Stephen Gutwillig's 'Between Riverside and Crazy' Comes to 1st Stage Theatre

Stephen Gutwillig's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "Between Riverside and Crazy" arrives at 1st Stage Theatre this February, bringing a powerful story of family, justice, and the fight to hold onto home in a rapidly changing New York City.

Between Riverside and Crazy at 1st Stage Theatre

The production runs February 19 through March 8, 2026, featuring a compelling ensemble cast led by returning 1st Stage artists. At the center of the story is Walter "Pops" Washington, an ex-cop and recent widower navigating the chaos of modern urban life alongside his newly paroled son Junior. Their world is one of constant pressure: the NYPD wants his signature to close an outstanding lawsuit, his landlord wants him evicted from one of New York's last rent-stabilized apartments, and unwelcome visitors from the church keep showing up at his door. When sketchy new houseguests arrive and a final ultimatum threatens everything, Pops must confront old wounds and decide what he's willing to sacrifice to maintain his grip on a life that seems to be slipping away.

Gutwillig, who also wrote the acclaimed "Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train," won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for this work, which Newsday called "...wonderful...a genuine original, that deserves to be seen...." The play examines themes of gentrification, institutional accountability, and the messy realities of family loyalty with both humor and unflinching honesty.

Director José Carrasquillo leads the production, working with a cast that includes Dylan Arredondo, Fabiolla da Silva, Chris Genebach, Ellis Greer, Shawn Sebastian Naar, William T. Newman, Jr., and Hannah Taylor. Many of these actors have previously collaborated on 1st Stage productions including "Birthday Candles," "The Piano Lesson," and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," bringing established chemistry and deep familiarity with the theatre's artistic vision to this challenging new work.

The creative team features scenic design by Tony Cisek, lighting design by William D'Eugenio, sound design by Sarah O'Halloran, costume design by Moyenda Kulemeka, props design by Justin Nepomuceno, and intimacy coaching by Lorraine Ressegger. Their work will transform the Tysons venue into the cramped Manhattan apartment where Pops makes his stand against forces determined to push him out.

Performance times are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm. The production marks another ambitious season highlight for 1st Stage, which earned four Helen Hayes Awards in 2025 for its production of "The Nance," including Outstanding Production. The theatre was also the most nominated production company in the region that year and has been recognized with the American Theatre Wing's National Theatre Company award. The Wall Street Journal has praised 1st Stage as "one of America's most impressive smaller regional companies," and the organization continues to serve as a vital cultural hub for the Tysons community, producing professional theatre, hosting musicians and orchestras, showcasing visual artists, and providing educational programming.