Collected Stories
, which received its world premiere in 1996 at South Coast Repertory and was a Pulitzer finalist, is a two-character play that follows the relationship between a mentor and her protégée over a six-year period. Ruth Steiner, who gained fame in her 20s with a well-received book of short stories, is now a professor of writing. Among her students is Lisa Morrison, who becomes her assistant and eager disciple. Lisa also makes her mark with a book of short stories. She goes on to write her first novel and bases it on Ruth's affair with a famous poet - an episode that Ruth never wanted made public. Was Lisa's action an unconscionable betrayal, or had she simply followed Ruth's advice: "You can't censor your creative impulses because of the danger of hurting someone's feelings." Margulies leaves it to the viewer to decide.
Collected Stories
is directed by Paul Stancato and features Anne-Marie Cusson as Ruth and Keira Keeley as Lisa, both making their PBD debuts. Scenic design is by K. April Soroko, costume design is by Brian O'Keefe, lighting design is by Ron Burns, and sound design is by Matt Corey.
Donald Margulies won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Dinner With Friends. A short list of his many plays includes Time Stands Still, Sight Unseen, The Loman Family Picnic, Brooklyn Boy, The Model Apartment, The Country House, and Found a Peanut. He is an Adjunct Professor of English and Theatre Studies at Yale University.
Collected Stories
was first produced in New York Off-Broadway by Manhattan Theatre Club in 1997, and starred Maria Tucci as Ruth and Debra Messing as Lisa. The show had its Broadway premiere in 2010, with Linda Lavin as Ruth and Sarah Paulson as Lisa.
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