'The Best We Could' Opens Tomorrow at MTC

Manhattan Theatre Club’s
The Best We Could
(a family tragedy)
Opens Tomorrow



World Premiere by Emily Feldman
Directed by Daniel Aukin

At MTC at New York City Center – Stage I

Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director and Barry Grove, Executive Producer)’s world premiere The Best We Could (a family tragedy), written by Emily Feldman (Three Women in Four Chairs, My Lover Joan) and directed by Daniel Aukin (Fool For Love, Fulfillment Center), opens tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 1, at New York City Center – Stage I (131 West 55th Street).

The cast of The Best We Could (a family tragedy) features Aya Cash (“The Boys,” “Welcome to Flatch,” Kings at The Public Theater), Brian D. Coats (August Wilson’s Jitney at MTC / U.S. Tour, On The Levee), Maureen Sebastian (Lonely I’m Not, Thanks for Sharing), Constance Shulman (three-time SAG Award Winner for Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series for “Orange is the New Black”), and Tony Award® winner Frank Wood (Side Man, The Great Society).

A daughter’s road trip with her father becomes a theatrical journey across more than just state lines. This funny, wise, and heartbreaking debut from an exciting new writer is brought to vibrant life by director Daniel Aukin, whom MTC audiences will remember from Fool for Love and Fulfillment Center.

The production’s creative team includes Lael Jellinek (scenic design), Anita Yavich (costume design), Matt Frey (lighting design), Kate Marvin (sound design), Kelly Gillespie (casting), and lark hackshaw (production stage manager).

The Best We Could (a family tragedy) is supported by an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. The production was previously scheduled for the 2019-2020 season, when Feldman was MTC’s 2019-20 Tow Playwright-in-Residence, and delayed due to the COVID shutdown.

Manhattan Theatre Club is pleased to offer audiences and the general public free Beyond the Stage content, which is designed to enrich audiences’ experience with The Best We Could (a family tragedy) and to allow those not able to see the production a way to connect with the show. On Wednesday, March 8, please join us for a Women and Femmes Affinity Night Performance with a special post-show talkback with Monet Hurst-Mendoza, Sade Lythcott and Maureen Sebastian, to mark International Women's Day. The moderator will be MTC Artistic Producer Nicki Hunter. Information about this event, as well as a podcast episode featuring a discussion between director Daniel Aukin and playwright Emily Feldman and a playlist inspired by the show and curated by Feldman, can be found on MTC’s website at https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/who-we-are/about-mtc/bts-off-broadway/

The 2022-23 season marks Lynne Meadow’s 50th Anniversary as Artistic Director of Manhattan Theatre Club. Meadow was joined by Executive Producer Barry Grove in her third season, and together they have helmed MTC for 48 years. MTC’s mission, which Meadow created in 1972 and has implemented since, is to develop and present new work in a dynamic, supportive environment; to identify and collaborate with the most exciting new as well as accomplished artists; and to produce a diverse repertoire of innovative, entertaining, and thought-provoking plays and musicals by American and international playwrights. Since 1989, MTC Education, which uses the power of live theatre and playwriting to awaken minds, ignite imaginations, open hearts, and change lives, has also been an important part of our work.

Over five decades, MTC has grown from a small off-off-Broadway showcase into one of the country’s most prestigious and award-winning theatre companies, creating approximately 600 world, American, New York and Broadway premieres. Our productions have earned 7 Pulitzer Prizes, 28 Tony Awards, 50 Drama Desk Awards and 49 Obie Awards amongst many other honors. Our Broadway home is the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) and our two Off-Broadway theatres are at New York City Center (131 West 55th Street). MTC is an anti-racist organization that respects and honors all voices, and upholds the values of community and equity.

TICKETING INFORMATION
Tickets for The Best We Could (a family tragedy) can be purchased online at www.nycitycenter.org, by calling 212-581-1212, or by visiting the New York City Center box office (131 West 55th Street).

MTC SUBSCRIPTIONS AND PATRON MEMBERSHIPS
To join MTC’s season of plays as a Subscriber or a Patron, call the MTC Clubline at 212-399-3050 or go to www.manhattantheatreclub.com.

To sign up for MTC’s “30 Under 35” program, offering $30 tickets for theatregoers age 35 and under, visit www.manhattantheatreclub.com/30under35/.

MASKING POLICY
Through the run of The Best We Could (a family tragedy), masks are required for all audience members attending performances on Tuesday evenings and Sunday matinees. For all other performances, masks are not required, but strongly encouraged.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
· WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27 – Tuesday and Thursday at 7PM; Friday and Saturday at 8PM; Matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2PM.
· WEEK OF MARCH 6 – Tuesday and Wednesday at 7PM; Thursday-Saturday at 8PM; Matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2PM.
· WEEK OF MARCH 13 – Tuesday and Wednesday at 7PM; Thursday-Saturday at 8PM; Matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2PM, and an Education Matinee on Wednesday at 1PM.
· WEEK OF MARCH 20 – Tuesday-Thursday at 7PM; Friday and Saturday at 8PM; Matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2PM.