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Airline Highway 2015

Opened: April 23, 2015
Closing: June 07, 2015

Airline Highway - 2015 Broadway History , Info & More

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (Broadway)
261 W. 47th St. New York, NY 10036

In the parking lot of The Hummingbird, a once-glamorous motel on New Orleans' infamous Airline Highway, a group of friends gather. A rag-tag collection of strippers, hustlers and philosophers have come together to celebrate the life of Miss Ruby, an iconic burlesque performer who has requested a funeral before she dies. The party rages through the night as old friends resurface to pay their respects. Airline Highway is a boisterous and moving ode to the outcasts that make life a little more interesting. MTC is proud to present this Steppenwolf production by the writer of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Detroit, and helmed by the Tony-winning director of Take Me Out and Casa Valentina.


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PREVIEW Airline Highway - 2015 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Airline Highway

'Airline Highway': Theater Review
5 / 10

In her terrific 2010 play, Detroit, Lisa D'Amour showed gimlet-eyed observation, a spiky sense of humor and a vivid feel for a place and people being left behind by the American Dream...But despite being given a dynamic production with a highly capable cast, this rambling character-driven piece lacks the earlier work's drive and clarity of purpose. While it's a vividly populated canvas, the playwright doesn't do anything much of interest with it...as soulful, alive and frequently funny as D'Amour's characters are, there's also a soggy veil of nostalgia over this gallery of beautiful losers -- hookers, strippers, bartenders, bouncers, drug addicts, dealers, poets and street philosophers. The depiction of these outsiders, with their gritty nobility and purity of heart that remain unseen beyond their community, seems simplistic almost to the point of quaintness.

First Nighter: Lisa D'Amour's 'Airline Highway' Traffic Jam
6 / 10

In for big praise, considering the size of the cast--all of whom are full of the right kind of personality crochets--is director Joe Mantello, who also helmed Sting's large-crewThe Last Ship earlier this season. Aided by designer Japhy Weideman's lighting, he directs the constant Airline Highway traffic with immeasurable facility, maximizing the downbeat, while frantic, motel life.

Tony-Nominated AIRLINE HIGHWAY to Close One Week Early
by BWW News Desk - May 12, 2015


BroadwayWorld has confirmed that Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's AIRLINE HIGHWAY will be closing early on June 7. The play received four 2015 Tony Award nominations.

2015 Tony Nominees React - Julie White - 'I still kind of didn't believe it'
by Robert Diamond - April 28, 2015


Julie White, Best Featured Actress in a Play for AIRLINE HIGHWAY

BWW Reviews: AIRLINE HIGHWAY Plays Like The Mot l New Orleans
by Michael Dale - April 26, 2015


Lisa D'Amour's drama of New Orleans motel residents is a slow-moving vehicle.

TV: Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler! Go Inside Opening Night of AIRLINE HIGHWAY!
by TV - Opening Night Special - April 25, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out), opened last night, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was there for opening night, and he chatted with the full company before they led their New Orleans-style parade to the theatre. Check out interviews with the full company below!

Photo Coverage: AIRLINE HIGHWAY Cast Parades to the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
by Jennifer Broski - April 24, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out), opened last night, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld was there for the whole night and you can check out photos from the company's parade from Bourbon Street to the theatre below!

Photo Coverage: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of AIRLINE HIGHWAY
by Jennifer Broski - April 24, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out), opened last night, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld was there for the whole night and you can check out photos from the red carpet theatre arrivals below!

Photo Coverage: Inside AIRLINE HIGHWAY's Opening Night Curtain Call!
by Jennifer Broski - April 24, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out), opened last night, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). BroadwayWorld was there for the whole night and you can check out photos from the curtain call below!

Review Roundup: AIRLINE HIGHWAY Opens on Broadway - All the Reviews!
by Review Roundups - April 23, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out), opens tonight, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Let's see what the critics had to say...

AIRLINE HIGHWAY Opens This Evening at Manhattan Theatre Club
by BWW News Desk - April 23, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out), opens tonight, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

TV: Watch Highlights from AIRLINE HIGHWAY on Broadway!
by Nicole Rosky - April 22, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club presents Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Airline Highway, now in previews for a Thursday, April 23 opening at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Below, BroadwayWorld brings you highlights of the cast in action!

Welcome to The Hummingbird! Meet the Full Cast of AIRLINE HIGHWAY, Opening Tonight on Broadway
by Meet the Cast - April 23, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out), opens tonight, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Scroll down to learn more about the company and watch interviews with the cast!

Photo Flash: First Look at Julie White, Judith Roberts & More in MTC's AIRLINE HIGHWAY
by Tyler Peterson - April 14, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club presents Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Airline Highway, now in previews for a Thursday, April 23 opening at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the cast!

AIRLINE HIGHWAY Brings NOLA to Broadway Tonight
by BWW News Desk - April 1, 2015


Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out), begins previews tonight, April 1 and opens Thursday, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street).

TV: Meet the Company of Broadway-Bound AIRLINE HIGHWAY; Begins Previews 4/1
by TV - Press Previews - March 21, 2015


Rehearsals began last week for Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation ofSteppenwolf TheatreCompany's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out). The limited engagement will begin previews Wednesday, April 1 and open Thursday, April 23 at MTC'sSamuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). The company just met the press and BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge was on hand to chat with the full company. Check out interviews with the full gang below!

Photo Coverage: Manhattan Theatre Club's AIRLINE HIGHWAY Cast Meets the Press; Broadway Previews Begin in April!
by Walter McBride - March 17, 2015


Rehearsals began last week for Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation ofSteppenwolf TheatreCompany's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out). The limited engagement will begin previews Wednesday, April 1 and open Thursday, April 23 at MTC'sSamuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). The company just met the press and you can check out full photo coverage from the festivities below!

FREEZE FRAME: Meet the Cast of Broadway's AIRLINE HIGHWAY
by Walter McBride - March 17, 2015


Rehearsals began last week for Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation ofSteppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out). The limited engagement will begin previews Wednesday, April 1 and open Thursday, April 23 at MTC's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street). The company just met the press and you can check out a photo preview from the festivities below!

Full Cast Announced for Steppenwolf's AIRLINE HIGHWAY on Broadway; Rehearsals Now Underway!
by Tyler Peterson - March 10, 2015


Rehearsals begin today, Tuesday, March 10, for Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation of Steppenwolf Theatre Company's production of Airline Highway, the new play by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour (Detroit), directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Casa Valentina, Take Me Out).

Steppenwolf Hosts 'Explore' Event for AIRLINE HIGHWAY Tonight
by BWW News Desk - January 17, 2015


Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosts its second EXPLORE event of the season tonight, January 17 at 5:30pm in-between the matinee and evening performances of the Broadway-bound world premiere Airline Highway. EXPLORE events invite audiences to celebrate the ideas and themes of the play through a fun, social setting. Each EXPLORE event is a unique experience tailored to create an immersive environment that reflects the world of that play.

Steppenwolf Extends Broadway-Bound AIRLINE HIGHWAY
by Tyler Peterson - January 13, 2015


By popular demand, Steppenwolf Theatre Company extends its critically acclaimed world premiere production of Airline Highway by Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D'Amour and directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello. Steppenwolf's Broadway-bound production continues for five additional performances, through February 14, 2015 with the original cast. Tickets ($20 - $86) to the additional performances of Airline Highway go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14 at 11am through Audience Services (1650 N Halsted), at 312-335-1650 or at steppenwolf.org.

Steppenwolf to Host 'Explore' Event for AIRLINE HIGHWAY, 1/17
by BWW News Desk - January 6, 2015


Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosts its second EXPLORE event of the season on Saturday, January 17 at 5:30pm in-between the matinee and evening performances of the Broadway-bound world premiere Airline Highway. EXPLORE events invite audiences to celebrate the ideas and themes of the play through a fun, social setting. Each EXPLORE event is a unique experience tailored to create an immersive environment that reflects the world of that play.

Review Roundup: Broadway-Bound AIRLINE HIGHWAY
by Nicole Rosky - December 15, 2014


very few playwrights have the acute sense of American place you find in D'Amour's beautiful writing. Especially toward the end, 'Airline Highway' is a worthy follow-up to the similarly adroit 'Detroit,' a Pulitzer Prize finalist about another great city ridden and then mostly abandoned by the country at large. These are both moralistic plays (with similar codas) suggesting we pay more attention to the beautiful urban gardens between sea and shining sea, very much dimmed by human tears.

Broadway-Bound AIRLINE HIGHWAY Opens Tonight at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre
by BWW News Desk - December 14, 2014


Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 2014/15 subscription season with the world premiere production of Airline Highway, written by Lisa D'Amour (Detroit, How to Build a Forest) and directed by Joe Mantello (The Last Ship, Casa Valentina, Wicked). Steppenwolf's production will be presented by Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) at their Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway in Spring 2015. Airline Highway opens tonight, December 14, 2014 and runs through February 8, 2015 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre (1650 N Halsted St).

Airline Highway History

Other Productions of Airline Highway

2015   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

Airline Highway - 2015 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2015 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play K. Todd Freeman
2015 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play Julie White
2015 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Play Lisa D'Amour
2015 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Julie White
2015 Tony Awards Best Costume Design of a Play David Zinn
2015 Tony Awards Best Lighting Design of a Play Japhy Weideman
2015 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play K. Todd Freeman
2015 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play Julie White

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