Reality television personality and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian has officially entered the Broadway producing arena, joining the team behind the stage production of “The Fear of 13.”
The new play, written by Lindsey Ferrentino, began previews on March 19 at the James Earl Jones Theatre and is scheduled to open April 15. Kardashian will serve as a co-producer, marking her first involvement in a Broadway production.
The Fear of 13″ is based on the real-life story of Nick Yarris, a man who spent more than two decades on death row after being wrongfully convicted of murder. The production stars Academy Award winner Adrien Brody as Yarris, alongside Golden Globe nominee Tessa Thompson. Both actors are making their Broadway debuts in the production, which is directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer.
Kardashian’s involvement aligns closely with her ongoing advocacy in criminal justice reform. In a public statement, she emphasized the importance of storytelling in influencing public perception, describing the play as a “raw and honest” portrayal of systemic failures within the justice system. She has previously worked on high-profile clemency cases and supported legislative efforts such as the First Step Act.
The production has also partnered with the Innocence Project, a nonprofit dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system. Christina Swarns, one of Yarris’ former attorneys, currently serves as the organization’s executive director.
The broader cast includes established stage and screen performers such as Ephraim Sykes and Joel Marsh Garland. The creative team features scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado and costume designer Sarah Laux, among others.
Adapted from a documentary by David Sington, the play explores Yarris’ controversial decision to request an execution date rather than continue pursuing appeals, offering a complex examination of justice, trauma, and institutional failure.
