The Tony-winning drama about the romance between a sensitive but spirited deaf woman and a devoted (and hearing) teacher returns to Broadway with Joshua Jackson ('The Affair'), Lauren Ridloff, and Anthony Edwards ('ER'). More…
Sometimes, a fleeting glance or a subtle touch can speak volumes. In an age where texts and tweets make it seem like the whole world is talking at once, this timeless play about the art of communication explores what it's really like to not be heard or understood.
In addition to the winning the 1980 Tony Award for Best Play, 'Children of a Lesser God' was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. Directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon ('A Raisin in the Sun'), this production marks the play's first ever Broadway revival.
See it if No major reason to go. It's not horrible. Just mediocre.
Don't see it if The constant translation and acting by Jackson were out of the narration of a children's book. Really unnatural, devoid of passion and silly
Also The plot leaves so much to be desired. Impossible to understand where ... Read more Read less
See it if Still important, still poignant drama about disabilities both physical & emotional Yet good work by leads can't quite overcome clumsy script
Don't see it if Leon's direction fails to ignite action or balance drama's flaws Inert set hurts also Play feels more about gender issues than disability
See it if you would like to explore the difficulty of communication from the mind of a professional working with hearing and speaking impaired people.
Don't see it if you are not willing to pay full attention to every word, most spoken by Jackson as he speaks for himself and others, sometimes monotone-like
See it if issue based theater excites you. Beautifully abstract staging allows the many points of view on deafness to be presented w/o distractions
Don't see it if you dislike educational theater. The whole plot is focused on a romantic couple divided by their understanding & experience of deafness.
See it if Speech teacher marries angry deaf maid, conflict results. Jackson translates for signing world, thus never leaves stage. Signing as artform.
Don't see it if Inexperienced deaf actor finds work on stage. Coupled w/ TV actors and static set make for frustrating evening. Jackson's monotone strecthes
See it if you want to see a revival of a play from the 70s that should be very dated, and yet, is still very relevant today.
Don't see it if confusing directing and a mediocre performance from the leading man would make it difficult for you to enjoy the thought-provoking script.
See it if Interesting & important topic. But play is so dated & clunky it just doesn’t work now. Set is sparse & but does not add to interest.
Don't see it if You want to see an entertaining show. This is slow & very dated, a strange story that is even stranger in these days of #metoo.
Also Actors were all good. Exciting to see so much signing on stage. But ot... Read more Read less
See it if You want to see a beautiful show that does a pretty good job of updating a classic.
Don't see it if Occasionally a little static despite great acting. It sometimes felt stilted. I did see it at the first preview, so I hope that changes.
See it if You need a lesson on the world of the deaf.
Don't see it if If you’ve already seen it once.
See it if you like to see revivals of shows you've heard about.2 leads are excellent.Show rambles, unclear in spots.Not always clear what the point is
Don't see it if you're looking for insight into the world of the deaf.Play isn't particularly coherent or thought provoking.The play sort of just sits there
See it if An important breakthrough play at one time. Deals sensitivity with the issues of the deaf community. Lauren Ridloff was electric.
Don't see it if Joshua Jackson, who I usually like, made the weird choice to read all his lines in a monotone. His character was kinda creepy.
See it if I really enjoyed this production of a dated play which becomes relevant to many self vs other struggles seeking a bridge.
Don't see it if You dont want to sit through 2:35 of talk. The first act is basically exposition whereas Act 2 is more character driven.
Also If one looks beyond the setting, this play actually has a universal th... Read more Read less
See it if a show dealing with the deaf and their education is of great interest to you. Great performances from several deaf actors.
Don't see it if quick paced dramas are what you prefer.
See it if you enjoy blasts from the past (i.e. The Heidi Chronicles) that don't hold up now. The path of this romance is more cringeworthy than cute.
Don't see it if Joshua Jackson yelling each line as an irritating, mansplaining character will grate. If this was the director's choice, it was a poor one.
Also Jackson was strong in Smart People, so this stilted performance is baf... Read more Read less
See it if you're intrigued by plays exploring deaf culture. Lauren Ridloff is incredible, in a breakout performance.
Don't see it if // the play was written in the 70s and feels slightly dated but still seems incredibly relevant to today.
See it if seeking a sometimes old-fashioned-in-tone love story about language, communication, and the ways we come to understand ourselves and roles.
Don't see it if the repetition of lines, use of American Sign Language, rudimentary stage design, and mimed props sound off-putting; want a clear finale.
Also Albeit with some flat writing, Children of a Lesser God is a poignant ... Read more Read less
See it if A well produced revival. The leads and ensemble are excellent. Interesting and effective minimal scenery. A memorable evening .
Don't see it if Do not see if you prefer musicals or light dramas.
See it if Excellent production. definitely should see.
Don't see it if If you prejudge a show in multiple languages just because you don't understand all of them.
See it if you have never seen this show. Lauren Ridloff does a good job with a great role. Not my favorite script.
Don't see it if you want to care. I was frustrated by the lack of empathy I had for the characters. Joshua Jackson signs well, but sounded stilted.
See it if like shows about the handicapped, dealing with difficulties adapting to life in our society, complicated love stories and fine acting.
Don't see it if dislike very repetitive episodes that explore the same insights and themes and sterile sets.
See it if Emotionally explains the struggles of the deaf living in a world made for people with hearing. Builds empathy for the disabled.
Don't see it if Dislike slow, quiet plays. Subtitles annoy you. Can't stand seeing people with disabilities. Pacey from Dawson's Creek is triggering.
Also Ticket from online rush for $37.50.
See it if you appreciate revivals of iconic well written theatre and explorations of divergent perspectives of disability, even if anachronistic.
Don't see it if you prefer modern contexts, prefer mudicsls and light themes, dislike watching biracial romance, or lack patience for signing and no action
See it if A great stage production with outstanding actors!
Don't see it if Not your play if you don’t like serious plays.