Confusions NYC Reviews and Tickets

"They’re trifles by his later standards...But these five one-acters allow you to see clearly the basic building blocks from which Mr. Ayckbourn constructs his more complex works. And even the silliest of them is steeped in the critical yet compassionate sensibility that is uniquely their creator’s...One of the primary joys of ‘Confusions’ is watching chameleon performers change identities with wigs and accents, while locations are transformed by the rearrangement of simple pieces of furniture.”
Read more

"Funnier than just about anything else to be seen on a New York stage right now 'Confusions' is a dessert platter, five sketches about various aspects of middle-class life…The six talented actors handle their multiple roles so resourcefully that you’re likely to come away thinking you saw at least a dozen different people cavorting on the tiny stage...Has there ever been a playwright who directed his own works more skillfully and imaginatively? I doubt it."
Read more

"With this production, Ayckbourn achieves his original goal. The five actors brilliantly transform themselves into each role with a mere change of costume. Expert farceurs, they draw huge belly laughs from the play's centerpiece, 'Gosforth's Fête,' which proves the highlight of the evening. While there's a dusty quality to it (the porno-groove incidental Muzak doesn't help), it's solidly enjoyable."
Read more

"It's the stuff that great theatre is made of. The stories in 'Confusions' are timeless snapshots of real life that perfectly capture human foibles. They showcase Ayckbourn's remarkable gift for dialogue and his keen understanding of relationships...The cast captures their roles with complete authenticity. As the five actors play multiple parts, they prove their diverse talents...The show's characters are wonderfully developed, and the company doesn't miss a beat."
Read more

"Even if this is a middling example of the playwright's work, there are many priceless moments and one should never pass up a chance to see a company from the Stephen Joseph Theatre, of Scarborough, UK directed by the author himself. For some reason, American actors have never quite gotten the hang of Ayckbourn's comedies, and this production offers a master class in his distinctive comic style."
Read more

"Human behavior in all its complexities is dramatically rendered with depth and humor in a boldly theatrical and inventive manner...Ayckbourn is also the director and his staging farcically mines every bit of verbal and physical comedy with slapstick, sight gags and props...The captivating performances by the extremely versatile company matched with the excellent writing makes 'Confusions' thoughtful and very entertaining."
Read more

"The five intertwined skits that comprise Ayckbourn’s 'Confusions' are by turns hilarious and poignant. Fast-moving and deftly acted, the five-character ensemble whips through a myriad of scenarios...'Confusions' is entertaining, and although a few sharp barbs about gender and monogamy are exchanged, there are more laughs than insights. Overall, it’s a fun piece of theater."
Read more

"'Confusions' consists of five playlets…They mostly hit their marks with only one major misfire…Ayckbourn’s direction is well-paced and unobtrusive…Except for 'A Talk in the Park,' Ayckbourn keeps the audience chuckling throughout. His humor is not side-splitting, but it is consistent and his well-drawn characters keep us engaged. Situations are sometimes contrived but we hardly notice. He has a gift for making the outrageous seem like a matter of course."
Read more