Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara (ETC) will present “The Lehman Trilogy,” starring Troy Blendell, Chris Butler and Leo Marks, April 4-21 at The New Vic Theatre, 33 W. Victoria St.

Three men, actors Troy Blendell, Leo Marks and Chris Butler, all wearing dark three-piece suits, pose next to stacks of white cardboard boxes. (Zach Mendez photo)
Troy Blendell, Leo Marks and Chris Butler star in Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of ‘The Lehman Trilogy.’ (Zach Mendez photo)

“The Lehman Trilogy,” which won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Play, is by Stefano Massini, adapted by Ben Power and directed by Oánh Nguyễn.

The story chronicles the 160-year journey of three immigrant brothers (Henry, Emanuel and Mayer Lehman), striving to build the idealistic American dream wrought with family struggles, missteps, and incredible achievements.

“Catapulted to the top of the industry, ‘The Lehman Trilogy,’ has profoundly resonated with audiences, both near and far,” said Scott DeVine, ETC’s executive director. “ETC is focused on bringing some of the greatest stories to the New Vic stage and are proud to bring our rendition of this incredible piece to our community. 

“Audiences will experience the tale of one of America’s great immigrant stories, fettered with all of the complexities involved with realizing the American dream, from managing their ambition and family dynamics to the inexorable march of time.”
 
“The Lehman Trilogy” explores the human drama behind the Lehman brothers’ empire. The play unfolds in three acts, tracing the family’s humble beginnings following their immigration to Alabama from Bavaria in the mid-19th century to the pinnacle of their success and, ultimately, the historic and dramatic collapse of a U.S. investment bank that bore their name and catalyzed the 2008 financial crisis.                                                                

“As a Vietnamese refugee, I can relate to the obstacles that come with striving for a better future and seeking a sense of safety and acceptance. The experiences of the Lehman family mirror this journey, guided by a determination to not just succeed but to belong and protect. However, as we follow their narrative, it leads us to question the essence of the American Dream and how it might easily turn into the American Nightmare.

“When does ambition cross the line? And how do we confront the unsettling reality that those we cheer for may unwittingly become part of the problem?”