Douglas Carter Beane Unveils ‘Finding Dorothy Parker’ in NYC

Douglas Carter Beane, a five-time Emmy-nominated playwright and screenwriter, has announced the upcoming performances of his new show, Finding Dorothy Parker. The production will feature esteemed actors Julie Halston, Ann Harada, Jackie Hoffman, and Anita Larsen, with music composed by Alistair Wroe. The show is set to take place at the Laurie Beechman Theatre at West Bank Café in New York City from September 2 to September 4, 2023.

Beane’s latest work emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by his deep appreciation for the writings of Dorothy Parker. The creative process began with Beane revisiting his extensive collection of Parker’s work and conducting Zoom readings with various performers. These initial readings took place at The Players Club, a private venue in Manhattan, and ultimately led to the current production’s development.

Reflecting on the collaborative process, Beane expressed his enthusiasm about working with such talented actresses. “Oh, I wish they were mine but they are everybody’s,” he remarked, acknowledging the challenges of scheduling with such sought-after performers. He added that his long-standing relationships with them allow him to tailor material that showcases their unique talents.

As a playwright, Beane has gained valuable insights throughout the creative journey of Finding Dorothy Parker. He emphasized the importance of listening to others, stating, “I am not the writer here so I am learning from the words being spoken.” He noted that the experience has also deepened his understanding of the female perspective, a theme prevalent in Parker’s work.

Looking ahead, Beane envisions a future for the show that extends beyond its initial run. “I would love to see this in a sit-down production,” he said. He expressed interest in filming the performance for platforms like Netflix or recording it for Audible, hoping to make it accessible to a broader audience, including high schools and community theaters.

In discussing the evolving landscape of theater in the digital age, Beane remarked on the renewed interest in live performances. “I feel that all the other ‘legacy forms’ (TV and Film) are failing, so everyone is rushing into the theater,” he observed. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for the theater community.

Beane also shared his advice for aspiring playwrights and writers. “Write every day, even for five minutes,” he advised, underscoring the importance of maintaining a creative practice. He encouraged young writers to keep journals to capture ideas, regardless of when they might revisit them.

Success, for Beane, is not merely about accolades or recognition. He defined it as achieving fulfillment in his creative projects, stating, “Getting a project where I want it is success. Everything else good or bad is just the breaks.”

As he prepares for the premiere of Finding Dorothy Parker, Beane hopes to convey a powerful message about the importance of standing against oppression. He highlighted Parker’s legacy, noting that she left her estate to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the NAACP, emphasizing the need for writers to use their voices for social change.

With its blend of humor and poignant themes, Finding Dorothy Parker promises to be a celebration of a literary icon and a reminder of the impact of art in challenging times.