The Humans officially announces Broadway closing date

Although we have known for a while that the Broadway premiere of Come From Away will begin previews at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 18 February 2017, producers of the four-time Tony Award-winning production of Stephen Karam's play The Humans, directed by Joe Mantello, have now officially announced a Broadway closing date. As expected, the production will play its final performance at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 15 January 2017.

Producers have also announced that a National Tour will begin in November 2017.

The Broadway staging of The Humans officially opened to excellent reviews at the Helen Hayes Theatre on 18 February 2016, following previews on 23 January 2016, before transferring to the larger Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 9 August 2016.

Previously, the NY premiere of The Humans began played off-Broadway at the Laura Pels Theatre from 25 October 2015 through to 3 January 2016.

Synopsis: "The angst, anguish and amity of the American middle class are first coaxed - then shoved - into the light in this uproarious, hopeful, and heart-breaking play that takes place over the course of a family dinner on Thanksgiving. Breaking with tradition, Erik Blake has brought his Pennsylvania family to celebrate and give thanks at his daughter's apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside the ramshackle pre-war duplex, and eerie things start to go bump in the night, the Blake clan's deepest fears and greatest follies are laid bare. Our modern age of anxiety is keenly observed, with humor and compassion, in this new American classic."

The complete cast of The Humans includes Cassie Beck (Aimee), Tony winner Reed Birney (Erik), Tony winner Jayne Houdyshell (Deirdre), Lauren Klein (Fiona 'Momo' Blake), Arian Moayed (Richard), and Sarah Steele (Brigid).

The Humans features scenic design by David Zinn, costume design by Sarah Laux, lighting design by Justin Townsend, and sound design by Fitz Patton. It will be produced on Broadway by Scott Rudin and Barry Diller, alongside the Roundabout Theatre Company.

This marks playwright and Pulitzer Prize finalist Stephen Karam's second commission by The Roundabout Theatre Company, as part of their New Play Initiative. His first commission came in the form of his 2011 offering 'Sons of the Prophet'. His 2007 play 'Speech & Debate' also featured as the inaugural production of the Roundabout Underground program. This Broadway production marks Karam's Broadway debut.

The Humans picked up a total of four Tony Awards at this year's ceremony, including Best Play, Best Featured Actress in a Play (Jayne Houdyshell), Best Featured Actor in a Play (Reed Birney), and Best Scenic Design of a Play (David Zinn).

- by Tom Millward