Gently Down The Stream 

by Martin Sherman directed by Sean Mathias

Originally produced at Public Theatre, New York, NY

March 14 to April 23, 2017

About the Premiere Production:

Synopsis: In the spring of 2017, Martin Sherman will return to the theater with his first new play in more than 6 years. GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM is a moving, brilliantly funny love story, featuring Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (TORCH SONG TRILOGY, HAIRSPRAY). Fierstein plays Beau, a pianist expat living in London, who meets Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer, at the dawn of the internet dating revolution. After a life spent recovering from the disappointment and hurt of loving men in a world that refused to allow it, Beau is determined to keep his expectations low with Rufus. But Rufus comes from a new generation of gay men who believe happiness is as much their right as anyone else’s, and what Beau assumed would be just another fling grows into one of the most surprising and defining relationships of his life. GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM reflects the triumphs and heartbreaks of the entire length of the gay rights movement, celebrating and mourning the ghosts of the men and women who led the way for equality, marriage and the right to dream.

Artistic Statement: For more than four decades, Mr. Sherman’s plays have provided us with startling insights into the human experience. With exquisitely precise language and brilliant timing, his works offer personalized, humanized confrontations of history. The range of his work is remarkably broad – from portraits of Isadora Duncan and Aristotle Onassis, to explorations of fanatical religion, to the epic journeys of 20th century Jews. Most importantly, his works offer us intimate depictions of gay life.

Grant Statement: Support from the Edgerton Foundation will be crucial to our decision to commit to additional rehearsal weeks for this production. Support of the Foundation will defray the majority of the costs associated with actors, artistic staff and rehearsal space rental for additional weeks of rehearsal. Additional rehearsal costs including technical crew and physical production costs will be absorbed by The Public Theater.

Cast: Harvey Fierstein, remaining cast TBD

Additional Funders: The LuEsther T Mertz Charitable Trust