The Sound Inside (Broadway)

See it if you don't mind plays that are more narrative than dramatic with a minimal of staging.

Don't see it if you like dramatic tension with clearly defined characters and conflicts and meaty themes.

Also Ostensibly a two hander about a creative writing teacher with terminal cancer and her allegedly talented student, the play is really closer to a dramatic monologue as so much of the play is the teacher narrating events.... Read more Read less

See it if you like literature and are curious about the people who teach it and study it. This is an examination of the art with a twist.

Don't see it if you are not willing to work at listening. This is an intricate piece and you need to concentrate. Brush up on Crime and Punishment, or not!

See it if You like MLP and Adam rapp. And riffs in literature and a very writerly show

Don't see it if You want to see only shows that have a good reason to exist.

See it if Great acting by both performers. Provocative examination of authors and the cost of a creative life.

Don't see it if You want an escapist, light evening

Also I was dazzled by the performances and the minimilist production. I was completely gripped by the examination of the creative process -- but by the end, I felt slightly disappointed. It seemed to end up as a very good play, but it was so close to being a great one. For me, the problem is that there were two narratives going on-- a fascinating one about the creative process, and a framing one about illness. The connection between the two narratives did not seem essential. For me, the illness was the lesser narrative, yet its intensity overpowered the quieter primary narrative. Moreover, the resolution of illness story (and related matters which will go unrevealed) felt distracting and maybe contrived. I left thinking about the illness, not about the more subtle and better developed examination of the work of the creative artist.... Read more Read less

See it if you appreciate superb writing, committed performances, & beautiful staging.

Don't see it if you seek lightweight entertainment.

Also this might be adam rapp's best play since "red light winter." his writing is crisp & sharp & intelligent & fierce. david cromer has staged this chamber piece with elegant simplicity and rich chiaroscuro lighting (kudos to lighting designer heather gilbert in her broadway debut). mary louise parker's portrayal of a brutally honest, solitary, ardent college professor is thrilling. she is matched every step of the way by will hochman (in his broadway debut) as her deeply-troubled and profoundly-gifted student. these two restless, offbeat eccentrics make an instant intellectual & emotional connection that may be just the lifeline they each need in order to survive in an inhospitable world.... Read more Read less

See it if Cutting edge, absorbing pair of terrific actors

Don't see it if Wearying characters that demand you drink the koolaid.

Also It almost seems to invent a new genre. Where to place this exhausting but brilliant two hander dialogue? It takes you on a journey you may be reluctant to take but must engage.... Read more Read less

See it if You don’t mind endless monologues, are a fan of Mary Louise Parker, who gives a great performance.

Don't see it if Talky plays put you to sleep.

See it if You love small, intelligent shows. Mary-Louise Parker is mesmerizing.

Don't see it if You are looking for something big and loud.

See it if you'd like a show of intellect, literacy and word play with 2 great performances

Don't see it if you like action or music or a beautiful set

See it if you're able enjoy an intelligent, intellectual,deep and rewarding play and don't need a lot of hoopla & action plot wise-it was terrific

Don't see it if your attention span not long & consider intellectual, intelligent plays "talky"

Also Mary Louise Parker - the reason for my attending - delivered another Tony Award performance - she was simply great (the other actor very good too)... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see two great performances in an intimate, thoughtful, beautifully written play.

Don't see it if You’re disappointed by shows that don’t have flash and pizzaz, extensive sets, big casts or aren’t in the mood to listen.

See it if Mary-Louise Parker and Will Hochman are spellbinding in David Cromer’s beautiful and mysterious production. Haunting, sad glimmers of light.

Don't see it if This is thought-provoking and intelligent, purposefully inconclusive. Cromer’s production makes Adam Rapp’s inactive play better than it is.

Also Cromer convincingly elevate’s Rapp’s subtle but interesting script into a masterful, deeply intelligent dance of academia, what one must suffer to create in spite of it, and how perfect an unanswered question can become to the few who cared to ask. That, essentially, is the play. I cannot overstate how hypnotizing this production is. The acting is superb, both delivering performances so vulnerable and with such honesty. This was my first time seeing Mary-Louise onstage. While I’ve always enjoyed her screen work, there always seemed to be a sameness to each performance. THE SOUND INSIDE showed me what a profoundly gifted actor she is. Every movement, every breath filled with such meaning. It is a privilege to watch her. Will Hochman matches her 100% and the evening soars. Truly, see this.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate excellent acting and masterful writing that absorbs you into the story. You like trying to figure out what’s coming next.

Don't see it if You don’t want to see a show with dark topics and only two actors.

See it if you like drama of small gestures and intimate stories. Both actors are terrific.

Don't see it if if you need everything spelled out... this play leaves much to your own imagination.

See it if The lead actress, Mary Louise is wonderful.

Don't see it if You are looking for fluff.

See it if you like your drama in miniature because this is a two-person performance with a minimalist set.

Don't see it if you don't like egghead-y plays. The literary references aren't bon bons; knowing them adds to the satisfaction

Also I exited the theater thinking, huh, that was ... interesting. I was on the subway heading home thinking, wait a minute - was that what I think I saw? The next morning I woke up and thought - they're just playing with my head. A week later I'm still ferreting out others who've seen the play to test my theory of what I think the play is about against theirs. That must be why this is the prolific Rapp's first play to be staged on Broadway. It always comes down to mastery of craft and with The Sound Inside he shows it.... Read more Read less

See it if you are looking for serious, thought-provoking, well-written drama. Mary Louise Parker is terrific!

Don't see it if Wordy dramas that leave you wondering about the story.

See it if you are a fan of Mary Louise Parker and want to spend a few hours spellbound.

Don't see it if serious drama is not your thing.

See it if You want to see truly great theater.

Don't see it if You want an extravaganza. This is an intelligent two person play with minimal staging.

See it if You are looking for a simple play that focuses on acting

Don't see it if You want big costumes, good props and sets

See it if Mary Louis Parker is amazing in this role. I was drawn in and didn’t want to be let out. Go see this before it’s too late!

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy nuanced shows that make you think.

Also Get a seat close to the stage to experience and appreciate the acting. The writing in this show is also wonderful. Glad I didn’t miss this one!... Read more Read less

See it if if you like mental stimulation; great dialogue,acting & ideas; & trying to answer open-ended questions and deliberately-obscured situations

Don't see it if if you're expecting upbeat

See it if MLP is a wonder in this play.

Don't see it if Bit dark.

See it if Are a big Mary Louise Parker fan

Don't see it if You bore easily or need a fast paced show with engaging characters. I was really disappointed in this show.

See it if If you like Mary Louise Parker, you will love the new play. She does a great job in a well written show.

Don't see it if Only two characters, minimal staging