The Balusters is a comedy play written by David Lindsay-Abaire and originally produced at Manhattan Theatre Club. It opened on Broadway in March 2026 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, and closed in June 2026. It received 5 Tony Award nominations, including Best Play.
Plot synopsis When a newcomer to the Vernon Point Neighborhood Association suggests installing a stop sign on a picturesque block, chaos ensues.
Production history The Balusters was commissioned by Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) through the Bank of America New Play Program and is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. It was written by American playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. Lindsay-Abaire has a long history of collaboration with MTC going back to 1999, writing and producing plays such as Rabbit Hole, Ripcord, Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo, and Wonder of the World.
Preview performances of The Balusters began at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on March 31, 2026, with an official opening night on April 21. It is directed by Kenny Leon. The run was extended an additional two weeks, through June 21, 2026.
The set was designed by Derek McLane, costumes were designed by Emilio Sosa, and the sound designer was Dan Moses Schreier. Allen Lee Hughes was the lighting designer. J. Jared Janas designed the hair, wigs, and makeup.
Critical reception The Balusters was a NYT Critic's Pick. It earned five Tony Award nominations: Best Play, Best Costume Design of a Play (Emilio Sosa), Best Direction of a Play (Kenny Leon), Best Featured Actress (Marylouise Burke), and Best Featured Actor (Richard Thomas).
Cast and characters CharacterBroadway2026Penny BewellMarylouise BurkeBrooks DuncanCarl Clemons-HopkinsRuth AckermanMargaret ColinKyra MarshallAnika Noni RoseEliott EmersonRichard ThomasWillow GibbonsKayli CarterIsaac RosarioRicardo ChaviraAlan KirbyMichael EsperLuz BaccayMaria-Christina OliverasMelissa HanJeena Yi
Awards and nominations 2026 Broadway production YearAwardCategoryWorkResultRef.2026Drama League AwardsOutstanding Production of a PlayDistinguished PerformanceMarylouise BurkeOuter Critics Circle AwardOutstanding New Broadway PlayDrama Desk AwardOutstanding PlayOutstanding Lead Performance in a PlayAnika Noni RoseOutstanding Featured Performance in a PlayMaria-Christina OliverasRichard ThomasOutstanding Direction of a PlayKenny LeonOutstanding Scenic Design of a PlayDerek McLaneOutstanding Costume Design of a PlayEmilio SosaOutstanding Fight ChoreographyThomas SchallTony AwardBest PlayBest Performance by a Featured Actress in a PlayMarylouise Burke Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a PlayRichard ThomasBest Direction of a PlayKenny Leon Best Costume Design of a PlayEmilio Sosa Dorian AwardOutstanding Broadway PlayOutstanding Featured Performance in a Broadway PlayMarylouise BurkeOutstanding Broadway EnsembleCompanyOutstanding Script of a Broadway PlayDavid Lindsay-Abaire
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