curse of the Starving Class has had 4 productions including Off-Broadway which opened in 1978, Off-Broadway which opened in 1985, Off-Broadway which opened in 1997 and Off-Broadway which opened in 2019.

Videos