A Walk in the Woods

See it if Deep, witty study of character & friendship. People who don't seem to get along eventually bond due to their differences. Makes you think.

Don't see it if You don't enjoy a focus on character development, where little happens on the outside but people grow and change on the inside.

See it if you enjoy good productions of well crafted plays. An older experienced Russian meets with a young inexperienced American to create a treaty

Don't see it if your expectations are very high. The younger actor is not as able as his partner which weakens the necessary balance between the men

See it if Yes, it two men talking but it is very interesting how each thinks, and talks.

Don't see it if Not alot of action in movement with this play. Two men talking.

See it if You like plays that depict real events or events that could have been real. You like plays with a political theme.

Don't see it if You don’t like small stage no scenery 2 actor shows. You like our current occupant of our WH ! You are looking for a happy ending !

See it if The empathy, respect, integrity, fairness, patience, intelligence, flexibility, sense of humor, self-discipline, & honestly of a negotiator.

Don't see it if You think the ignorant, boorish, short-fused bully in DC is a great negotiator.

See it if you want to get a fictionalized view into how politics gets things done - or not!

Don't see it if you want a plot and action heavy story. This is a story more about what goes Unsaid and reading between the lines.

See it if you are geared up for listening to a good conversation between two negotiators from different countries, different cultures.

Don't see it if you cannot sit for two hours intently listening; of if you need music or action to keep you engaged.

Also I liked this show - found it engaging and worthwhile yet I did find it to be long and slow in parts.

The acting was very good and the script was intelligent, shedding some light on negotiations among seasoned politicians.

I saw this show at The Barrow Group Theater in NYC in March 2018.

I... Read more Read less

See it if if you want to see a well acted dramatic show that can be surprisingly funny at times and really makes you think

Don't see it if you don't like shows with a political theme or two character shows.

See it if A very inof of two characters and two countries. It is well acted and directed.

Don't see it if If you are looking for a lot of action or a lighthearted romp this is not for you. It is thoughtful and well paced.

See it if The play is quite engaging and well acted but it could be executed in 90 minutes or a few minutes less while losing the intermission.

Don't see it if Two solid performances are presented but Martin Van Treuen is the stand-out as the wise Russian who knows the outcome of their meetings.

See it if If you’re interested in war peace the arms race done in a lighthearted, comical manor

Don't see it if You’re expecting high drama or overt comedy subtle play

See it if you like talky political plays that engage the mind more than the heart. The trajectory of these 2 characters is predictable, unsurprising.

Don't see it if you like plays that are emotionally involving, where the personal stakes are high, and there is great dramatic progression throughout.

See it if you get excited about an provocative two-character play dealing the the human and political aspects of negotiation. See both sides collide.

Don't see it if lots of dialog is not your thing. Two negotiators plumb the depths and heights of political and personal aspects of the Cold War arms race..

See it if You like drama performed on a nice, uncomplicated stage

Don't see it if You like musicals

See it if It's very clever. If you like good dialog and are a bit cynical about world events, this will please you.

Don't see it if You think Ronald Wilson Reagan really tried to achieve significant nuclear disarmament.

See it if you enjoy a great production of a brilliant script. A wonderful evening.

Don't see it if you want a musical. but the story's well written and acted. Also relevant.

See it if you are interested in the interplay between psychology and history

Don't see it if you are looking for light entertainment

See it if you like insightful shows that make you think/engage your mind. U're curious abt forces at play in int'l peace talks or idealism vs. realism

Don't see it if you dislike talking/idea-centric plays. You need action or visible drama (world survival is at stake, but things play out in conversation).

Also Lee Blessing's play is fantastic & so relevant nowadays. He makes large-scale ideas on how gov'ts/nations work simpler & accessible. I'm usually not a fan of plays that explain a lot, but in this play's context explanations are natural, logical, & appealing.

Van Treuren is great as Russian Andrey. A minor nit is his accent starts out odd/inconsistent (perhaps to make it clear he's Russian?), but it evens out later.

Sadly, I didn't believe Manning as American John. It feels like he didn't connect with or inhabit his character. John was a greenhorn, yes, but he comes across as too easily annoyed/emotional for much of it. Pre-Trump, it strains credulity that a man of his temperament would be sent to lead such a high-stakes, high-level negotiation, or have regular access to the US President.

SPOILERS: Points made incl: Relationships require trust, esp at a country-level. Looking good often trumps doing good. Sometimes the best path is an indirect one (e.g., through "frivolous" chats)... Read more Read less

See it if If you like great acting, great direction, seeing good entertaining theater. This is a truly wonderful production of a timeless play.

Don't see it if you don't like listening to well written dialogue and witnessing good acting.

See it if Enjoy dialogue & character driven 2 person play with good chemistry and performances by the two actors who play the diplomats negotiating.

Don't see it if Want something more fast paced, with a larger cast and a lighter theme. It can drag a little bit so if easily bored might be challenging

Also Quiet show that is interesting in how it portrays the negotiations and human side of diplomats. Good performances- especially by Van Treuren - just wished his Russian accent was more pronounced. A well done, well acted revival . Although it takes place in 1983- themes are still relevant.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy the intersection of politics, diplomacy and intrigue, or appreciate a "behind the scenes" viewpoint of how events might transpire.

Don't see it if shows that are comprised purely of dialog bore you, or if you have no interest in the psychology of powerful statesmen.

See it if you have any interest in history, or just like intense, intelligent theater.

Don't see it if No reason not to see it.

See it if You are fascinated by duals of wits and character, want relevant theater and enjoy enduring, impactful drama in an intimate space

Don't see it if Don't like serious plays, thinking bores you, you only like fluff and aren't interested in watching wonderful actors in an intimate setting

Also This is an extraordinary and delicate restaging of a marvelous play by Lee Blessing which puts the insanity of the politics of our world front and center. Best line "if we really were working on peace, we would have millions of negotiators and two soldiers." The play is illuminated by the brilliant, subtle performance of Martin Van Treuren in a stunning portrayal of a jaded, yet still hopeful negotiator grasping at any means to change the world. K. Lorrel Manning captures the innocence of Americans in a world-weary scenario. In a calm, steady manner, this play captures the drumbeat of our world today and the dangers presented in ignoring our realities. Exciting theater enhanced by the small space which allows you to experience the play viscerally. A MUST SEE!... Read more Read less

See it if This is a well written historically influenced story that holds true for today's events. Acting was in fine form. Very satisfying

Don't see it if If you want fast action and big production. This is an intimate setting with bare bones but brilliant set. Not for the frivolous seekers.

See it if you like fictional historical theater, small cast shows (just the 2 characters), or dialogue heavy theater.

Don't see it if You like large production theater, don't like historical theater, or what plot heavy theater.