Ryan J. Haddad Premiered Good Time Charlie
The Public Theater production explores queer lineage through three generations of family history.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Cultural
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The Public Theater has debuted Good Time Charlie, a new play by Ryan J. Haddad. The production examines queer lineage across three generations by focusing on the relationship between two family members pursuing careers in the arts.
Why it matters
The play investigates the generational differences and shared experiences of queer men within the same family. It highlights how artistic ambitions are passed down and navigated across decades.
The production features seven actors bringing nine characters to life across three generations. The script was developed from 10 to 20 hours of interviews with Charlie and two hours of interviews with his partner, Lou.
The players
Ryan J. Haddad
He is the playwright and author of Good Time Charlie who conducted extensive interviews with his uncle to create the work.
Danny Sharron
He is the director of the production who oversaw the staging of the play at the Public Theater.
The Public Theater
This is a non-profit performing arts organization in New York City known for producing new plays and musicals.
The details
Directed by Danny Sharron, the play utilizes a conceit where characters stage a production about their lives two decades after performing backyard plays together. The narrative draws on research conducted in Cleveland and references various media, including All About Eve, Song of Norway, Calamity Jane, Fun Home, and Smash.
Timeline
20 years ago, Haddad performed plays with his family as a child.
September 2026 marked the premiere of the production at the Public Theater.
Industry Dynamics
This production continues a trend of contemporary theater centering on complex queer family narratives. It aligns with the success of works like Fun Home, which similarly bridged generational gaps to explore the evolution of queer identity on stage.
Theatergoers can view the production at the Public Theater in New York City. The play offers audiences a look into the intersection of personal family history and the broader legacy of queer artistry.
The takeaway
The play demonstrates how intergenerational dialogue can reshape our understanding of queer lineage in the arts. Future creators can implement these storytelling techniques by leveraging personal interviews to anchor theatrical narratives in lived experience.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene by exploring our coverage of Cultural trends.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TheaterMania.
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