8 / 10
I’ve written before about the potential trap of the “cool story” bio-play, and the good news is that Marcel on the Train is stylish and thoughtful enough to avoid the standard pitfalls. Only occasionally does it give off a whiff of Life Is Beautiful mawkishness. For the most part, it makes a good-faith effort to be wiser and wryer about the tenuousness of living and the spiritual utility of art.
8 / 10
As he proved in SpongeBob SquarePants and more recently in the Wicked movies, Slater has a real gift for movement. Marcel on the Train gives him ample opportunity to showcase it as Marceau tries with varying success to entertain his 12-year-old charges, Life Is Beautifully, and distract them from the dangers outside. The adolescents, all played by adult actors, include the virtuous Adolphe (Max Gordon Moore), the mischievous Henri (an amusing Alex Wyse), the sour and pessimistic Berthe (Tedra Millan) and the cowering Etiennette (Maddie Corman), who—perhaps in response to unspeakable trauma—never says a word.
Ethan Slater has a officially left Oz and has found a home at Classic Stage Company, where his new play, Marcel on the Train, is currently running. Not only did he write the show (with director Marshall Pailet), but he also plays legendary mime, Marcel Marceau. Watch in this video as he shares more about how the play came together and why he's happy to be back at home onstage.
Classic Stage Company has added one additional performance on Wednesday March 18 at 2PM for the world premiere of Marcel on the Train, co-written by Marshall Pailet & Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater and directed by Pailet.
The world premiere of Marcel on the Train, co-written by Marshall Pailet and Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater, and directed by Pailet, recently celebrated its opening night. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from opening night here!
The world premiere of Marcel on the Train, co-written by Marshall Pailet and Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater, and directed by Pailet, officially opened on Sunday, February 22 at Classic Stage Company. Read the reviews here!
Previews are now underway for the world premiere of Marcel on the Train, co-written by Marshall Pailet & Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater, and directed by Pailet. Marcel on the Train opens this Sunday, February 22 at Classic Stage Company. Check out a first look at the cast in action!
Classic Stage Company will present an additional week of performances for the world premiere of Marcel on the Train, co-written by Marshall Pailet & Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater.
Check out photos from media day as the stars of Marcel on the Train at Classic Stage Company meet the press. Co-written by Marshall Pailet and Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater, the production will be directed by Pailet and will feature Slater as “Marcel Marceau.”
Rehearsals are underway for Marcel on the Train at Classic Stage Company. Co-written by Marshall Pailet and Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater, the production will be directed by Pailet and will feature Slater as “Marcel Marceau.” Watch in this video as the team takes a break from rehearsals to explain what the new play is all about!
Rehearsals are underway for Marcel on the Train at Classic Stage Company, starring Ethan Slater and more. Marcel on the Train is co-written by Marshall Pailet and Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater. Check out rehearsal photos here!
Classic Stage Company has revealed additional cast members joining the world premiere of Marcel on the Train, co-written by Marshall Pailet and Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater.
Single tickets are now on sale for Classic Stage Company's World Premiere of Marcel on the Train, co-written by Marshall Pailet and Tony Award nominee Ethan Slater, and directed by Pailet. Check out a new video of Ethan Slater as 'Marcel Marceau.'
Ethan Slater leads an impressive cast in Marcel on the Train, a new play exploring Marcel Marceau's inspiring story at Classic Stage Company.
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play | Studio Luna |
| 2026 | Drama League Awards | OUTSTANDING DIRECTION OF A PLAY | Marshall Pailet |
| 2026 | Drama League Awards | OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION OF A PLAY | Marcel on the Train |
| 2026 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Lighting Design | Studio Luna |
| 2026 | The Lortels | Outstanding Lighting Design | Studio Luna |
