A World Premiere by Sarah Ruhl

Sarah Ruhl's highly anticipated new play will receive its world premiere at the Mitz E. Newhouse Theater this November, with previews beginning October 9th. The Oldest Boy centres around the emotional and psychological rifts which open up between a couple when their son is chosen as the reincarnation of a high Buddhist teacher. It marks playwright Sarah Ruhl's eagerly awaited return to New York after In the Next Room and Stage Kiss. The former, which chronicled the early history of the vibrator, was nominated for three Tony Awards and was a finalist for 2010's Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Leading the cast is Celia Keenan-Bolger, best known for starring in the recent Broadway transfers of Peter and the Starcatcher and The Glass Menagerie, two roles which each gained her a Tony Award nomination in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Also among the cast is Ernest Abuba (Pacific Overtures) and Joel de la Fuente (Hemlock Grove, Law and Order: SVU). The director is Rebecca Taichman.

What is The Oldest Boy About?

Born to a Tibetan man and an American woman, Tenzin is just your average four year old. That is until he is recognized as the reincarnation of a Buddhist High Leader and two monks arrive to take him to India, to begin his religious training. His parents must decide whether to let him go, beginning a passionate conversation which calls into question everything they each believe about love, religion and family.