Article by Jake Mendel
The upcoming limited Off-Broadway run of John Patrick Shanley’s powerful one-act play, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, is a testament to the transformative power of theater—and the discerning eye of Executive Producer Dr. Cynthia Hsiung. What began as an intimate, local arts event in Anaconda, Montana, has now been catapulted onto the New York stage, thanks to Dr. Hsiung’s vision and immediate commitment.
Alongside Co-Executive Producer Nick Milodragovich, Dr. Hsiung, a native New Yorker and seasoned media professional, is making her first foray into stage production by bringing this compelling show to the landmark American Theatre of Actors’ Sargent Theatre for performances on December 5 – 7.
A Career Built on Storytelling
Dr. Cynthia Hsiung’s decision to back the Montana production stems from a distinguished career rooted in developing and championing compelling narratives across various mediums. She is an Executive Producer, an award-winning feature film director, a TV writer, and a producer of a two-time Emmy-nominated TV series. Her extensive background includes developing and producing shows for major networks and studios, including HBO, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon, Universal, and Warner Bros.
Her expertise is also shared academically; she is a UCLA Extension Instructor and was awarded the Distinguished Instructor Award, along with an Honorary Doctorate from Richmond the American International University in London, UK.
For Dr. Hsiung, bringing Danny and the Deep Blue Sea to her hometown feels like a natural extension of her commitment to impactful storytelling.
“A native New Yorker, this will be the first play I have EP’d in my hometown. How does it feel to bring Danny and the Deep Blue Sea to New York—it feels right.”
The Catalyst: A Play That Couldn’t Be Forgotten
The genesis of the New York revival was a profound and immediate reaction to the production featuring Tashia Gates and James Liddell in July 2025.
“When I saw this play in Anaconda, MT in July 2025, that night I could not get the play out of my mind. I woke up three times in the middle of the night with an overwhelming thought: This play deserves a larger audience and a larger audience deserves this play.“
This conviction influenced her decision to take the risk and finance the Off-Broadway transfer. Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is a dark, three-scene play about two troubled strangers, Danny and Roberta, whose initial hostility eventually gives way to empathy, forgiveness, and the possibility of love.
Navigating New York Obstacles
Bringing an out-of-town company to a challenging environment like New York in December presents considerable logistical and financial hurdles. Dr. Hsiung noted that the main obstacles include unexpected costs—everything from accommodation and flights to the considerable expense of the theater space—which can seem to triple during the holiday season. Furthermore, the company faces the challenge of building an audience in a city where they don’t yet have a local track record.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Hsiung emphasized the essential role of community support: “We could not do this without the huge amount of love, outpour of support and belief in bringing this production to New York City.”
A Timeless Theme of Healing and Hope
Dr. Hsiung believes the play is vital to stage now, particularly in what she describes as “divisive times.” She sees Shanley’s work as a necessary vehicle for human connection.
“This play is timeless in its themes of human shame, trauma, damages of life which we hold so deeply within—The masks we wear, the burdens we push deep down into our own personal deep blue seas. Through the characters of Danny and Roberta, we are given the gift of a safe catharsis. The journey is rocky, uncomfortable and for sure, unforgettable.”
Commitment to Charity
In alignment with the play’s themes, Dr. Hsiung and the production team have chosen to donate a portion of the ticket proceeds to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), supporting their work across demographics, including initiatives like Project Opal. This effort highlights the production’s mission to address the themes of domestic violence and provide support to survivors.
Ultimately, Dr. Hsiung hopes the audience leaves the theater with “A sense of understanding, acceptance and hope for all.”
Following the New York limited run, Dr. Hsiung’s ambitious plans for the production include potential transfers to Los Angeles, London UK, and beyond, ensuring this powerful story reaches an even wider international audience.
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