MARY JANE
by Amy Herzog directed by Anne Kauffman
Originally produced at Yale Repertory Theatre Atlanta, GA
April 29 to May 20, 2017
About the Premiere Production:
Synopsis: As Mary Jane navigates both the mundane and the unfathomable realities of caring for Alex, her chronically ill young son, she finds herself building a community of women from many walks of life. Mary Jane is Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog’s remarkably powerful and compassionate portrait of a contemporary American woman striving for grace.
Artistic Statement: Mary Jane is a profoundly moving play that follows the journey of a single mother navigating her son’s disability. In Ms. Herzog’s capable hands, we see Mary Jane move through her day-to-day life, with moments mundane and dramatic, tedious and spiritual, juxtaposed. At the same time, the play examines how class and privilege affect families dealing with disability and the inequities inherent in American society. I can think of few other plays that explore disability, class, and American society the way that Mrs. Herzog does in Mary Jane, and Ms. Herzog’s skill, intelligence, and sensitivity reverberate throughout the entire work.
Grant Statement: The Edgerton New Play Award will allow the playwright and director, and their creative team, more time for artistic exploration.
Award Wins and Nominations
Tony Award®
Best Play
2024 Nominee
Produced by Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director; Chris Jennings, Executive Director)
Written by Amy Herzog
Best Performance By An Actress In A Leading Role In A Play
2024 Nominee
Rachel McAdams
Best Direction Of A Play
2024 Nominee
Directed by Anne Kauffman
Best Sound Design Of A Play
2024 Nominee
Sound Design by Leah Gelpe
Drama Desk Award
Outstanding Lead Performance In A Play
2024 Nominee
Rachel McAdams
Theatre World
Award
2024 Recipient
Rachel McAdams
Subsequent Productions:
- PCPA in Santa Maria, CA September 20, 2019 - September 21, 2019
- San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre in San Luis Obispo, CA October 18, 2019 - October 19, 2019
- Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, MI March 18, 2020 - April 12, 2020
- Jungle Theater in Minneapolis, MN May 2, 2020 - May 31, 2020
- Nebraska Theatre Caravan in Omaha, NE September 16, 2019
- New York Theatre Workshop in NYC, NY September 6, 2017 - October 15, 2017
- Third Rail Repertory Theatre in Portland, OR June 5, 2020 - June 27, 2020
- People's Light in Malvern, PA June 24, 2020 - July 19, 2020
- Gamm Theatre in Warwick, RI April 23, 2020 - May 17, 2020
- Forward Theater Company in Madison, WI September 12, 2019 - September 29, 2019
- Third Rail Repertory Theatre in Portland, OR May 19, 2023 - June 4, 2023