By Lisa Loomer, Directed by Vanessa Stalling

"A lively and intelligent look at one of the most divisive issues of our time"
– The Mercury News

Jan 18 - Feb 23, 2020 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

"You didn’t give a damn about Roe the person—all you cared about was Roe the case!”-Norma, Act II, Scene II

Conceived in a pizza parlor and argued in the highest court in the land, 1973’s Roe v. Wade legalized abortion—and is hotly debated still today. The complex young women behind the trial—attorney Sarah Weddington and plaintiff Norma McCorvey (“Jane Roe”)—embark upon separate journeys that mirror the current polarization over the landmark decision. Shocking, humorous and “full of nuance and complexity" (NPR), Roe illuminates the heart and passion that each side has for their cause.

EXPLORE THE 2019/2020 SEASON

Playwright, Lisa Loomer

Lisa Loomer's Chicago credits include Living Out at The American Theater Company. New York productions include The Waiting Room, Living Out and Distracted at The Vineyard, Second Stage Theater and Roundabout Theatre Company. Other productions, including Roe, Homefree, Expecting Isabel, Bocón and Two Things You Don't Talk About have been at Arena Stage, The Mark Taper Forum, Seattle Repertory, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Berkeley Repertory, Williamstown Theater Festival, The Kennedy Center, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival and in Mexico and Europe. Awards include the American Theater Critics Award, Pen Award, Jane Chambers Award, Imagen Award and Susan Smith Blackburn prize. Film credits include Girl, Interrupted and she also writes for television.
Director, Vanessa Stalling

Vanessa Stalling returns to Goodman Theatre, where she directed the Chicago premiere of The Wolves and was the 2016 Michael Maggio Directing Fellow. Most recently, she directed Photograph 51 at The Court Theatre and A Shayna Maidel at TimeLine Theatre. She is also known for her adaptation of Laurence Gonzales’ work, United Flight 232, and her work as an associate artistic director of Redmoon Theatre. She’s a company member of The House Theatre of Chicago and an assistant professor of directing at UCSD’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

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Critical Praise

"Lifts a corner of the quilt of history and invites us to peak underneath"

- Mail Tribune
"Cleverly illuminating"

- The Washington Post
"Roe shares 50 years of history in gripping style"

- Herald Tribune
"A powerful and compassionate look at a controversial issue"

- The Siskiyou Daily News
"A lively and intelligent look at one of the most divisive issues of our time"

- The Mercury News
A "survey of the complicated and fiery underpinnings of Roe v. Wade"

- The Washington Post
A "robust and topical new drama"

- The Mercury News
"Frames contentious history with compassion"

- Mail Tribune
"Intelligent and engrossing"

- The Siskiyou Daily News
Loomer "finds the humanity in all of her characters"

- Mail Tribune
"Crackles with energy and makes the history events presented live and breathe on stage"

- The Siskiyou Daily News

Talks & Events

Drinks & Discussion Events

Throughout the run

Enhance your theater-going experience with one of our Drinks & Discussion Series events! Stay after select performances for a Post-Show Discussion and a complimentary glass of wine, or come early to select performances for a PlayTalk Session and a complimentary glass of wine.

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