The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe 2022

Opened: January 11, 2022
Closing: February 06, 2022

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe - 2022 - Off-Broadway History , Info & More

The Shed
West 30th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues New York, NY

Jane Wagner’s ever-timely, iconic, one-woman show, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, examines American society, art, and human connectivity and explores the feminist movement. Revisited in a new 90-minute production, produced by The Shed, the comedic and quick-witted play stars Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live, Schmigadoon!) in her New York theatrical debut, directed by Tony-nominated Leigh Silverman (The Lifespan of a Fact, Violet).



In a role originated by Lily Tomlin, Strong first becomes Trudy, a mischievously clever observer of the society around her. As Strong transforms into a series of other archetypal characters, Trudy becomes the play’s guiding conscience for the audience—a comical, quirky, and outlandish conveyor of the nuances of American society.

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VIDEO: Cecily Strong Talks THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Chloe Rabinowitz - January 15, 2022


Cecily Strong joined The Tonight Show to discuss playing 11 characters in the play The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, working with Jane Wagner and Lily Tomlin and her parents watching her SNL audition.

Photos: Stars Come Out for Opening Night of THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE
by Bruce Glikas - January 12, 2022


The Shed is presenting a newly commissioned production of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, freshly revisited by playwright Jane Wagner. Tony nominated director Leigh Silverman (Lifespan of a Fact, Violet) stages the iconic play starring Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live, Schmigadoon!) in her theatrical debut.

Review Roundup: Cecily Strong Stars in THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE at The Shed
by A.A. Cristi - January 11, 2022


The Shed presents a newly commissioned production of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, freshly revisited by playwright Jane Wagner. Tony nominated director Leigh Silverman (Lifespan of a Fact, Violet) stages the iconic play starring Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live, Schmigadoon!) in her theatrical debut.

Photos: Cecily Strong Goes Solo in THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE at The Shed
by A.A. Cristi - January 5, 2022


The Shed presents a newly commissioned production of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, freshly revisited by playwright Jane Wagner.  Tony nominated director Leigh Silverman (Lifespan of a Fact, Violet) stages the iconic play starring Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live, Schmigadoon!) in her theatrical debut. 

BWW Interview: Cecily Strong is Searching for Signs of Intelligent Life
by Steve Schonberg - December 21, 2021


Now at The Shed, TV favorite Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live, Schmigadoon!) is leading a search party to find ourselves in Jane Wagner’s famed one-woman show, 'The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.'

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe have there been?
The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe has had 4 productions including Broadway which opened in 1985, Broadway which opened in 2000, Broadway which opened in 2000 and Off-Broadway which opened in 2022.
What awards has The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe been nominated for?
Distinguished Performance Awards (Drama League Awards) for Cecily Strong.

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