Hal Linden and Marilu Henner are set to star in Ed. Weinberger’s new play, “The Journals of Adam and Eve,” which begins its Off-Broadway run at The Sheen Center’s Loreto Theater on July 10, with an official opening on July 11. The limited engagement will continue through July 28. This production follows the play’s world premiere at California’s Garry Marshall Theatre earlier this year, where Hal Linden starred alongside Sally Struthers. For the Off-Broadway run, Linden is joined by Marilu Henner.
Inspired by the Biblical characters and the works of John Milton and Mark Twain, “The Journals of Adam and Eve” offers a fresh perspective on the story of the first couple, allowing them to narrate their own tale in their own words for the first time. Ed. Weinberger, known for his extensive career in television writing, including co-creating “Taxi” and “The Cosby Show,” brings his comedic touch to this new work. Amy Anders Corcoran, known for her work on “The Little Mermaid” on the Disney Wish, directs the Off-Broadway production.
Weinberger expressed his long-standing fascination with the story of Adam and Eve, noting how they have been blamed for introducing Original Sin, pain in childbirth, and death into a previously perfect world. He highlighted how various cultures have used their story to justify male dominance over women. Weinberger felt it was time for Adam and Eve to defend themselves, but he faced challenges in adapting their story for the stage, particularly the issue of actors being naked on stage for two acts. He found inspiration in Mark Twain’s exploration of their humanity and aimed to present a similar approach in his play.
The play is structured similarly to A.R. Gurney’s “Love Letters,” with the script read by two actors from onstage scripts. This format allows the audience to focus on the dialogue and the characters’ emotional journey.
Tickets for “The Journals of Adam and Eve” are available at SheenCenter.org, with performances scheduled from Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7 pm, and matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 pm. Prices range from $39 to $99.
Marilu Henner, known for her roles in “Taxi” and “Evening Shade,” brings her extensive experience in theater, film, and television to the production. She has starred in seven Broadway shows, including “Chicago,” “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife,” and “Grease!” Henner has also appeared in 79 films, including 31 for Hallmark, and has received five Golden Globe nominations. She is a New York Times best-selling author of 10 books on health, parenting, memory, and lifestyle improvement. Henner has hosted and executive produced two syndicated talk shows and has been a keynote speaker for various organizations. She recently starred in the Bucks County Playhouse production of “Noises Off!” and will reprise her role in the Off-Broadway comedy “Madwomen of the West” in London later this summer.
Hal Linden, best known for his iconic portrayal of police precinct captain Barney Miller in the hit series “Barney Miller,” has had a career spanning over 65 years. He made his Broadway debut in 1957 in “Bells Are Ringing” and has since starred in more than 20 Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including “Picasso at the Lapin Agile,” “The Scottsboro Boys,” “Tuesdays with Morrie,” “On Golden Pond,” “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” and “The Rothschilds,” for which he received a Tony Award. Linden’s film credits include “When You Comin’ Back Red Ryder,” “Out to Sea” with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon, and “The Samuel Project.” His most recent feature film was “You People” in 2023.
“The Journals of Adam and Eve” offers a unique opportunity to see these two stage and screen legends up close and personal. The play promises a mix of humor and heartfelt moments as it explores the world’s first love story from Eden to exile, from their first date to their twilight years, and from bachelor and bachelorette to becoming the world’s first parents.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this special summer run at The Sheen Center. The combination of Ed. Weinberger’s witty writing, Amy Anders Corcoran’s direction, and the stellar performances by Hal Linden and Marilu Henner is sure to make “The Journals of Adam and Eve” a memorable theatrical event.
Source: Playbill, Broadway World, Flat Rock Playhouse
