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Broadway Debut of 'The Fear of 13' Highlights Yarris's Story

4/16/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Fear of 13, by Lindsey Ferrentino, tells Nick Yarris's true story, 22 years on death row.
Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson star in their Broadway debuts at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
The narrative unfolds through Nick Yarris's conversations with Jacki, a prison volunteer who helps seek DNA evidence.
Critics describe Brody's performance as charismatic but shallow, and call the writing uneven; the play runs through July 12, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 Supreme Court ruling in Furman v. Georgia declared the death penalty unconstitutional due to its arbitrary application, affecting over 600 inmates, including Nick Yarris, who spent 22 years on death row. This landmark decision sparked ongoing debates about capital punishment's morality and legality, influencing subsequent legal reforms and public opinion on justice in America.

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Story summary

The Fear of 13, by Lindsey Ferrentino, tells Nick Yarris's true story, 22 years on death row.
Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson star in their Broadway debuts at the James Earl Jones Theatre.
The narrative unfolds through Nick Yarris's conversations with Jacki, a prison volunteer who helps seek DNA evidence.
Critics describe Brody's performance as charismatic but shallow, and call the writing uneven; the play runs through July 12, 2026.

1 / 2