Pulitzer Prize winner Lapine (Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods) will also direct the production in the MAX Theatre. Additional casting and creative team members will be announced at a later time.
Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing is based on the real-life story of Elva Miller, who gained notoriety as an unlikely pop phenomenon in the 1960s for her renditions of “Downtown,” “Monday, Monday,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” and more.
"I am beyond thrilled to be working with Debra Monk and Boyd Gaines on my play Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing,” said director and playwright Lapine in a statement. “This is a show that touches on a period of time (the late 1960's) that we three lived through. Their roles will offer these extraordinary actors an opportunity to demonstrate the full range of their gifts as well as bring their own personal experiences to their performances."
“I’ve always been a big fan of James Lapine, and when he received the 2015 Stephen Sondheim Award, we spoke about his upcoming projects and coming to Signature,” added Signature Theatre artistic director Eric Schaeffer, “so I am thrilled that we are producing the world premiere of his newest work Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing. With Debra Monk starring along with Boyd Gaines, this new comedy promises to be a wonderful evening of theater.”
Monk and Gaines will star as Mrs. and Mr. Miller. They last appeared together in the 1995 Roundabout Theatre revival of Company.
Monk is a five-time Tony Award nominee and winner for her performance in Lanford Wilson’s play Redwood Curtain.
Gaines won the Tony Award for his performances in The Heidi Chronicles, She Loves Me, Contact, and Gypsy.
Listen to the real Mrs. Miller below:
