August Wilson’s Jitney (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (388)
See it if You want to see an expertly written character drama that is more character driven than plot driven.
Don't see it if You do not like interesting well developed characters. You need a detailed and exciting plot.
See it if you love theater. We have seen 3 versions and this is the best. My first 100 rating. We have seen all 10 plays in the cycle and Jitney ...
Don't see it if Sorry, I cannot come up with a reaosn to miss this production Read more
See it if You love a story with a meaning
Don't see it if You dont like a tear jerker
See it if You love August Wilson and how his material is still relevant. They rhythm of the language. Must see. All performances are the best!
Don't see it if You are seeking light, entertaining fare. This show makes you think.
See it if If you love anything that is August Wilson. Also if you love director Ruben Santiago-Hudson.
Don't see it if You are stuffy and you like something slow.
See it if You like dramas with a great cast, great staging and written by a true master August Wilson.
Don't see it if You're expecting glitz. This is a drama comedy that deals with real characters trying to make it in the world.
See it if You enjoy August Wilson's work and aren't bothered by profanity. Also if you want to enjoy a night of great theater.
Don't see it if You are offened by the "N" word, they drop it quite a bit. But otherwise, I can't think of a reason not to see it.
See it if Want an excellent ensemble doing justice to a beautifully written play; a poignant portrayal of relationships and race in an uban America
Don't see it if You want happy endings or need resolution of relationships in plots.
Critic Reviews (54)
"By turns hilarious and devastating, this is an emotionally bruising gem of a play...Wilson’s dialogue captures the cadences of the day in a manner both timely and timeless...The talented cast soars under the confident direction of Tony-winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson...From the stellar performances to the sharp script, 'Jitney' is a substantial piece, and a breath of fresh air to boot."
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"A focused and penetrating production directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson and featuring an outstanding ensemble cast...Thompson’s physically ailing and earnest Becker contrasts nicely with Dirden’s well-groomed and unapologetic Booster. Great performances are also provided by Michael Potts as the combative Turnbo, Anthony Chisholm as the inebriated Fielding and Keith Randolph Smith as the comparatively tranquil Doub."
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"As portrayed by an excellent ensemble, the characters come to vivid life...As performed by the phenomenal John Douglas Thompson and Brandon J. Dirden, the first act finale ranks among the most memorably riveting scenes I’ve ever witnessed in a theatre...And how fortunate to have Ruben Santiago-Hudson in the director’s chair, a frequent collaborator who recognizes, more than almost anyone else, the universal themes in Wilson’s plays that sing to us all."
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"Thoughtful and heartrending production...A deeply satisfying drama that leaves us grappling with these issues as they pertain to the present day...Unfortunately, Dirden is miscast, appearing entirely too comfortable and hale for a man who has just been released from two decades behind bars...Luckily, great performances outnumber mediocre ones in this stellar revival, which has been directed with loving attention to detail by Ruben Santiago-Hudson."
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"A superb production filled with funk, grit, humor and some positively thrilling acting…It's the final moments of the first act that display the thrilling dramatic fireworks…Wilson's dialogue displays a keen ear for the evolving musicality of language in the district…While ‘Jitney's’ impact may not reach the magnitude of Wilson's zenith, ‘Fences,’ or outstanding work like ‘Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,' this compelling production is continually engaging and thick with humor and emotion."
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In Ruben Santiago-Hudson's hands, 'JItney' has the glittering patina of a masterpiece...Santiago-Hudson may be the most attuned to the sheer music of the playwright's language. Working with an A team of character actors, he mines the script for every bit of lyric beauty and dramatic tension...Thanks to the fine work of this company, 'Jitney' takes its rightful place as one of the most vivid panels in Wilson's mural of 20th-century black America."
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"The story and the relationships do not rivet because of their facts...There's a faint but detectable maudlin streak that becomes more manipulative than Wilson dared get in his later works...Little of this matters because the men won't let even a flimsy structure crumble. Together they form a magnetic bond you can feel emanating from the stage, and, under the capable direction of Ruben Santiago-Hudson, have the properly melodic way with Wilson's epically musical downscale dialogue."
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"MTC, which has co-produced the original New York productions of Wilson's 'King Hedley II,' 'Seven Guitars' and 'The Piano Lesson,' has done itself proud with its Broadway premiere of 'Jitney.' Santiago-Hudson's ensemble cast breathes new life into this play that shows how men live and work, along with their dreams, their hopes and disappointments. With another bravura performance by John Douglas Thompson, as well as fine work from the ensemble, this is a play that must be seen."
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