Marathon '33

The play is set in 1933 when dance marathon contests were a large part of the American zeitgeist, and was performed at the ANTA Washington Square Theatre.

Although critics loved the play and it received high praise including a few Tony nominations, Marathon ‘33 was not a popular success and only ran for 48 performances.

Grunwald described her aim in producing the play as portraying an era that resembles reality TV today and the harsh treatment of performers in the entertainment industry.

Eighty years on, in an era of reality TV and ‘poverty porn’, the Guildhall School presents the British premiere of this extraordinary, visceral show written by Canadian-born American actress and writer June Havoc[6].” In a review for The Guardian, critic Michael Billington praised Grunwald’s production for its design and originality.

[7]” The American Century Theater company produced a version of Marathon ‘33, which ran from July 27 to August 25, 2012, at the Gunston Theatre Two in Arlington, Virginia.