nyc premiere of
HUMPty dumpty
BY ERIC BOGOSIAN
directed by ella jane new
LIMITED 5 WEEK OFF-BROADWAY ENGAGEMENT
APRIL 3RD – MAY 3RD, 2025 AT THE CHAIN THEATRE
CHAIN THEATRE is pleased to announce the NYC premiere production of award-winning actor and playwright Eric Bogosian’s HUMPTY DUMPTY, directed by Ella Jane New (New York Times Critics pick macbitches). An enduring survival story about our dependence on modern technology, HUMPTY DUMPTY will play a five-week limited engagement at Off-Broadway’s Chain Theatre Main Stage (312 W. 36th St, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10018). Performances begin Thursday, April 3, and continue through Saturday, May 3. Opening Night is Saturday, April 5 (7 p.m.).
When four friends decide to take a vacation in Upstate New York’s rural ski country, no sooner do they get to their cozy cabin, than the lights go out, their phones stop working, and their comfortable world is turned upside down. What begins as a pleasant break from their urban lives morphs into a trying and ultimately fatal journey down the rabbit hole of survival.
“HUMPTY DUMPTY was originally written in 2000 when Y2K was on everyone's mind”, says playwright Eric Bogosian. “Twenty-five years ago, the idea that our world might shut down was more fantasy than fear. Now we know that it's a very real possibility. After the pandemic, people got the message that things can change fast. Our interconnected world is super vulnerable. And oddly, those most vulnerable are those of us with comfortable lives living in the thick of an urban society of vast pecking orders. These pecking orders are mostly constructed from status in the mass media, rather than anything practical. So when push comes to shove, and the lights go out, the guy who knows how to sharpen an axe becomes the top dog.
I'm so happy that the Chain Theatre has chosen my play for a revival because it is one of my favorites and has not been produced in the city. The Chain makes theater that platforms actors and acting, and I love them for that.”
The production of HUMPTY DUMPTY features an outstanding cast bringing new life to this gripping play. Marie Dinolan (NYTimes Critics Pick macbitches, Theatrely's Best Standout Star) takes on the role of Spoon, the free-spirited actress navigating the unsettling world of an isolated retreat. Gabriel Rysdahl (The Better Sister on Amazon Prime, THIS G*D DAMN HOUSE at Chain Theatre) steps into the role of Troy, a screenwriter whose sharp wit and survival instincts are put to the test. Brandon Hughes (SIMPATICO, Off-Broadway, Chain Theatre; A CRIME TO REMEMBER) plays Nat, the rugged caretaker whose local knowledge proves invaluable as tensions rise. Christina Elise Perry (THIS G*D DAMN HOUSE, NYC Premiere SIX CORNERS) embodies Nicole, a high-powered book editor struggling to maintain control as the world around her begins to unravel. Rounding out the cast is Kirk Gostkowski (World Premiere GARBAGEMAN, TALK RADIO) as Max, a novelist caught between intellectualism and the primal need to survive. Together, this ensemble brings this dark comedy to life.
The production features scenic design by David Henderson, costume design by Rafaella Rossi, and lighting design by Michael Abrams. Greg Russ is the sound designer and Grace Loeb is the stage manager.
Chain Theatre extends a special thanks to the Shubert Foundation and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.
There will be one 10 minute intermission.
No late seating.
No refund or exchanges.
CAST PHOTO BY MATT WELLS
POSTER ART BY ADRIENNE ACEVADO LOVETTE
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING
"This production of HUMPTY DUMPTY is FANTASTIC! The acting is superb, the pace is brisk, the set is perfectly tuned to the 1970’s, and the message seems to be eternal. SEE IT, SEE IT, SEE IT!”
"Eric Bogosian wrote HUMPTY DUMPTY 20 years ago. it was definitely ahead of its time then, and it may very well be a prediction of the future today."
-Electronic Link Journey, Laurie Lawson:
"The performances are nuanced and the anxiety palpable."
"Perry is on the verge of breaking apart like Humpty-Dumpty himself.''
'Dinolan turns into a ghost of her former self in front of our very eyes. Her eerie transformation is refined and all the more heartbreaking for it."
"Rysdahl’s shallowness does not disappoint."
"Hughes’ calm which stands in juxtaposition to the visitors’ chaos embodies the kindness they are lucky to find but cannot accept."
"Gostkowski’s performance brought to mind Nicholson’s Shining as circumstances began to get the better of him.”
“Perhaps the only thing Humpty Dumpty didn’t foresee is the price of eggs.”
-Theatre Beyond Broadway, Nicole Jesson
"Although, according to the author, it was written twenty years ago, Eric Bogosian’s Humpty Dumpty is as up-to-date as yesterday. Humor and wit examine a subject we ignore at our peril. What will happen when the grid goes off — when the technical magic that dominates our existence is missing? Once Humpty falls, he can never be put together again. And, right now, with elected officials deliberately trying to corrupt our democratic institutions, we really need to consider that.”
"Nicole, played by the witty and charming Christina Elise Perry."
"Nat, the house’s caretaker, is skillfully characterized by Brandon Hughes."
-Hi! Drama, Jan Ewing:
"The Max character is especially strong as Nicole’s husband, he imbued his character with an authenticity that cemented the story."
-Beauty News NYC, Eva Whalen
BIOGRAPHIES
ERIC BOGOSIAN (Playwright) is the author of plays, solos, and novels, including TALK RADIO, subUrbia, and PERFORATED HEART. He received a Drama Desk award, three Obie awards, and a Guggenheim fellowship. He has also been nominated for the Pulitzer and a Tony award. Bogosian earned the Berlin Silver Bear for writing and starring in the film adaptation of his play TALK RADIO. His historical account of "Operation Nemesis," the death squad that avenged the Armenian Genocide, was published by Little, Brown in 2015. As an actor, Bogosian has starred in LAW & ORDER: CI (NBC), BILLIONS (Showtime), SUCCESSION (HBO), the Safdie brothers' UNCUT GEMS, and most recently INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (AMC) as the interviewer, Daniel Molloy. He produces a website, 100monologues.com, featuring dozens of New York's most vibrant actors. Bogosian is married to director Jo Bonney.
ELLA JANE NEW (Director) is a film and theatre director based in New York City. Director of the critically acclaimed NYTimes Critics Pick macbitches. Her recent credits include DAUGHTER OF THE WICKED at New York City Center; FALLING IN LOVE WITH MR DELLAMORT, with Tony/Emmy winning cast: James Monroe Iglehart, Lena Hall, and Jackie Hoffman for Broadway Podcast Network. Other theatre directing credits include: NYC Premiere of SIX CORNERS by Emmy Nominated Keith Huff (House of Cards, Mad Men, American Crime); Jack Feldstein's THREE MONTHS AT POOK at SOHO Playhouse; QUEEN Z by Michael A. Jones (starring Kara Young/Lucille Lortel nominee); and World Premiere of CHASING THE RIVER by Jean Dobie Geibel and THIS G*D DAMN HOUSE by Matthew McLachlan at Chain Theatre. Ella is the director of the Chain Play Writing Lab.
CHAIN THEATRE always seeks to reflect and react to the world around us. Culturally. Politically. Socially. Audiences can find investment in the work at the Chain because the work is about them, no matter what it might be. It’s a place where artists and audiences can expand their perspectives.
The critically acclaimed Chain Theatre (NYT Critic’s pick MACBITCHES)is a premiere Off-Broadway producing organization in midtown Manhattan. Chain Theatre produced the World Premiere of GARBAGEMAN by Emmy-nominated Keith Huff (A STEADY RAIN, MAD MEN, HOUSE OF CARDS) and has also collaborated with Tony Award winner David Rabe (HURLYBURLY, IN THE BOOM BOOM ROOM) and Eric Bogosian (AN EVENING WITH ERIC BOGOSIAN). Most recent hit World Premiere productions include: THIS G*D DAMN HOUSE (ScreenCraft Grand Prize Winner), A WILL TO LIVE, and WHAT PASSES FOR COMEDY.