Public Charge
Closing: April 12, 2026Public Charge - 2026 Off-Broadway History , Info & More
Joseph Papp Public Theater [Newman Theater]
425 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10003
In 1982, seven-year-old Julissa immigrates to the U.S from the Dominican Republic. In 2009, she leaves her successful practice at a Wall Street law firm to supervise Caribbean and Central American Affairs for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. PUBLIC CHARGE chronicles the challenging education of a twenty-first century American diplomat as she works with scores of other dedicated public servants to deploy humanitarian aid to an earthquake-ravaged Haiti, navigate the roiling politics of immigration, confront the reality of international espionage, and free a wrongly imprisoned American from a Cuban prison. This bracing world premiere by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga is, at its core, about a group of Americans who believe, sometimes against all appearances to the contrary, that their government might actually be a force for good upon the frighteningly chaotic world stage.
Public Charge - 2026 - Off-Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Public Charge
Public Charge
10 / 10
Public Charge is a true ensemble piece, cast and tech combined. If the Tony’s had Best Ensemble, this would be my vote. And one last thing, I will have to say, when the culminating video was run of Barack giving a press briefing talking about beginning to normalize relations with Cuba (thanks to Julissa’s work), hearing a POTUS speak in clear sentences, with care and conviction to making the world a better place for all, it brought tears of longing to my eyes.
Off-Broadway Review: PUBLIC CHARGE (The Public)
7 / 10
Public Charge is clearly a well-intentioned piece, one that honors both its subject and the ideals she represents. While the production’s cool, methodical staging keeps the audience at arm’s length, the story it tells—of an immigrant who rises to shape global policy—remains a compelling and distinctly American narrative, even when the drama itself struggles to fully ignite. The final note lands with a bittersweet irony, as optimism about leadership collides with the audience’s awareness of how history ultimately unfolded.
Category
by A.A. Cristi - March 26, 2026
The Public Theater has opened the world premiere of Public Charge, co-written by former U.S. Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and Michael J. Chepiga. Opening night attendees included Clinton, Dr. Jill Biden, and a range of political and theater figures. See photos of the event.
by A.A. Cristi - March 25, 2026
See what the critics are saying about The Public Theater’s world premiere play Public Charge, a new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga and directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes.
by Jennifer Broski - March 26, 2026
he Public Theater celebrated the world premiere of Public Charge, a new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga and directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes. Check out photos from inside the big night here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 20, 2026
You can now get a first look at production photos for The Public Theater’s world premiere play Public Charge, a new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - March 4, 2026
The Public Theater will present a one-week extension for the world premiere of Public Charge, a bracing new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynos.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 20, 2026
The Public Theater will present the world premiere play Public Charge, a bracing new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga. See rehearsal photos!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 15, 2026
The Public Theater has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere of Public Charge, a bracing new play based on true events written by former United States Ambassador Julissa Reynoso and award-winning playwright Michael J. Chepiga.
Public Charge History
Other Productions of Public Charge
| 2026 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
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