Hartford Stage launches 2025-2026 season with world premiere of Rope 

New adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher of classic thriller set to run in Hartford October 10-November 2, 2025 

Rope
Hartford Stage • 50 Church St, Hartford, CT 06103
October 10, 2025 – November 2, 2025
Click here to purchase tickets

Rope

Hartford Stage kicks off its 2025/2026 season on October 10 with the highly anticipated world premiere of Rope, a gripping new adaptation by acclaimed playwright Jeffrey Hatcher (Dial M for MurderDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) that will run through November 2.  

Based on Patrick Hamilton’s 1929 stage play Rope’s End – famously adapted into film by Alfred Hitchcock – Hatcher’s adaptation blends humor with psychological tension, offering a production that entertains and unsettles in equal measure. When two young men commit what they believe is the “perfect murder,” they test their nerves by hiding the body during a party for the victim’s closest friends. But as tension builds and secrets stir, the question becomes: how long can anyone keep up the charade? 

“I am thrilled to open our season by bringing this brand-new adaptation commissioned by Hartford Stage to our community,” says Hartford Stage Artistic Director Melia Bensussen, who is also the director for Rope. “This production stands firmly within the rich legacy of new plays and adaptations that have originated on our stage over the past six decades. As we continue this tradition, I am confident that Rope will engage audiences with its sharp wit and captivating exploration of power, guilt, and moral reasoning.” 

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The cast includes Mark Benninghofen as Rupert Cadell, Ephraim Birney as Lewis, Daniel Neale as Brandon, James Riordan as Mr. Kentley, Fiona Robberson as Meriel, and Nick Saxton as Kenneth. 

The production will feature scenic design by Riw Rakkulchon, costume design by Risa Ando, lighting design by ML Geiger, sound design and composition by Jane Shaw, wig and make-up design by Jodi Stone, and casting by Alldaffer & Donadio Casting. The stage manager is Nicole Wiegert, and the assistant stage manager is Julius Cruz

Tickets and Performance Details

Rope runs from October 10 to November 2, 2025, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2:00 p.m. Tickets start at $20, with lowest prices during preview performances October 10-16 and discounts available for students and groups. Groups wanting to create a special occasion out of their visit can reserve a private space at the theater to enjoy a reception before or after the performance. Visit HartfordStage.org, call 860-527-5151, or stop by the box office at 50 Church Street to purchase tickets. 

The theater advises audiences to be careful and not purchase tickets through any other website. Third party re-sellers will try to sell false tickets for twice the price or more. If you have any doubts or questions, please contact the Hartford Stage Box Office directly. Hartford Stage does not charge any additional fees for tickets.  

Special Performances and Accessibility

Post-Show Discussions: October 19 & 29, 2025, at 2 pm, and October 28, 2025, at 7:30 pm – Engage in conversations with artists connected to the production immediately following the performance. Free with admission. 

Student Matinee: October 23, 2025, at 10:30 am – For school groups to bring students to attend live theater at Hartford Stage. Followed by a talkback with members of the cast and creative team. Learn more and reserve tickets for your school group at HartfordStage.org/student-matinees

Open Captioned Performance: October 26, 2025, at 2 pm – For patrons who are deaf or have hearing loss. Free service with admission. 

Audio-Described Performance: November 1, 2025, at 2 pm – For patrons who are blind or have low vision. Free service with admission. 

Support: 

The 2025/2026 season is made possible by Stanley Black & DeckerTravelers, and The Hartford. Post-show conversations are supported by Bank of America.

Production support for Rope comes from Jill Adams and Bill Knight, Don and Marilyn AllanRick and Beth Costello, and Jack and Donna Sennott

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