Russell has played the same role since Reagan's second term and has famously missed only a handful of performances in nearly four decades, which is a record no other American actor holds. The play itself is a tight, twisty thriller that keeps rearranging who you believe, staged in a small Midtown house where the audience is close enough to watch her work. Going is as much about witnessing an endurance record as it is about the whodunit.
What to expect
A compact thriller running under two hours in an intimate Times Square-area theatre, with a small cast and a plot that turns repeatedly. The staging is traditional and dialogue-driven. Russell often greets the audience personally at the door.
Good to know
- The Theater Center is at Broadway and 50th — the 1 to 50th Street is closest.
- The house is small, so even rear seats are close to the action.
- It is a talky thriller rather than a spectacle; go for the plot and the performance.
- Discount codes circulate widely for this production — check before paying full price.
- The venue hosts several shows; confirm which theatre your ticket lists.
- Content is adult in theme but not graphic.
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Common questions
How long has it been running?
Since 1987, making it the longest-running play in New York City history.
Is the original star still in it?
Yes — Catherine Russell has led the cast continuously since the opening.
How long is the show?
Under two hours, typically played with one short intermission.
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