My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Photo Coverage: Primary Stages Celebrates Opening Night of THE CONFESSION OF LILY DARE

By:

Primary Stages presents The Confession of Lily Dare, written by and starring Charles Busch (The Tribute Artist, You Should Be So Lucky) and directed by Carl Andress (The Divine Sister, The Tribute Artist). The cast also includes: Nancy Anderson (Sunset Boulevard), Christopher Borg (Judith of Bethulia), Howard McGillin (The Phantom of the Opera), Kendal Sparks (Judith of Bethulia) and Jennifer Van Dyck (Judith of Bethulia).

Primary Stages celebrates their 35th anniversary with the newest work from one of their most frequent collaborators, legendary master of theatrical parody Charles Busch (best known to Primary Stages audiences from their productions of The Tribute Artist, Olive and the Bitter Herbs, and You Should Be So Lucky). Busch's newest play, The Confession of Lily Dare, tells the story of one woman's tumultuous passage from convent girl to glittering cabaret chanteuse to infamous madam of a string of brothels-all while hiding her undying devotion to the child she was forced to abandon. Directed by Busch's long-time colleague Carl Andress (The Tribute Artist, The Divine Sister), this comic melodrama celebrates the gauzy "confession film" tearjerkers of early 1930s pre-code cinema, such as The Sin of Madelon Claudet, Frisco Jenny, and Madame X,

The Confession of Lily Dare features set design by B.T. Whitehill, costume design by Rachel Townsend, lighting design by Kirk Bookman, sound design by Bart Fasbender, wig design by Katherine Carr, and original song and arrangements by Tom Judson. Mr. Busch's costumes will be designed by Jessica Jahn.

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Scenic Design - Top 3
1. Dane Laffrey - The Lost Boys
35.9% of votes
2. Soutra Gilmour - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
12.2% of votes
3. Scott Pask - Schmigadoon!
10.6% of votes

Don't Miss a Off-Broadway News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Get Show Info Info
Cast
Photos
Videos
Powered by Ticketmaster

Videos


WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at the Bardavon in Off-Broadway WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at the Bardavon
Bardavon 1869 Opera House (8/01-8/02)
EN EL TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS in Off-Broadway EN EL TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS
Repertorio (1/07-12/31)
The Braata Singers in Concert: All We A One in Off-Broadway The Braata Singers in Concert: All We A One
A.R.T./New York Theatres (6/26-6/28)
MENAFEE | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University in Off-Broadway MENAFEE | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University
Marist University Symphonic Hall (7/25-7/25)
PAPER MENAGERIE | Stage & Film Summer Season at the Bardavon in Off-Broadway PAPER MENAGERIE | Stage & Film Summer Season at the Bardavon
Bardavon 1869 Opera House (7/19-7/19)
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at Bardavon in Off-Broadway WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at Bardavon
Bardavon 1869 Opera House (7/31-7/31)
LA CASA DE BERNARDA ALBA in Off-Broadway LA CASA DE BERNARDA ALBA
Repertorio (11/15-12/31)
Once Upon A Mattress in Off-Broadway Once Upon A Mattress
Gremlin Theatre (5/14-5/24)
TRIP AROUND THE SUN | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University in Off-Broadway TRIP AROUND THE SUN | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University
Marist University Symphonic Hall (7/26-7/26)
LA GRINGA in Off-Broadway LA GRINGA
Repertorio (2/08-12/31)