Kron, the actress-playwright known for her solo show 2.5 Minute Ride (bout her father) includes other actors and characters in her latest work (which is about her mother), the world premiere staging of which opened March 28 at Martinson Hall within Off-Broadway's Public Theater.
Beginning April 20, the start of the extension, tickets are $55. Considering the show has minimal scenic issues (it's not a special-effects play) and a economic cast of six, one can't help but wonder if there is a larger commercial life in the play. The New York Times, Newsday and Associated Press embraced the work as a moving, highly-theatrical, funny and self-conscious character study.
In a piece that monologuist Kron admits is bursting with "meta-theatre" elements — with consistent fourth-wall breaking moments — the added cast of characters threaten to dismantle her storytelling experience altogether.
Previews began at The Public March 16; the work has been in development around the country for several years.
Directed by Leigh Silverman, the intermissionless Well explores "the dynamics of health, family and community with the story of her mother's extraordinary ability to heal a changing neighborhood, despite her inability to heal herself." In this "solo show with other people in it, Kron asks the provocative question: Are we responsible for our own illnesses? But the answers she gets are much more complicated than she bargained for when the play spins dangerously out of control into riotously funny and unexpected territory." The cast includes Kenajuan Bentley, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Jayne Houdyshell (playing her mother, Ann), Lisa Kron (playing a version of herself), Joel Van Liew and Welker White.
Designers include set designer Allen Moyer (recreating a section of the Kron family household in Lansing, Michigan), costume designer Miranda Hoffman, lighting designer Christopher Akerlind and sound designer Jill BC DuBoff.
The Public Theater is located in Manhattan at 425 Lafayette Street. Tickets are available at the theatre's box office or by calling (212) 239-6200. For more information, visit the Public Theater at www.publictheater.org.
