Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire discovered the fodder for his latest play in his own backyard. “There was a really contentious conversation on our neighborhood Google group about rainwater runoff and drainage systems, and it got almost operatic in their opinions. And I thought, ‘Wow, how can these people care so much about the stupidest little thing?,’” the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer recounted to a group of reporters on the press day for his new work. “And I thought, ‘I think there’s a play in here.’”
“I’ve sat on a few panels and boards,” he continued, “and I’m always fascinated by people who are well-intentioned and who behave badly in the name of principles.”
Thus, “The Balusters” was born. The play is currently running in its world premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club’s (MTC) Samuel J. Friedman Theatre — and the run has already been extended and nominated for eight Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Play. “The Balusters” follows the homeowners association board of the fictional town of Vernon Point. The neighborhood is a historic landmarked district, and this board of nine homeowners (and one housekeeper arranging the spread) meets monthly to discuss security concerns, trash can pickup and historically accurate curb appeal. Kyra is a new resident and quickly joins the board, but her push for a change causes turmoil in the ranks.
Gatherings like these seem to be ripe for dramatic adaptation. “It is a play about people coming together with a certain task, a certain job to do,” actor Richard Thomas, who takes on the role of the board’s president to Drama Desk-nominated effect, told Broadway News. Last season, MTC presented Jonathan Spector’s “Eureka Day,” a play about a school’s parent committee trying to establish its stance on vaccines; it went on to win the Tony for best revival. Tracy Letts’ “The Minutes,” which follows a town council meeting, falls into this category. “Going all the way back to ’12 Angry Men,’ and I’m sure there’s some Greek version, too,” Lindsay-Abaire acknowledged in the latest episode of “Broadway Press Day with Ruthie Fierberg.” And yet, “The Balusters” stands out as unique.
“What makes it a little bit different is: I’m really fascinated by the in-between of characters — that there aren’t any villains in this play. People are really well intentioned and then behave badly in the name of virtue,” the playwright said. “And I find that fascinating.”
“I’m always more interested in things that live in that space in between,” said actor Kayli Carter, who plays board member Willow. “This play does that.”
