What: Edie
Where: 59E59 Theatres
59 E. 59 St.
New York, NY
When: This event took place on July 8, 10, & 12, 2025
Edie is the story of Edie Windsor. Windsor was a pioneering civil rights activist and the plaintiff in the case that overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, a crucial milestone for same sex marriage in the United States. Despite its short running time, this one-woman show, written by and starring Jessica Toltzis in the title and only role, is quite comprehensive. It not only covers the history-making court case but also covers Windsor's home life from her first marriage to a man to her meeting and relationship with Thea to Thea's death. It covers her work life as well, emphasizing how hard it was to get ahead and stay ahead in business, not only being a woman but a lesbian too. The first she obviously couldn't hide, but if the latter were revealed, she would lose everything.
The writing and performance are both excellent. The show is not written as a monologue; Edie is always supposed to be talking to other people throughout the play, including Thea, her lawyer, or her co-workers. Tolitzis's performance is so natural and so expressive that not for one minute does it feel like she is not actually talking to those other people and that she is actually alone onstage. She also perfectly straddles the line between toughness and vulnerability.
The show is quite emotional at times. The ending is particularly moving and powerful, especially if you or a loved one was positively effected by the outcome of Windor's court case.
And that's our view. If you were not lucky enough to catch one of the few performances of this show in New York, it will be heading to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next, so if you are also headed to the festival you may be able to catch it there. For more information about Edie or to purchase tickets to Edie at the Edinburgh Fringe, visit https://www.edietheshow.com/
Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop.
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