The Lehman Trilogy

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

The Lehman Trilogy

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  3m

by Stefano Massini
Adapted by Ben Power

Weaving together nearly two centuries of family history, this epic theatrical event charts the humble beginnings, outrageous successes and devastating failure of the financial institution that would ultimately bring the global economy to its knees.

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Docudrama/History
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! Five 2022 Tony Awards, including Best Play
    Winner! Six 2022 Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Play
    Winner! 2022 Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Play
    Nominee: Five 2019 Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Play

Details

Summary

On a cold September morning in 1844, a young man from Bavaria stands on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is joined by his two brothers, and an American epic begins. 163 years later, the firm they establish – Lehman Brothers – spectacularly collapses into bankruptcy, triggering the largest financial crisis in history.

Weaving together nearly two centuries of family history, this epic theatrical event charts the humble beginnings, outrageous successes and devastating failure of the financial institution that would ultimately bring the global economy to its knees. The Lehman Trilogy is the quintessential story of western capitalism, rendered through the lens of a single immigrant family.

Note: Nick Powell’s original music from the Broadway and West End productions (which is available for streaming on music platforms) is not approved or licensed by Concord Theatricals for use in performance.

History
The Lehman Trilogy made its English language debut in London on 12 July 2018 at the National Theatre’s Lyttelton Theatre. Directed by Sam Mendes, the production featured Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley and Ben Miles. On 14 October 2021, the play opened on Broadway, again directed by Mendes and starring Beale and Godley, with Adrian Lester replacing Miles.

HENRY LEHMAN AND OTHERS
MAYER LEHMAN AND OTHERS
EMANUEL LEHMAN AND OTHERS

ADDITIONAL ACTORS (non-speaking) for Part Three

  • Time Period 1990s, 1980s, 1970s, 1900-1910, 19th Century, 1960s, 1950s, 1940s/WWII, 1930s, 1920s, 1910s/WWI
  • Setting New York City, Alabama and Nebraska. 1844-2008.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“True blockbuster theatre that will hold you captive until the final curtain call.” – Vanity Fair

“A masterwork. Far and away the best thing I’ve seen on any stage since before the start of the pandemic.” – Chicago Tribune

The Lehman Trilogy surpasses all praise.” – The Wall Street Journal

★★★★★ “What an astonishing evening! Spanning 150 years and running three and a half hours, Stefano Massini’s play traces the trajectory of western capitalism by following the fortunes of a single family… a kaleidoscopic social and political metaphor.” – The Guardian

“Captivating… a vividly human tale, nimbly performed by three of the finest actors around.” – The New York Times

“A vibrant yarn about greed and American values. It leaves you dazzled and a little dizzy.” – Time Out New York

“An unalloyed theatrical triumph.” – New York Stage Review

“Magnificent… a spellbinding demonstration of theater’s possibilities.” – Deadline

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Authors

Stefano Massini

Stefano Massini is an internationally renowned novelist and playwright, the first Italian author to receive a Tony Award. He regularly contributes to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, and for several years he has served as artistic consultant at Piccolo Teatro di Milano – ...

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Ben Power

Ben Power is a writer for theatre and the screen. For the last 12 years he has worked at the National Theatre as associate director and deputy artistic director and was responsible for the temporary theatre The Shed. Work for the screen includes Munich: The Edge of War and Th ...
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