April 23 – May 19, 2024

The Lehman Trilogy

by Stefano Massini, Adapted by Ben Power

Show Info

2022 TONY AWARD FOR BEST PLAY

 

“A dazzling piece of storytelling” Time Out

“A masterwork…A must see.” The Telegraph

“You dare not miss it” New York Post

 

On a cold September morning in 1844, Heyam, a young man from Bavaria stands on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is soon joined by Mendel and Mayer, and the Lehman brothers’ journey begins.

The growth of global capitalism exposes the fault lines of the American dream. The Lehman brothers rise from shopkeepers to bankers, from obscurity to prominence, navigating the Civil War, the Great Depression, and generations of ethical dilemmas.

It is an epic journey, an epic play, and a theatrical tour de force.

Why I Chose This Play

There is nothing more exciting than reading a play and knowing instantly that it has to be seen on our stage!  That was my experience with The Lehman Trilogy. I couldn’t put the script down.  In literary terms—it’s a “page-turner.” In theatrical terms—it is a stunning high-wire act. Three exceptional actors play three brothers and three generations of the Lehman dynasty. It’s a wild ride: from a tiny store in Alabama to a Wall Street juggernaut—from small-town enterprise to full-on moral corruption. Michael Shamata

Audience Advisories & Extras

Running time: 3 hours & 30 minutes, including two 15-minute intermissions

For the run of The Lehman Trilogy, we’ve partnered with our friends at Mesa Familiar to provide a light sandwich option (in addition to our regular concession fare). Pre-order your sandwich online and it will be waiting for you when you arrive for the show!

The Lehman Trilogy is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

This production is supported in part by a generous gift from John and Suzanne Stewart.

The Lehman Trilogy is generously sponsored by

 

 

 

 

 

Cast & Artists

    • Brian Markinson
    • Henry Lehman
    • Celine Stubel
    • Mayer Lehman
    • Nigel Shawn Williams
    • Emanuel Lehman
    • Michael Shamata
    • Director
    • Shawn Kerwin
    • Set & Costume Designer
    • Leigh Ann Vardy
    • Lighting Designer
    • Tobin Stokes
    • Composer & Sound Designer
    • Treena Stubel
    • Assistant Director
    • Jennifer Swan
    • Stage Manager
    • Meghan Froebelius
    • Assistant Stage Manager
    • Adrienne Smook
    • Dialect Coach

The Lehman Brothers and the American Dream

We view The Lehman Trilogy as an exploration of the American Dream, and ultimately a critique of American capitalism. Lehman Brothers’ demise in 2008 is seen as the climax of that progress—the dramatic end of one of Wall Street’s most venerable institutions.  It is therefore valuable to examine this journey which is so emblematic of the evolution of consumerism, capitalism, and the American way of life.

The play is the story of three generations of this family, beginning with their arrival as immigrants to America. We follow their evolution from shopkeepers in Alabama to leaders of an international financial juggernaut.

It is also excellent theatre. Come and see it!

THE SCOPE
While the script is epic in scope, it is not a history – it is a work of fiction. it does not encompass absolutely everything about the history of American Capitalism. The script of The Lehman Trilogy does not overtly condemn slavery, nor does it mention that, for a time, the brothers were Southern slave owners.  Undoubtedly, slavery – its profits and its horrors – form an integral part of American capitalism. But like the world wars, slavery, and Indigenous genocide, significant events and systems are elided in this play for dramaturgical impact and efficiency.

THE CASTING
Casting across race, religion, and gender highlights the universal seductiveness of both the American Dream and capitalism. In addition, given that the production’s three actors are playing multiple characters—crossing genders, cultures, and ethnicities—why should the casting not do the same?

INTERPRETATIONS
There have been various readings, and significant praise and some critiques of various past productions of The Lehman Trilogy. There are some who see the script, notably one Guardian opinion piece, as antisemitic since the Lehmans are both capitalist and Jewish. Other writers do not identify the script or the various productions as such. We appreciate that art is subjective and therefore there will be differing interpretations. There can be no definitive interpretation and no single truth. Every theatre that produces this play will have its own unique perspective, emphasizing and highlighting particular elements. We encourage you to see the Belfry production and form your own opinion.