The Man Who Laughs
This three time Drama Desk Award-nominated “live silent film for the stage” tells its story without spoken words.
Molly O’Neill and Jon Froehlich. Photos by Carrie Leonard.
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and the 1928 silent film of the same name, The Man Who Laughs tells the tale of a man whose face has been carved into a permanent smile and the people who both love and exploit him. A story about found & chosen family, theatre, and life on the margins, the play simulates the experience of silent film, with dialogue and narration projected onto title cards, live piano accompaniment, and vibrant black-and-white sets, costumes, and makeup.
Trailer by Ross Evison
“[I]ngenious…impeccably cohesive.” -Andy Webster, The New York Times
“Sumptuous…[a] lovely, creepy little show.” -Scott Brown, New York Magazine
“Heart-wounding…Extraordinarily clever" -Lisa Jo Sagolla, Backstage
“A remarkable achievement…captivating” -Fern Siegel, HuffPost
"It’s pure movie magic." -Tom Blunt, Word & Film by Random House
“Magical…Breathtaking…” -Rebecca Bernard, Show Business Weekly
“A stunningly beautiful work of art” -Ashley Griffin, Theater Online
Dave Droxler
Rebecca Whitehurst
Costumes by Julie Schworm. Sets by Michael Minahan. Makeup by Jaclyn Friedman