Broadway’s ‘Cult of Love’ Delivers a Darkly Comic Look at Family Dysfunction

Leslye Headland’s play explores the tensions and connections within a devout Christian family during a turbulent holiday reunion.

The play centers on the Dahl family, whose Christmas gathering reveals deep-seated conflicts, unspoken truths, and strained relationships among its members.
Directed by Trip Cullman, the production blends sharp humor with emotional depth, featuring standout performances by Mare Winningham, Shailene Woodley, and Christopher Sears.
Recurring musical numbers, while atmospheric, evoke both nostalgia and discomfort, symbolizing the family’s attempts to harmonize through their dysfunction.
Critics praised the cast’s chemistry and Headland’s incisive writing, though some noted pacing issues and overlong musical interludes.
‘Cult of Love’ is part of Headland’s series of plays inspired by the seven deadly sins, with this installment focusing on pride and its impact on familial bonds.