1972
1972 is a world-premiere rock opera presented in a heightened-concert style. Set against the fight for reproductive freedom before Roe v. Wade, it follows Hannah, a pregnant woman escaping an abusive relationship, as she travels the rails with three outcasts and encounters the Janes, an underground network of women who risked their safety to help others obtain abortions.
Created by musician-activist Chadwick Stokes with writer and director Jessie Nelson, the production draws on true stories of people who secretly fought for bodily autonomy and personal freedom. The performance features loud music and flashing lights and includes descriptions of domestic violence and abortion.
When: October 27 through December 6. The production was extended through December 6, and opening night was November 1.
Showtimes: Performances are scheduled for November 5 at 7:30 p.m.; November 6 at 7:30 p.m.; November 7 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; November 8 at 2 p.m.; November 10 at 7:30 p.m.; November 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; November 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.; November 14 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; November 15 at 2 p.m.; November 17 at 7:30 p.m.; November 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; November 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.; November 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; November 22 at 2 p.m.; November 30 at 7:30 p.m.; December 1 at 7:30 p.m.; December 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; December 4 at 7:30 p.m.; December 5 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and December 6 at 2 p.m. All times are Eastern Time.
Availability: Many November performances are sold out. The remaining listings include limited availability, and additional seats may be released if tickets are returned.
Tickets: Standard tickets start at $43. The listed performances are priced from $126 to $162, depending on the date and seating availability. Discount programs are offered for students, people under 25, Blue Star families, EBT cardholders, seniors, Harvard faculty and staff, and others. The Take Five program offers $5 tickets to community members who feel theater is financially out of reach, subject to availability. Massachusetts residents with SNAP/EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cards may purchase up to four $5 tickets per season through the Card to Culture program, subject to the program’s performance and seating restrictions.
Run time: 80 minutes with no intermission.
Ages and content: Recommended for ages 14 and older. The production contains descriptions of domestic violence and abortion, loud music, and flashing lights. The venue rates the content at 2 out of 5 for language, 3 out of 5 for violence, 0 out of 5 for sexuality, and 0 out of 5 for substance use.
Accessibility: The November 18 performance at 7:30 p.m. is ASL interpreted. Professional interpreters will be visible from designated seats, and seats in the ASL zone can be purchased online. Ticket Services can also assist by email at ticketservices@amrep.org or by phone at 617-547-8300; ASL-access questions may be sent to Access@amrep.org.
Venue: Farkas Hall, 12 Holyoke Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, in Harvard Square.
Music and lyrics: Chadwick Stokes.
Book: Chadwick Stokes and Jessie Nelson.
Created by: Chadwick Stokes.
Direction: Jessie Nelson.
Creative team: Jill Johnson choreographs; Amy Rubin designs the scenery; Nicole Jescinth Smith designs costumes; Ben Stanton designs lighting; Justin Stasiw designs sound; Krystal Balleza designs hair, wigs, and makeup; Jacob Yates is music director; The Telsey Office and Bethany Knox, CSA handle casting; and Abbey O’Brien serves as associate director and choreographer.
Cast: Darren Buck plays Eddy, Dr. Don, and Officer O’Reilly; Jackera Davis plays Louisa; Hannah Foxman plays Jane and the Lawyer; Brit King plays Jane; JR King plays Demi; Gracie McGraw plays Hannah; Jhardon DiShon Milton plays Ensemble and Milt; Tommy Ng plays Ensemble; Darby Patterson plays Jane; Chadwick Stokes plays Depot; Will Urmston plays Pinto; and Khaila Wilcoxon plays Harlan.
Additional programming: Select performances conclude with 30-minute Act II sessions featuring talking circles and facilitated conversations with local civic leaders, scholars, and activists.