An expressionist 1923 satire feels suddenly, uncomfortably present. The Adding Machine — Elmer L. Rice’s century-old play about a clerk replaced by a machine — gets a sharp new revision by playwright Thomas Bradshaw, directed by The New Group’s founding artistic director Scott Elliott. Mr. Zero can’t connect with his wife, his work wife, or his own life; when his boss replaces him with a literal adding machine, he lashes out in spectacular, surreal fashion.

The cast is a four-pointed star: Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent), Jennifer Tilly (Bullets Over Broadway), Sarita Choudhury (Homeland), and Michael Cyril Creighton (Spotlight). The production opens The New Group’s first season at its new home, the Theatre at St. Clement’s, with Tony nominees Derek McLane on scenic design (Drama Desk nominated for this production), Catherine Zuber on costumes, and Jeff Croiter on lighting (also Drama Desk nominated). Previewed March 24, opened April 14, plays through May 17, 2026. 2 hr 15 min with intermission.