The Balusters

The Balusters
Original Broadway cast, writer, and director
Original languageEnglish
Written byDavid Lindsay-Abaire
GenreComedy
Premiere
Date2026
PlaceNew York City

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.

Set of the 2026 Broadway production of the Balusters at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

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

Character Broadway
2026
Penny Bewell Marylouise Burke
Brooks Duncan Carl Clemons-Hopkins
Ruth Ackerman Margaret Colin
Kyra Marshall Anika Noni Rose
Eliott Emerson Richard Thomas
Willow Gibbons Kayli Carter
Isaac Rosario Ricardo Chavira
Alan Kirby Michael Esper
Luz Baccay Maria-Christina Oliveras
Melissa Han Jeena Yi

Awards and nominations

2026 Broadway production

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2026 Drama League Awards Outstanding Production of a Play Nominated
Distinguished Performance Marylouise Burke Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding New Broadway Play Won
Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Play Won
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play Anika Noni Rose Nominated
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Play Maria-Christina Oliveras Nominated
Richard Thomas Nominated
Outstanding Direction of a Play Kenny Leon Nominated
Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play Derek McLane Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design of a Play Emilio Sosa Nominated
Outstanding Fight Choreography Thomas Schall Nominated
Tony Awards Best Play Nominated
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play Marylouise Burke Nominated
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play Richard Thomas Nominated
Best Direction of a Play Kenny Leon Nominated
Best Costume Design of a Play Emilio Sosa Nominated
Dorian Awards Outstanding Broadway Play Won
Outstanding Featured Performance in a Broadway Play Marylouise Burke Nominated
Outstanding Broadway Ensemble Company Nominated
Outstanding Script of a Broadway Play David Lindsay-Abaire Won

References

  1. 1 2 "The Balusters - Edgerton Foundation New Play Awards". TCG Circle. Retrieved 2025-12-23.
  2. ↑ Paterra, Sidney (2026-06-21). "3 Broadway Shows Close Today". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
  3. ↑ Kravitz, Jamie (2025-12-12). "'The Balusters,' starring Renée Elise Goldsberry and Marylouise Burke, announces complete casting & dates". Broadway News. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  4. 1 2 3 "The Balusters". Manhattan Theatre Club. Retrieved 2025-12-23.
  5. ↑ Huston, Caitlin (2025-05-14). "David Lindsay-Abaire Brings New Play 'The Balusters' to Broadway in 2026". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  6. ↑ "David Lindsay-Abaire". Music Theatre International. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  7. 1 2 Culwell-Block, Logan (12 December 2025). "David Lindsay-Abaire's The Balusters Completes Broadway Cast". Playbill. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  8. ↑ Evans, Greg (2026-05-13). "Tony-Nominated 'The Balusters' Extends Broadway Run". Deadline. Retrieved 2026-05-29.
  9. 1 2 Shaw, Helen (2026-04-22). "Review: In 'The Balusters,' Neighborly Dysfunction Is on the Agenda". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2026-05-29.
  10. ↑ "The Balusters". Playbill. Retrieved 2026-05-29.
  11. ↑ Hall, Margaret (2026-05-28). "David Lindsay-Abaire's The Balusters Proves 'Nostalgia Is Toxic'". Playbill. Archived from the original on 2026-05-29. Retrieved 2026-05-29.
  12. ↑ "David Lindsay-Abaire's The Balusters Finds Its Broadway Cast". Playbill. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-12-23.
  13. ↑ Gans, Andrew (April 20, 2026). "2026 Drama League Awards Nominations Are Out; Read the Full List". Playbill. Retrieved 2026-04-20.
  14. ↑ Hipes, Patrick (April 20, 2026). "Daniel Radcliffe, Luke Evans Among Drama League Award Nominees". Deadline. Retrieved 2026-04-20.
  15. ↑ Fierberg, Ruthie (2026-05-11). "Announcing the 2026 Outer Critics Circle winners: Full list". Broadway News. Retrieved 2026-05-11.
  16. ↑ "2026 Drama Desk Award Nominations Announced: Full List". Broadway.com. 2026-04-29. Retrieved 2026-05-02.
  17. ↑ Lam, Katherine (2026-05-05). "2026 Tony Awards nominations are announced. See the full list". CBS News. Retrieved 2026-05-05.
  18. ↑ Abourizk, Michael (May 13, 2026). "Dorian Theater Awards announces 2026 nominees". Broadway News. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  19. ↑ Mandell, Jonathan (May 13, 2026). "2026 Dorian Theater Award Nominations: Schmigadoon, Lost Boys lead". New York Theater. Retrieved May 29, 2026.
  20. ↑ Mandell, Jonathan (June 1, 2026). "2026 Dorian Theater Award winners: Schmigadoon. Prince Faggot. Ragtime: Joshua. Junior. Quincy. Qween". New York Theater. Retrieved June 1, 2026.