IN A POWERFUL NEW PRODUCTION ALIGNED WITH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, DREAM BIG WORLD THEATRE INC. ANNOUNCES THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CRACKED OPEN, AN EMOTIONALLY RESONANT NEW PLAY WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT GAIL KRIEGEL.
The production begins previews on May 6th, 2025, at Theatre Row in Manhattan, with an official Opening Night set for May 20th, running through June 28th, 2025.
At the heart of Cracked Open is a deeply human story: a family grappling with the sudden onset of mental illness in their 17-year-old daughter. As they navigate the labyrinth of treatment, stigma, and uncertainty, they ultimately discover the enduring strength of familial love and resilience. The play speaks to the silent battles so many families face—offering a raw, unflinching, and empathetic look at mental health.
“Cracked Open gives voice to the silent struggles faced by so many and invites us to confront the stigma and misunderstandings that often surround mental health,” says Barry Mallin, Producer at Dream Big World Theatre. “This play is timely and necessary, offering a raw and empathetic look at the human condition. We are proud to bring Gail Kriegel’s profound story to Theatre Row and hope it resonates with audiences as deeply as it has with us.”
The production boasts a stellar ensemble cast of 11 actors portraying 32 characters, including:
Paul Castree (Water for Elephants, Saturday Night Fever)
Pamela Bob (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder)
Katherine Reis (HBO Max’s Gossip Girl)
Bart Shatto (Les Misérables, War Paint)
Lisa Pelikan, Joyia D. Bradley, Rubén Caballero, Blaire DiMisa, Scott Harrison, Madeline Grace Jones, and Jeene Vath
Behind the scenes, an accomplished creative team brings Cracked Open to life:
Mikaila Baca-Dorion – Scenic and Props Design
AC Gottlieb & James Nguyen – Co-Costume Design
Yang Yu – Scenic and Lighting Design
Bill Toles – Sound Design and Production Management
Judi Lewis Ockler – Fight Direction
Jamibeth Margolis – Casting
Suzanne Apicella – Production Stage Manager
Mari Tompkins – Assistant Director
General Managers: Reed Ridgley and Anthony Francavilla (Form Theatricals)
Performances are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday at 7:00 PM, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM at Theatre Row, located at 410 West 42nd Street, New York, NY. Tickets range from $64 to $94 and are available at crackedopentheplay.com.
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
Gail Kriegel is an acclaimed writer and director, known for her socially impactful storytelling. Her accolades include a Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, the One World Arts Award, and the Ruby Lloyd Apsey Award for distinguished playwriting. Her previous works, including Sweetee, On the Home Front, and the globally performed SEVEN, have been celebrated for their insight, compassion, and call to action. Kriegel also serves as the Artistic Director of the East Broadway Theatre Project and is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, having twice been honored by the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
ABOUT DREAM BIG WORLD THEATRE
Dream Big World Theatre Inc. is a not-for-profit company committed to developing and presenting theatrical works that delve into pressing social issues. Past productions have graced renowned stages such as Signature Theatre, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Through heartfelt narratives and community collaboration, Dream Big seeks to spark dialogue, break down barriers, and foster change—both on stage and off.
Cracked Open is more than a play—it's a conversation starter, a mirror, and a tribute to the strength of those navigating mental illness. Don’t miss this moving theatrical experience this spring in New York.
For tickets and additional information, visit crackedopentheplay.com.