Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks is set to return to the New York stage this fall in This World of Tomorrow, a new Off-Broadway play he co-wrote with playwright James Glossman. The production, directed by Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon, will premiere at The Shed’s Griffin Theater on October 30, 2024, and run through December 21. This marks Hanks’s first stage role since his Tony-nominated performance in Lucky Guy in 2013.
This World of Tomorrow blends romance, history, and science fiction, following Bert Allenberry, a forlorn scientist from the future who embarks on a time-traveling quest for true love. Bert repeatedly returns to a single day at the 1939 New York World’s Fair in Queens, seeking connection and meaning. The play is based on short stories written by Hanks, showcasing his talents beyond acting.
In a statement, Hanks expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “To explore the themes of love and yearning, and the struggles of today as we carry with us the eternal memories of the past, in such a place as The Shed, strikes me as a one-of-a-kind experience … World’s Fair of 1939.”
Director Kenny Leon, known for his work on A Raisin in the Sun and Fences, shared his excitement: “It will be a joy to experience Tom leading the cast on stage in … .”
The production will feature scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Adam Honoré, and sound design and music by Justin Ellington. Todd Kreidler will serve as associate director and dramaturg.
Tickets for This World of Tomorrow went on sale to the general public on July 24, with early access for Shed members beginning July 15. The Griffin Theater at The Shed offers an intimate setting with a seating capacity of approximately 550, providing audiences with a close-up experience of the performance.
Hanks’s return to the stage is highly anticipated, offering theatergoers a unique opportunity to see the acclaimed actor in a new light. The play’s exploration of timeless themes through a sci-fi lens promises a compelling theatrical experience.
