Anne Gee Byrd headlines world premiere
of Winter’s Bench at 24th Street Theatre
LOS ANGELES (July 21, 2026) — Scientists have discovered that trees communicate through vast underground networks. But what if one had something to say to us?
Acclaimed actress Anne Gee Byrd, joined onstage by flutist Shih-wei Wu, stars in the world premiere of Winter’s Bench, a lyrical and deeply human new play by Olivier Award-winning British playwright Mike Kenny. Commissioned by 24th Street Theatre and directed by artistic director Debbie Devine, performances run September 5 through October 25 at the company’s home, a converted carriage house in L.A.’s West Adams historic district.
Set in a park where only one ancient tree remains, Winter’s Bench follows Gladys, an elderly woman who has spent a lifetime believing the tree spoke to her when she was a child, and who waits, even now, to hear its voice again. Blending storytelling, live music and imagination, Winter’s Bench is both a memory play and a meditation on nature, aging and hope. At a time when forests are disappearing and loneliness is on the rise, Winter’s Bench invites audiences to consider what we lose when we stop listening—to nature, to one another and to the stories that shape us.
“Gladys reminds us that stories are how we hold on to one another,” says Devine. “Storytelling is how we pass on wisdom, create community and preserve what matters. The tree isn’t magic. It represents resilience, endurance and the possibility that something lasting can still speak to us.”
Winter’s Bench marks 24th Street Theatre’s third collaboration with Kenny, following the acclaimed Walking the Tightrope and Rapunzel Alone. Named among the Independent on Sunday’s “Top Ten Living UK Playwrights,” he is widely regarded as one of Britain’s leading writers for the stage.
The production reunites many of the artists behind 24th Street Theatre’s celebrated original works, including composer Bradley Brough, scenic designer Keith Mitchell, video designer Matthew G. Hill, lighting designer Dan Weingarten, sound designer Nick Foran and costume designer Shannon Kennedy. Jesús Castaños-Chima serves as assistant director, Beja Wolf is production stage manager, and Jay McAdams produces.
Founded in 1997, 24th Street Theatre is nationally recognized for pairing adventurous professional theater with deep community engagement. Its landmark theater, distinguished by its giant green doors, serves as a gathering place where neighborhood residents, students, families and unhoused neighbors find not only performances but educational, cultural and social service resources. The company serves more than 10,000 people annually, including approximately 6,000 children and youth.
Performances of Winter’s Bench take place Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from September 5 through October 25, with additional performances Monday, Sept. 7 and Monday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $24 with Monday performances offered on a Pay-What-You-Can basis. The production is recommended for ages 7 and older.
24th Street Theatre is located at 1117 West 24th St., Los Angeles, CA 90007 (at the intersection of 24th and Hoover).
For tickets and information, visit 24thstreet.org or call (213) 745-6516.
Details for Calendar Listings
Winter’s Bench
WHAT:
What if a tree had something to say? Anne Gee Byrd stars in the world premiere of Winter’s Bench, a lyrical and deeply human new play by Olivier Award-winning playwright Mike Kenny, commissioned by 24th Street Theatre and directed by Debbie Devine. Accompanied live by flutist Shih-wei Wu, Byrd portrays Gladys, an elderly woman who believes the last remaining ancient tree in her neighborhood once spoke to her, and may speak again. At a time when forests are disappearing and loneliness is on the rise, Winter’s Bench invites audiences to consider what we lose when we stop listening—to nature, to one another and to the stories that shape us.
WHO:
• Written by Mike Kenny
• Directed by Debbie Devine
• Starring Anne Gee Byrd and Shih-wei Wu
• Produced by 24th Street Theatre
WHEN:
Sept. 5 – Oct. 25, 2026
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.
• Sundays at 2 p.m.
• Monday Sept. 7 and Monday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m.
WHERE:
24th Street Theatre
1117 West 24th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007-1725
PARKING:
• Secure lot across the street from the theater: $5 (limited spaces)
• Street parking available.
TICKETS
• Adults: $24
• Under 18: $10
• Seniors, Students and Teachers: $15
• North University Park residents: $2.40
• Monday Nights: Pay–What–You–Can
OTHER:
Recommended for ages 7+
HOW:
24thstreet.org
(213) 745-6516
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