From London Slums to New Zealand Farms: One Woman’s Final Performance Before the Afterlife
Award-winning actor Laura Hooper brings the extraordinary, “waxy and yellow” life of 92-year-old Mamie Rae to the Midtown International Theatre Festival.

NEW YORK, NY — As the historic Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF) prepares for its highly anticipated return after a nearly decade-long hiatus, festival producers have unveiled a premier centerpiece of the 2026 season: “And This One’s True,” written and performed by Laura Hooper and directed by Emma Canalese. Running from June 29th to July 4th at the American Theatre of Actors, this production is a raw, comedic, and heart-wrenching exploration of a life lived “whole-heartedly.”

A Life Lived, A Destiny Fulfilled
Based on real conversations, events, and seances, the play follows Mamie Rae, a 92-year-old woman standing at death’s door. Despite her physical decline, Mamie is reluctant to enter the afterlife until she has shared her story. She believes the audience holds the key to her passage; without their acceptance and admiration, she cannot let go.

From her childhood with a violent father in London to a career as a fit model and her eventual life as a farmer’s wife in New Zealand, Mamie’s journey is a testament to resilience. However, one obstacle remains: her wavering faith in her spiritual guide. Terrified of the “other side,” Mamie uses every tool at her disposal—singalongs, audience participation, and “knee acting”—to reconcile her past before her time runs out.

An International Powerhouse Creative Team
Laura Hooper (Writer/Actor/Producer): A native Brit and NY Innovative Theatre Award nominee, Hooper’s diverse career spans Broadway (narrating Max Richter’s Blue Notebooks) to Off-Broadway leads (Tracks at 59E59). A veteran of site-specific theatre and film, she brings a haunting authenticity to the role of Mamie Rae.
Emma Canalese (Director): An award-winning director and choreographer (Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director’s Award ’23), Canalese has staged acclaimed productions across Australia and the US, including the award-winning 100 Years of the History of Dance.
“This show is an invitation to witness the messy, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying transition from this life to whatever comes next,” says Hooper. “It’s about life, death and embracing your full self – with a whole lot of heart, laughter and joy along the way!”

Performance Schedule & Venue
All performances will take place at: American Theatre of Actors 314 W. 54th St, New York, NY 10019

Monday, June 29 @ 6:00 PM
Tuesday, June 30 @ 6:00 PM
Saturday, July 4 @ 4:30 PM

ALL PERFORMANCE AVAILABLE TO THE PRESS
TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWINGS ON SALE NOW