Ohio State Murders
75 minutes with no intermission
Ohio State Murders - 2022 Broadway History , Info & More
James Earl Jones Theater (Broadway)
138 West 48th St. New York, NY
When writer Suzanne Alexander (Audra McDonald) returns to her alma mater as a guest speaker, in which she explores the violence in her works, a dark mystery unravels. Adrienne Kennedy's Ohio State Murders is an intriguing and unusual suspense play, as well as a social pertinent look at the destructiveness of racism in our society.
Ohio State Murders - 2022 - Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Ohio State Murders
Ohio State Murders
8 / 10
In director Kenny Leon’s thoughtful production, Beowulf Boritt’s set suggests a storm of research-library shelves, some suspended in midair and some half-buried in the ground, as though Suzanne existed in both the midst of catastrophe and the ruins of one. The forces stacked against her extend to the back wall of the stage, which is gashed by a craggy ravine—the site of a winter homicide—behind which snow descends continuously. The chills that periodically shoot through this play are part of the same cold front as the steady, muffling whiteness that falls gently in its background.
‘Ohio State Murders’ review: Audra McDonald wows in mild Broadway play
7 / 10
McDonald is an actress who radiates optimism and smiles often. And that positivity makes her agonized characters, such as Suzanne, absolutely fascinating to behold. From start to finish, there is an engrossing battle raging within the academic. Suzanne is desperate not to show her cards, at first, because that means the oppressive world will have won. Even after a terrible event befalls her, she refuses to leave Columbus. She’s full of stoic determination. McDonald smartly finds contrarian moments for her careful professorial facade to crack and each and every one is affecting. When her gleaming face suddenly turns hurt, cold, angry or lifeless, it has a big, wordless punch. The lion’s share of the show is hers, but Pinkham, who’s best known for his roles in musicals, has a striking scene. During another lecture late in the play, as Suzanne looks on with a polar opposite facial expression this time, his eyes are so red and strained it looks like he hasn’t slept in days. It’s simple but scary.
Category
by Stephi Wild - January 9, 2023
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Ohio State Murders will close on Broadway on January 15. In this video, the play's star, Audra McDonald, took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the production closing.
by Michael Major - January 6, 2023
Audra McDonald appeared on The TODAY Show this morning to discuss appearing on Broadway in Ohio State Murders and filming the upcoming second season of The Gilded Age. McDonald also discussed the difference between Ohio State Murders and A Beautiful Noise, in which her husband, Will Swenson, stars as Neil Diamond. Watch the video now!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 5, 2023
Ohio State Murders will play its final performance on Sunday, January 15, 2023. See how to purchase tickets and more.
by Michael Major - December 15, 2022
While on The View, Audra McDonald discussed Adrienne Kennedy's Broadway debut at 91 and why Ohio State Murders is her hardest role yet. McDonald also discussed why her stage fright as gotten worse, her husband Will Swenson's Neil Diamond impression, and the new season of The Gilded Age. Watch the new interview video now!
by Red Carpet - December 12, 2022
BroadwayWorld was on the red carpet for opening night of Ohio State Murders, which is running on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre. In this video, watch as we take you inside the big night!
by Bruce Glikas - December 9, 2022
Ohio State Murders officially opened last night on Broadway. Starring Emmy, Grammy, and Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, Ohio State Murders is the first show to play at the renamed and renovated James Earl Jones Theatre.
by Bruce Glikas - December 9, 2022
See photos of the cast of Ohio State Murders, including Audra McDonald and more, celebrating their opening night on Broadway!
by Bruce Glikas - December 9, 2022
Ohio State Murders officially opened last night on Broadway. starring Emmy, Grammy, and Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald. BroadwayWorld was there at last night's opening, and you can check out photos from the curtain call here!
by A.A. Cristi - December 8, 2022
Ohio State Murders officially opens tonight on Broadway. Starring Emmy, Grammy, and Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, Ohio State Murders is the first show to play at the renamed and renovated James Earl Jones Theatre. Read the reviews!
by Show Highlights - December 8, 2022
Ohio State Murders officially opens tonight on Broadway. Starring Emmy, Grammy, and Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, Ohio State Murders is the first show to play at the renamed and renovated James Earl Jones Theatre. Check out all new photos and video clips from the play here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 10, 2022
Read BroadwayWorld's interview with Tony nominee Bryce Pinkham, who is currently starring alongside Audra McDonald in the Broadway premiere of Adrienne Kennedy's Ohio State Murders.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 5, 2022
Ohio State Murders on Broadway has announced a special ticketing initiative with a number of New York-founded Black arts and culture organizations including National Black Theatre, The Harlem Arts Alliance, Black Theatre Coalition and The Classical Theatre of Harlem to help support their mission and efforts.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 11, 2022
Preview performances for playwright Adrienne Kennedy’s Ohio State Murders begin Friday, November 11 on Broadway at the James Earl Jones Theatre. A limited number of tickets will be available via digital lottery.
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - November 12, 2022
Watch this video, as Audra McDonald and Kenny Leon talk all about the new play Ohio State Murders, which will be the first show to play at the newly renamed James Earl Jones Theatre beginning Friday, November 11, 2022 and opening on Thursday, December 8, 2022 for a strictly limited engagement.
by Sneak Peek - November 6, 2022
Ohio State Murders will be the first show to play at the newly renamed James Earl Jones Theatre beginning Friday, November 11, 2022 and opening on Thursday, December 8, 2022 for a strictly limited engagement. Watch the cast discuss the show's Broadway premiere with Richard Ridge here!
by Stephi Wild - November 11, 2022
Ohio State Murders will be the first show to play at the newly renamed James Earl Jones Theatre when it begins previews tonight, Friday, November 11, 2022 ahead of an opening on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Meet the cast of Ohio State Murders here!
by Bruce Glikas - November 3, 2022
The cast for the Broadway premiere of Ohio State Murders by Adrienne Kennedy recently met the press, and BroadwayWorld was there. Check out the photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 17, 2022
The complete cast for the Broadway premiere of Ohio State Murders by Adrienne Kennedy is now announced. Joining Emmy, Grammy, and Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald, Tony Award nominee Bryce Pinkham, and Drama Desk nominee Lizan Mitchell.
by Jennifer Broski - October 12, 2022
Ohio State Murders will be the first show to play at the newly renamed James Earl Jones Theatre with previews beginning Friday, November 11, 2022 and open on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
by A.A. Cristi - September 23, 2022
Tony Award nominee Bryce Pinkham and Lizan Mitchell will join Audra McDonald for the Broadway premiere of Ohio State Murders by Adrienne Kennedy.
Ohio State Murders History
Other Productions of Ohio State Murders
| 2007 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
| 2022 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Ohio State Murders - 2022 Broadway Awards and Nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play | Audra McDonald |
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play | Allen Lee Hughes |
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Ohio State Murders |
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play | Beowulf Boritt |
| 2023 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Sound Design of a Play | Justin Ellington |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Ohio State Murders |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play | Audra McDonald |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Ohio State Murders |
| 2023 | Tony Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play | Audra McDonald |
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