Daniel's Husband
Closed 1h 35m
Daniel's Husband
85

Daniel's Husband NYC Reviews and Tickets

85%
(393 Reviews)
Positive
94%
Mixed
5%
Negative
1%
Members say
Great acting, Absorbing, Thought-provoking, Relevant, Great writing

About the Show

The story of a seemingly perfect gay couple with different views on marriage, this unflinching look at how we choose to tie the knot—or not—returns Off-Broadway.

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Member Reviews (393)

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1085 Reviews | 265 Followers
79
Great acting, Great staging, Intelligent, Profound

See it if If you want a well written play that deals with love,pain with a great set.

Don't see it if You do not like gay theme plays .or plays with tragedy in it.

891 Reviews | 259 Followers
91
Thought-provoking, Relevant, Great acting, Great writing, Absorbing

See it if you like excellence by the cast in a well-written play with a nice set with good lighting and sound around a difficult subject - see it!

Don't see it if you cannot deal with physical health difficulties or the horror and tension they bring about for family and loved ones due to societal laws.

754 Reviews | 124 Followers
88
Beautifully written, Absorbing, Intelligent, Elegantly staged, Thought-provoking

See it if you like good theater. This is a character driven play which covers a variety of issues without seeming didactic but makes its point.

Don't see it if you are troubled by plays that involve gay rights or family issues.

650 Reviews | 284 Followers
74
Act 1 - snappy modern gay relationship social comedy; act 2 - intense medical & courtroom drama centering on consequences of gay couple failing to formalize relationship w marriage

See it if Act 1 is sweet & funny; Act 2 features a fraught battle between gay partner vs. parent; persuasive acting

Don't see it if cliche-ish; fails to deal seriously w critique of gay marriage; Act 1 too jokey; shift of Act 1 to 2 contrived; Act 2 too melodramatic

715 Reviews | 108 Followers
87
Absorbing, Great acting, Great writing, Intense, Thought-provoking

See it if you enjoy excellent acting and subject matter that is thought provoking. Intense dialogue that is absolutely absorbing.

Don't see it if you do not like shows with gay subjects or you only like light drama. This play will move you to tears.

MJK
677 Reviews | 190 Followers
90
Absorbing, Clever, Great acting, Great writing, Thought-provoking

See it if u want to see five authentic, nuanced perfs in a deftly-written, challenging, captivating, startling, moving, entertaining cautionary play.

Don't see it if you're too homophobic or uninterested to appreciate an emotional debate on the challenges of same-sex marriage in the post-ban era. Read more

670 Reviews | 156 Followers
84
Affecting, Well constructed, Well played, A little contrived, Handsome

See it if you’d like the pleasure of seeing a strong romantic relationship between 2 mature, stable, creative, imperfect gay guys.

Don't see it if you require a lot of action: a dramatic stroke midway through the play changes everything, but other than that, most of the play is talk. Read more

don
506 Reviews | 1000 Followers
95
Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Intelligent, Relevant

See it if The problems of the straight world meet the problems of the gay world. Superb acting by all. I do not dare to single out any. Perfect set.

Don't see it if Be sure to check the time of the performance as changes have been made. There are steps. No railings in the theater. Performance is great

Critic Reviews (43)

New York Stage Review
October 29th, 2018

"A reflective, straightforwardly-composed piece, 'Daniel’s Husband' is a modern-day problem drama involving a white, middle-aged, gay couple...The playwright cogently lays out his cautionary story in 95 minutes...If sometimes the drama seems too tidily expressed, it soberly considers a timely topic. The bleak conclusion is softened by a flashback that proves to be touching as well as ironic. Under director Brancato’s well-paced guidance, good acting breathes life into the play."
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TheaterScene.net
November 13th, 2018

"What begins as light comedy in Michael McKeever's well-made play 'Daniel's Husband' becomes deadly serious in this cautionary tale. If the plot seems familiar, this is a return engagement of a successful play that appeared at the Cherry Lane Theatre in April 2017. The same engaging and proficient cast returns and while designer Brian Prather remains the same, the costume and lighting designers are now different…It still packs an emotional wallop in the way events turn out."
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Theater Pizzazz
October 28th, 2018

"A funny, if somewhat benign domestic comedy, and it’s pretty entertaining. But when...the subject of gay marriage comes up, the comedy takes a back seat...I’m not sure the play entirely recovers from the shift in tone, going as it does from light comedy to heavy drama...The honesty and sincerity in McKeever’s writing add a definite plus to the events of his play. Even if it would benefit from a bit more heft behind its ambitions...you may very well find 'Daniel’s Husband' worth the trip."
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Front Row Center
October 29th, 2018

"Merging the two genres is not an easy feat to pull off, but no problem for the uber-talented Michael McKeever. His characters are distinct and each one is drawn with compassion, clarity and truthfulness...Kudos has to be given to director Joe Brancato who keeps the pace moving perfectly...I also have to mention the stunning performances by the entire cast. It is ensemble acting at its finest."
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Front Mezz Junkies
October 28th, 2018

"On second viewing, the knowledge of where this piece is heading did alter the experience, but I wouldn’t say for the worse. It gave me insight into the shimmers of what was coming, weaved most delicately into the upholstery...'Daniel’s Husband' expertly walks us through the complicated world where some hard fought human equality rights were won, but not desired by all...The writing is clearly defined, although moments feel a tad scripted."
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Broadway Blog
October 31st, 2018

“It is bad form for critics to leave a performance early, but there is no rule stating that they can’t wish to leave before the final bow...I made that wish...Then McKeever’s play changed in an instant — and I was hooked...The ensemble is superb, bringing truth and authenticity to McKeever’s high stakes drama...’Daniel’s Husband’ embodies what quality playwriting should do. It surprises, engages, entertains, and challenges your own worldview without being didactic...I’m glad I stayed."
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Times Square Chronicles
November 3rd, 2018

"The chemistry between Spahn and Montelongo is evident and adds to the heartbreak of the piece. Spahn is also delivering a heart-wrenching performance and brings heart to this piece, but it is Montelongo who has the longer journey. From a confident individual to an emotionally drained man, we feel his pain...Joe Brancato’s direction allows us to slowly peel away the layers...'Daniel’s Husband' is well written and raises issues that are prevalent for any kind of marriage."
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Gotham Playgoer
October 28th, 2018

"It would be easy to dismiss Michael McKeever’s play as the theatrical equivalent of a gay Lifetime movie...When catastrophe strikes, Mitchell has to pay a high price for his choices. Montelongo makes the most of this climactic moment...Joe Brancato’s direction is unobtrusive. While this cautionary tale is both manipulative and predictable, it is elevated by good actors who make the characters and relationships convincing and by high production values."
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