Blue Ridge NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (143)
See it if You’re interested in life’s mistakes, atoning, repeating mistakes, great acting, cliched characters, and less than developed characters.
Don't see it if You want a fully fleshed out story or characters, want to remember what you laughed so much at (I couldn’t, but it was really funny), or...
See it if u want to see a wonderful cast, esp. the always wondrous Ireland, portray broken people dealing w/recovery, insecurity & socialization.
Don't see it if you want to avoid a play that is as flawed as the residents & caretakers of this halfway house; you need a play with a point & a purpose.
See it if you like the actors and prioritize good dialogue over good plotting
Don't see it if you want a plot-driven play with clear motivations, actions and consequences that has a legible central theme
See it if You like dramas of stressed out people in recovery dealing with their demons and each other. Excellent cast, standout Marin Ireland.
Don't see it if You don't care for navel-gazing, 12-step programs, fast talking Southerners and drama queens. Read more
See it if You could leave the theater feeling these actors gave it their all with finely nuanced performances.
Don't see it if But when you reflect back at the unfolding conflict that erupts in the play, you say to yourself, "was much to do about nothing".
See it if you like realism & plays with slow builds, where no one is necessarily right & it's up to you to decide if you think anyone is wrong.
Don't see it if you only enjoy lighthearted musicals & comedies (though there are moments of lightness & comedy in this!) or dislike plays about addiction.
See it if Great acting of dysfunctunal characters. Revelant today with youth.
Don't see it if Long play, painful issues, dysfunctual characters, no plot, lots PTS
See it if you don't mind seeing a talented cast wasted in a banal story line.
Don't see it if you have something better to do with your time
Critic Reviews (28)
“A character-driven drama...Even if ‘Blue Ridge’ is lacking razor-sharp wit and stunning surprises...Rosebrock succeeds in creating six well-rounded characters with believable flaws and inescapable fates. There are few explosions to be found here, but the simmering tensions brought to bear by a strong ensemble of actors under the tight direction of Taibi Magar provide a satisfying status quo; they are a happy indication of the playwright’s continuing growth."
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“What makes ‘Blue Ridge’ compelling theater is its flawed cast of characters...Everyone in this stellar cast adds critical layers of personality and feeling to the spoken words...This play is not filled with simple exposition...’Blue Ridge’ requires one to pause, to think, to observe, to question, to consider and to feel a wide range of emotions and thoughts. You will laugh along with this dark comedy. You will also be moved as to why and how difficult it is for some people to safely escape."
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“You don’t have to be familiar with the dynamics of a half way house or the protocols of a Twelve Step program, but it helps to comprehend fully Rosebrock’s, sometimes confusing, ‘Blue Ridge’...Magar’s direction of the rapid-fire dialogue is so un-modulated that narrative key points get de-emphasized...As staged, character prevails rather than story...Marin Ireland is pitch-perfect...’Blue Ridge’ captures aspects of residential recovery programs with remarkable verisimilitude.”
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"Strained...The play ends on an inauthentic note of unearned emotion...The production is directed steadily by Magar, who does her best to uncover the emotional core of the piece – but alas to limited success...Same for the attractive and talented cast. Despite some courageous work, these actors – particularly the typically excellent Ireland... ‘Blue Ridge’ in the end feels overlong, overwrought, and unbelievable.”
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