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.
"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.
Videos
|
WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND | Stage & Film Summer Season at Bardavon Bardavon 1869 Opera House (7/31-7/31) |
|
THE DEATH CHRONICLES (portraits)|S&F Summer Season at Marist Marist University Symphonic Hall (8/01-8/01) |
|
LAGNIAPPE | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University Marist University Symphonic Hall (7/11-7/11) |
|
EN EL TIEMPO DE LAS MARIPOSAS Repertorio (1/07-12/31) |
|
LA GRINGA Repertorio (2/08-12/31) |
|
UNMOORED | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University Marist University Symphonic Hall (7/12-7/12) |
|
International Human Rights Art Festival 30th Street theater (6/05-6/07) |
|
MENAFEE | Stage & Film Summer Season at Marist University Marist University Symphonic Hall (7/25-7/25) |
|
Hadid 59E59 Theatres (7/10-7/21) |
|
Once Upon A Mattress Gremlin Theatre (5/14-5/24) |
| VIEW ALL SHOWS ADD A SHOW | |









