#invited if i’m not leaving a show just a little bit haunted, then what’s it all for? @The Public Theater
this production of girl, interrupted has beautiful music, an absurdly stacked cast, and the quiet, sort of weird community that forms during your worst moments.
🎭 show mentioned: Girl, Interrupted
📍location: The Public Theater • 425 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
about the show:
Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Martyna Majok brings GIRL, INTERRUPTED to The Public for its stirring world premiere. Based on Susanna Kaysen’s bestselling memoir, this empowering new theatrical production features original music by two-time Grammy Award winner Aimee Mann, choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, and direction by Tony Award nominee Jo Bonney.
When Susanna admits herself to a psychiatric hospital, following a 15-minute session with a doctor she’d never met, she forms unexpected bonds with the young women inside as they search for connection and a way forward. Raw and unapologetic, this new play with music reveals that the people who witness our darkest moments are often those who truly see us.
The complete cast of GIRL, INTERRUPTED includes Leela Bassuk (Understudy), Ta’Rea Campbell (Valerie), Gabi Campo (Tori), Juliana Canfield (Susanna), Eileen Doan (Understudy), Manoel Felciano (Man/Musician), King Princess (Lisa), Gunnar Manchester (Understudy), Mia Pak (Grace), Katherine Reis (Daisy), Anna Roman (Understudy), Sally Shaw (Polly), Emily Skinner (Dr. Wick), Rachel Stern (Understudy), and Lauren Jeanne Thomas (Judy/Musician).
GIRL, INTERRUPTED features scenic design by dots, costume design by Sarah Laux, lighting design by Heather Gilbert, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier, hair, wig, and makeup design by J. Jared Janas, and prop management by Claire M. Kavanah. Todd Almond provides orchestrations for production and serves as the music supervisor. Andrea Grody is the music director. Patrick Mulryan is the dialect coach. Deborah Lapidus is the vocal coach. Sarah Lunnie is the production’s dramaturg. Molly Meg Legal is the production stage manager. Michael Medina and Tiffanie Lane is the stage managers.
Having attended the performance of 'Girl, Interrupted' at The Public Theater, I was struck by the profound emotional depth and raw vulnerability presented on stage. The play, enriched by intricate original compositions, manages to capture the fragile, often painful process of seeking connection amidst mental health struggles. What truly resonated with me was how the production depicted the formation of an unexpected community within the psychiatric hospital, reflecting both isolation and solidarity. The live music elements added a layer of tenderness and emotional complexity that elevated the storytelling beyond traditional theater expectations. The lyricism and arrangements by Aimee Mann infused moments of hope, despair, and humor, making the experience immersive and deeply human. Watching the cast embody characters finding their identities and coping mechanisms felt incredibly authentic and relatable. Additionally, the choreography by Sonya Tayeh brought a dynamic physicality to the narratives of vulnerability and healing. This interplay of movement, sound, and narrative creates an atmosphere where the audience is invited to feel the characters' struggles and triumphs intimately. Reflecting on the themes, I appreciated how the play addresses broader issues, such as patriarchy and societal pressures, that often exacerbate mental health challenges. It also highlights the isolation experienced by creative minds dealing with internal battles, a perspective not frequently portrayed with such nuance. If you are drawn to theater pieces that blend music and storytelling to tackle tough, often stigmatized topics, 'Girl, Interrupted' is an exceptional choice. The production not only entertains but also enlightens, fostering empathy and understanding. It left me haunted—not in a disturbing way, but in a resonant, contemplative manner that extends beyond the theater. For anyone interested in the intersection of art, mental health, and human connection, this play is a meaningful experience worth catching while it runs.
