Cult of Love

Leslye Headland conceived the play as part of her Seven Deadly Sins cycle, with Cult of Love representing the theme of pride. Headland examines the Dahl family under the lens of accepting your family for who they are, even when their beliefs may be different from yours. The title comes from the idea that the familial unit can be a cult of its own, while she also tackles themes of religious differences within a household. The show premiered at the IAMA Theatre in Los Angeles as part of their 10th Anniversary season in 2018. Directed by Annie Tippe, the show ran from May 18, 2018 until June 24, 2018. The show programmed for the 2020 season of the Williamstown Theatre Festival, directed by Trip Cullman; originally meant to be an in-person production. The production was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show includes musical segments with original songs, with the family gathering together to sing during the holidays. ==Production history==

Berkeley Repertory Theatre (2024) A new production directed by Trip Cullman was staged by Berkeley Repertory Theatre as part of their 2023-2024 season, running from January 26 - March 3, 2024. Broadway (2024) In June 2024, it was announced that Cult of Love would premiere on Broadway as part of Second Stage Theater's 2024-2025 season at the Helen Hayes Theater, with Trip Cullman returning as director. The show began previews November 20, 2024, opened on December 12, 2024, and closed on February 2, 2025 as a limited run. The production was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Broadway Production. Shailene Woodley, Zachary Quinto, Barbie Ferreira, and Mare Winningham starred in the Broadway production. The cast included Roberta Colindrez and Rebecca Henderson, as well as three returning cast members from the Berkeley Rep production: Molly Bernard, Chris Lowell, and Christopher Sears. The production received an Outer Critics Circle Awards nomination for Outstanding New Broadway Play, along with Winningham receiving a nomination for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play and Cullman receiving a nomination for Outstanding Direction of a Play. ==Original casts==

On April 17, 2025, it was announced that a film adaptation of the play was in development, with Headland set to adapt the screenplay and direct the film. It was also announced that Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum will produce the film adaptation through their Gloria Sanchez Productions. == Awards and nominations ==

2024 Broadway production ==References==