Ralph Fiennes to star in ‘Straight Line Crazy’

David Hare's play follows the public official, Robert Moses.

Ralph Fiennes will star in the US premiere of David Hare's Straight Line Crazy later this year. Straight Line Crazy begins preview performances at The Shed's Griffin Theater on October 18, ahead of an opening night on October 26 and performances to December 18.

Straight Line Crazy follows Robert Moses, a public official who, over the course of 40 years, transformed the New York City skyline. During his tenure, he created new parks, bridges, and 627 miles of expressway. At the same time, Moses faced a growing number of opponents. The play presents Moses's controversial career during the 1920s and the 1950s.

Straight Line Crazy premiered at the Bridge Theatre in London in spring 2022. Ralph Fiennes will reprise the role of Robert Moses for New York performances. Straight Line Crazy marks Fiennes's first New York show in over a decade, previously starring in Faith Healer.

"When I first read Straight Line Crazy, I was compelled by its provocation, humor, and of course by the portrayal of Robert Moses. It seemed its natural home was NYC and now — thanks to The Shed — the play can be seen there. I'm excited. It's a New York play — that's simply what it is," said Ralph Fiennes.

The Straight Line Crazy cast includes David Bromley, Alana Maria, Guy Paul, Judith Roddy, Helen Schlesinger, Mary Stillwaggon Stewart, and Danny Webb, with further casting to be announced.

Nicholas Hytner and Jamie Armitage direct David Hare's Straight Line Crazy. The show features set and costume design by Bob Crowley, lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and sound design by George Dennis.

Straight Line Crazy is at The Shed.

Photo credit: Ralph Fiennes in Straight Line Crazy (Photo by Manuel Harlan)