Maggie Larkin to Produce the Jan Maxwell Festival

In memory of Jan Maxwell, producer/director Maggie Larkin (Sondheimas) will present the Jan Maxwell Festival, a presentation of three plays in development-all of which star a compelling woman or femme-identified person over the age of 50. The festival will take place in October; exact dates and venue to be announced.

"After seeing Follies - my first broadway show - I was an instant fan of Jan's. She gave such an honest performance that I wanted to go anywhere with her," said Larkin. "It was my privilege to later call her friend and mentor, and after her frequent lamentations of a lack of compelling older women on stage, followed by her 2015 retirement, I decided to take action. I hope that this festival encourages young playwrights to write interesting roles for women over 50."

Ms. Maxwell, a five-time Tony Award nominee, passed away February 11, 2018, at the age of 61 following a long battle with cancer. In addition to her theatrical career, Maxwell started Circles of Six, an online micro-giving community in which six friends agree to each give ten dollars a month for six months to any of six pre-selected charities.

Play submissions are now open and will close July 31st. To submit a play or donate to the production, please visit www.JanMaxwellFest.com

Donations are tax-deductible.

Jan Maxwell made her Broadway debut as an understudy in City of Angels, and later appeared in Dancing at Lughnasa, A Doll's House, The Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Royal Family, and Follies, among others on Broadway and Off. Her final stage appearance was in Potomac Theatre Project's Scenes From an Execution in 2015.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos