Sharyn Rothstein's By the Water Will Receive World Premiere Off-Broadway

Sharyn Rothstein’s By the Water will receive its world premiere as part of the Manhattan Theatre Club and Ars Nova’s commissioning partnership, The Writer’s Room. The play, under the direction of Hal Brooks, will begin off-Broadway performances on November 4 at New York City Center—Stage II as part of The Studio at Stage II—Harold and Mimi Steinberg New Play Series. Opening night is set for November 18. Further information, including casting and creative team, will be announced at a later date.

By the Water takes place after Hurricane Sandy has ravaged the lifelong home of Marty and Mary Murphy. The storm has ripped apart more than just the walls: with their neighbors too devastated to stay, the couple's beloved Staten Island community is in danger of disappearing forever. Determined to rebuild, Marty wages a campaign to save his neighborhood and his home, but when the Murphys' sons arrive to help their parents dig out, past betrayals come rushing to the surface.

The Writer’s Room is designed to commission, develop and support playwrights in the process of creating new work. By the Water marks the first world premiere production from the program.