Ethan Slater wrapped his off-Broadway run in the world premiere of “Marcel on the Train” on March 22, 2026, after a limited engagement at Classic Stage Company that began with previews on February 5 and officially opened on February 22. The Tony Award-nominated actor co-wrote the play with director Marshall Pailet, marking his playwriting debut.
The production, which ran 100 minutes with no intermission at the Lynn F. Angelson Theater in Manhattan, explored the lesser-known wartime heroism of legendary French mime Marcel Marceau. Set during World War II, the play depicts Marceau’s participation in the French Resistance as he worked to rescue Jewish children from Nazi-occupied France. According to historical accounts, Marceau saved at least 70 Jewish children through risky border crossings during the war, using his distinctive performance skills to keep the children calm and entertained during their escape.
Slater, best known for originating the role of SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway and for his performance as Boq in the Wicked films, led an ensemble cast that included Maddie Corman, Max Gordon Moore, Aaron Serotsky, Alex Wyse, and Tedra Millan. The play received a developmental workshop at Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2024 before its world premiere run.
The production drew reviews from major outlets including The New York Times, Playbill, New York Magazine, and others, with critics examining how the play portrayed Marceau’s quiet resistance during the Holocaust. The set design was by Scott Davis, with costume design by Sarah Laux, lighting design by Studio Luna, and sound design by Jill BC DuBoff.
Sources
- Playbill — confirmed opening and closing dates, cast information, and creative team details
- TDF (Theatre Development Fund) — verified closing date of March 22, 2026
- Classic Stage Company — official theater information and production details
- History.com — documented that Marcel Marceau saved at least 70 Jewish children during WWII
- Broadway Podcast Network — confirmed original scheduling and world premiere status
