Playwright Shanley's New Drama 'The Pushover' Features Manipulative Rebecca De Mornay

The play explores power, survival, and the fragile boundaries between love and violence through a complex love triangle.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:39am

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An extreme close-up of crumpled, high-contrast velvet fabric and shattered glass, conceptually representing the manipulative power dynamics and fragile relationships in the play 'The Pushover.'The shattered, glittering textures of 'The Pushover' reflect the play's exploration of the fragile boundaries between love and violence.Manhattan Today

John Patrick Shanley's new play, 'The Pushover,' is a sharp, emotionally charged drama that premiered on Monday at Manhattan's Chain Theater. The play follows three tough, complex women whose lives become unexpectedly intertwined through circumstances of desperation and desire. Directed by Kirk Gostkowski, the play features raw, gritty dialogue and morally complicated characters that keep the audience unsure of who holds the real power. Rebecca De Mornay stars as the sadistic Evelyn, manipulating two younger women in a love triangle.

Why it matters

Shanley is known for writing plays that explore moral ambiguity and focus on outsiders, consistent with themes found in his earlier works like the Tony-winning 'Doubt.' 'The Pushover' continues this tradition, challenging audiences with its unfiltered energy and emotionally complex characters.

The details

Set between a spa in New Mexico and a dive restaurant in Queens, 'The Pushover' emphasizes raw human instinct, presenting characters who are both dangerous and vulnerable as they struggle to maintain control over their lives. The play's sharp dialogue and unpredictable relationships between the three women create much of the tension and dramatic appeal.

  • The Pushover premiered on Monday, April 7, 2026 at Manhattan's Chain Theater.

The players

John Patrick Shanley

The playwright behind 'The Pushover' and the Tony-winning 'Doubt.'

Rebecca De Mornay

The actress who stars as the sadistic Evelyn, manipulating two younger women in a love triangle.

Kirk Gostkowski

The director of 'The Pushover.'

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What they’re saying

“Shanley has long been known for writing language that feels both poetic and grounded, and here he gives his characters a voice that is gritty, honest, and often darkly funny.”

— Erik Meers, Founder and Editor, uInterview.com

“The characterization is another highlight. Rather than presenting simple heroes or villains, Shanley creates women who are morally complicated and fiercely independent.”

— Erik Meers, Founder and Editor, uInterview.com

What’s next

The Pushover is scheduled to run at the Chain Theater through May 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Shanley's new play 'The Pushover' continues his tradition of exploring moral ambiguity and focusing on complex, flawed characters. The raw, gritty drama challenges audiences with its uncompromising exploration of power, survival, and the fragile boundaries between love and violence.