Children of a Lesser God

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 Acting by the new female discovery Lauren Ridloff and Joshua Jackson were on target. .The play explored problems: see more

Don't see it if see more

Also Feelings and emotions re the use of sign language, the need for go-betweens, learning to speak and sign language are explored

I did not feel. tat the rest of the cast matched the original production. I feel that this production might be more effective in a smaller house.... Read more Read less

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 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 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 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 theme of self vs other. Some of the issues presented in Act 1 have been resolved, but the deaf remain mostly insulated. They teach, play football, appear on Broadway but remain for the most part separate from the mainstream.
The second act is much more a personal exploration of a relationship in which the couple begins opposed and seeks to find a bridge.
The set was actually conducive to relating the story. With minimal props and constantly moving parts it could have been intrusive, instead it helped to move the action.
I hope this play is able to find an audience, there are many worse plays out there. I shall probably see it again.... 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 baffling. Ridloff is excellent, and the supporting cast is good, but there's little here to hold interest for the duration of this overlong play.... Read more Read less

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 tale not just about deafness or an affair between speech therapist James Leeds (Joshua Jackson) and his deaf student Sarah Norman (Lauren Ridloff) who refuses to read lips or speak. At core is a story about people’s misguided savior complex: why we do what we do, and whether we do them out of an honest desire to help others or to make ourselves feel good. The supporting cast aptly offers humor and a substory about the rights of the disabled. Jackson elevates James’ forgettable-on-the-page figure with easiness. The ASL is often balletic. While set design is forgettable, the sparring matches between James and Sarah are magic. The final moments, too, are heartfelt, brave, and brutal. Ridloff is spectacular—transfixing by the end. Ultimately, the show reminds us there is no greater image in which to be created—not God’s or man’s—than our own. Self-perception and dignity are everything—even if love may be deferred.... 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 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.

See it if You are interested in the struggles of people living in a deaf world. Lauren Ridloff is a revelation as Sarah.

Don't see it if You mind a play that shows its age, not in the topic which continues to be relevant, but in its storyline.

Also It is still an important play and the acting was beautiful. Joshua Jackson was onstage throughout and did a wonderful job as James Leeds.... Read more Read less

See it if you know AND like the movie. Slightly different book, but it works beautifully on stage. Strong performances. Didn't feel like 2 & 1/2 hrs.

Don't see it if you don't know the movie (or original play) and are expecting a sweet love-story. Do your homework. There is conflict from the word "GO".

Also It's all about the acting, & Joshua Jackson is SUPERB.

Completely shocked how strong he is as "James", having to sign for himself AND also speak (for us) what others are signing on stage.

Lauren Ridloff, making her broadway debut, is breathtaking as the unenviable and often unpleasant "Sarah". I felt the same way about Marlee Matlin in the movie: loved the performance, not the character.

Everyone in the supporting cast is strong, including those making their broadway debuts (Anthony Edwards!!! and John McGinty) and those not (Kecia Lewis!!! and Treshelle Edmond).

Not really into the simple set (actually, felt like the set-designer stole from the Donna Summer musical or vice verse). Very plain, it doesn't allow for smooth transitions, and included somewhat confusing and unnecessary mixing of scenes.

Highly recommend this show. Just do your homework... even SEE the movie if you haven't... and know this ain't no "hollywood ending" type of story. Life's often not that way either... Read more Read less

See it if If you enjoy seeing new visions of plays you’ve seen before. And see it if you’ve never seen it .

Don't see it if If you like plays with realistic sets and straight through time lines. And if it bothers you to read as well as listen

See it if Revival focuses on the love story element between hearing teacher and a deaf woman. Cast is outstanding,particularly the lead actors.

Don't see it if The subject matter is not of interest to you. Your attention is required at times to look up at the supertitles.

See it if You would enjoy a solid drama that explores the issues that deaf people face.

Don't see it if You're in the mood for something lighthearted.

See it if You want to consider intersectional topics like "who speaks for those who are marginalized"? You want to support Deaf art.

Don't see it if You are frustrated not understanding every piece of dialogue (ASL is not translated in the captioning).

See it if You can before it closes. Lauren Ridloff is captivating

Don't see it if I don't know. Feel like this show should have had a better chance.

Also This was the show I was most excited for this Broadway season and when it opened to mediocre reviews and posted an early closing notice, my heart sank, but I really enjoyed this production. Lauren Ridloff was riveting and Joshua Jackson didn't get the credit he deserved. Never left the stage once and had to learn all the signing, which at times was very physically demanding. The supporting cast was great too. Far better than the movie. I loved and believed the connection between James and Sarah and their struggles to understand each other's worlds. This production deserved a better chance.... Read more Read less

See it if you'll enjoy some excellent performances in a somewhat dated play.

Don't see it if you're allergic to sap; you'll struggle w/ a play in which a character changes in ways not fully explained; you prefer realistic sets.