Academy Award and Emmy Award winner Steven Soderbergh (sex, lies, and videotape, Traffic, Erin Brockovich) will make his New York City theatrical producing debut with the World Premiere of The Fears.
The Fears is a new play by Emma Sheanshang (Every Girl Gets Her Man, Greetings from Tim Buckley). Dan Algrant (“Sex and the City,” People I Know) is set to direct with Five-time Tony Award winner John N. Hart Jr. (Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Once, The Band’s Visit) serving as Executive Producer.
The production will begin performances on April 25, 2023 and open May 18, 2023 Off-Broadway at The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street) for a limited engagement. Casting will be announced in coming weeks.
“I’d never entertained the idea of producing a play until I read Emma Sheanshang’s The Fears,” said Soderbergh. “Her unique voice and specific blend of character, emotion, and story left me feeling ‘PEOPLE SHOULD REALLY SEE THIS,’ and so the adventure begins now.”
Every week at a Buddhist center in New York City, a diverse group of fractured souls share a commitment to eccentric yet restorative teachings providing solace from their personal turmoil. When their newest member shows up without knowing the rules, it sets off heated confrontations and deep meditations on how finding peace in a city of millions can be insanely hilarious.
Scenic design is by Jo Winiarski (HYPROV, Accidentally Brave). Costume design is by David C. Robinson (The Equalizer, The Perks of Being a Wallflower). Lighting design is by Tony Award winner Jeff Croiter (Peter and the Starcatcher, Cost of Living). Sound design is by Jane Shaw (I Was Most Alive With You, Men on Boats).
Performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 8:00 pm, with matinees Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm.
