Grand View (play)

[1] The collaboration between Kennedy and Capital Repertory Theatre emerged in 1993, under the auspices of then-artistic director Bruce Bouchard, who had initially encouraged him to adapt one of his novels.

[4][5] Real life people and places inspired him, including his childhood summers at the Grand View Lake House in the Adirondacks.

[6] The character of Patsy McCall, who appeared in the novels Ironweed and was mentioned in Billy Phelan's Greatest Game, resembles real-life Daniel P. O'Connell in conflict with Thomas E. Dewey, according to Kennedy.

[14] The Daily Gazette lauded Kennedy's "stiletto-edged humor" and "clear insight into the minds and machinations of the politically involved," concluding it was "cracking good theater.

Unlike his other novels, however, Gillespie notes that the play explores the role of politics on individuals in a more detailed way, including how people survive divorced from ethical codes and communal ties[16] Public readings were conducted in 1994, 1995 and 1996.

Under the direction of Terry McCabe, its cast include Joel Daly, Lawrence Garner, Doug Frank, and Donna Smothers McGough.