9 / 10
The short answer, maybe even the long answer, is that friendship happened. Summer, 1976, thoughtfully directed by Daniel Sullivan (reuniting with his Proof playwright Auburn and his The Little Foxes star Linney), captures an experience that’s as universal as it is inexplicable: a friendship that shouldn’t work but does, and that should endure but doesn’t.
4 / 10
“People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person,” starts a famous, anonymously written poem. Admittedly, these lines (and that life situation) are something almost all of us can relate to -- a fact that playwright David Auburn seems to be counting on in our reaction to his less-than-satisfying two-hander “Summer, 1976,” now debuting at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Indeed, familiarity doesn’t breed much enthusiasm nor contempt, just a mild case of frustration. While brilliantly acted by Laura Linney and Jessica Hecht (both of them smartly costumed by Linda Cho), the 90-minute play ultimately feels like a stretched-out anecdote. We wait for an exciting plot twist, but two arrive that turn out to be dream sequences, while another struck me as less-than-believable.
In this video, watch as Tony nominee Jessica Hecht chats more about being back at MTC in Summer, 1976, the joy of working alongside Laura Linney, and so much more.
Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director and Barry Grove, Executive Producer)'s world premiere of Summer, 1976 has announced an additional one-week extension. Summer, 1976 will now play through Sunday, June 18 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Check out footage from the opening night red carpet of MTC's Summer, 1976!
Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Summer, 1976, opened last night at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the big night here!
Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Summer, 1976, opens tonight at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Read reviews for the production!
Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Summer, 1976 opens tonight on Broadway. The production will be recorded and released on Audible later this year, extending its reach to millions of listeners around the world.
Previews are underway for Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Summer, 1976, which has been extended for two weeks through Saturday, June 10 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Watch the cast in action in this video!
Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Summer, 1976 starring Laura Linney and Jessica Hecht, will be extended for two weeks. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Previews are now underway for Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Summer, 1976, running at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). check out photos of the cast in action here!
Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Summer, 1976 begins previews tomorrow at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. See how to purchase tickets!
Summer, 1976 officially begins previews tonight, April 4, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Meet the cast of Summer, 1976 here!
Summer, 1976 will begin previews on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 ahead of a Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Opening Night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre and BroadwayWorld is chatting with the cast in this video!
The cast and creative team of Summer, 1976 met the press ahead of its first preview set for next month! BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out the photos here!
Tony Award & Emmy Award Nominee Jessica Hecht will join Tony Award & Academy Award nominee Laura Linney in Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Summer, 1976 written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn and directed by Tony winner Daniel Sullivan.
Digital Rush
Price: $43
Where: On the Today Tix app.
When: Released on a first-come, first-served basis every performance day at 9 AM.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Subject to availability.
Student Rush
Price: $30
Where: Samuel J. Friedman box office
When: Student rush tickets are available at the box office on the day of the show when the box office opens.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Payable by cash or credit card and available to students with an ID from a degree or diploma-granting institution. Subject to availability.
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Laura Linney |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Play | Summer, 1976 |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding New Broadway Play | Summer, 1976 |
| 2023 | Tony Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play | Jessica Hecht |
