Arlene Hutton's Blood of the Lamb opened its New York premiere Off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters September 23, and the reviews are in. Performances will continue through October 20 with Margot Bordelon at the helm.
Inspired by the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade, the thriller is set in a Dallas airport, where a pregnant woman, Nessa, finds herself detained and up against an unexpected adversary: a court-appointed attorney assigned to represent Nessa's unborn child. Starring as Val is Kelly McAndrew, stepping in for the previously announced Johanna Day, who was forced to depart the production due to an injury. Meredith Garretson co-stars as Nessa. Casting is by Benton Whitley and Micah Johnson-Levy.
Read the reviews below.
New York Magazine/Vulture (Sara Holdren)*
New York Stage Review (Steven Suskin)
*This review may require creating a free account or a paid subscription.
Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.
Initially commissioned and workshopped at California's B Street Theatre, the work has since had readings at New Jersey Repertory Company and The Barrow Group in New York City. Press notes share that dystopian, hypothetical laws initially dreamed up by Hutton for her play have since become reality.
The production features scenic design by Andrew Boyce, costume design by Sarita Fellows, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, and sound design by UptownWorks. Hethyr (Red) Verhoef is the production stage manager, with Mott/Fischer Productions serving as general manager.
Occasional Drawl Productions' Brian Letchworth and Christa Scott-Reed are producing in association with Harbor Stage Company.
Tickets are on sale at 59E59.org.