fbpx

THE PATSY

BY BARRY CONNERS

PERFORMED BY DAVID GREENSPAN

DIRECTED BY JACK CUMMINGS III

MARCH 30 – APRIL 30, 2022

Run time: 80 minutes

Abrons Arts Center
466 Grand Street

PLEASE NOTE: 
-Patrons age 12 or older must present proof of full vaccination, including the COVID-19 booster shot if eligible, to gain admittance.
-Patrons age 5-11 must show proof of having received two doses of the vaccine to gain admittance.
-Please wear a mask over your nose AND mouth at all times.
-Maintain 6 feet of distance from others whenever possible.

Filled with familial intrigue, marital sparring, lovers in pursuit, country club scandals, and labors of the heart, The Patsy premiered on Broadway in 1925 becoming an instant success. The hit play was then immediately immortalized in film by a quartet of early 20th century luminaries—stars Marion Davies and Marie Dressler, director King Vidor, and producer William Randolph Hearst.

In 2011 six-time Obie Award winner David Greenspan, along with Transport Group Artistic Director and two-time Obie Award winner Jack Cummings III, put their own spin on the feisty drawing room comedy by giving all eight roles to Greenspan. The 2011 production was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Solo Performance as well as an Off-Broadway Alliance Award nomination for Best Special Event. Now Greenspan and Transport Group resurrect this Cinderella story of a girl a little less beautiful, a little less loved and her fractious, gossipy family, which explores a family’s aspirations of wealth, status, and love in pre-depression America.

“I think Greenspan is probably all-round the most talented theater artist of my generation.” – Tony Kushner

Transport Group’s 2011 production of The Patsy was hailed by critics:

“Mr. Greenspan has retooled an antique Broadway vehicle as a sleek little solo roadster. In hardly more than an hour he dervishes through three acts and three times as many roles, refracting Conners’s homespun comedy of young love through his own inimitable stage persona.” –The New York Times

“Greenspan is simply amazing to watch.” –Huffington Post

“A virtuosic solo spree, with Greenspan playing histrionic mother, viperish sister, the heroine and the boy she loves.” –Time Out New York

“One of the most remarkable…theater events I’ve ever witnessed.” –Village Voice

Cast

David Greenspan

Creative Team

Jack Cummings III

Director

Kristina Corcoran Williams

Dramaturg

Dane Laffrey

Set and Costume Design

Michael Rasbury

Sound Designer

Julian Evans

Production Sound Designer

Mark Barton

Lighting Designer

Theresa Flanagan

Stage Manager