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THE CROSSWORD PLAY Named Featured Event of MITF 2026

Playwright Donna Hoke's solo show, directed by Janel Walton, will be presented at the American Theatre of Actors.

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THE CROSSWORD PLAY Named Featured Event of MITF 2026

"The Crossword Play (or Ezmeranda's Gift)" will be a featured production of the 2026 As the Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF). Written by Donna Hoke and directed by Janel Walton, this high-concept exploration of love and redemption will headline the festival's residency at the American Theatre of Actors (ATA) this summer.

"The Crossword Play" offers a unique theatrical experience, featuring Xavior Love as a professional crossword constructor who attempts a daring feat: creating a custom puzzle live on stage for his ex-boyfriend's new girlfriend. As Love fills the grid in real-time, the symmetry of the puzzle begins to mirror the complexity of his own life.

The production earned 10 BroadwayWorld Anchorage Award nominations, including Best New Play and Best Play.

Performances will take place at the American Theatre of Actors on Monday, July 13 at 6:30pm, Wednesday July 15 at 6:00pm, and Saturday July 18 at 8:15 pm.



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Off-Broadway Play - Top 3
1. A Christmas Carol (Thorne Adaptation) - PAC NYC
7.4% of votes
2. Prince F****t - Playwrights Horizons
6.3% of votes
3. Andre De Shields is Tartuffe - House of the Redeemer
4.6% of votes

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