How do you know when it’s time to leave?Described as Neil Simon-meets-A Doll’s House, Anne Marilyn Lucas’ new comedy Art of Leaving is a razor-sharp look at a marriage in crisis. As the play begins, Aaron (Jordan Lage) shocks his wife Diana (Audrey Heffernan Meyer) by asking for a divorce—though not before declaring she has “never been sexy,” smiles too much, and needs to act less happy.Soon, the whole family gets involved, including Aaron and Diana’s son Jason (Brian Mason), whose fiancé Caitlyn (Molly Chiffer) believes in polyamory; and Aaron’s parents, Esther (Pamela Shaw) and his father Felix (Alan Ceppos), who has some surprising insights to offer. Art of Leaving is now at The Pershing Square Signature Center, following a run at Theatre For the New City in March 2024. Theatrely sat down with Meyer and Ceppos to discuss the development of Art of Leaving, generational divides around marriage, and the play’s cathartic ending.

The paintings inspired Fackrell to begin work on The Art Tour, a two-person musical about a former couple heading out on a tour of the US to launch their art business. The story kicks off when newly unemployed Thomas, played by Michael Tacconi, flies to Colorado on a whim to reunite with frustrated painter Deb, played by Samantha Joy Pearlman. Realizing they are both adrift in life, the two impulsively decide to hit the road. Theatrely sat down with The Art Tour’s very lovely leads. Tacconi, fresh from the National Tour of Parade, has appeared on Broadway in Ivo Van Hove’s West Side Story and The Cher Show, and Pearlman originated roles in Chasing Rainbows at Paper Mill Playhouse and pop musical Bestie Island.