20th Century Blues NYC Reviews and Tickets

75%

(196 Ratings)

Positive

79%

Mixed

18%

Negative

Members say

Relevant, Great acting, Intelligent, Entertaining, Absorbing

About the Show

This new premiere tells the story a group of four women whose annual photo shoot ritual keeps them together, until it threatens to tear them apart.

Four women. Forty years of friendship. One afternoon that could end it all. And a bond that connects these women who meet once a year to have their pictures taken in a ritual that chronicles their changing (and aging) selves as they navigate through love, careers, children, and the complications of history. But, when these private photographs have the potential to go public, relationships are strained, forcing the women to confront who they are, what they’ve become, and how they’ll deal with whatever lies ahead.

Show-Score Member Reviews (196)

Absorbing, Funny, Great acting, Intelligent, Relevant

See it if You’re interested in changes in life for three three generations.

Don't see it if If you’re looking for bright and breezy

Great acting, Resonant, Thought-provoking, Warm, Friendship

See it if You bemoan the lack of understanding about women and aging in theater and society; you enjoy depictions of women’s friendships.

Don't see it if You are bothered by a show overstuffed with ideas that might leave your head spinning. Read more

Absorbing, Clever, Delightful, Entertaining, Intelligent

See it if You like woman's issues, friendships and want to think about the past, present and future.

Don't see it if Aging issues, woman's issues or drama bothers you.

Relevant, Resonant, Thought-provoking, Timely

See it if You have wondered where are meaty, intelligent parts for older actresses. They are smart, warm, strong, angry, sexy and connected. see more

Don't see it if Talky is not your style, you do not want to consider life past 50, Read more

Absorbing, Great acting, Resonant, Thought-provoking

See it if You're interested in aging and memory.

Don't see it if You don't like shows about a bunch of older women. Read more

Entertaining, Good acting, Over all a pleasant production

See it if If you like story’s about long term fiendships and women’s issues on getting older. Well acted and crafted it could have been a bit shorter

Don't see it if If your over 50 and feeling a bit tired of the aging process.

Great acting, Absorbing, Intelligent, Relevant

See it if enjoyed it very much reminds me of a wasserstein play terrific performances plus no intermission

Don't see it if do not like women p;ays

Witty, thoughtful, more an essay than a play

See it if You want to spend an evening with appealing women of a certain age as they contemplate aging and their younger selves

Don't see it if You are estrogen-averse or prefer plays with a narrative arc

Critic Reviews (21)

"How heartening to witness the love and backbone, and neuroses, among these complex women, reinforcing the vitalness of female bonds...Once we are in the company of these gals, we get immersed in their camaraderie and at times, clever and insightful banter...All the actors more than hold their own, and Emily Mann directs with a sensitive hand...An earnest and at times painful, yet comedic take on aging and lives lived fully with intent."
Read more

"The mood of the piece is easy if somewhat loaded; the conversations are clipped and swift, touching on but not touching down on anything too deeply or for too long...Theatrically, that is a lot of pressure on the final reveal of these images...It’s no surprise when Danny’s photographs don’t live up to such pressure...Although the fast-paced rhythm might be intentional, it is distracting...A slick, smart script that’s being given an enjoyable ensemble production."
Read more

"Charmingly played by Kathryn Grody, 'Gabby' is everyone's best friend and soulful listener...However it's Ellen Parker who breathes reality into this play...Director Emily Mann brilliantly moves these women through a night of pleasure, camaraderie and pain. '20th Century Blues' is very good theater. Warning: It's not television's 'Golden Girls' our mothers loved so much. Instead it's real women not afraid to live their lives in our ever-changing society. I hoped they would succeed."
Read more

"Compelling new play...Marked by all the rhythms of conversations of women who have known one another for a very long time...While there is no mounting crescendo in this play, playwright and director have devised and highlighted a series of subtle explosions...If you have been in love with an idea, had a parent with dementia, or ever noted the quantum nature of relationships, then you will resonate like a Tibetan singing bowl, as this play thrums with surface and depth."
Read more

"Miller's artful dialogue, embedded with witticisms and sharp observations, flows naturally as directed by Emily Mann. The action circuitously but beautifully delivers different levels of intimacy and conflict between women, who love each other in a unique way. There is never a dull moment...It’s fun and compelling viewing. Miller’s script is clever and wise, bursting with great lines and naked truths...'20th Century Blues' offers reflections of female existence that are usually denied us."
Read more

Trailer

Creative team