1st Stage, Tysons’ award-winning professional theatre, has announced the extension of its critically acclaimed production of Kenneth Lonergan’s The Waverly Gallery.
Due to overwhelming audience demand and rave reviews, the show, which was originally scheduled to close this weekend, will now run through October 13.
With its blend of humor, heartbreak, and raw authenticity, The Waverly Gallery is sure to continue touching hearts during its extended run. Set in New York City in the late 1980s, The Waverly Gallery tells the story of Gladys, the elderly matriarch of the Green family, who has run an art gallery in a small Greenwich Village hotel for many years. The management wants to replace her less-than-thriving gallery with a coffee shop. Always irascible but now increasingly erratic, Gladys becomes a cause for concern to her family.
Kenneth Lonergan, known for his sensitive portrayals of family and emotional complexity (Manchester by the Sea, This Is Our Youth), paints a nuanced picture of intergenerational relationships, care, and loss. The production reunites director Alex Levy and Lonergan for the first time since 1st Stage’s production of Lobby Here, which the Wall Street Journal declared the nation’s best regional production of 2016.
For 1st Stage, this production has resonated strongly with local audiences. Critics and theatergoers alike have praised the ensemble cast for delivering heartfelt performances, particularly highlighting the sensitive portrayal of Gladys by veteran DMV actress Catherine Flye.
Artistic Director Alex Levy expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.
“The response to The Waverly Gallery has been extraordinary,” Levy said. “Kenneth Lonergan’s writing taps into universal truths about love, aging, and family. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring these themes to life on stage. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share this story with even more people.”
The decision to extend the show underscores 1st Stage’s commitment to producing high quality, intimate works that speak to contemporary issues. Lonergan’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated play, which debuted on Broadway in 2018, remains particularly poignant today, as more families confront the challenges of caring for aging loved ones.
For those who have not yet seen the production, the added performances offer another chance to witness what has been called one of the finest local theater experiences of the season.
The Waverly Gallery will now run through October 13 at 1st Stage Theater in Tysons, Virginia. Tickets are available through at 1ststage.org or by calling the box office 703-854-1856.
Don’t miss this chance to experience a modern classic brought to life by one of the area’s most exciting theater companies.
