ROUNDABOUT BLOG

Dear Theatregoer,

If you had told me ten years ago that Roundabout would be at the forefront of producing new American plays, I never would have believed you. I started our Roundabout Underground program back in 2007 because I saw a need to support playwrights early on, giving them a space to launch their careers. What I didn’t realize at the time was how incredible it would be to watch these young artists blossom into some of the most outstanding writers working in the theatre today.

Last season, we had the remarkable experience of taking on The Humans, our third collaboration with Stephen Karam, whose debut play Speech & Debate opened the Underground. Not only was The Humans met with an incredible response in our own Laura Pels Theatre, but it then transferred to Broadway, becoming a Pulitzer Prize finalist and winning the Tony Award^® for Best Play. I can’t tell you how thrilling it has been to witness the impact Stephen is having on the American theatre after debuting at Roundabout.

The company of THE HUMANS

And Stephen isn’t alone in his success. Joshua Harmon, who you first met here with Bad Jews, will make his Broadway debut this spring with the transfer of Significant Other, another play first seen at the Pels.

I’m so proud that, in supporting young voices that we believe in, Roundabout is able to bring you such incredible new work. In 2017, we will continue this commitment with two more plays. In the winter, you can see Steven Levenson’s bold family drama If I Forget. Steven is currently making his Broadway debut as a writer of the acclaimed new musical Dear Evan Hansen. In the spring, join us for the world premiere of Napoli, Brooklyn, Meghan Kennedy’s moving and vibrant tale of an Italian family in 1960s New York.

Like Stephen and Josh before them, both Meghan and Steve made their debuts with Roundabout Underground, and I am thrilled to continue showcasing their work. Don’t miss out on seeing the next great plays to hit New York before anyone else.

Sincerely,

Todd Haimes

Artistic Director/CEO