Halcyon Days NYC Reviews and Tickets

75%

(37 Reviews)

Positive

81%

Mixed

16%

Negative

Members say

Relevant, Absorbing, Intelligent, Great acting, Thought-provoking

About the Show

How do you make something go viral in the days before social media? This satire by Steven Dietz explores what it took to get America behind the 1983 invasion of the western hemisphere's smallest country, Grenada.

This eye opening exploration of the D.C. "spin machine" is a brutally witty and thought provoking behind the scenes look at America's first "public relations" war. The action of the play goes back and forth between Washington, D.C. and Grenada as it follows the powerful figures behind the conflict and the ordinary lives affected by it.

Member Reviews (37)

Entertaining, Slow, Cliched, Relevant, Thought-provoking

See it if You enjoy historical stories that are told with today’s sensibilities rather than those of the time.

Don't see it if You want historical accuracy. Emphasis seems to be on style rather than details. Read more

Thought-provoking, Relevant, Intelligent, Great staging, Resonant

See it if you want to understand the spin of the Reagan era with good acting, music and video that sets you in the period and makes you think.

Don't see it if you do not enjoy the horrors of conflict or want to relive the misdeeds that took place while the president made everything seem hunky-dory.

Absorbing, Ambitious, Intelligent, Clever

See it if see more

Don't see it if see more Read more

Ambitious, Cliched, Confusing, Disappointing, Excellent sound and visual effects

See it if you won't mind a play that can't decide if it's a spoof or a drama; like political plays, are leftist, see the world in black and white

Don't see it if You won't like a play that can't decide if it's a spoof or a drama, like plays with nuanced, believable characters. Read more

Absorbing, Great staging, Resonant, Quirky, Thought-provoking

See it if You want to see an enthusiastic cast with multiple plotlines in an engaging play

Don't see it if If you expect a completed taut script. Overlong at present and needs some judicious cuts.

Wag the dog satire, Predictable, Unfortunately still relevant, Uneven cast

See it if you're interested in how media manipulation worked in the 1980s pre-social media era; in Reagan-era political shenanigans

Don't see it if use of familiar types & tropes of cynical political satire turn you off; plot machinations drive the boat here; some casting not ideal Read more

Disappointing, Excruciating, Actors whispering could not hear them

See it if You have great hearing or great hearing aids

Don't see it if You have any trouble hearing Read more

Absorbing, Great acting, Relevant

See it if You appreciate timely political plays done well.

Don't see it if Our country's history of third world invasion and manipulation depresses you.

Critic Reviews (1)

"Ronald Reagan’s life-size, cardboard cut-out is the most successful thing in this frantic production of the political satire 'Halcyon Days'...One sits there for two hours numbed by the experience of watching the talented cast often vigorously playing for laughs that aren’t there...Director Alexander Dinelaris’ energetic physical staging does contribute momentum, precision and pacing that all visually holds interest."
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