Cody originated the lead role of Adam 2

In the beginning, two people got kicked out of a garden for eating fruit. Many years later, Adam—a transgender man expecting a child—meets with his twin sister, Eve, a pioneering scientist. She offers her brother prenatal services from her cutting-edge practice. But what exactly does that entail? And does Adam even want Eve’s help? 

Second Stage Theater, Off-Broadway, World Premiere

On the Evolutionary Function of Shame

Media

Production Photos by Joan Marcus

Show Information

2ST Next Stage Festival, The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center

Directed by Jess McLeod

Written by D.A. Mindell

Featuring Jordan Barbour, Kayli Carter, Elizabeth Ramos, Imani Russell, Cody Sloan, Ryan Jamal Swain

Casting by Charlie Hano & Karyn Casl, The Tesley Office

Scenic Design by You-Shin Chen

Lighting Design by Keith Parham, Barbara Samuels

Costume Design by Hahnji Jang

Sound Design by Bailey Trierweiler

Praise for On The Evolutionary Function of Shame

“Adam 2 is delightfully stubborn and occasionally selfish, played with an inimitable sweetness by Cody Sloan…unwavering in his convictions, and his voice becomes a thing of hope and determination.”

- Austin Fimmano, New York Theatre Guide (2025)

“…a first-rate cast navigates both the philosophical arguments and the punchlines with clarity and a feather-light touch.”

-Thom Geier, Culture Sauce (2025)

“An important work wrestling with the politics of identity and difference at a time when these discussions are increasingly urgent.”

-Kimberly Ramírez, Talkin’ Broadway (2025)