A private industry presentation of the new play “Mister Halston,” which chronicles the life and career of fashion designer Halston, will be held in New York City. The solo play, written by Raffael Pacitti and directed by Kimberly Senior, will be presented on Jan. 17, 2025 at Cooper Square, ahead of an anticipated 2025 commercial production. Ken Barnett will play the titular character. Sue Vaccaro, who won a Tony Award for co-producing “Clybourne Park,” will produce the reading, alongside associate producer Donna Rubin, in association with RPR Media Group.
“Mister Halston” is set in 1987, three years before the passing of the mononymous designer. Through the lens of a journalist’s interview, the play examines Halston’s work, which encompassed his own ready-to-wear line as well as designs for Jackie Kennedy, Braniff Airlines, the U.S. Olympics, the Girl Scouts and more, and its impact on identity, gender politics and sexuality. “Mister Halston” was presented at the 2023 United Solo Theater Festival, where it won three festival awards, including Best Actor for Barnett and Best Script for Pacitti.
Barnett served as a vacation standby in Broadway’s “Fun Home,” in addition to appearing in “The Green Bird” and the 2003 revival of “Wonderful Town.” His other New York theater credits include “Gorgeous Nothings,” “The Cradle Will Rock,” “The Light Years” and “Fortress of Solitude.”
Senior directed the 2014 Broadway production of “Disgraced.” For Off-Broadway stages, Senior has helmed “Bella Bella” and “The Niceties” with Manhattan Theatre Club, “Discord” with Primary Stages and “Engagements” with Second Stage Theater.
Pacitti currently serves as the group art director for Omnicom Health Group. His résumé as a designer in the publishing world includes work for “Men’s Fitness,” “Men’s Health,” “Shape,” “Vibe” and “Elle.” As a performer, Pacitti has appeared in cabarets at 54 Below, Metropolitan Room and Etcetera Etcetera’s Piano Room.
Halston’s life has been the subject of another stage property in development: In 2019, Erich Bergen revealed involvement in a developmental musical based on Lesley Frowick’s 2014 biography “Halston: Inventing American Fashion.”
Individuals interested in attending the presentation of “Mister Halston” can email halstonplay@gmail.com.
