Joe Keery Makes Broadway Debut in Other Desert Cities

Joe Keery is set to make his Broadway debut in the fall production of Other Desert Cities, playing a character whose initial charm gives way to a deeper desire to keep his family intact.

Keery's goal for the upcoming 105 shows or so is simple: "save Christmas". The play, written by Jon Robin Baitz and directed by John Benjamin Hickey, was an easy choice for Keery, who has been eager to return to the theater after starring as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things.

Keery's love for the stage dates back to his drama school days and growing up, which made Other Desert Cities a natural fit despite being a new project. What sealed the deal was the impressive cast list, featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Allison Janney, and Ed Harris.

The initial reading that convinced Keery to join the play was nothing short of impressive, with an all-star lineup including Louis-Dreyfus, Janney, and Harris. The star-studded cast made it a "Holy shit moment for Keery, prompting him to accept the role without hesitation.

Lily Rabe later joined the cast as Keery's sister, whose new book sets off a chain of events that pits her against their conservative parents, played by Louis-Dreyfus and Harris. As tensions rise, including with Janney's character, Keery's character navigates the family dynamics to keep the peace.

Other Desert Cities is set to open at the Hudson Theatre on October 18 for a limited run through January 17.

Coordinating Joe Keery's schedule for his Broadway debut was a complex task due to his multiple commitments in the entertainment industry. In addition to his acting career, Keery is also a musician who performs under the stage name Djo and has gained significant attention with songs like End of Beginning", which went viral on TikTok and reached the Billboard Hot 100.

Keery's music tour was quite extensive, having performed in Mexico and South America before serving as the opening act for Tame Impala. He had also been touring the UK just prior to starting rehearsals for his Broadway show, making it a remarkably quick turnaround from one engagement to another. This left Keery feeling the strain of balancing multiple projects simultaneously.

Keery's standout monologue in the play required significant collaboration with his co-star and director, Hickey, as well as internalizing the character's nuances. He had to delve into the complexities of Rabe's book and its portrayal of family dynamics, pointing out the love that exists beneath the surface despite the bickering.

As Keery navigated this challenging monologue, he found it essential to work closely with Hickey to ensure a genuine understanding of his character's emotions. This close collaboration allowed him to internalize the character's feelings and bring a deeper level of authenticity to the performance.

As Keery delved into his Broadway debut, he found himself struggling to memorize his lines. This was a common challenge many actors face, and Keery's approach involved immersing himself in the character through movement and repetition.

Keery would often walk through the rehearsal space, reciting his lines out loud, in an effort to commit them to memory. He also practiced talking to himself, using this technique to internalize the dialogue and make it feel more natural.

On stage, Keery found that he was able to let go of his initial awe at being part of a Broadway production. The camaraderie among cast members, including Rabe, created a sense of familiarity and shared purpose.

This experience left Keery with an appreciation for the egalitarian nature of theater work. When everyone is doing it for the love of the craft, rather than personal gain, something special happens on stage.

Keery's decision to pursue Broadway was influenced by his fellow Stranger Things cast members who had already made the transition to the New York stage. Sadie Sink, in particular, encouraged him to take the leap and explore this new creative outlet.

As Keery looks to the future, he plans to balance his acting career with his passion for music. While he hasn't mapped out a specific plan for how these pursuits will intersect, he remains committed to exploring both avenues.

Keery's approach to opportunities is one of letting things unfold naturally, rather than actively seeking them out.

He trusts in his instincts and allows himself to pursue various interests without overthinking it, which seems to be working for him so far. This mindset has allowed him to navigate multiple passions simultaneously, including music and acting, with a sense of ease.