Anticipation is already running high for the world premiere stage adaptation of Girl, Interrupted, and now theatergoers will have even more time to experience it.
The Public Theater has announced a one-week extension of the highly anticipated production before its official opening night, with performances now running through June 28. The production begins previews on May 13 with a Joseph Papp Free Performance and officially opens June 4 in The Public’s Martinson Hall.
Based on Susanna Kaysen’s bestselling memoir, Girl, Interrupted has long been recognized as one of the most influential accounts of mental health treatment in America. The memoir previously inspired the acclaimed 1999 film adaptation starring Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie. This new theatrical version aims to bring the story to audiences through a fresh lens, blending drama, music, and movement.
The adaptation comes from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok and features original music by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Aimee Mann. The production is choreographed by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh and directed by Tony Award nominee Jo Bonney.
The story follows Susanna, a young woman who admits herself to a psychiatric hospital after a brief consultation with a doctor she barely knows. Inside the institution, she forms complicated and meaningful relationships with fellow patients, each struggling with their own challenges while searching for understanding, connection, and hope.
Leading the cast is actress Juliana Canfield as Susanna, alongside musician and performer King Princess as the rebellious and charismatic Lisa. The ensemble also includes Ta’Rea Campbell, Mia Pak, Katherine Reis, Sally Shaw, Emily Skinner, and several others.
Beyond the stage, the production is partnering with mental health organizations to encourage discussion around the issues explored in the story. The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) is serving as a community partner and will participate in post-show conversations. The Jed Foundation, which focuses on emotional health and suicide prevention among young people, is also supporting the production as a resource partner.
The extension signals strong interest in the production as audiences seek stories that address mental health with honesty and compassion. Combining a celebrated source material, an award-winning creative team, and a timely message, Girl, Interrupted is shaping up to be one of New York’s most talked-about theater events of the season.
For theater fans, the extra week offers one more opportunity to witness a powerful new interpretation of a modern classic.