ON SET WITH THEDA BARA
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH
WRITTEN BY JOEY MERLO
DIRECTED BY JACK SERIO
PERFORMED BY DAVID GREENSPAN
“Greenspan gives a wild ride of a performance in this campy, comic solo show.” —The New York Times
“On Set with Theda Bara is a solo performer’s fever dream, and Greenspan—a six-time Obie winner and a nonpareil of the soliloquy—steps into its bejeweled slippers with virtuosic ease.” —Vulture
“Joey Merlo is one of the most original and exciting voices writing for the New York stage at the moment…this is a great opportunity to see one of his plays before he blows up.” —theatermania
EXTENDED!
FEBRUARY 6 – MARCH 16, 2024
In this hallucination of a one-person show, a genderqueer teen who goes missing and their gay detective father come face-to-face with the supernatural and consciousness-devouring Theda Bara, the real-life vamp and silent film star of the 1910s. On Set with Theda Bara is part gothic coming-of-age story and part campy melodrama about identity consumption and the horror of not knowing who you are.
Transport Group and Lucille Lortel Theatre are proud to present the full-length Off-Broadway debut of On Set with Theda Bara, written by Joey Merlo, directed by Jack Serio (Uncle Vanya), and performed by the incomparable six-time Obie winner David Greenspan.
The run time is 65 minutes, with no intermission.
On Set with Theda Bara was first showcased at an eight-night only presentation by The Brick and The Exponential Festival in 2023.
Special Event — Vamp Night!
Drag, drinks, and David Greenspan!
How do you celebrate a play about identity exploration and the original “Vamp” from the silent-film era? With a Vamp-themed drag show of course!! Party with us after the March 14th performance of On Set with Theda Bara at:
🩸 Vamp Night (21+ event) 🩸
- Afterparty at Macri Park (approx. 8:15PM) // 462 Union Ave
- Hosted by drag/performance artist Nancy Nogood
- Q&A with playwright Joey Merlo
- Killer performances by Nancy Nogood & drag hostess/performer and actor Drew Harrymore
- Special drink prices // $5 beers, $5 well-drinks, $8 beer & shot deal + a special On Set with Theda Bara cocktail
PURCHASE INCLUDES TICKET TO ON SET WITH THEDA BARA + ACCESS TO THE AFTERPARTY
Cast
David Greenspan
Creative Team
Jack Serio
Director
Frank J. Oliva
Scenic Designer
Avery Reed
Costume Designer
Stacey Derosier
Lighting Designer
Brandon Bulls
Sound Designer
Michal V Mendelson
Production Stage Manager
Luner Eclipse Productions
Production Management
On Set with Theda Bara is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council
Explore Our Past Shows
