Church & State NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (212)
See it if You're interested in issues relating to gun violence
Don't see it if You're not interested in issues dealing with gun violence or are offended by profanity
See it if you like political themes; you like a twist at the end; you like fair presentation of all sides with humor and heart;
Don't see it if you hate southerners; you do not like politically themed plays that are current; you don't like guns; you dislike Jesus infused in stories; Read more
See it if you like comedies
Don't see it if you don't like comedies
See it if You liked White Guy...Bus. This show addresses several hot-button issues stylishly. We need more shows like these two. It's not a comedy.
Don't see it if You're on political overload and don't want to think in the theatre. Every cliché in the book is there on stage, but skillfully done.
See it if You are looking for a funny yet serious play about Politics, God, & Gun Control. It has great acting and a number of great lines.
Don't see it if You are expecting a large production with a fancy stage or if you expect it to be about what is currently happening in the White House.
See it if If you like to look at our society and its relation to our gun laws.This play highlighted the fact that something needs to be done.
Don't see it if If you are a proponent of the current gun laws.It probably would do you no good as well as change your stance about current laws.
See it if You enjoy dark comedies about current political realities. This play addresses gun violence is a very direct and constructive way.
Don't see it if You don't like to mix politics with your entertainment. This show hits you over the head with its political perspective. Read more
See it if You like a good political drama.
Don't see it if You're over elections and politics
Critic Reviews (17)
"It is a midlife crisis on steroids and Rob Nagle portrays the Senator’s dilemma with extraordinary authenticity and strength. Mr. Nagle’s bravura performance is the fulcrum of Jason Odell Williams’s engaging play...Under Markus Potter’s even direction, 'Church & State' is a worthy examination of the values needed to be in the service of the public in America at this pivotal point in its history, and the play raises several significant enduring questions deserving answers."
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“'Church & State,' a thoughtful but patchy political dramedy...teeters uncomfortably between broad comedy and grave issues, seeking every opportunity to garner laughs and argue politics and religion...For all the potential interest in 'Church & State's' polemics, everything is abridged for immediate gratification, with too many cheap jokes that create an air of superficiality and implausibility...Nagle gives the play ballast by making Whitmore believably sincere and emotionally vulnerable.”
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"Witty, smart, timely...'Church & State' will leave you deeply entertained, but will stimulate your brain...Stealing the show is Nadia Bowers...Williams has written Sara some of the best lines I’ve ever heard...Director Markus Potter keeps the pace going and walks that fine line between comedy and drama. He brings out the best in his cast and makes this about the play and its words...This play is definitely on my list for one of the best plays of the year."
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“It spins it out vigorously, proffering some funny lines and jarring surprises in 75 tightly packed minutes. Thoughtful as it is, though, it’s also surfacey, and you exit wishing Williams had spent more time in the deep end…Markus Potter directs with his foot on the gas, encouraging the kind of overlapping conversations that make it impossible to hear what everybody’s saying. Too bad, because much of Williams’s dialog is diverting, and it’s a mostly crackerjack cast.”
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"Directed at a rapid-fire pace by Markus Potter, the play’s mood instantly shifts from ridiculous to sobering...Rob Nagle turns in a fine performance as the conflicted Senator...Unfortunately, throughout most of the show, the two female characters offer little more than the same old predictable stereotype of the domineering woman...The script treads on very familiar ground...But it does strike a resonant note about listening to the perspective of others."
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“‘Church & State’ tackles the thorny issues of religion and gun control in politics in the U.S. today…The election results are pleasantly surprising, but the ending of the play is disturbing and shocking. Rob Nagle is excellent as the conflicted senator. He’s sincere and convincing (I was ready to give him my vote)...Playwright Jason Odell Williams sends a powerful message, one that resonates long after the play ends.”
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"Grabs you and shakes you to the core...Mr. Williams' new play is a wonderful amalgamation of politics and religion. It may have a point of view, but it certainly treats all sides fairly...Make no mistake, the action unfolds in a deliberate manner to garner the highest dramatic effect—and by high i mean stratospheric...While impactful the play is never preachy or extremely biased. A great piece of theater at a very opportune time."
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“Williams allows himself some stereotypes when writing about Christian characters…But the playwright also surprises by making the characters likable and not making them closed-minded…Director Markus Potter creates a nice balance between humor and serious material and keeps the audience engaged for the short 75-minute production. This is a great show to attend with people with whom you'd like to have a long discussion with after."
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