‘Birthday Candles’: Will & Grace star Debra Messing steps into new role on Broadway

Will & Grace star Debra Messing has stepped into a new role on Broadway.

News 12 Staff

Apr 20, 2022, 9:54 AM

Updated 737 days ago

Share:

Will & Grace star Debra Messing has stepped into a new role on Broadway.
“Birthday Candles" stars Debra Messing as Ernestine Ashworth.
"I play a woman who ages 90 years in 90 minutes and I never leave the stage,” says Messing.
The play, both a comedy and drama, delves into the meaning of a life as Ashworth ages from teenager to centenarian. Playwright Noah Haidle crafted the cake baked by Ernestine each year on her birthday to be rich in symbolism.
"Noah also makes clear that people are ingredients in a life,” says Messing. “People and traditions and rituals and birthday cakes."
Messing says during rehearsals that the play had her taking stock of her own life.
"Sort of looking back in how I thought my life was going to be and how it is, and the people who I thought would still be here who aren't,” says Messing.
“Birthday Candles" spans five generations, but the cake is constant the same each year, and yes, it's baked on stage.
"Birthday Candles" is scheduled to run through May 29 at American Airlines Theatre.


More from News 12
1:56
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:51
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City; tracking weekend rain

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx