Lyle Kessler News

Jermyn Street Theatre will present Orphans by Lyle Kessler in January 2026, starring Forbes Masson, Chris Walley, and Fred Woodley Evans. See photos of the production.

Lyle Kessler’s Orphans was first performed in 1983, but you wouldn’t know that from this production. The tiny stage feels overcome by Sarah Beaton’s design, retro but not too retro, a space immune to the passing decades.

This season, three plays are receiving Broadway debuts which already made significant noise off-Broadway in their original productions, years ago. Becky Shaw, Bug, and Marjorie Prime will all be opening on Broadway in early 2026 in brand new productions. The first and last are spending time on Broadway at the Hayes under the auspices of Second Stage while Bug is being presented by Manhattan Theatre Club at their home, the Friedman. 

Chain Theatre in New York City has opened submissions for its 2026 Winter One-Act Festival, running February 6–March 1, 2026. The acclaimed festival, which showcases new work from artists across the tri-state area, will continue the company’s mission of presenting bold, original voices in a dynamic mix of short plays.

Calling all playwrights, actors, directors, and producers! Submissions are now open for the 2026 Chain Winter One-Act Festival, a true celebration of bold voices and original storytelling.

With rehearsals currently underway for Katherine Moar’s world premiere Ragdoll, Jermyn Street Theatre revealed the first two productions in its 2026 Season. Learn more here!

Misty and Rover had its first look performance for a sold-out theatre at the Chain venue for Spark Festival. Check out photos from the show and learn more here!

Joanna Pickering's play Misty and Rover has been selected for The Spark Theater Festival, with a special performance on Sunday, September 21st at 5:00 PM at the Chain Theater in New York City.

Post-performance talkback hosts have been announced for the remaining eight performances of Committed? A Ritual for Robbie, written and performed by Lisa Robins and directed by Mitch Levine.

Moonlight, magic, and timeless romance comes to Santa Monica as The Fantasticks takes center stage for a limited run. This multi-award-winning musical is the longest-running in the world.

The writers and friends of Nylon Fusion Theatre Company take comic, whimsical, and sometimes poignant looks at the meaning of Life In Transition; The Gilded Age / Cage at Nylon Fusion Theatre Company. Learn more!

Chain Theatre’s Summer One-Act Festival will return to Midtown Manhattan from July 10 through August 2, 2025, transforming its home at 312 W. 36th Street (3rd & 4th floors) into a high-energy theatrical mixtape.

Chain Theatre has opened submissions for the prestigious 2025 CHAIN SUMMER ONE-ACT FESTIVAL. Learn more about the festival coming to New York this summer!

Joanna Pickering's new one-act play, Lara's Journey, had its debut performance in The Spark Theater Festival on March 6th, at the venue of the Chain Theater, in New York City, to a sold out evening. See photos from the show.

Chain Theatre will present the NYC premiere of BY THE LOOK OF HER, written by Tony Award-winner David Rabe. BY THE LOOK OF HER is a family dramedy. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Chain Theatre will present LAST TRAIN TO NEVADA by Pascal Phoa this month. The play is part of CHAIN WINTER ONE-ACT FESTIVAL 2025. Learn more about this upcoming event here!

A daring and evocative new play directed by Katina Medina Mora will have its world premiere in the Chain Theatre Winter One-Act Festival in New York City, with performances on Feb 16th, Feb 20th, and March 1st. 

Chain Theatre will present the world premiere of THE ROBOT, THE SPY, AND THE LOVE OF AI - aproduction that explores the use of actual robotics and AI programming capabilities onstage. Learn how to purchase tickets.

A new play directed by Katina Medina Mora will have its world premiere in the Chain Theatre Winter One-Act Festival in New York City next month. Learn more here!

Writer and producer Raven Petretti-Stamper will join Chain Theatre's Winter One-Act Festival for the premiere of her short play YOLO. Learn more about the performances here!