Summer, 1976
Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission
Summer, 1976 - 2023 Broadway History , Info & More
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (Broadway)
261 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036
This deeply moving, insightful piece is about connection, memories, and the small moments that can change the course of our lives. Over one fateful summer, an unlikely friendship develops between Diana, a fiercely iconoclastic artist and single mom, and Alice, a free-spirited yet naive young housewife. As the Bicentennial is celebrated across the country, these two young women in Ohio navigate motherhood, ambition, and intimacy, and help each other discover their own independence. Directing is Tony winner Daniel Sullivan.
Summer, 1976 - 2023 - Broadway Cast
PREVIEW Summer, 1976 - 2023 - Broadway
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Videos
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Summer, 1976
‘Summer, 1976’ Review: Laura Linney and Jessica Hecht Give Stellar Performances in an Affecting Broadway Two-Hander on Friendship
10 / 10
There’s not one false note in director Daniel Sullivan’s clear direction or in the natural yet precise performances of Linney and Hecht, who are working at the top of their game and together offer a master class in acting.
SUMMER, 1976: AN ODD COUPLE OF MIDWESTERN MOMS
9 / 10
With her signature languid diction (which does not translate easily to the Midwest), Hecht’s delivery can sometimes wear, but watch her closely. Her micro-reactions are mercurial and deep. Alice appears to have a native intelligence that Diana lacks. Meanwhile, Linney keeps Diana’s mean-girl vibe in check just enough so that she’s not overtly off-putting. Diana will charm you, as she does Alice. It’s easy to see how an unsophisticated admirer might sign on as an acolyte. With these antipodes, Auburn has seemingly come up with a way to represent the puzzling bifurcation in women’s objectives over the past half-century: glamour at all costs vs. industry, endurance, and actual power and progress. In the case of these unlikely friends, do we see a comeuppance coming? If so, it’s subtle, a mere postscript. While it might be gratifying to observe a relentless poseuse cut down to size, Auburn blunts the blow, having already strewn the path with ambiguous omens. Diana’s efforts to maintain a façade are bound to come at a cost. The production itself is flawless: A seemingly plain box of a set by John Lee Beatty transforms, via the lighting magic of Japhy Weideman, into a twilight patio, a museum cafe, and more, while Jill BC Du Boff’s sound design lends the illusion of intimacy. Director Daniel Sullivan deftly delineates every interaction – subdued to explosive.
Category
by Richard Ridge - June 7, 2023
In this video, watch as Tony nominee Jessica Hecht chats more about being back at MTC in Summer, 1976, the joy of working alongside Laura Linney, and so much more.
by Blair Ingenthron - May 2, 2023
Manhattan Theatre Club (Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director and Barry Grove, Executive Producer)'s world premiere of Summer, 1976 has announced an additional one-week extension. Summer, 1976 will now play through Sunday, June 18 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
by Opening Night - April 26, 2023
Check out footage from the opening night red carpet of MTC's Summer, 1976!
by Bruce Glikas - April 26, 2023
Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Summer, 1976, opened last night at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the big night here!
by A.A. Cristi - April 25, 2023
Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Summer, 1976, opens tonight at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Read reviews for the production!
by Stephi Wild - April 25, 2023
Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Summer, 1976 opens tonight on Broadway. The production will be recorded and released on Audible later this year, extending its reach to millions of listeners around the world.
by Show Highlights - April 24, 2023
Previews are underway for Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Summer, 1976, which has been extended for two weeks through Saturday, June 10 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Watch the cast in action in this video!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 20, 2023
Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Summer, 1976 starring Laura Linney and Jessica Hecht, will be extended for two weeks. Learn how to purchase tickets!
by Show Highlights - April 13, 2023
Previews are now underway for Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Summer, 1976, running at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). check out photos of the cast in action here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 3, 2023
Manhattan Theatre Club’s world premiere of Summer, 1976 begins previews tomorrow at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. See how to purchase tickets!
by Stephi Wild - April 4, 2023
Summer, 1976 officially begins previews tonight, April 4, at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Meet the cast of Summer, 1976 here!
by Nicole Rosky - March 19, 2023
Summer, 1976 will begin previews on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 ahead of a Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Opening Night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre and BroadwayWorld is chatting with the cast in this video!
by Bruce Glikas - March 14, 2023
The cast and creative team of Summer, 1976 met the press ahead of its first preview set for next month! BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out the photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - November 17, 2022
Tony Award & Emmy Award Nominee Jessica Hecht will join Tony Award & Academy Award nominee Laura Linney in Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Summer, 1976 written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn and directed by Tony winner Daniel Sullivan.
Summer, 1976 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Digital Rush
Price: $43
Where: On the Today Tix app.
When: Released on a first-come, first-served basis every performance day at 9 AM.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Subject to availability.
Student Rush
Price: $30
Where: Samuel J. Friedman box office
When: Student rush tickets are available at the box office on the day of the show when the box office opens.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Payable by cash or credit card and available to students with an ID from a degree or diploma-granting institution. Subject to availability.
Summer, 1976 History
Other Productions of Summer, 1976
| 2023 | Broadway |
Manhattan Theatre Club World Premiere Broadway Production Broadway |
Summer, 1976 - 2023 Broadway Awards and Nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Laura Linney |
| 2023 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Play | Summer, 1976 |
| 2023 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding New Broadway Play | Summer, 1976 |
| 2023 | Tony Awards | Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play | Jessica Hecht |
Videos