Completing its extended Broadway run, Suzie Miller's Prima Facie plays its final performance July 2. The Olivier-winning play began previews at the John Golden Theatre April 11 ahead of its April 23 opening night. Read the reviews here.
The solo show transferred to the Main Stem from the West End with Killing Eve's Jodie Comer continuing to star as British defense lawyer Tessa. For her Broadway debut, Comer took home the 2023 Tony for Leading Actress in a Play.
Prima Facie follows Tessa as works her way from a working-class background to a rising star in the legal field. Often assigned to defend men accused of sexual assault, she dedicates her career to a system she believes in. But her whole world is thrown into question after she ends up in the witness stand.
"This woman and this play have been my greatest teacher," said Comer in her Tony win acceptance speech. "To every person who feels represented by Tessa, this has been my greatest honor." Serving as the production's understudy was Dani Arlington.
Prima Facie has its origins in when playwright Suzie Miller was a law student and then a defense lawyer. Miller seeks to “call out the legal system” and highlight one of the issues which continues post the #MeToo movement. Read more about how Miller developed the play and how it's been a catalyst for real change in her interview with Playbill.
Miller will soon adapt the play for the screen in a recently announced film adaptation starring Tony winner Cynthia Erivo. BAFTA winner and Emmy nominee Susanna White will direct.
Justin Martin (The Jungle) directs the production which features an original score by Rebecca Lucy Taylor (aka Self Esteem), scenic and costume design by Miriam Buether, lighting design by Natasha Chivers, sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, and video by William Williams for Treatment Studio. Buether received a 2023 Tony nomination for her scenic design while Chivers, and Ben and Max Ringham were also nominated in their categories, respectively.
Partnering with organizations to further change, the Broadway production works with U.K.-based charity The Schools Consent Project, which seeks to educate young people on issues surrounding consent and sexual assault. The show does include a trigger warning for including sensitive subject matters with references to sex, violence, and sexual assault.
It officially recouped its $4.1 million investment for a Broadway run as of June 18.
Prima Facie is produced by Empire Street Productions, Elizabeth Armstrong, Barbara Broccoli, Caiola Productions, Kristin Caskey, Echo Lake Entertainment, Eilene Davidson Productions, Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Faliro House, FilmNation Entertainment, Dale Franzen, L.T.D. Productions Inc., Holly Anderson Levow, Stephanie P. McClelland, Olympus Theatricals, Rachel Sussman, and The Shubert Organization.
Take a look at the Broadway production below.
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
Jodie Comer in Prima Facie
