The Heidi Chronicles

by Joe Dempsey May 31st, 2002August 29th, 2020

WEDNESDAY

Your take on The Heidi Chronicles may hinge on your tolerance for boomer lore. Wendy Wasserstein’s play follows protagonist Heidi Holland between 1965 and 1989; along the way, the art-historian heroine attends a Eugene McCarthy rally and joins Central Park crowds mourning John Lennonand often grooves to Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. On the other hand, Wasserstein doesn’t write about all boomers: Given Heidi’s fictionalized friendsambitious magazine publisher Scoop, feminist-dude-rancher-turned-successful-television-executive Susan, and prominent Manhattan pediatrician Peterthe play doesn’t stray far from a comfortable economic and educational milieu. But I don’t think Wasserstein claims to be speaking for all boomers. Instead, she tells a mostly compelling story of a woman determining her personal priorities. Presented by the Smithsonian Associates, Voice of America, and L.A. Theatre Works as part of this season’s “Radio TheatreLive!” series, the production will bring the added interest of listening to a troupe performing within the boundaries of radio. The play starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Voice of America Auditorium, 330 Independence Ave. SW. $33. (202) 357-3030. (Joe Dempsey)

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