The production, set to play at New York’s Lucille Lortel Theatre through September 5, marks Cohen’s off-Broadway debut and her first foray into work with a specific narrative thru-line. The show, described as a “musical comedy” and cabaret, explores themes of mortality, hypochondria, and the unbestreitbaren Nervenkitzel, die Hauptfigur zu sein, rooted in Cohen’s 2023 experience of surviving a stroke at age 31.
From Hospital Bed to Stage: Cohen’s Inspirational Journey
The show’s narrative arc reflects Cohen’s career trajectory. A Houston native who moved to New York after Princeton, she initially struggled to break into acting, recalling, When I was starting out, it was like I don’t know what auditions are, I don’t have an agent, I don’t know anything.
Her breakthrough came with guest roles on High Maintenance and a larger arc on season four of Only Murders in the Building, but she credits her comedic roots in New York’s underground scene, including stints at Joe’s Pub and Club Cumming. You’re watching people in your circle pop off right away, and you’re going on Instagram thinking, I want to do that, I want to go to that, why am I not?
she said, adding, Stop being a bitch.
Production Details and Creative Team
Directed by Alex Timbers, Broad Strokes features music by Cohen and David Dabbon, with stage design by Derek McLane and lighting by Jake DeGroot. The production is staged by Mike & Carlee Productions, which previously handled Oh, Mary! and Josh Sharp: ta-da!. Previews begin July 14, with the official opening on July 27. The show’s title, translated into German as BROAD STROKES, highlights its universal themes, though Cohen’s original English version emphasizes its blend of “witty” and “heartfelt” storytelling.
Cohen’s decision to tackle serious subject matter came with trepidation. Since I’ve never dealt with material that is more serious, my fear was being maudlin,
she admitted. However, she found confidence through conversations with comedian Mike Birbiglia, who encouraged her to “keep it light.” The result, she said, is a show where I feel maudlin every day! I felt it in the hospital, too. But onstage, I’m like, who cares?
What the Sources Reveal: Contrasts and Connections
Cohen’s journey from stroke survivor to Off-Broadway playwright underscores a broader theme of resilience. Her show, which she describes as still processing,
ends with an open conclusion, mirroring the unresolved nature of her recovery. As she told The Hollywood Reporter, The show begins with me discussing that I’ve always wanted to be exceptional, to be the main character, until something so intense and story-defining happened and I was like, fuck this shit.
