FINAL WEEKS – MUST CLOSE DECEMBER 17!
Philip Roth’s fearlessly filthy, funny and moving novel takes the stage in this new play from Ariel Levy and John Turturro.
When his secret life of debauchery comes to a heartbreaking end, disgraced puppet maker Mickey Sabbath plunges into increasingly mad and maddening encounters with people from his wild and wicked past. Part ghost story, part love story, Sabbath’s Theater unleashes Roth’s power to shock and amaze in this profound meditation on mortality and juicy celebration of life.
John Turturro takes on the title role of Mickey Sabbath. Elizabeth Marvel plays his mistress, the erotic free-spirit Drenka, and others. Jason Kravits plays Matijia, and others. Jo Bonney directs.
Published in 1995, Sabbath’s Theater, won that year’s National Book Award and was a finalist for the 1996 Pulitzer Prize.
What drew us to adapting the filthiest of Philip Roth’s novels? Its morality. Its tenderness. Its comic intensity. The deep exploration of our human frailties, our repulsiveness, our vulnerability, our grief, our contradictions and our capacity for love.
Ariel Levy and John Turturro
Please note, this production includes haze. This production contains nudity, sexual situations, strong and graphic language, and discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time, day or night, or chat online.
*Additional $37 mezzanine seats will be released approximately every two weeks. Subject to change.
COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS: The New Group is updating our public safety protocols in line with other cultural organizations in the city and in accordance with The Pershing Square Signature Center. We do not require masks for audiences attending productions in our 2023 – 2024 Season. Audience members are encouraged to take necessary precautions for their own health and safety, and the safety of other community members. The New Group will provide additional updates to these policies if they become necessary.
Keyart by Bashan Aquart. Keyart Photography by Serge Nivelle.
Sabbath’s Theater is produced by The New Group with Karen Brooks Hopkins.
Sabbath’s Theater was originally developed by New Jersey Performing Arts Center for Philip Roth Unbound: Illuminating A Literary Legacy (John Schreiber, President & CEO). Sabbath’s Theater was developed with the support of the National Theatre.
Sabbath’s Theater is made possible in part by the generous support of Salman & Vienn Al-Rashid. Support for Sabbath’s Theater is provided by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, Richard Pechter, and David Smart Stone, Smart Family Foundation of New York.
Open Caption service is provided in part by a grant from NYSCA/TDF TAP Plus. Captioning by C2.
Generous support for The New Group is provided by The Shubert Foundation and The Howard Gilman Foundation. The New Group’s productions are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. The New Group’s productions are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.
