68/100
Photo by Joan Marcus
Written by Danai Gurira. Directed by Rebecca Taichman. At Playwrights Horizons through March 27
What's it About? "It’s winter in Minnesota, and a Zimbabwean family is preparing for the wedding of their eldest daughter, a first-generation American. But when the bride insists on observing a traditional African custom, it opens a deep rift in the household. Rowdy and affectionate, Familiar pitches tradition against assimilation, drawing a loving portrait of a family: the customs they keep, and the secrets they bury."
Consensus: Mostly unanimous on the first act's comedic merits, but mixed on the second act's seriousness, critics seem to overall feel that this show is worth seeing. It doesn't change the game, but it's a solid piece of theatre. General praise is given to the cast, who handle the transition from comedy and drama more effectively than the play does sometimes.
59/100
Photo by Joan Marcus
Written by Lucas Hnath. Directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz. At New York Theatre Workshop through March 27
What's it About? "Hailed as "one of the brightest new voices of his generation" by The New York Times, Lucas Hnath (The Christians, ...Walt Disney) makes his NYTW debut with Red Speedo, a muscular new play directed by NYTW Usual Suspect Lileana Blain-Cruz. Set on the eve of the Olympic swim trials, pressure builds as front-runner Ray confronts the lure of endorsements, the perils of mixing the personal and professional, and the unforgiving weight of success. Through Hnath's signature dark wit and exacting language, Red Speedo is a captivating exploration of America's obsession with winning at all costs."
Consensus: There's a large schism in reviews for this play. Some critics found the play a taut and entertaining thriller with Mamet-eque dialogue, while others found the play to ineffectively explore its ideas. Nobody argues for its profundity, but everyone cites the impressive physical production (there's an onstage pool). At the very least, one character spends the entire evening wearing nothing but a speedo, so there's always that to look at if the play doesn't interest you.
