Afterglow
Midnight Theatricals presents the world premiere of this drama that explores the complexities of polyamory.
... Read moreJosh and Alex, a married couple in an open relationship, invite Darius to share their bed one night. When a new intimate connection begins to form, all three men must come to terms with their individual definitions of love, loyalty, and trust as futures are questioned, relationships are shaken, and commitments are challenged.
- Official Site
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Ends on September 16th, 2017
- The Davenport Theatre / The Loft (Midtown W)
The most selection and price points $70
and up
Good deals for specific dates $37
and up
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$37
through 7/26
from BroadwayBox.com
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$37
through 7/26
from Playbill Club
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Details $36.50 Terms Blackout dates may apply. All sales are final - no refunds or exchanges. Offer subject to availability. Not valid in combination with any other offers. Normal service charges apply to phone and internet orders. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. Recommended for 18 + (Language; Nudity) Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre. |
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$37
through 8/19
from Theatermania
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Good discounts, but availability varies $29
and up
| TodayTix |
$29 - $35
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Good seats, but price varies $79
and up
| SeatGeek |
$79
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Cast & Creatives (10)
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Reviews (100)
14 Critics' Reviews
"The frequent nudity is so willfully carefree that it ends up looking forced...Gay domesticity is turning out to be tough to dramatize, as evidenced by such flawed shows as...‘Dada Woof Papa Hot’ and ‘Steve'...The soap-operatic 'Afterglow' doesn’t even reach their level...It has funny moments, albeit of the inadvertent kind...The best joke of all, intended or not, may be the sly jab at the cult of youth among some gay men: Josh is having a midlife crisis — at the ripe age of 30." Full Review
"Initially stimulating but ultimately flaccid...The story becomes as predictable as a headache after a bender...Haagenson, Reilly, and Simpson do their best to rise above the limitations of the script, but they can't overcome the fact that none of these characters is particularly interesting...The most disappointing thing is that it seems to promise and then fails to deliver a thoughtful discussion of polyamory...In the end, the play leaves us not so much with an afterglow as an anticlimax." Full Review
"The playwright, S. Asher Gelman, lets everyone speak his piece, exhaustively, with no cliché left unturned...If 'Afterglow' had been written with a modicum of wit, it might have made for a passable entertainment, but there isn't a single really amusing line over the course of two hours...What keeps 'Afterglow' passably watchable is the three talented young actors who -- very occasionally -- manage to endow these paper figures with something that passes for flesh and blood." Full Review
"Although their are numerous scenarios that feel unnecessary and hard to believe, Gelman with his cast of three very beautiful and talented men know how to keep our attention...They play out their overly long and slightly melodramatic tale that delivers few surprises in story line and character development...The three actors are impressive though, turning the material into something that feels honest and heartfelt, even as it drags out the romanticism of the doomed pair." Full Review
"Insightful, highly theatrical and fiercely acted...Mr. Gelman’s scenario and plot developments are well observed and true to life in their predictability. Gelman’s dialogue is realistic and perfectly crafted with flavorful simplicity...Despite the inevitability of its finale, 'Afterglow' is quite engrossing. Its dazzling production elements magnify its achievements...The actors all give bold, brave and intense performances that transcend stereotypes." Full Review
"The playwright, who also directs, has painted no obvious villains here, just, perhaps, a portrait of immaturity and poor judgment. If we feel for anyone, it is the unborn baby...The production benefits from Ann Beyersdorfer's cleverly constructed set...The play does not necessarily add to our growing understanding about gay relationships, except to point out how they are not necessarily any different from heterosexual ones." Full Review
“A substantial drama with believable characters whose emotions are real and tug at the heart...Gelman skillfully creates three real people whose strengths and weaknesses make it difficult to judge their actions…Gelman leaves a great deal up in the air, just as such a situation would end in real life…Gelman directed his play to give each character his full worth. All the emotional ups and downs are clearly communicated. The play moves along with increasing speed to its finale.” Full Review
"An insightful new play...While the characters approach these questions from very different angles, it’s easy to identify with each one. All three actors embody recognizable perspectives...Through candid emotional dialogue, Gelman demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the stakes in gay dating and relationships...It’s vivid and honest depictions like these that foster a greater understanding of the way we live now." Full Review
"Certainly Gelman has staged the play well...And the design is first-rate...Unfortunately, we end up with three people who are all kind of the same...Certainly the actors do what they can to add dimension...If at times the actors veer too quickly into heightened emotion, this is largely the result of Gelman’s script...The insularity and entitlement of all this is not only astonishingly tone-deaf, given contemporary conversations about privilege, but also makes for a weaker play." Full Review
"What makes 'Afterglow' fresh and riveting is the hand of the director, Gelman himself, and the performances his actors deliver...Gelman has cast well. The players fit the bill physically: his three leads appear to be in a race to stamp out body fat. But it’s just as important that they make the decency and good intentions of their characters apparent...Gelman is nuanced as both a director and a writer...An impressive calling card from a gifted new playwright and director." Full Review
“‘Afterglow’ is the bittersweet story of a polyamorous relationship that ultimately brings emotional problems to the couple at the core. Beautifully acted by Brandon Haagenson, Robbie Simpson and Patrick Reilly, the play may be too slow or have too much nudity for some audiences—but it is well worth it. The cast brings honesty to the proceedings. You can fully feel the growing bonds between all three of these men, which gives audiences a real stake in the outcome.” Full Review
“This is Gelman’s first effort as a playwright and it shows. Although the plot is compelling, the occasionally insightful dialogue can turn wooden or preachy…'Afterglow' flirts with melodrama throughout...The actors do a solid job tackling demanding roles...Gelman’s dynamic staging helps mask the script’s limitations…Flaws aside, if the goal was to shine a brief light on the potential joys and pitfalls of queer polyamory, the overly ambitious ‘Afterglow’ succeeds as it titillates.” Full Review
"The play looks honestly at gay intimacy, and asks if a committed marriage truly be open...Patrick Reilly as Darius is flawless, his character articulating the complexities of gay culture without descending into caricature. Robbie Simpson, as the more mature partner in the marriage, is a standout...I took off a star for the play’s last sequences, which drew out uncomfortably with long pauses of moody silence and brings the play’s brilliant momentum to a grinding halt." Full Review
“Gelman brings to the stage the very personal story of a threesome with heart, grit and a non-gratuitous exploration of the complex theme…Kudos to the cast…While the first act runs over an hour and is intriguingly constructed with solid writing, the second act fumbles a bit with too many repetitive topics and dramatics bordering on melodramas seen on Netflix…However, the actors, staging and even the lighting design save the production…A probing story for all sexes.” Full Review
86 Members' Reviews
See it if you are interested in shows about gay relationships, aren't offended by sexual content & full male nudity
Don't see it if you aren't open to shows about gay relationships, are offended by sexual content & male nudity
See it if you might enjoy a gay drama with tons of nudity, blatant sexuality, and challenging questions about monogamy, promiscuity, and relationships
Don't see it if you find male nudity, simulated sex, and graphic talk vulgar, have little patience for a soap opera-like plot, and have no interest in gays.
See it if you want a thoughtful, although sometimes hard to believe, exploration of different types of relationships in the gay world.
Don't see it if nudity and sexuality, especially between men, bother you. it's a thoughtful use of nudity, but not subtle either
See it if current gay social topics interest you. Particularly relevant to addressing social expectations of marriage & kids vs open relationships.
Don't see it if you can't handle nudity. The piece does not shy away from the importance of the role of sexuality in a gay relationship.
See it if you want to see a stark and naked view of a gay relationship conflicted by the introduction of a third man to their lives... and bed.
Don't see it if you expect anything new or interesting on the topic of polyamory; you have any issues w/infidelity, male nudity or frank sexual simulation.
Also It is, no doubt, the "hot male nudity" that will attract the audiences... Read more Read less
See it if you'd enjoy a somewhat superficial story about a gay threesome with much nudity and little depth, pleasing actors creating believable roles
Don't see it if you expect an in depth look at the many factors that impact a gay threesome, are uncomfortable with extensive full frontal nudity,
See it if you like intimate stories about modern relationships, hot young gay men, and inventive staging.
Don't see it if you would be bothered by a lot of nudity; you are turned off by a shakily-run venue.
See it if You love plays with male nudity, LGBT, simulated sex, cussing, love, jealousy, polygamy, sadness, new hope, and a nice, malleable, small set
Don't see it if Dislike all of the above. Lots of nudity and despite an engaging premise, it can feel slow. FYI,b early, bathroom's 2 small for intermission
See it if Theme of open relationships treated in a believable and relatable way. Well drawn characters+situations. Great staging especially for offoff
Don't see it if Nudity is a big part especially in act one. Though it does seem to become a non-issue 15 min into it. Gay themes are not for you.
See it if you want to a Lifetime movie like play that doesn't deliver on its promise of being a progressive look at open relationships.
Don't see it if you want a script that challenges audiences, your offended by male nudity, or you want characters that are not cliches.
See it if You like seeing male nudity and are interested in gay couples' issues.
Don't see it if You like a happy ending or want a play that provides a new perspective on an old issue.
Also Seemed more like a showcase or an off-off Broadway show than an Off-Br... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy a gay drama with lots of male nudity which attempts to tackle the exploration of different types of relationships.
Don't see it if you don't enjoy nudity & sexuality, especially between men. A somewhat over indulging cliched plot.
Also I must mention the staging/setting was very clever.
See it if male nudity trumps a good script and three nude men are enough of a reason to see a show.
Don't see it if male nudity freaks you out or you expect good writing and a serious look into polyamory and the issues around it.
Also I'll admit it, the idea of three naked men in a tiny theatre was a rea... Read more Read less
See it if you don't mind a gay themed play. The subject is polyamory which is now prevalent in our society. The three actors were all very good.
Don't see it if you are offended by full frontal male nudity or a gay theme.
See it if You like good looking guys presenting a story of modern gay life.
Don't see it if you are offended by male nudity or gay themes. You don't want to see a lot of putting on/taking off of clothes or moving set pieces around.
Also The original show was 2 Hours with an intermission and is now presente... Read more Read less
See it if you want an intense edgy uncomfortably deep look into the challenges of love in the 21st century gay community and you are willing to try
Don't see it if you are uncomfortable being a voyeur or are looking to feel happy and satisfied. (also the well-documented nudity)
See it if you like different. It was so real. You see the couple working on their relationship. I loved it. I loved the set design.
Don't see it if If you want to see a musical this is not for you. It's a small venue but I loved how it was set up. there are no bad seats.
See it if You like non-traditional relationships and plays.
Don't see it if You're not okay with full frontal nudity, and weak writing.
See it if you like seeing sexy men and enjoy a good storyline. It's a small production but they make great use of the space.
Don't see it if you are closed minded about gay/open relationships and are uncomfortable about nudity.
See it if You're naive when it comes to the topics of polyamory and gay relationships and want some experience in a unique way
Don't see it if You're not ok with rather strong full frontal nudity, want realistic dialogue, and want a natural turn of events in terms of plotting.
Also I agree with a lot of the reviewers on here about the staging, the dir... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see a debut work of LGBTQ+ theatre by a promising new writer that goes beyond the typical clichés of the genre.
Don't see it if you're averse to a fair amount of male nudity in close quarters, or if you have anything against the gay community.
See it if You are ok with male nudity and simulated sexual activity. This is not for the faint of heart and has a definite audience base.
Don't see it if You have issues with seeing male nudity and sexual activity between men.
Also Very disorganized theater with many staging problems. Audience was not... Read more Read less
See it if You want to see a play that is very relateble. Great acting - really great. You want to see true/raw emotion on the stage
Don't see it if You might be offended by full male nudity and simulated sex.
See it if you want to be absorbed in a heart-wrenching, well-acted play about love triangles in an open relationship. The raw emotion is riveting.
Don't see it if you can't deal with full male nudity, occasional vulgar language, homosexuality, and raw emotion.
Also One of my barometers for a good play is that I feel intensely for the ... Read more Read less