Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, Off-Broadway Play Starring Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abb

Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, a buzzy revival of one of John Patrick Shanleys early plays, has recouped its initial investment. The show features Aubrey Plaza of White Lotus and Parks and Rec fame and Christopher Abbott, the star of James White and Girls. Producers Sam Rockwell and Mark Bergers Play Hooky Productions, Seaview,

“Danny and the Deep Blue Sea,” a buzzy revival of one of John Patrick Shanley’s early plays, has recouped its initial investment. The show features Aubrey Plaza of “White Lotus” and “Parks and Rec” fame and Christopher Abbott, the star of “James White” and “Girls.” Producers Sam Rockwell and Mark Berger’s Play Hooky Productions, Seaview, Sue Wagner and John Johnson made the announcement that the production, which began performances at the Lucille Lortel Theatre on Oct. 30, had made it into the black after its recently extended 11-week run.

“Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” is the story of a troubled and volatile young man who forges a bond with a guilt-ridden woman over the course of a night in the Bronx. It was directed by Jeff Ward, in his stage directorial debut, with movement overseen by Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber.  The show faced some unique challenges in its journey toward recouping — Abbott, for instance, injured himself in December and had to perform the demanding show on crutches.

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“This production was great proof that Off-Broadway theater is alive and kicking. Aubrey and Chris ate the scenery up there for 11 weeks — crutches and all — acting at the highest levels,” Rockwell and Berger said. “We are immensely proud of this entire team — every piece of the puzzle has been intentional from the inception of the piece, so to accomplish not only an artistic success, but a commercial one as well is truly a testament to this group of people and their dedication, passion, and hard work.” 

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Shanley, who wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Moonstruck,” will see his Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play “Doubt: A Parable” revived on Broadway this year with Tyne Daly and Liev Schreiber. The original production of “Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” premiered off-Broadway at Circle in the Square Theatre Downtown in 1984 and starred June Stein and John Turturro. It was only Shanley’s second produced play. He would go on to have more than 20 of his plays debut off-Broadway. 

“Danny and the Deep Blue Sea” features scenic design by Scott Pask, lighting design by John Torres, costume design by Arianne Phillips and sound design by Kate Marvin. 

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