Hartford Stage presents 2.5 Minute Ride, a surprising tragicomedy that fuses comedy, grief, and love. Written by Tony Award-Winning Playwright Lisa Kron, the one-person show runs from May 30 to June 23, 2024.
The performance follows a woman’s personal journey as she revisits core memories of her and her elderly father—who is nearly blind, a Holocaust survivor, and a roller coaster fanatic. Our protagonist, Lisa, decides to make a video that weaves two memorable father-daughter trips together. 2.5 Minute Ride originally premiered in 1996 and was awarded an OBIE award in 1999.
“She’s capturing the big and small moments: from the annual amusement park family vacations to the father-daughter journey to Auschwitz, where his parents were killed — and everything in between,” reads Hartford Stage’s description. “Step on this rollercoaster ride of high hilarity and deep disquiet as one woman tries to make sense of it all.”
The performance is directed by Zoë Golub-Sass, with Richard P. Garmany as its Associate Artistic Director. Golub-Sass will also direct Hurricane Diane in Hartford Stages’ 2024-2025 season.
“2.5 Minute Ride is a play I’ve loved for a long time,” commented Golub-Sass. “It’s funny, moving, and utterly captivating. It’s about families and figuring out—at times, accidentally—who you are in the context of who you’re from. It’s filled with surprise and wit and offers brilliant, unexpected juxtapositions around every corner—all propelled by an undercurrent of love, curiosity, and humor.”
Starring as Lisa, NYC-based actor and director Lena Kaminsky makes her Hartford Stage debut. Kaminsky is a member of The Actors Center and received her BFA from Emerson College. The creative team includes Costume Designer April Hickman, Scenic Designer Judy Gailen, Lighting Designer Daisy Long, Sound Designer Jane Shaw, and Production Stage Manager Avery Trunko, with casting by Alaine Alldaffer.
Tickets start at $30; discounts are available for students and groups. Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.hartfordstage.org/, by phone at 860-527-5151, or in person through the box office at 50 Church Street, Hartford, CT.
An open-captioned performance will be on June 16 at 2:00 p.m., and an audio-described performance will be on June 22 at 2:00 p.m. There will be post-show conversations with the cast and crew on June 9, June 18, and June 19.
Publisher’s Notes: CT Latino News is proud to partner with Hartford Stage in supporting the state’s Arts and Culture.
