Sally & Tom NYC Reviews and Tickets

79%

(121 Ratings)

Positive

83%

Mixed

11%

Negative

Members say

Ambitious, Great acting, Clever, Thought-provoking, Great writing

About the Show

A theatre troupe stages a play about Sally Hemings & Thomas Jefferson in Suzan-Lori Parks' new work.

The little-known Good Company theatre group, operating far, far from the bright lights of Broadway, is staging a production centered around Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. The role of Sally will be portrayed by writer Luce, who also happens to be romantically involved with Mike, the play's director, cast in the role of Tom. Now, one might wonder, what could possibly go wrong here?

Suzan-Lori Parks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright returns to The Public after presenting their previous season's acclaimed work, The Harder They Come. This time, she presents a provocative dramedy that not only pays homage to the art of theatre but also scrutinizes our historical past with a critical eye.

Show-Score Member Reviews (62)

100

Relevant, Thought-provoking, Brilliant, Clever, Absorbing

See it if you don't want to regret missing one of the best plays in years

Don't see it if you prefer musicals or have trouble sitting for 2+ hours Read more

100

Great writing, Intelligent, Great acting, Relevant, Masterful

See it if you want to be blown away by suzan-lori parks’ amazing play! sheria irving is outstanding as is everyone else in the cast! fabulous!

Don't see it if if plays about history, race or a play within a play are not your thing. Read more

Thought-provoking, Intelligent, Great writing, Great staging, Great acting

See it if A fierce play w/i a play abt history, race&Jefferson-Hemings cntrovrsl story.Beautifully producd in every respect;excpnal cast esp S Irving.

Don't see it if 2 long yet worth yr time .The play w/i a play requirs close attn:@ times u may get cnfsd btw actrs&crctrs as they keep same gorgeous costms.

Part of slp's project to reimagine, Central myths of our founding fathers, Reimagines jefferson-hemings story, Through play w/i play about the same

See it if 1 of yr's best; redefines legacy Jeff, viewing his reltnship w Hem as part expoltatn slaves; 1 smartst/funniest portraits how theater’s made

Don't see it if slack, repetitious at times/could cut about 20 mins of 2 hr 45 min play Read more

Great acting, Resonant, Great writing, Clever, Absorbing

See it if You want to see a great play.

Don't see it if You want a fun musical

Intelligent writing blending fact and fiction, Clever but sometimes too self-indulgent, Immersive and engaging, Talented, intimate cast, Satirical fun that provokes

See it if a fan of Suzan-Lori Parks’ work or anyone in the cast. Gabriel Ebert, Sheria Irving, Kristolyn Lloyd, and Alano Miller are quite strong.

Don't see it if expecting a straight play about Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings; dislike politically-rooted pieces; prefer lighthearted musicals. Read more

Relevant, Intelligent, Great writing, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if you love great drama and appreciate brilliant writing - this is a winner.

Don't see it if everyone should see this - it is smart and provocative!

Ambitious, Intelligent, Thought-provoking, Resonant, Great writing

See it if Fascinating, cleverly crafted exploration re (ongoing)repercussions of slavery, the life of Jefferson, shades of gray in human relationships

Don't see it if You are looking for something light. You can’t sit for a long show

Critic Reviews (8)

"3/5 stars. Most of this first half feels like a slow setup."
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"meta-theatrical play examines history, money, and power"
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"It’s got a long view, but it never really leaves the comfort zone."
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"’Sally & Tom’ by Suzan-Lori Parks...doesn’t quite live up to its concept"
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"...multitude of conflicting ideas and story lines do tie in with the sobering conclusion"
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"It is heady provocative theater but it also has lighthearted satiric sequences."
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"Overlong but the historical scenes are fascinating"
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"both a love letter to the theater...and a thoughtful tribute to the American experiment"
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Trailer

Creative team

Steve H. Broadnax III

Director