An American Daughter

 An American Daughter
La Femme Theatre Productions
The Pershing Square Signature Center
September 2, 2026 

Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions

The La Femme Theatre Productions presentation of Wendy Wasserstein’s 1996 play An American Daughter contains an unpublished version of the second act.  This allows it to ring with remarkable relevance, leaving the audience with a lot to ponder.  Director Sarna Lapine brings this work to a new light with a star-studded cast who succinctly portrays the social and political landscape of the time and builds the conflict with truthful earnestness.  Set against our present political situation, the comparisons are astonishing.  

Lyssa Dent Hughes (played by Jean Lichty) is the president’s nominee for Surgeon General of the United States.  She is the daughter of Alan Hughes, a Republican Senator from Indiana (played by Dakin Matthews) and a descendant of Ulysses S. Grant.  While Lyssa is being interviewed by Timber Tucker (played by Chris Ghaffari) for national television, Morrow McCarthy, a close friend of her family (played by Ryan Spahn), casually mentions that Lyssa once ignored a summons for jury duty.  Her husband, Walter (played by Robert Sean Leonard) makes light of the incident in an attempt to move the interview along.  When the interview is aired on national television, Lyssa loses the support of the American public, particularly women.  She now faces the most monumental challenge of her career, while trying to keep her family and dignity intact. 

Montego Glover & Jean Lichty
Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions

The main storyline of a small, unintentional error becoming a huge controversy drives the action, yet it is the relationships in this play that offer the most value.  The support Lyssa receives from her family and friends is heartwarming, and sometimes questionable.  Their honesty is clear, bold, and at times brutal.  The most endearing bond is between Lyssa and her long-time friend Judith (played by Montego Glover).  Ms. Lichty and Ms. Glover portray a formidable connection from the beginning of the play.  Their friendship proves to be the most resilient as the action progresses.  They both suffer heart-breaking loss, and come out knowing they can count on one another. 

Jean Lichty & Robert Sean Leonard
Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions

Robert Sean Leonard delivers an intelligent and charismatic portrayal of Lyssa’s husband, Walter.  He is flexible and giving in their relationship, but his infidelity causes doubt for Lyssa when she needs to feel secure and grounded.  There is an ease between these two characters that crumbles as the truth is revealed.  Mr. Leonard and Ms. Lichty play each layer of their relationship with sincerity and fervor. 

Dakin Matthews & Mary Beth Peil
Photo courtesy of La Femme Productions

Dakin Matthews has a powerful presence as Republican Senator Alan Hughes.  He is pushy, arrogant, and wildly charming.  He can spin a story to create interest, then shut it down with a few sharp words.  Mary Beth Peil delivers an amazing performance as his wife, Charlotte “Chubby” Hughes.  She knows how to present herself as expected.  Just when you think that is all there is to her, she reveals her wisdom and gumption.

There are also excellent performances by Carmen Zilles, Ryan Spahn, Chris Ghaffari, and Will Devary. 

Carmen Zilles, Ryan Spahn, Robert Sean Leonard,
Mary Beth Peil, & Jean Lichty
Photo courtesy of La Femme Productions

An American Daughter is playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center through September 20.  The play presents multiple political points of view, each represented by a different character, and puts them in direct conflict.  This is a strength of Ms. Wasserstein writing, and this production highlights it beautifully.  It is an enthralling production.  

Domenick Danza