Academy Award nominee Rachel McAdams stars in the Broadway premiere of MARY JANE, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog (4000 Miles, the recent Tony-nominated adaptation of A Doll’s House). Captivating, affecting and compassionate, it’s the story of a single mother in an impossible family situation. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Mary Jane relies on unflagging optimism and humor, along with the wisdom of the women around her who have become a makeshift family, to take on each new day. But will inner strength and newfound friendships be enough to see her through? The New York Times calls Mary Jane “the most profound of Herzog’s many fine plays.” And The New Yorker raves, “beautiful and remarkable... Herzog has made theatre that shines.” Directing is the acclaimed Anne Kauffman (The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window).
“Mary Jane” nonetheless remains a work of remarkable courage, and far more than that: Ms. Herzog captures, with dialogue that feels bracingly, fearlessly authentic — and that is often very funny besides — how powerful love can be in the face of pain and loss and, just as significantly, the limits of that power. Under Anne Kauffman’s vigorous, compassionate direction, the screen star Rachel McAdams steps into the title role, and acquits herself nicely. Where Ms. Coon brought more of a wry quality and a sense of latent, perhaps worn ferocity to Mary Jane, Ms. McAdams plays her very credibly, and movingly, as a fundamentally gentle woman who is overwhelmed by her lot.
When Alex has a seizure midway through the play, the mounting dread and panicked 911 call are distressingly familiar. So, too, is the purgatory-like state of the hospital waiting room, which is brilliantly conveyed through Ben Stanton’s stark lighting and Lael Jellinek’s deceptively simple scenic design. (We won’t spoil the set reveal, but it’s breathtaking.) Herzog thoughtfully poses big questions about faith and uncertainty and leaves the audience with much to chew on after the spiritual, ambiguous final moments. The play is beautifully directed by Anne Kauffman ('The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window'), with an outstanding ensemble all playing dual roles.
2017 | Off-Broadway |
New York Theatre Workshop Production Off-Broadway |
2024 | Broadway |
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Broadway Production Broadway |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play | Rachel McAdams |
2024 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance | Rachel McAdams |
2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Mary Jane |
2024 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play | Rachel McAdams |
2024 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Revival of a Play | Mary Jane |
2024 | Theatre World Awards | Theatre World Award | Rachel McAdams |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Direction of a Play | Anne Kauffman |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play | Rachel McAdams |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Play | Amy Herzog |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Sound Design of a Play | Leah Gelpe |
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