Play about the Constitution remains the top staged show in the US for the second year, with a popular farce about a bad president also gaining traction.
The United States is currently in the midst of an intense election year, marked by surprising twists and turns, including changes in candidates and assassination attempts. The theater industry is also reflecting the political climate of the nation by programming shows that delve into or satirize the current state of affairs.
One of the most popular plays being staged across the country is “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck. This play offers a unique perspective on the United States’ foundational legal document, examining it through the lenses of gender and personal experiences. Following closely behind are productions of “POTUS” by Selina Fillinger, a farce that explores a group of women entangled in a male president’s scandals.
According to a survey conducted by American Theater magazine, “What the Constitution Means to Me” will be staged 16 times this year, making it the most-produced play in America for the second consecutive year. Other popular productions include “Fat Ham” by James Ijames, “King James” by Rajiv Joseph, and “Primary Trust” by Eboni Booth. Additionally, there will be numerous productions of musicals like “Jersey Boys” and “Waitress.”
The most prominent playwrights in the upcoming theater season are Rajiv Joseph and Kate Hamill. Joseph, known for works like “Guards at the Taj,” and Hamill, who has adapted classics such as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility,” are set to have multiple productions staged nationwide. It’s worth noting that Shakespeare’s works and adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” were excluded from the survey due to their overwhelming presence in theater programming each year.
A notable trend highlighted in the survey is the decline in the number of productions at nonprofit theaters affiliated with the Theater Communications Group. This decrease in productions, from 1,560 last year to 1,281 this season, is attributed to financial constraints faced by regional theaters, leading them to scale back on shows to manage costs effectively.
In conclusion, the theater landscape in the United States is mirroring the current political climate, with productions that offer thought-provoking insights into societal issues and satirical takes on contemporary events. As the industry navigates through challenges like financial constraints, playwrights and productions continue to captivate audiences with diverse perspectives and engaging storytelling.
Source: The NY Times
