Theater News

Gloria Steinem Play Gloria: A Life Extends Off-Broadway

Diane Paulus directs Christine Lahti and more in Emily Mann’s new play.

A scene from Gloria: A Life.
A scene from Gloria: A Life, now extended through March 31 at the Daryl Roth Theatre.
(© Joan Marcus)

The world premiere of Gloria: A Life, the new play about groundbreaking activist and icon Gloria Steinem, has now been extended through March 31, 2019. Presented by Tony Award-winning producer Daryl Roth (Kinky Boots), the production opened October 18 at the Daryl Roth Theatre on Union Square.

Academy Award winner Christine Lahti takes on the title role in the play. Written by Emily Mann and directed by Diane Paulus, the production also features DeLanna Studi as Wilma Mankiller and others, Patrena Murray as Florynce Kennedy and others, Joanna Glushak as Bella Abzug and others, with other roles to be played by Liz Wisan, Francesca Fernandez McKenzie, Fedna Jacquet, and Brittany K. Allen. The production has scenic design by Amy Rubin, costume design by Jessica Jahn, lighting design by Jeanette Yew, sound design by Robert Kaplowitz and Andrea Allmond, and projection design by Elaine J. McCarthy.

Gloria: A Life weaves together personal and history-changing moments of the past 50 years, from consciousness among a few women, to the majority tipping point of national and global consciousness that we are now witnessing. Starting with Gloria's early adventures as a rare female reporter, the revelations of the play include stories of the people who inspired her and led her to inspire others. Act 1 focuses on her personal life and activism, and Act 2 is a Talking Circle in which the audience will be invited to carry the themes of the play into a conversation of their own.