Dying City

See it if You want to see a great story.

Don't see it if You need the bells and whistles of Broadway or you don't like depressing. It is a great story, with minimal sets and it is sad.

See it if you like two-handers with strong performances, political/relevant and slightly cerebral comedic dramas. CW: discussion of suicide, PTSD

Don't see it if you want something light, a surprising set, or something full of heart more than intellect

Also This play was a 2008 Pulitzer Prize Finalist and it holds up well. It is incredibly well-acted. While the play veers to intellectual and emotional territories (moral/character discussions & ideas of ethics of warfare) it all feels very rooted in the truths of who these people are and their actual lives, not some philosophy for philosophy's sake. I was impressed and truly riveted at moments throughout the production.... Read more Read less

See it if you like intense, serious drama. Looks at male-female relationship, love, war, fidelity, death. Great acting.

Don't see it if you want something fast-paced. This is deliberate (a bit slow occasionally) storytelling. Need to let the plot points unfold.

See it if You are interested in simple one act play with very complex characters who are not necessarily sympathetic or heroic.

Don't see it if You want to see a happy ending. Also, this play leaves some questions unanswered which may be unsatisfying for some audiences.

See it if You like plays about relationships, secrets, betrayals. Like twisted endings

Don't see it if You don't like plays with flashbacks. You don't like plays that deal with war and death. You want something light and uplifting

Also This wasn't amazing but it wasn't bad either. It kept me engaged yet at times it did feel a bit slow even though it was only 90 min. I didn't see the revelation at the end coming so that was fun. Funny at times and sad at times. Script could be better.... Read more Read less

See it if You like two-handers or shows about layered relationships or two young actors working hard with a problematic, somewhat contrived script.

Don't see it if You struggle with a time-toggling premise. You are impatient with a less-than-perfect, over-stuffed script.

See it if You enjoy angst-ridden two-handers. These people are hellaciously horrible to one another. Deservedly so. Perversely, I wanted them to marry

Don't see it if You’ve wondered if your therapist talks about you to family and friends. This will confirm your fear in the most disturbing way

Also It’s just not a great play. The characters are one-dimensional and it’s a boring story.... Read more Read less

See it if Unsettling works with unsympathetic characters don’t scare you. You appreciate thoughtful pieces examining serious issues.

Don't see it if You are expecting light theatre. Three despondent, damaged characters hurt and hurt each other (an actress and an actor playing twins.)

Also It’s easy to see why Show Score members have rated Dying City so low. This is an off-putting, depressing work, which feels pointless. Twins Peter and Craig both begin as fairly likable characters, then gradually reveal themselves to be unstable and destructive. It’s hard to get a sense of who Kelly is, except a woman who can’t help being a victim, despite knowing better. However, the dialogue is intelligent. The actors have clearly put a lot of thought into their performances, even if Winstead’s subtle, restrained acting style translates better in films than on stage. I was actually enthralled from start to end. Though I left the theatre confounded and frustrated, I was ultimately fascinated by Dying City. I can’t help wondering what playwright Shinn wants to say (if anything.)... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in the aftermath of war on individuals.

Don't see it if The plot wanders. There's not enough differentiation between the characters. Need editing.

See it if An intimate piece centering around a woman, her husband and his twin brother. Deals with heavy themes, war, abuse, psychological scars.

Don't see it if You don’t like intense two handers. If you are looking for a coherent or meaningful piece.

Also This is a well acted and polished production. Although I was engaged in the story, towards the end, I was baffled by the plot turns. When the piece was over, I didn’t understand the playwright’s point in telling this story. I was reminded of the recent production of Mary Page Marlowe, by the same director, Lila Neugebauer. I’m not a fan of her style, which I find harsh, cold and disjointed. I’m unsure if a different director would make this work feel less purposeless. In all, well made but hard to like.... Read more Read less

See it if you like this playwright, you're interested in the challenges of relationships, or you'd like to see an actor play two different characters.

Don't see it if you only want to see well-developed works.

Also This means to be devastating, but for me it wasn't even close. There's too much reticence in the characters to care, so that by the time the play ends, it seems like it's just getting started.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of Mary Elizabeth Winstead or Colin Woddell.

Don't see it if you enjoy well-acted and inspiring stories.

Also very disappointed by acting and set design after reading raving NYT review.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Second Stage productions and Christopher Shinn's work. I found it to be slow and tedious.

Don't see it if you do not believe in the war, do not like themes involving dysfunctional families or homophobia.

See it if detective-like story of death of husband/brother in Iraq; shows how brutalities in personal lives linked to war/Abu Ghraib

Don't see it if not interesting/don't care about characters; static/dull performance by ME Winstead as wife; how was this finalist 4 Pulitzer?

See it if You have nothing better to see

Don't see it if Very draggy and if you had not read about it you would not understand what was going on. For example. If I had not read it I would have had

Also I would have had no idea that the two men were identical twins

See it if you are a Second Stage subscription ticket holder...otherwise you are not missing much by skipping this production.

Don't see it if you want to see a play that can hold your interest for 90 min.

Also Disjointed...This play was very slow and felt like a puzzle that was all over the place... I could not connect to the story and eventually didn’t care at all about the characters.... Read more Read less

See it if You like two-character dramas that deal with loss and don’t mind slow pacing.

Don't see it if You like comedies or plays that involve action and not just dialogue. This play is very slow moving.

Also I know Christopher Shinn is a playwright the critics live, but I just don’t see where this play is involving or well acted in this particular production. The actors didn’t seem to be proficient, and I found I didn’t care about the characters._... Read more Read less