Photos: Stars Come Out for Opening Night of THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

The show explores American society, art, power, and the feminist movement through a comedic and quick-witted investigation.

By: Bruce Glikas Jan. 12, 2022

The Shed is presenting a newly commissioned production of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, freshly revisited by playwright Jane Wagner. Tony nominated director Leigh Silverman (Lifespan of a Fact, Violet) stages the iconic play starring Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live, Schmigadoon!) in her theatrical debut.

Performances began on December 21, 2021, and the show opened last night January 11, 2022 at the Shed's intimate 500-seat Griffin Theater (545 West 30th Street). This is a limited run through February 6, 2022.

Go inside opening night with photos below!

This award winning, timely one-woman play The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe explores American society, art, power, and the feminist movement through a comedic and quick-witted investigation.

The creative team includes Christine Jones and Mary Hamrick (Co-Set Design), Anita Yavich (Costume Design), Stacey Derosier (Lighting Design), Elisheba Ittoop (Sound Designer/Composer), Justin Scribner (Production Stage Manager). Lily Tomlin, who originated the role, serves as executive producer with Wagner.

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe won the 1986 New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. The play moved to Broadway in 1985, where Ms. Tomlin won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.

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Signage at The Shed's Griffin Theater

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Signage at The Shed's Griffin Theater

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Programs at The Shed's Griffin Theater

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Kristin Chenoweth

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Kristin Chenoweth

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Kristin Chenoweth

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Josh Bryant and Kristin Chenoweth

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Josh Bryant and Kristin Chenoweth

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Executive Producer Lorne Michaels and Ariana DeBose

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Kristin Chenoweth and Ariana DeBose

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Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana DeBose and Josh Bryant

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Daniel Palladino and Amy Sherman-Palladino

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Jordan Roth and Richie Jackson

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Jordan Roth and Richie Jackson

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Jordan Roth

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Jordan Roth

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Keenan Thompson

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Keenan Thompson

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Lisa Kron

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Michael Russell, Director Leigh Silverman and Joe Machota

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Christine Grounds and Executive Producer Bill Damaschke

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Billy Porter

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Adam Porter Smith and Billy Porter

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David Rockwell and Jane Krakowski

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Jane Krakowski

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Jane Krakowski

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Jeremy O. Harris

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Jeremy O. Harris

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Jeremy O. Harris

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Steve Higgins

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Cecily Strong

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Cecily Strong

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Cecily Strong

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Cecily Strong

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Cecily Strong

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Cecily Strong

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Cecily Strong

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Artistic Director and CEO of The Shed Alex Poots with Cecily Strong, production team, crew and staff

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Artistic Director and CEO of The Shed Alex Poots with Cecily Strong, production team, crew and staff

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Steve Higgins and Keenan Thompson

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Executive Producer Lorne Michaels

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Ariana DeBose

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Production Stage Manager Justin Scribner, Ben Diskant, Chris Cover and Sami Horneff

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Jordan Roth

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Jordan Roth

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Billy Porter

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Billy Porter

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Kristin Chenoweth and Josh Bryant

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Kristin Chenoweth and Josh Bryant

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Jeremy O. Harris

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Jeremy O. Harris

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Director Leigh Silverman and Cecily Strong

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Kathryn Poots, Artistic Director and CEO of The Shed Alex Poots and Director Leigh Silverman

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Director Leigh Silverman and Executive Producer Bill Damaschke

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Cecily Strong and Jeremy O. Harris

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