From November 8 to December 10, 2023, Keen partnered with Long Wharf Theatre to bring our acclaimed, site-specific production of The Year of Magical Thinking to New Haven, Connecticut! Learn more here."
The Year of Magical Thinking
A Play by Joan Didion, Based on Her Memoir
Conception and Direction by Jonathan Silverstein
Starring Kathleen Chalfant
“Thrilling!” — New York Times
“A spiritual experience!” — Theatrely
October 19 — November 20, 2022
Join Keen Company for the first New York revival of The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, directed by Jonathan Silverstein, and starring Obie and Drama Desk Award-winner Kathleen Chalfant in a moving one-woman performance.
Adapted from the best-selling memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking recounts Didion’s journey of loss, perseverance, and ultimately hope, using her signature wit to draw an intimate portrait of the resilience of the human heart.
This unique theatrical event will be brought directly to the people, staged in non-traditional theater spaces including living rooms, libraries, and other community spaces throughout New York City.
Run time is approximately 90 minutes, without an intermission. The Year of Magical Thinking is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. concordtheatricals.com
“This Keen Company production goes small, and in doing so, gets the play sublimely right.”
— New York Times
“Kathleen Chalfant is absolutely remarkable in her nuance, stamina, and ability to create an entire world while sitting in an armchair.”
— Theatrely
“★★★★ Many a play and performance vie for the title of ‘transformative.’ This one truly is.”
— New York Stage Review
Show Schedule
Tuesdays at 7pm*
Wednesdays at 7pm
Thursdays at 7pm
Fridays at 7pm
Saturdays at 7pm
Sundays at 5pm
*October 25 is the only Tuesday performance of the run
Performance Venues
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Many performances take place in real living rooms in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx; the exact addresses will be shared with ticket holders on the morning of the performance.
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Performances also take place in community spaces throughout New York City, including South Oxford Space and St. Ann & the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn, ID Studio Theatre and Bronx Documentary Center in the Bronx, Church in the Gardens Community House in Queens, and Goddard Riverside in Manhattan.
Accessibility
ASL interpretation and audio description can be provided in some spaces upon request.
Please contact Ashley DiGiorgi at ashley@keencompany.org or 212-216-0963 for more information.
Keen Conversations
Our series of free post-show talkbacks!
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Saturday, November 5 at 7pm
Star Kathleen Chalfant and director Jonathan Silverstein discuss bringing The Year of Magical Thinking to life.
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Thursday, November 10 at 7pm
Alissa Wilkinson, senior culture reporter and critic at Vox, discusses the work of Joan Didion.
Meet the Artists
Joan Didion (Playwright)
Jonathan Silverstein (Director)
Kathleen Chalfant (Joan)
Costume Designer: Jennifer Paar
Lighting Designer: Anshuman Bhatia
Line Producer: Corinne Woods
Stage Manager: Arthur Atkinson
General Manager: Reed Ridgley
Assistant Stage Manager: Sloane Fischer
Pre-Production Line Producer: Henry Lombino
House Manager: Melody Munitz