“Little Bear Ridge Road,” the highly acclaimed small-cast play by Samuel D. Hunter, explores themes of loneliness, compassion, and the quest for connection between an aunt and her nephew set against the backdrop of rural Idaho. This poignant production is set to grace Broadway this fall, featuring notable performances by Laurie Metcalf and Micah Stock. The play will be directed by Joe Mantello, renowned for his work on “Wicked,” and will mark the significant return of producer Scott Rudin to the Broadway stage.
Rudin, who had paused his producing activities in 2021 amidst allegations of bullying behavior towards assistants, is collaborating with Barry Diller, the billionaire media mogul known for his consistent support of Rudin’s productions. Together, they will bring this compelling narrative to life at the Booth Theater, with previews starting on October 7 and the official opening scheduled for October 30. The play is set for an 18-week limited run.
Samuel D. Hunter, acclaimed for his previous work on “The Whale,” which was adapted into a feature film in 2022, often draws inspiration from his upbringing in Idaho. His plays frequently depict socially isolated, working-class characters, and “Little Bear Ridge Road” is no exception. This production marks Hunter’s Broadway debut, a significant milestone in his career.
In a recent telephone interview, Hunter shared insights into his creative process, stating, “My initial impulse for writing the play — which I told to Joe and Laurie, and I credit them that they still had faith in me after I said this — is that I wanted to write a play about people watching television.” He elaborated that while the initial concept revolved around television, the narrative evolved into a profound exploration of the relationship between an aunt and her nephew, who are forced to confront their painful history while hunkering down together during the pandemic. The play delves into their struggles as they seek to navigate a path forward in a complex and challenging reality.
As excitement builds for this powerful production, audiences can look forward to a rich exploration of human connection, expertly crafted by one of today’s leading playwrights. Be sure to mark your calendars for the preview dates and the official opening of “Little Bear Ridge Road” on Broadway!
