Checkers, Starring Anthony LaPaglia as Nixon, Begins Performances Off-Broadway

Checkers, a new play starring Tony winner Anthony LaPaglia as Richard Nixon, begins preview performances October 12 at the Vineyard Theatre. The off-Broadway play also features Tony nominee Kathryn Erbe as Richard's wife, Pat Nixon. The show officially opens on October 28.

Written by Douglas McGrath, Checkers is set in 1952 during the prime of the Eisenhower/Stevenson presidential election. The play follows vice presidential candidate Richard Nixon as his promising political campaign almost comes to a halt after an accusation of financial impropriety. Checkers lifts the veil on Nixon’s life, his marriage to Pat and his momentous speech that changed American politics. Joining LaPaglia and Erbe in the cast are Kelly Coffield Park, Joel Marsh Garland, Kevin O’Rourke, John Ottovino, Mark Shanahan, Lewis J. Stadlen and Robert Stanton. 

Checkers is directed by Terry Kinney and the production will feature scenic design by Neil Patel, costume design by Sarah Holden, lighting design by David Weiner, music and sound design by Millburn/Bodeen and projection design by Darrel Maloney.