Patricia Kalember

Patricia Kalember debuts as Gloria Steinem in Gloria: A Life

The world premiere of Gloria: A Life continues its off-Broadway run at the Daryl Roth Theatre through to March 31, 2019.

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Stage and screen favorite Patricia Kalember takes over the leading role of Gloria Steinem in the world premiere of Gloria: A Life at off-Broadway's Daryl Roth Theatre tonight, as previously announced. Oscar, Emmy & Golden Globe winner Christine Lahti played her final performance in the role on January 27.

Patricia Kalember is perhaps best known for her television roles on shows such as "Sisters," "thirtysomething," "Kay O'Brien," "Power," "The Tick," "Orange is the New Black," and "Madam Secretary." Her film credits include "Limitless," "Rabbit Hole," "Signs," and "Jacob's Ladder." She has previously appeared on the Broadway stage in Don't Dress for Dinner (2012), Losing Louie (2006), and The Nerd (1987), and on the off-Broadway stage in The ForeignerSea of TranquilityY2KFrom AboveThe Vagina Monologues, and Loose Knit, among others.

The cast of Gloria: A Life also includes DeLanna Studi (as Wilma Mankiller and others), Patrena Murray (as Florynce Kennedy and others), Joanna Glushak (as Bella Abzug and others), with Liz WisanFrancesca Fernandez McKenzieFedna Jacquet, and Brittany K. Allen.

Written by Tony Award nominee Emily Mann and directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus, Gloria: A Life began previews off-Broadway on October 2, 2018, officially opened on October 18, and is booking through to March 31, 2019.

Synopsis: "Gloria: A Life weaves together personal and history-changing moments of the past fifty years, from consciousness among a few women, to the majority tipping point of national and global consciousness that we are now witnessing. Starting with Gloria's early adventures as a rare female reporter, the revelations of the play include stories of the people who inspired her and led her to inspire others."

The production is split into two parts, with Act I telling the story of Gloria Steinem's life and Act II taking the form of a "Talking Circle" where audience members are encouraged to further explore the themes of the play in an interactive discussion.

Gloria: A Life is proud to feature an all-female creative and producing team, with scenic design by Amy Rubin, costume design by Jessica Jahn, lighting design by Jeanette Yew, sound design by Rob Kaplowitz and Andrea Allmond, and projection design by Elaine J. McCarthy. The play is produced off-Broadway by Daryl Roth, Jenna Segal, Elizabeth Armstrong, Sally Horchow, Janet Kagen and Margie Weingarten, and Alix L.L. Ritchie.

(Photo courtesy of The Press Room NYC​)

Originally published on

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