Daniel's Husband NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (393)
See it if You want a well performed, well written and profound play. You like dramas and stories that touch your heart. It's sweet but heartbreaking
Don't see it if You want a comedy or a musical. You are uncomfortable with themes like gay marriage, family issues or tragedy.
See it if The show discusses commitment with a wonderful twist. It applies to all couples not only gays
Don't see it if If you do not like to see men kiss onstage
See it if you want a good story well told. You ike well designed sets
Don't see it if you don't like shows about gay issues
See it if You like well acted plays about love, marriage, friendship, family relationship and dealing with tragedy. Very poignant,
Don't see it if You prefer larger theater or prefer not seeing a play that discusses gay marriage.
See it if you are in the mood for a thought-provoking dramedy. You won't leave this show behind when you leave the theatre.
Don't see it if you are looking for a happy-go-lucky piece of fluff theatre.
See it if Loved this show about a committed, loving gay couple who decided not to marry. Acting was fabulous and story memorable and relevant. Just go
Don't see it if If you don't like plays dealing with real and difficult issues pertinent to both the gay and straight community.
See it if Very clever story line. See if if interested in gay issues. (Or human issues, rather)
Don't see it if If you're not interested in gay characters. (It should be worthwhile anyway)
See it if Very well written and acted. Times have changed, but subject matter still relevant.
Don't see it if Some may consider melodrama, but avoids becoming banal and insipid.
Critic Reviews (43)
“Riveting Play...’Daniel’s Husband’ focuses on a couple who happen to have conflicting views regarding relationships....Humor and glib conversations bleed into a stark and stunning twist during the 95 minute emotional roller coaster ride, cocooned in the intimate theater setting...A compelling, beautifully packaged play of true pathos, intelligence and romance.”
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"The dialogue is occasionally artificial and a few plot points contrived, yet it’s still a tear-jerker and a heart-yanker...The writing isn’t always plausible...But you believe in the relationship at the play’s center. The sentimental 'Daniel’s Husband' works best as a romance...Montelongo is more saturnine, and Spahn is more manic. Together they become a couple that you want to cheer for even as the play makes you put down your pompoms fast."
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“McKeever has a keen ear for dialogue…But a Lifetime movie–style plot development causes the play to take stark turn, and the chance for subtlety and complexity goes out the window. This play has a lesson it wants to impart, hard. Thanks to an excellent ensemble, you feel deeply for these characters, even as you realize you're being emotionally manipulated…The polish of the delivery only makes the piece feel even more like an after-school special for grown-ups.”
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“For a play that wears its agenda on its sleeve, it is surprisingly heartrending…As with the best of such stories, we take it to heart and think about what we would do in a similar situation. A lot of this has to do with an incredibly moving performance from Montelongo…Brancato has directed his actors to thoughtful and emotional performances...While a braver dramatist would leave room for a convincing opposition or murkier circumstances, McKeever makes his case forcefully and effectively.”
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“If anything, you might feel that ‘Daniel's Husband’ is terminally cute or realize that it can never completely transcend the sitcom attributes and tendencies it shares. Still, it's hard not to laugh throughout most of the proceedings, and then to cry in the end. Directed with verve and panache by Joe Brancato, it's also performed with consistently fine results by its five-member ensemble.”
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"It initially seems as if a sly commentary on contemporary gay culture might be just what playwright McKeever is going for...McKeever’s characters certainly get more complex as the play gets more serious. The five actors deserve much of the credit here...But as much as I want to champion this play, a few things give me pause...It teases us with a much-needed discussion before using scare tactics to convince us of the best way to be gay."
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“Michael McKeever is a seasoned and brilliant writer, and 'Daniel’s Husband' is a powerful look into the world of gay couples…This ensemble of fine actors is seamlessly woven together through a tapestry of multi-level themes via the fine hand of director Joe Brancato who, like the actors, are each devoted to telling the truth and exalt the human experience. ‘Daniel’s Husband’ will remain with you as a powerful piece of writing and reflection.”
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“There is a major spoiler, which I’ll do my best to circumvent, that comes halfway into the evening and which transforms this light dramedy into a bleak and angry soap opera cum public service announcement. Still, the production is impeccably acted and perfectly paced, so one cannot help but be drawn into the dark action…Whatever message the playwright was hoping to bring to the surface gets muddied by the results of these characters’ actions, or the lack thereof.”
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