Showbiz Legend Marsha Mason Directs 'The Roommate' in Arizona

The acclaimed actress takes the helm for Arizona Theatre Company's production of the Jen Silverman play.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a rich, velvety theater curtain in a deep burgundy color, capturing the luxurious texture and dramatic lighting of a high-end performance space.Marsha Mason's directorial work for Arizona Theatre Company brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to the regional stage.Phoenix Today

Marsha Mason, the four-time Academy Award-nominated actress known for films like 'Cinderella Liberty' and 'The Goodbye Girl,' is now directing 'The Roommate' for Arizona Theatre Company. This is the third show Mason has directed for the company, having previously helmed 'Act of God' in 2016 and 'Chapter Two' in 2017. Mason spoke about her affinity for the play, her directing process, and the benefits of acting versus directing.

Why it matters

Marsha Mason's involvement as a director for Arizona Theatre Company highlights her continued commitment to the craft of theater, even as she has transitioned from her acclaimed acting career. Her experience and expertise bring a level of prestige to the local production, and her insights on the play's themes of openness and human connection resonate with the company's mission to produce meaningful, thought-provoking work.

The details

Mason first became involved with 'The Roommate' when she was asked to be the associate director for the play's initial New York production. She then connected with Arizona Theatre Company's artistic director Matt August, who invited her to direct the Arizona production. Mason was drawn to the play's exploration of two very different women who form an unlikely bond, and she relished the opportunity to put her own stamp on the production through the set design, lighting, and working closely with the actors. The Tucson audiences responded enthusiastically to the show, validating Mason's vision and the strength of the underlying script by Jen Silverman.

  • Mason spent about five weeks in Tucson, where the ATC production ran first, before coming to Tempe to get the cast and crew ready for the local performances.
  • 'The Roommate' is showing at Arizona Theatre Company at Tempe Center for the Arts through April 26, 2026.

The players

Marsha Mason

An acclaimed actress who has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress four times, including for 'Cinderella Liberty,' 'The Goodbye Girl,' 'Chapter Two,' and 'Only When I Laugh.' She is now focusing more on directing, having helmed three productions for Arizona Theatre Company.

Jen Silverman

The playwright who wrote 'The Roommate,' the play that Mason is directing for Arizona Theatre Company.

Jack O'Brien

The director who asked Mason to be the associate director for the initial New York production of 'The Roommate.'

Matt August

The artistic director of Arizona Theatre Company who invited Mason to direct the Arizona production of 'The Roommate.'

Mia Farrow

The actress who had to drop out of the initial New York production of 'The Roommate' due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, leading Mason to go on in her place for several performances.

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What they’re saying

“It's not every day you get to speak with an entertainment legend.”

— Jennifer Goldberg, Author

“First of all, the play is beautifully written by Jen Silverman. It's about two contrasting, very different women who are thrown together in a rather unlikely relationship, and they learn and grow from one another. It's just wonderfully funny and moving and it's a great way to really see about staying open to how people can be very different and yet find common ground with which to gain affection and opening up themselves to a different world because of the other person.”

— Marsha Mason, Director

“I hope that they'll be moved, mostly, and have a good time and also to be able to be more open to different people. I think it's really important that we don't isolate ourselves. And part of the charm and the wonderment of this play is two people who seemingly are isolated who come to open themselves up to another person's experience. I always think that that's beneficial for all of us. No matter how different we are on the surface, we're basically all human beings, so I love that idea.”

— Marsha Mason, Director

What’s next

The production of 'The Roommate' at Arizona Theatre Company in Tempe will run through April 26, 2026.

The takeaway

Marsha Mason's involvement as a director for Arizona Theatre Company demonstrates her continued passion for the craft of theater and her ability to bring a veteran's touch to productions that explore themes of human connection and growth. Her insights on the power of storytelling to open people's minds to different perspectives resonates with the company's mission to create meaningful, thought-provoking work.