Kate Burton, Elle McLaughlin & Gail Winar Join the Rotating Cast of PEN PALS

Kate Burton, Elle McLaughlin, and Gail Winar will join the rotating cast of Pen Pals at the Theatre at St. Clements. Performances began on December 5, 2024, and running through February 9, 2025, Pen Pals will feature an extraordinary ensemble of acclaimed actors in its limited engagement, directed by Suzanne Barabas.

Each pair of performers will bring their unique chemistry to the roles of Bernie and Mags, two lifelong friends whose deep connection is formed entirely through letters exchanged over five decades. 

Rotating Cast Schedule:

Dec 5 – Dec 22, 2024: Johanna Day (How I Learned to Drive, Sweat) & Nancy McKeon (The Facts of Life, The Division)
Dec 26 – Dec 29, 2024: Catherine Curtin (“Stranger Things,” “Orange is the New Black”) & Sharon Lawrence (“NYPD Blue,” “Queen Sugar”)
Jan 2 – Jan 12, 2025: Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) & GAIL WINAR (NY:Trans Scripts, Part I: The Women)  
Jan 20 – Jan 26, 2025: Ellen McLaughlin (August Osage County) & Mary Beth Peil (“The Good Wife,” Anastasia)  
Jan 29 – Feb 2, 2025: Kate Burton (Three Time Tony nominee, Present Laughter ) & Pauletta Washington (She’s Gotta Have It) 
Feb 5 – Feb 9, 2025: Johanna Day & Nancy McKeon

Two Ordinary Women, One Extraordinary Relationship. Inspired by a true store, Pen Pals is a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. With the new cast lineup, each performance promises to offer audiences a fresh and dynamic portrayal of these unforgettable characters. Pen Pals's unforgettable theatrical journey celebrates friendship, resilience, and the letters that bind them.

"Having this incredible ensemble of powerhouse women bring Pen Pals to life is an absolute joy and privilege. Each of them brings a unique voice and depth to this remarkable story of friendship and resilience. It’s an honor to share this journey with such a dynamic group of artists who embody the heart and soul of what this play is all about." — Lisa Dozier Shacket, Producer.

Pen Pals is proud to partner with Susan G. Komen, donating 5% of ticket sales and 100% of customer donations to support breast cancer research and awareness initiatives.

The production features scenic design by Jessica Parks, costume design by David C. Woolard, lighting design by Jill Nagle, sound design by Nick Simone, and stage management by Rose Riccardi. Lisa Dozier Shacket produces Pen Pals with Joe Trentacosta, Logan DeWitt, Anthony Hazzard, and Scott Stolzenberg in association with NJ Repertory Company, with general management by LDK Productions/ Michael Shannon.