Curse of the Starving Class 1978 - Articles Page 1.8

Ages: 13+
Opened: February 14, 1978
Closing: April 09, 1978

Curse of the Starving Class - 1978 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Joseph Papp Public Theater [Newman Theater]
425 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10003

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?

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The Old Globe's 2016 Summer Season Will Include Steve Martin's METEOR SHOWER, Plus Kathleen Marshall-Helmed LOVE'S LABOR'S LOST
by Nora Dominick - Oct 23, 2015


The Old Globe today shared its 2016 Summer Season, which will feature new and familiar works directed by four major American stalwarts. The season features the welcome return of Steve Martin (Bright Star) with the World Premiere of his new play Meteor Shower, an adult comedy, directed by Gordon Edelstein, in a co-production with Long Wharf Theatre, where he serves as Artistic Director. Paul Gordon's musical Sense and Sensibility will have its West Coast premiere, presented in association with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where it had its world premiere in February 2015, directed by CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines. The Summer Shakespeare Festival will include Macbeth, directed by Brian Kulick, Artistic Director of Classic Stage Company, and Love's Labor's Lost, directed by three-time Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall.

FIFTH OF JULY Begins Tonight at Aurora Theatre Company
by BWW News Desk - Apr 17, 2015


Lanford Wilson's 'Talley Trilogy' continues on the Aurora Theatre Company main stage with FIFTH OF JULY. Aurora Artistic Director Tom Ross (A Bright New Boise, This Is How It Goes, Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance, The Shape of Things) helms FIFTH OF JULY, featuring Craig Marker (The Shape of Things, The Persians), Elizabeth Benedict, John Girot, Jennifer Le Blanc, Oceana Ortiz, Harold Pierce, Josh Schell, and Nanci Zoppi. FIFTH OF JULY plays tonight, April 17 through May 17 at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley.

BURIED CHILD Opens Tonight at Palm Beach Dramaworks
by BWW News Desk - Mar 27, 2015


The past has a stranglehold on the present in Sam Shepard's Buried Child, a funny and frightening, surrealistic drama about a dysfunctional Midwestern family. Palm Beach Dramaworks presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre from tonight, March 27 through April 26.

BURIED CHILD Opens 3/27 at Palm Beach Dramaworks
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 5, 2015


The past has a stranglehold on the present in Sam Shepard's Buried Child, a funny and frightening, surrealistic drama about a dysfunctional Midwestern family. Palm Beach Dramaworks presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre from March 27 through April 26, with specially priced previews on March 25 and 26.

FIFTH OF JULY Runs 4/17-5/17 at Aurora Theatre Company
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 4, 2015


Lanford Wilson's 'Talley Trilogy' continues on the Aurora Theatre Company main stage with FIFTH OF JULY. Aurora Artistic Director Tom Ross (A Bright New Boise, This Is How It Goes, Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance, The Shape of Things) helms FIFTH OF JULY, featuring Craig Marker (The Shape of Things, The Persians), Elizabeth Benedict, John Girot, Jennifer Le Blanc, Oceana Ortiz, Harold Pierce, Josh Schell, and Nanci Zoppi. FIFTH OF JULY plays April 17 through May 17 at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley. For tickets ($32-60) and information the public can call (510) 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org.

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.

Memorial for Goodman Theatre Lighting Designer Robert Christen Held Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 13, 2014


Tonight, May 13, Goodman Theatre celebrates the life and creative contributions of Robert (Bob) Christen, its longtime Resident Lighting Designer and one of the most prolific live performance designers in the country, who passed away last month at age 64.

Memorial for Goodman Theatre Lighting Designer Robert Christen Set for May 13
by BWW News Desk - Apr 23, 2014


On May 13, Goodman Theatre celebrates the life and creative contributions of Robert (Bob) Christen, its longtime Resident Lighting Designer and one of the most prolific live performance designers in the country, who passed away last month at age 64.

Curious Theatre Company Presents GOOD PEOPLE, Now thru 4/19
by BWW News Desk - Mar 6, 2014


Curious Theatre Company presents David Lindsay-Abaire's Good People, directed by Artistic Company Member Christy Montour-Larson. The production runs March 6 - April 19, 2014 at 1080 Acoma Street, Denver. The opening night is March 8, 2014, at 8 p.m.

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: CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS at Long Wharf
by Sherry Shameer Cohen - Feb 25, 2013


Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, we are our parents, after all.

BWW Reviews: Riveting Performances Propel Long Wharf's CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS
by Lauren Yarger - Feb 22, 2013


The darker side of the production is offset by riveting performances by Ivey and Tighe - and that really adorable scene-stealing lamb handled by William Berloni.

Photo Flash: First Look at Judith Ivey and More in Long Wharf Theatre's CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS
by BWW News Desk - Feb 15, 2013


Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey, known for her critically acclaimed work in Long Wharf Theatre's productions of The Glass Menagerie and Shirley Valentine, stars in Curse of the Starving Class, by Sam Shepard, directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein. The show takes place now through March 10, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Judith Ivey Stars in Long Wharf Theatre's CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS, Now thru 3/10
by BWW News Desk - Feb 13, 2013


Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey, known for her critically acclaimed work in Long Wharf Theatre's productions of The Glass Menagerie and Shirley Valentine, will star in Curse of the Starving Class, by Sam Shepard, directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.

Judith Ivey to Star in Long Wharf Theatre's CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS; Full Cast Announced!
by BWW News Desk - Jan 17, 2013


Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey, known for her critically acclaimed work in Long Wharf Theatre's productions of The Glass Menagerie and Shirley Valentine, will star in Curse of the Starving Class, by Sam Shepard, directed by Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein.

Kathleen Turner and More Set for Long Wharf Theatre's 2012-13 Season
by BWW News Desk - Sep 4, 2012


Long Wharf Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, announces the slate of plays for its 48th season. Subscriptions are currently on sale. Single tickets for the 2012-13 season will go on sale Wednesday, August 1.

Long Wharf Theatre Announces 2012-13 Season: GOD OF CARNAGE, RIDE THE TIGER and More
by Kelsey Denette - May 8, 2012


Long Wharf Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, announces the slate of plays for its 48th season.

Pasadena Playhouse's THE HEIRESS to Star Richard Chamberlain, Heather Tom and Julia Duffy
by Harmony Wheeler - Feb 16, 2012


The Pasadena Playhouse (Sheldon Epps, Artistic Director) announces the full cast and creative team for THE HEIRESS at The Pasadena Playhouse. The production will star Richard Chamberlain in the role of "Dr. Austin Sloper," Heather Tom as his daughter "Catherine Sloper" and Julia Duffy as Dr. Sloper's sister "Lavinia Penniman." THE HEIRESS by Ruth and Augustus Goetz (suggested by the Henry James novel Washington Square), will be directed by Damaso Rodriguez and performs April 24 - May 20, 2012.

John Lithgow, Larry Kramer, Campbell Brown et al. Join Dustin Lance Black's '8' Reading on Broadway, 9/19
by BWW News Desk - Sep 19, 2011


Academy, Tony and four-time Emmy Award nominee Bob Balaban; acclaimed 'White Collar' television star Matt Bomer; Emmy Award-winning journalist Campbell Brown; celebrated playwright and gay rights activist Larry Kramer; two-time Academy Award-nominated, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning, two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow; Tony Award nominee and Broadway Impact Co-Founder Rory O'Malley; and Emmy Award winner and three-time Golden Globe Award nominee Bradley Whitford will appear in the world premiere of '8' on Broadway, joining the previously announced Anthony Edwards, Morgan Freeman, Cheyenne Jackson, Christine Lahti, Rob Reiner, Yeardley Smith and Marisa Tomei. The production is an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which eliminated the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples in California.

John Lithgow, Larry Kramer, Campbell Brown et al. Join Dustin Lance Black's '8' Reading on Broadway, 9/19
by Jessica Lewis - Sep 8, 2011


Academy, Tony and four-time Emmy Award nominee Bob Balaban; acclaimed 'White Collar' television star Matt Bomer; Emmy Award-winning journalist Campbell Brown; celebrated playwright and gay rights activist Larry Kramer; two-time Academy Award-nominated, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning, two-time Tony Award-winning actor John Lithgow; Tony Award nominee and Broadway Impact Co-Founder Rory O'Malley; and Emmy Award winner and three-time Golden Globe Award nominee Bradley Whitford will appear in the world premiere of '8' on Broadway, joining the previously announced Anthony Edwards, Morgan Freeman, Cheyenne Jackson, Christine Lahti, Rob Reiner, Yeardley Smith and Marisa Tomei. The production is an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown), the case filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which eliminated the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples in California.

Open Fist Presents CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 11, 2011


The Open Fist Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the second production of its 2011 Season, the Los Angeles premiere of a newly revised version of Sam Shepard's CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS, directed by Scott Paulin (who played Wesley in Magic Theatre's production where Mr. Shepard was playwright-in-residence).

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.

Theatre For A New Audience Extends NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND, Closes 11/28
by BWW News Desk - Nov 28, 2010


The New York premiere of Notes from Underground, adapted for the stage by the OBIE Award-winning actor Bill Camp and Robert Woodruff, is extended through Sunday, November 28.

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.

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