Running SEPTEMBER 10 - OCTOBER 10, 2026
@ 59E59 Theaters, Theater B
a co-production with Pendragon Theatre
Winner of the 2026 New Light New Voices Award
"Lean-To is a new play that cleverly epitomises the loudness of silence...All three actors effectively express a multitude of deep emotions. 5 out of 5 stars."
- Sebastian Cherry, Lord Cherry's Review
"A tender woodland comedy where loneliness, love and vulnerability collide amid Britney Spears, revelations, and the restorative chaos of human connection...directed with considerable sensitivity by Jesse Jou."
- Tony Marinelli, TheaterScene.net
"Stephen Sheffer’s script is tight and grounded in the present...the direction of Jesse Jou keeps the action moving and appropriately builds the initial tension...the crisp ninety five minutes of the show rocket by and in the end we are left heading back into the “real world” changed by the events of the night."
- Ian McDonald, Theatre Beyond Broadway
"There is definitely much to like in this Lean-To, and I will say that just Stephen Sheffer's use of a pair of briefs as a Chekhov's gun alone makes the evening worth it."
- Moshe A. Bloxenheim, Talkin' Broadway
"Excellent actors...the whole production evokes generosity and kindness."
- Julia Polinsky, TheaterScene.com
"The cast gives this quiet encounter warmth."
- Stephen Kearley, The BroadGays
"The piece is nicely produced by New Light Theater Project...Stephen Sheffer's patient and intriguing play is interesting and it provides you time to think and exist with the characters in a calm and meaningful way."
- Molly Serenduke, Theatre Night Out
"Larisa Oleynik precisely catches her character's frustration... Oleynik can invest the most mundane line with a vein of unspoken feeling...Joshua David Robinson has a deceptively casual way with a wounding revelation, making it clear that there is more than initially seems apparent."
- David Barbour, Lighting & Sound America
"a winning John Alejandro Jeffords...Strongly grounded in reality (Lean-To) explores how we build relationships with those closest to us, and how we destroy them."
- Elise Nussbaum, La Voce di New York
"All three actors give solid performances...Scenic designer Connor Gallerani provides a smart and maneuverable set."
- Stanford Friedman, The Front Row Center
"The drama truly places you in the great outdoors – you can practically smell the campfire."
- Charles Passy, The One Hundred Word Review
Check out the BroadwayWorld interview of playwright Stephen Sheffer as he discusses Lean-To, inspirations, and our upcoming production.
Join us for these Lean-To Special Events.
NLTP Encore Benefit
Sunday, September 13 at 3:00 PM
Celebrating 13 years of New Light Theater Project and honoring Company Member Arlene Hutton.
Post-Performance Talkback during United Nations General Assembly Healing Arts Week
Friday, September 25, following the 7:15 PM performance
Loneliness & Connection: "My Loneliness Is Killing Me"
Join playwright Stephen Sheffer and Nicole Morgan (Foundation for Social Connection) for a fireside chat about loneliness, belonging, Britney Spears and the power of theater to bring people together and create meaningful human connection.
MEET THE
ARTISTS
Click here for the bios of our cast, creative + production teams.
Written by Stephen Sheffer (he/him)
Directed by Jesse Jou (he/him)
Scenic Design by Connor Gallerani (they/he)
Costume Design by Krista Grevas † (she/her)
Lighting Design by Elaine Wong † (she/they)
Sound Design by Jennie Gorn † (they/she/he)
Prop Design by Peggy Orman (she/her)
Production Stage Manager Cat Copeland † (they/she)
Assistant Stage Manager Eli Bettman (they/them)
The company of Lean-To.
An overprepared hiker and a not-so-prepared couple are forced to share a rustic lean-to shelter in the woods. Bonding over Britney Spears, shared supplies, and the desire to escape city life for a weekend, these strangers experience a rare moment of authentic connection. But as they come together around the warmth of the campfire, a different type of kindling threatens to combust.
Part comedy and part tender drama, Lean-To explores the human desire to connect and the shadow of loneliness that lurks within all of us.
Production Pictures: Burdette Parks