The American Plan 1990 - Articles Page 17

Opened: January 23, 1990
Closing: February 18, 1990

The American Plan - 1990 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Manhattan Theatre Club Stage II
131 West 55th Street New York, NY 10036

The American Plan has long been a favourite of acting teachers for Female Monologues, Male Monologues, Female/Male Scenes, and Male/Male Scenes.



The American Plan is a full-length comedic drama by Richard Greenberg. At the play's heart is Lili, a troubled, 20ish heiress who indulges in wild fantasies. She meets a mysterious young stranger, and finds herself falling in love. But when her overbearing mother learns of their relationship, lies are exposed, alliances are forged, and Lili's one chance to escape her mother's control may be lost forever.



The American Plan is a thoughtful and mysterious play that dissects a portion of upper-class American society at mid-century and finds a troubled young girl's dream of love shattered by her mother's definition of happiness. It is the Catskills, in the summer of 1960. Lili Adler is the troubled twenty-year-old daughter of a wealthy German-Jewish refugee. By the shore of a lake, she meets Nick Lockridge, a golden young man who looks to her as if "nothing ever happened to him." Over the summer, Lili comes to view Nick as her savior, and Nick's fondness for Lili grows; but to Eva, Lili's autocratic mother, Nick is an object of suspicion, and the romance that blossoms between him and Lili is an unfortunate condition that must be indulged before it can be obliterated. Eva knows she will find out something about Nick which will unmask his unworthiness. To find it, she patiently manipulates Nick's revelations about his past to prove him unfit for Lili. By play's end, time, past injuries, and the imperatives of history will conspire to bear out Eva's dictum that happiness exists "but it's for other people."



The American Plan premiered in 1990 by the Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) Off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II and transferred to the MTC Mainstage. Revived by MTC on Broadway in 2009 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, the play has become a favourite scene study vehicle in acting classes and workshops and is regularly performed in regional repertory and college theatre productions.

The American Plan - 1990 - Off-Broadway Cast

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The American Plan - 1990 - Off-Broadway Articles Page 17

THE AMERICAN PLAN Begins Its Final Weeks Before Closing 3/22
by Reynard Loki - Mar 10, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club?s acclaimed production of Richard Greenberg?s The American Plan begins the final two weeks of its extended engagement tonight at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

Greenberg, Gunderson & Cho Among Lineup for 12th Annual Pacific Playwrights Festival
by Eddie Varley - Mar 6, 2009


South Coast Repertory's 12th annual Pacific Playwrights Festival (PPF) will shine the spotlight on seven new plays written by America's finest writers. Since its creation in 1998, PPF has grown into one of the most important festivals of new scripts in the United States. This year's Festival will take place during the May 1 through May 3 weekend and will feature five staged readings and two fully-produced World Premieres on South Coast Repertory's Segerstrom and Julianne Argryos Stages. Tickets to PPF may be purchased online at www.scr.org, by phone at (714) 708-5555 or in person at the SCR box office.

ALT Commissioned THE GOLDEN TICKET, Opera Based on Dahl's 'Chocolate Factory', Holds Special NYC Reading 4/4
by Eddie Varley - Feb 25, 2009


Lawrence Edelson, Producing Artistic Director of ALT, has announced that the company has commissioned The Golden Ticket, a new opera based on Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In his announcement, Edelson explained that all of Dahl's beloved characters find a unique voice in this exciting new opera. 'If thoughts of Augustus Gloop being swept away in the Chocolate River, Violet Beauregarde inflating like a giant blueberry, Mike Teavee being demagnified into the tele-dimension, and Veruca Salt being thrown down the rubbish shoot by a gang of nut-inspecting squirrels sound like your idea of a fun night at the opera - or better yet, unlike any night at the opera or theater you've ever experienced - The Golden Ticket is....just the ticket!'

AMERICAN PLAN'S Lily Rabe Featured On CBS2 News Sunday 2/22
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 20, 2009


Lily Rabe, who is currently appearing in MTC's critically acclaimed production of THE AMERICAN PLAN, will be featured this weekend on 'CBS2 News Sunday' at approximately 8:45 AM. Rabe spoke to CBS2 anchor Dana Tyler at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre for the segment. Tyler spoke to Rabe about her recent success with THE AMERICAN PLAN as well as her recent successes both on and Off-Broadway.

The American Plan Extends at MTC Through Sunday, March 22
by Robert Diamond - Feb 19, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club is pleased to announce that due to popular demand, their acclaimed production of Richard Greenberg?s THE AMERICAN PLAN has been extended through Sunday, March 22 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

AMERICAN PLAN's Mercedes Ruehl To Guest On Joan Hamburg Show
by BWW News Desk - Feb 4, 2009


Mercedes Ruehl, who is currently appearing in MTC's critically acclaimed production of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN, will be a featured guest on tomorrow's edition of 'The Joan Hamburg Show.' Ruehl will be appearing as part of the Hamburg's regular 'Live at Sardi's' series at approximately 11 AM on WOR (710 AM).

AMERICAN PLAN's Mercedes Ruehl To Guest On Joan Hamburg Show
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 3, 2009


Mercedes Ruehl, who is currently appearing in MTC's critically acclaimed production of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN, will be a featured guest on tomorrow's edition of 'The Joan Hamburg Show.' Ruehl will be appearing as part of the Hamburg's regular 'Live at Sardi's' series at approximately 11 AM on WOR (710 AM).

Broadway Blog - The American Plan: Look to the Lilies
by BWW News Desk - Jan 28, 2009


Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Wednesday, January 28, 2009.

TV: Broadway Beat Sneak Peek at The American Plan
by Craig Brockman - Jan 24, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). BroadwayWorld and Broadway Beat were there to capture all the excitement od Opening Night!

Photo Coverage: THE AMERICAN PLAN - The After Party
by Walter McBride - Jan 23, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of THE AMERICAN PLAN began previews Friday, January 2, 2009 and opened last night, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at MTC's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld followed the stars to the festive opening night after party to join in on all the fun! The Broadway production of THE AMERICAN PLAN marks MTC's eighth collaboration with Richard Greenberg; a relationship that includes the original New York production of THE AMERICAN PLAN which premiered in 1990 at MTC at New York City Center - Stage II and then transferred to Stage I. Other MTC productions of Greenberg plays include: Eastern Standard, The Extra Man, Jenny Keeps Talking, Night and Her Stars, the Pulitzer Prize nominated Three Days of Rain, and The Violet Hour.

Photo Coverage: THE AMERICAN PLAN - Opening Night Arrivals
by Walter McBride - Jan 23, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of THE AMERICAN PLAN began previews Friday, January 2, 2009 and opened last night, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at MTC's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld's cameras were there to capture the star-studded arrivals! The Broadway production of THE AMERICAN PLAN marks MTC's eighth collaboration with Richard Greenberg; a relationship that includes the original New York production of THE AMERICAN PLAN which premiered in 1990 at MTC at New York City Center - Stage II and then transferred to Stage I. Other MTC productions of Greenberg plays include: Eastern Standard, The Extra Man, Jenny Keeps Talking, Night and Her Stars, the Pulitzer Prize nominated Three Days of Rain, and The Violet Hour.

Photo Coverage: THE AMERICAN PLAN Curtain Call
by Walter McBride - Jan 23, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of THE AMERICAN PLAN began previews Friday, January 2, 2009 and opened last night, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at MTC's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld's cameras were there to capture every moment of the starry celebration! It is the Catskill Mountains in the early 1960s, and Lili Adler (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominee Lily Rabe) and her mother Eva (Tony and Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl) are spending the summer across the lake from a bustling hotel where comics entertain and buffets overflow. When a handsome young stranger (Benjamin Eakeley) enters their world, the emotionally fragile Lili finds herself falling in love. But once her imperious mother learns of their relationship, lies are exposed, alliances are forged and Lili's one chance to escape her mother's control may be lost forever.

THE AMERICAN PLAN Opens on Broadway 1/22
by Eddie Varley - Jan 22, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of THE AMERICAN PLAN began previews Friday, January 2, 2009 and opens tonight, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at MTC's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). It is the Catskill Mountains in the early 1960s, and Lili Adler (Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominee Lily Rabe) and her mother Eva (Tony and Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl) are spending the summer across the lake from a bustling hotel where comics entertain and buffets overflow. When a handsome young stranger (Benjamin Eakeley) enters their world, the emotionally fragile Lili finds herself falling in love. But once her imperious mother learns of their relationship, lies are exposed, alliances are forged and Lili's one chance to escape her mother's control may be lost forever.

Photo Flash: THE AMERICAN PLAN On Broadway
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 14, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) presents the Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer).

MTC's THE AMERICAN PLAN Begins Performances Tonight, 1/2
by Eddie Varley - Jan 2, 2009


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) will present the upcoming Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which is directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl are joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of THE AMERICAN PLAN will begin previews tonight, Friday, January 2, 2009 and open on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at MTC's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

TV: Creating THE AMERICAN PLAN
by Eddie Varley - Dec 22, 2008


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) is pleased to announce full casting for the upcoming Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which will be directed by Tony? nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). BWW TV brings you an exclusive look behind the scenes at emotional story of The American Plan.

Photo Coverage: THE AMERICAN PLAN Meet and Greet
by Walter McBride - Dec 13, 2008


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) will present the upcoming Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which will be directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl will be joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer). The limited engagement of THE AMERICAN PLAN will begin previews on Friday, January 2, 2009 and open on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at MTC's Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

'PRAYER FOR MY ENEMY' Opens Tonight, 12/9
by Eddie Varley - Dec 9, 2008


Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) New York premiere of PRAYER FOR MY ENEMY, a new play by two-time Tony Award nominee, Pulitzer Prize finalist and two-time Obie Award winner Craig Lucas (Small Tragedy at Playwrights Horizons, The Light in the Piazza, Prelude to a Kiss, Reckless, The Dying Gaul) officially opens tonight Off-Broadway.

Eakeley, Lysy and Pressley Join Cast of MTC's THE AMERICAN PLAN
by Eddie Varley - Nov 19, 2008


Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Barry Grove, Executive Producer) announced full casting for the upcoming Broadway premiere of Richard Greenberg's THE AMERICAN PLAN which will be directed by Tony nominee David Grindley (Journey's End). The previously announced Lily Rabe and Mercedes Ruehl will be joined by Benjamin Eakeley (Sweeney Todd), Austin Lysy (A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Delacorte), and Brenda Pressley (The First Breeze of Summer).

Previews Begin Tonight 11/14 For 'PRAYER FOR MY ENEMY'
by BWW News Desk - Nov 14, 2008


Previews will begin tomorrow, Friday, November 14 at 8PM for the Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) New York premiere of PRAYER FOR MY ENEMY, a new play by two-time Tony Award nominee, Pulitzer Prize finalist and two-time Obie Award winner Craig Lucas (Small Tragedy at Playwrights Horizons, The Light in the Piazza, Prelude to a Kiss, Reckless, The Dying Gaul).

Previews Begin Tomorrow 11/14 For 'PRAYER FOR MY ENEMY'
by Gabrielle Sierra - Nov 13, 2008


Previews will begin today, Friday, November 14 at 8PM for the Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) New York premiere of PRAYER FOR MY ENEMY, a new play by two-time Tony Award nominee, Pulitzer Prize finalist and two-time Obie Award winner Craig Lucas (Small Tragedy at Playwrights Horizons, The Light in the Piazza, Prelude to a Kiss, Reckless, The Dying Gaul).

Westport Summer Season to Feature Naughton and Dratch
by BWW News Desk - May 21, 2008


Westport Country Playhouse announces its summer roster of shows, featuring Tony Award winner James Naughton directing a Cole Porter musical revue; 'Saturday Night Live's' Rachel Dratch appearing in David Wiltse's 'tour de farce' office comedy; and Playhouse favorite Mark Shanahan ('Sedition,' 'David Copperfield,' 'Journey's End') performing in a thriller.

Curt Columbus talks about 'Paris by Night'
by Randy Rice - Apr 12, 2008


Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, RI will premiere the new musical, written by Columbus. 'Paris by Night' is a gay, interracial, love story set in Paris in the 1960's

Eikenberry & Tucker Form Team for Komen Race for the Cure
by BWW News Desk - Aug 9, 2007


Registration is open for the 2007 Komen NYC Race for the Cure, which will take place Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 9:20 am in Central Park. It is the signature fundraiser for the Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

CENTERSTAGE BRINGS AUGUST WILSON'S FINAL CHAPTER OF 20TH-CENTURY AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE TO BALTIMORE
by James Howard - Mar 5, 2006


WHO: CENTERSTAGE WHAT: August Wilson's Radio Golf WHEN: March 24-April 30. Tuesday - Saturday: 8 pm; Sunday: 7:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday Matinee: 2 pm; and Wednesday Matinee: April 12th at 1 pm. HOW MUCH: $10-$65, with Student & Senior Discounts (half-price on the day of show) See article for further discounts.

Other Productions of The American Plan

1990   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway
1990   Off-Broadway
Off-Broadway

The American Plan - 1990 Off-Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1991 Obie Awards Performance Joan Copeland

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