Broadway has a reputation for dazzling spectacles, the star-studded, and thundering musical performances that mystify the mind and make the heart swell, and with good reason: some of the most inspiring musicals in the world have graced Midtown Manhattan’s theater stages. But there’s the other side of Broadway as well, the one that tells thought-provoking stories and shows off award-winning dramatic performances without setting everything to a catchy score. The Ferryman, a drama written by Jez Butterworth and directed by Sam Mendes, fits squarely into the latter and does so with style.

Laughter, Tears, and Everything In Between

Set in Northern Ireland during the early 1980s – a time known as The Troubles due to the clashing between the British and the IRA that resulted in countless tragedies – The Ferryman explores the impact of this time on an expansive family. With a backdrop of a well-earned harvest dinner, the drama unfolds with passion and heartbreaking performances.

When The Ferryman first debuted in London’s West End in 2017, the accolades were immediate; it was a lock that the show would come to Broadway in 2018. From there, it would gain even more glory, earning a massive number of Tony awards as well as Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle awards. The original cast, many of which transferred from London to Broadway, include Paddy Considine and Genevieve O’Reilly a the head of the family, turning in literally award-winning performances filled with passion that left theatergoers breathless.

The Future of The Ferryman

A short but sweet run on Broadway ended in 2019, as the show held its last show on July 7th. Plans for a revival or extension of its run were curtailed by the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t future plans for bringing The Ferryman back in 2021 or beyond. Keep your eyes peeled, because you don’t want to miss this incredible story!