First look at Stephen Karam's The Humans at Hampstead Theatre
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
PRODUCTION images have been released from the UK premiere of The Humans. To view them, click here.
Previously Posted: The highly successful Broadway production of The Humans by Stephen Karam, will receive its UK premiere at Hampstead Theatre (Main Stage) where it runs from September 6 (previews from August 30) to October 13, 2018.
Winner of four 2016 Tony Awards – Best Play, Best Featured Actor in a Play, Best Featured Actress in a Play and Best Scenic Design in a Play – The Humans comes to Hampstead with the complete award-winning New York cast. Joe Mantello directs.
Described as a blisteringly funny and deeply chilling drama, The Humans is a stunning portrayal of the human condition; a family at its best and worst navigating the challenges of everyday life.
Three generations of the Blake family have assembled for Thanksgiving in Brigid and Richard’s ramshackle pre-war apartment in Lower Manhattan. Whilst the event may have a slightly improvised air, the family is determined to make the best of its time together. As they attempt to focus on the traditional festivities, fears of the past and pressures of the future seep into the reunion and the precariousness of their position becomes increasingly evident.
Reed Birney (as Erik Blake) and Jayne Houdyshell (Deidre Blake) reprise their Tony Award-winning performances alongside a cast which also includes Cassie Beck (Aimee Blake), Lauren Klein (Fiona “Momo” Blake), Arian Moayed (Richard Saad) and Sarah Steele (Brigid Blake).
The Company are appearing with the permission of UK Equity, incorporating the Variety Artistes’ Federation, pursuant to an exchange program between American Equity and UK Equity.
Stephen Karam is the Tony Award-winning author of The Humans; Sons of the Prophet, which was a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and Speech & Debate. He has written a film adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull starring Annette Bening which will be released by Sony Picture Classics in 2018. He is an OBIE Award winner and a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist. His adaptation of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard premiered on Broadway as part of Roundabout’s 2016 season.
As well as The Humans, Joe Mantello’s numerous directing credits on Broadway include The Boys in the Band, Three Tall Women, The Glass Menagerie, Blackbird, The Last Ship, Casa Valentina, The Other Place, Pal Joey, 9 to 5, The Ritz, Three Days of Rain, Glengarry Glen Ross (Tony Award nomination), Assassins (Tony Award), Wicked, Take me Out (Tony Award), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Design for Living, The Vagina Monologues and Love! Valour! Compassion (Tony Award nomination).
Mantello’s work as an actor includes The Normal Heart and Angels in America.
Image: The cast of The Humans at Hampstead Theatre. Photo by Marc Brenner.
The world premiere of Jemma Kennedy’s Genesis Inc. continues at Hampstead Theatre (Main Stage) until July 28, 2018.