Brief Encounter is a unique and highly theatrical piece of work that, while culling material from several sources, can always be traced back to the singular mind of Noel Coward. In 1936, Coward decided to write several one-act plays that he could perform with his good friend Gertrude Lawrence, which were put together for an evening of theatre entitled Tonight at 8:30. Among these short plays was Still Life, a piece taking place in a rail station that followed the story of Laura, a mother, and Alec, a doctor, whose casual first encounter leads to an unexpected romance that, for these two already-married characters, would bring passion and unhappiness in equal parts. In 1944, director David Lean wanted to put the play on screen, so Coward expanded the story into a full screenplay, which became the beloved film Brief Encounter. Decades later, director Emma Rice and her Kneehigh Theatre decided to bring the story of Laura and Alec back to the stage. Emma has crafted a script that pulls from Coward’s play and screenplay, as well as his amazing treasure trove of songs and poems. This new creation manages to be both utterly true to the spirit of Coward and constantly surprising in its wildly imaginative way of presenting this love story.  
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Roundabout has a great history with the work of George Bernard Shaw, most recently with Pygmalion and Heartbreak House, but also reaching back to Arms and the Man, Major Barbara, and more. It has been my experience that each production of a Shaw play reveals as much about the society that he depicts as it does about the society from which it is now being viewed. The characters he puts on stage and the questions posed by his work force us to closely examine our own attitudes towards a variety of subjects – and in the case of Mrs. Warren’s Profession, we find ourselves examining an essential issue for society: Morality. Continue Reading this article

We’re thrilled to announce that Board Member Larry Kaplen has once again presented us with an amazing challenge opportunity. To share the announcement with our subscribers, here are a few words from Larry:

“As a board member, I understand how important you are to Roundabout. Your involvement enables the theatre to produce outstanding plays, run groundbreaking programs like Roundabout Underground, and keep subscription prices affordable.

Right now, Roundabout very much needs our help to continue this important work. In light of this, I am offering a challenge: I will match any new gift made to Roundabout before August 31st, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000.

I have increased my giving this year and ask you to do the same. Make me contribute my money by contributing yours. Please give soon and you can double your impact on the programs here at Roundabout.

 I hope you’ll take a moment now to contribute online or call us at 212-719-9393 x324 to make your gift over the phone.

Thank you very much. Enjoy the summer!”

We hope you’ll join us by contributing to the Kaplen Challenge. For more information about membership in our Patron Programs, visit our website, or click here to make a donation today!