The New York Theatre Workshop Production of Claudia Shear's Dirty Blonde begins previews at the Helen Hayes Theatre on April 14 and will open May 1, just two days ahead of the May 3 opening deadline for Tony eligibility. The successful Broadway move highlights a week where show closing reports had peppered the theatre community.
The original cast of the New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) production of Dirty Blonde transfers intact to the Helen Hayes Theatre.Dirty Blonde featured Kevin Chamberlin, playwright Shear and Bob Stillman.
Earlier this season, the play marked Shear's return to NYTW, where she triumphed in 1993 with her one woman "tour de résumé" Blown Sideways, a 64-job search for employment. That piece earned her an Obie Award and a Drama Desk Award nomination.
The recent NYTW production of Dirty Blonde was helmed by James Lapine who conceived the show with playwright Shear. The story involves two single New Yorkers who meet at Mae West's grave site. The play then goes on to trace the couple's changing relationship while simultaneously tracking West's career.
The NYTW production of Claudia Shear's Dirty Blonde had a busy preview period and full houses beginning with its Jan. 10 opening. Originally scheduled to close Feb. 6, the show was extended to Feb. 13, when it closed to make way for the next production at NYTW, the Christopher Ashley-directed production of playwright Jean Marie Besset's What You Get and What You Expect. Tickets range from $55-$60. The Helen Hayes Theatre is located at 240 West 44th Street. For tickets call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200 or (800) 432-7250.
