OUR LADY OF 121ST STREET

About the show

The Ortiz Funeral Room is in big trouble. The body of beloved community activist and nun Sister Rose has been stolen from the viewing room, and waiting for her proper return are some of New York City’s most emotionally charged, life-challenged neighborhood denizens, trying to find a place to put their grief, checkered pasts, and their uncertain futures. Among the equally hilarious and tragic twelve characters, you’ll meet Rooftop, a chronically unfaithful but otherwise popular Los Angeles DJ looking to reconcile with the love of his life; Pinky and Edwin, two brothers tragically linked forever; and the outrageously angry Norca, who doesn’t let the fact that she slept with her best friend’s husband deter her from the full expectation of being immediately forgiven of her sin by her best friend, Inez, who is still in pain 15 years later. The rest of the crowd in this dark, insightful, and very funny comedy inevitably square off on each other, motivated by rage, pain, and a scary desire to come clean – perhaps for the first time. Our Lady of 121st Street first premiered in New York City at the LAByrinth Theater Company. The production was directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman. It was subsequently produced off-Broadway at the Union Square Theatre, where it opened on March 6, 2003. A 2018 off-Broadway revival at Signature Theatre was directed by Phylicia Rashad. The play premiered on May 20, 2018.