About the production
A solo musical drawn from the life of 19th-century French potter Marie-Berthe Cazin, In Clay received its American premiere at Signature Theatre under Senior's direction; the production transferred to City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh in 2026.
Based on a true story, In Clay is a dazzling solo musical that unearths the overlooked artistry of ceramic artist Marie-Berthe Cazin. Set in the early 20th century to a vibrant Parisian jazz score, the arrival of a childhood friend ignites a story of passion, resilience, and art.
“Tenacious and captivating.”
— The Washington Post
“Kimberly Senior's direction keeps her comfortably active around the studio, throwing clay on a pottery wheel or dancing by herself, occupied with being, more than performing.”
— Metro Weekly, André Hereford
“Director Kimberly Senior and the design team play with color, light, detail and texture to create a production where art and artistry are central.” “In Clay is an affecting, engaging, and utterly unique theatrical experience — unlike anything on stage now.”
— BroadwayWorld (Washington, DC), Pamela Roberts
“Under Kimberly Senior's direction, 'In Clay' is a kinetic whirlwind of water droplets flung from fingertips.” “By pausing, Senior invites us to see what Marie sees in an oil landscape or clay pot.”
— Maryland Theatre Guide, Charlotte Selton
“a 90-minute, one-act, one-woman jewelbox of a production, directed by Kimberly Senior, that is as compact as it is beautiful.” “In short, In Clay is a triumph of intention and execution.”
— DC Theater Arts, Nicole Hertvik
“Director Kimberly Senior has crafted a production where artistry extends beyond performance into every design element.”
— Theatre in DC
“Director Kimberly Senior turns the small-scale musical by Rebecca Simmonds (book and lyrics) and Jack Miles (music and lyrics) into something expansive in impact, intimate in form and sweeping in emotional reach.”
— TheaterMania, Keith Loria
Read the reviews →
Credits
Written by Rebecca Simmonds & Jack Miles
Directed by Kimberly Senior
Featuring Alex Finke (Marie-Berthe Cazin)
Set Tony Cisek
Lights Colin K. Bills
Sound Eric Norris
Costumes Shahrzad Mazaheri
Music Matt Herbert (additional music, music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations)
Book & Lyrics Rebecca Simmonds
Music & Lyrics Jack Miles
Presented by Signature Theatre (Arlington, VA)
Photos by DJ Corey
