A powerhouse lineup of Hollywood and Broadway talent united at Symphony Space for This Is Crazy!, a moving one-night-only performance supporting the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
The play, written by Tony and Obie Award-winning playwright V (formerly known as Eve Ensler), the creative force behind The Vagina Monologues, delivers a deeply personal and emotional exploration of mental health through a series of passionate monologues.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: The theater before the start of "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: A view of the stage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: A view of the stage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Luke Ferrari performs onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: A view of the stage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
Among the eveningโs stars were Jane Fonda, Sanaa Lathan, Mark Ruffalo, Edie Falco, Rosanna Arquette, Lois Smith, Rachel Hilson, Olivia Oguma, Colette McDermott, Derrick Delgado, Luke Ferrari, Doireann Mac Mahon, Clarence Maclin, and Mohammad Saleem. Each performer gave voice to stories reflecting the struggles, resilience, and humanity found in the complexities of mental illness.
The audience, filled with notable attendees including Kirsten Dunst, AnnaSophia Robb, Ellen Barkin, Sara Haines, Marco Calvani, Ted Chapin, Adam Glassman, Kevin Huvane, and NAMI Ambassadors Alex Alpert, April Simpkins, Candace Washington, and Kate Cassidy, experienced an evening that was both thought-provoking and transformative.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Rosanna Arquette speaks onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Tony Montenieri, V., and Ruth-Ann Huvane attend the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Edie Falco performs onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Colette McDermott speaks onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Clarence Maclin performs onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Rachel Hilson performs onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Sanaa Lathan, Derrick Delgado, Jane Fonda and Lois Smith perform onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Luke Ferrari performs onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Olivia Oguma, Colette McDermott, Luke Ferrari, Sanaa Lathan, Rachel Hilson and Mohammad Saleem perform onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Jane Fonda, V., and Ruth-Ann Huvane attens the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Rachel Hilson, Doireann Mac Mahon, Olivia Oguma, Luke Ferrari, Colette McDermott, Sanaa Lathan, Derrick Delgado, Jane Fonda, Lois Smith, Mark Ruffalo, Rosanna Arquette, Mohammad Saleem, Clarence Maclin and Edie Falco perform onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Natalie Tran, Kevin Huvane and Ruth-Ann Huvane attend the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Lois Smith performs onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for NAMI)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 06: Dan Gillison speaks onstage during the "THIS IS CRAZY!" play to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at Symphony Space on October 06, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NAMI)
This Is Crazy! was developed from an idea by the CAA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Creative Artists Agency, as a tribute to the late talent manager Chris Huvane. The production was brought to life by Tony Montenieri and Ruth-Ann Huvane, a dedicated mental health advocate and member of NAMIโs National Board. All proceeds from the performance directly benefited NAMIโs programs and initiatives.
With more than 650 NAMI state organizations and affiliates nationwide, the organization continues to provide essential education, advocacy, and community for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Productions like This Is Crazy! serve as powerful reminders of the role art plays in breaking stigma and sparking meaningful conversations about mental health.
For more information about NAMI or to learn how you can support their work, visit Nami.org/ThePlay.
