Venice, California – A compelling fresh play, “The Best Boarding House in Delaware,” is set to premiere on March 5th at the Electric Lodge Theater, marking the return of Emmy Award-winning actress Leigh Taylor-Young to the stage. The production, written and directed by Marja-Lewis Ryan, delves into the unsettling true story of Dorothea Puente, a woman who ran a fraudulent boarding house for seniors, and explores themes of trust, vulnerability, and survival. This world premiere promises a haunting and emotionally resonant experience for audiences.
Taylor-Young, whose career spans over five decades, is a familiar face to audiences from her roles in “Peyton Place,” “Soylent Green,” “The Big Bounce,” “Dallas,” and, notably, “Picket Fences,” for which she received an Emmy Award. Her presence lends significant weight to the production, signaling a return to theatrical performance after a period focused on film and television. The play’s exploration of aging and loneliness in America, coupled with the chilling inspiration from Puente’s crimes, positions it as a timely and thought-provoking work.
A True Crime Story Reimagined for the Stage
The play draws inspiration from the case of Dorothea Puente, who operated a boarding house in Sacramento, California, during the 1980s and 1990s. Puente was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder after authorities discovered the remains of several residents buried in her backyard. She had been fraudulently collecting Social Security checks for deceased tenants, a scheme that ultimately led to her downfall. As reported by the Santa Monica Daily Press, Ryan’s adaptation aims to examine the circumstances that allowed such a crime to occur, focusing on the emotional lives of those involved and the societal factors that contribute to isolation and vulnerability.
Ryan, known for her work as showrunner, executive producer, writer, and director on Showtime’s “The L Word: Generation Q,” brings her signature emotional depth to the project. She reunites with frequent collaborators, including actors Heidi Sulzman, Jessie Warner, and Michelle Gardner, as well as scenic designer Michael Fitzgerald and film producer Chris Bender, suggesting a cohesive and artistically aligned team behind the production. Ryan’s previous theatrical work includes plays like “One in the Chamber” and “A Good Family,” demonstrating a consistent engagement with complex and challenging themes.
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
“The Best Boarding House in Delaware” will run from March 5th through March 29th, 2026, at the Electric Lodge Theater, located at 1416 Electric Ave., Venice, CA 90291. Previews commence on Thursday, March 5th at 8:00 PM, with the official opening night scheduled for Friday, March 6th at 8:00 PM. Following the opening, performances will be held Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays at both 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets, starting at $65, are available for purchase at thebestboardinghouseindelaware.eventbrite.com or via bit.ly/BBHID.
A Seem at the Creative Team
Beyond Taylor-Young and Ryan, the production boasts a team of experienced professionals. Michael Fitzgerald’s scenic design promises to create a compelling and atmospheric setting for the play, while the contributions of actors Sulzman, Warner, and Gardner, alongside producer Chris Bender, suggest a high level of artistic collaboration. Ryan’s film credits include “6 Balloons” and “The Four-Faced Liar,” further showcasing her versatility as a storyteller.
The Electric Lodge Theater, a well-known venue on the Westside of Venice, provides an intimate setting for this potentially powerful drama. The 90-minute runtime suggests a focused and tightly-paced narrative, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the story. The play’s exploration of loneliness and aging in America resonates with contemporary concerns, making it a particularly relevant work for today’s audiences.
The final performance of “The Best Boarding House in Delaware” is scheduled for March 29th, 2026, with shows at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Those interested in attending are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as seating is limited. Further information and updates can be found on the eventbrite page.
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