The Columnist
By David Auburn
Directed by Daniel Sullivan
Originally produced at Manhattan Theatre Club, New York, NY .
April 3, 2012 through June 3, 2012
About the Premiere Production: Columnists are kings in midcentury America and Joseph Alsop wears the crown. Joe is beloved, feared and courted in equal measure by the Washington political world at whose center he sits. But as the '60s dawn and America undergoes dizzying change, the intense political drama Joe is embroiled in becomes deeply personal as well.
David Auburn, whose Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning Proof dazzled audiences and critics alike, returns to MTC with this fascinating new work directed by his Proof collaborator Daniel Sullivan and starring two-time Tony and five-time Emmy winner John Lithgow as Joseph Alsop.
Artistic Statement: MTC is proud once again to partner with the Edgerton Foundation to bring new American plays to the stage. Our previous collaboration, David Lindsay-Abaire’s Good People, enjoyed much success, winning the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play, the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for Frances McDormand, and was the most honored new American play of the 2010-2011 season with numerous Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Award nominations. We also eagerly anticipate the upcoming production of Zoe Kazan’s We Live Here, also a recipient of a new American Plays Award from the Edgerton Foundation.
- Barry Grove, Executive Producer
Grant Statement: We are excited about David Auburn’s The Columnist and we are honored to have the support of the Edgerton Foundation for the world premiere of this important new work. This grant will allow for much needed additional rehearsal time, giving Mr. Auburn, director Daniel Sullivan, the cast and other members of the creative team more time to refine and ready the play. This is a means to ensure positive reception of the production from the creators to the audience members, in turn contributing to artistic satisfaction and the play’s future life.
We are incredibly fortunate to have been chosen, once again, for this prestigious award.
- Barry Grove, Executive Producer
Director: Daniel Sullivan
Cast: John Lithgow
News
The Rep's production of David Auburn's The Columnist is just the latest triumph for the Ingram New Works Project
The Nashville Scene
April 25, 2013
Tennessee Rep captures all the complexities of 'The Columnist'
The Tennessean
April 21, 2013