18

July

From the penthouse to mom’s house. A riches-to-rags story asking “can you ever really go home again?”

Fabulation or, The Re-Education of Undine

by Lynn Nottage

Directed by Dawn M. Simmons

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RUNNING TIME: Approximately 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission.

2022/23 Season Sponsors:

Paul Kastner

G. Lee & Diana Humphrey

Director Dawn Meredith Simmons, Sponsored by Sally & Richard Zeckhauser

Costume Designer Rachel Padula-Shufelt, Sponsored by Ruth Rotundo Whitney

This production uses strobe lighting effects.

Summary

Success. Love. Fabulous wardrobe. Undine has it all. Until her husband steals her hard-earned fortune, sending her tumbling down the social ladder. Pregnant and penniless, with life unraveling at every turn, Undine is forced to return home to Brooklyn and the family she left behind, in a complicated new reality. In this satirical comedy by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage (Intimate Apparel, Meet Vera Stark, Sweat) while life unravels, hope can be found in small victories and in the discovery of finding happiness within.

Content Warning: Strong language. Contains descriptions and depictions of cocaine and heroine drug use and mentions of abortion. This production uses strobe lighting effects.

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

** Represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE

° Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Press & Reviews

A woman goes from riches to rags in Lyric Stage's 'Fabulation' | The ARTery | Jacquinn Sinclair

"The complexity of Undine—her insatiable thirst for success (inspired by her love of Edith Wharton's "The Custom of the Country," which details the social ascent of Undine Spragg), her harshness toward others, and later, a slow softening—is thoughtfully executed."

A fallen entrepreneur reconnects with the community she left behind in 'Fabulation' | The Boston Globe | Don Aucoin

"It warms the heart. It feels like a homecoming."

'Fabulation or, The Re-Education of Undine' Review } METRMag.com | Kevin T. Baldwin

"A bravura performance from Lyndsay Allyn Cox"

Smart, Funny “Fabulation” Entertains at the Lyric | Theater Mirror | Michele Markarian

"While Undine/Sharona is an unlikely Pilgrim, her road home is paved with cleverness and humor, and for that alone, it’s worth seeing."

'Fabulation': A Woman Who Is Down But Not Out | On Boston Stages | Rich Fahey

"Director Dawn M. Simmons has assembled a hard-working, pitch-perfect ensemble that takes on a huge variety of roles seamlessly and skillfully."

Fabulation: Or, the Re-education of Undine | Review| WGBH | Jared Bowen

"Bowen calls the production “wickedly funny,” with “so much heart as we watch Undine go through this journey home and become acquainted with the way she is.” Grappling with notions of home, what it means to go home, and what happens when you have to return home, "Fabulation" serves as both a question and criticism of societal expectations."