The Snow Geese

By Sharr White

Directed by Daniel Sullivan

Originally produced at Manhattan Theatre Club, New York, NY.

October 1, 2013 through December 15, 2013

(Photo by Joan Marcus. Pictured: Christopher Innvar and Mary-Louise Parker)

About the Premiere Production

With war raging abroad, newly widowed Elizabeth Gaesling gathers her family for their annual shooting party to mark the opening of hunting season in rural, upstate New York. But Elizabeth is forced to confront a new reality as her carefree eldest son comes to terms with his impending deployment overseas and her younger son discovers that the father they all revered left them deeply in debt. Together, the family must let go of the life they’ve always known.

Tony winner Daniel Sullivan (Rabbit Hole, Proof) directs this stirring new play about a family waking up from their own personal Gilded Age as the world around them changes forever.

Artistic Statement

MTC seeks to cultivate rich, longstanding artistic relationships with our playwrights, directors and actors. Last season, we were proud to collaborate with playwright Sharr White and MCC Theater for the very first time with the Broadway premiere of Mr. White’s riveting work, The Other Place. It was important for MTC to continue this artistic relationship with one of the most fascinating young voices in contemporary theatre and we are thrilled to partner with MCC Theater and Sharr White again this season with the world premiere of The Snow Geese. This stirring new play centers around a family waking up from their Gilded Age as the world around them changes forever. While the play is set during World War I, it truly speaks to current times. Mr. White began work on this play during the financial collapse of 2008, and he felt an urgency to write about the economic cycles that we go through. This production also reunites frequent MTC collaborators Mary-Louise Parker with Daniel Sullivan, who directed her in David Auburn’s Proof, for which both artists received Tony Awards.

Grant Statement

Premiering a new play on Broadway requires extensive development of the text as well as the performances. The additional rehearsal week provided by New American Play Award allowed the creative team the freedom to explore the piece from different perspectives and to find nuance in the performance. It also allowed Sharr White the essential flexibility to continue developing the work as discoveries were made, and allowed the performers ample time to become comfortable with the additions and changes. The result of these extra rehearsals was that The Snow Geese was able to enter previews further along in its process, and audiences could respond to a play that was clearer and more fully formed.

Director: Daniel Sullivan

Set Design: John Lee Beatty

Lighting Design: Japhy Weiderman

Sound Design: Dan Moses Schreier

Costume Design: Jane Greenwood

Choreographer: Mimi Lieber

Original Music: Dan Moses Schreier

Projection Design: Rocco DiSanti

Hair & Wig Design: Tom Watson

Fight Director: Rick Sordelet

Cast: Mary Louise-Parker, Daniel Burstein, Victoria Clark, Evan Jonigkeit, Brian Cross, Christopher Innvar, Jessica Love

Additional Funders: Special thanks to The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust for supporting Manhattan Theatre Club.