Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King

"Theaters are for more polished, more substantive work that touches or amuses a broader audience. 'Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King,' Mr. Minhaj’s rambling one-man show at the Cherry Lane Theater, has enjoyable moments but lacks the arc and insight that turn stories told among friends into theater…As theater 'Homecoming King' seems unsurprising and premature." Full Review

"While he's charismatic, he's failed to shape his reminiscences into fully compelling theater…Minhaj spins tales more appropriate for a late-night gathering with friends than a one-man show...A punishing 105 minutes, it goes on far too long…His show clearly has an emotional quality that resonates with his fans. Too bad, then, that he fails to bring sufficient focus and consistent comic observation to his subject matter." Full Review

"As told by this smart and funny comedian, it's a show worth seeing — just be sure to ignore the advertised 70-minute runtime and prepare to stay in your seat for a somewhat longer ride…Maybe 'king' is a little premature, but he's definitely a comedic prince onstage." Full Review

"Minhaj offers a very benign comedy that’s intended to pull on your heartstrings more than it’s meant to shock…In an era of snark, Minhaj’s a very nice, eager-to-please guy…Minjah is totally spontaneous, even though he’s been working on this show in for two years. He’s engaging, ebullient…Minhaj also knows how to tell a story." Full Review

"Greg Walloch, who helped develop the show and also directed Minhaj, might consider some judicious editing and finding a way to speed things up a bit. There are lots of laughs and a few worthy 'aw' moments, but 'Homecoming King' is merely charming when it might have been scintillating." Full Review

“‘Homecoming King’ sparks some chuckles and elicits a few smiles…Many of the pieces of the Minhaj’s narrative are familiar, but there’s enough that’s unexpected to ensure that theatergoers never feel as if they are experiencing theatrical déjà vu...The difficulty with the show, ultimately, is not one of content, but rather structure. Minhaj too frequently appears to be meandering through his memories rather than taking theatergoers on a focused journey through them.” Full Review

"Tackling racism may be formidable for an off-broadway debut, but here Minhaj seems to be well on his way to discovering a forceful comic voice with real subversive potential. 'Homecoming King' doesn't quite deliver a fully refined product, but it's easy to say with confidence that this is just the start for its tireless, up-and-coming performer." Full Review

"Minhaj takes what had to have been a devastating moment in his life and turns it into something more: a tale of human redemption and personal growth. There is also a lot of forgiveness when it comes to Minhaj’s relationship with his father." Full Review

"Nuggets of wisdom spill from his sage, silly, sophisticated brain, like kernels of brown rice... Hasan literally runs around the stage - pacing, pointing, punting, pouting, positioning his agile fingers and angular, expressive face - presenting his Minhaj-ian point of view... Aside from the funny, Hasan loops around the heavier topics of bullying, parenting, misfits, and broken-heartedness." Full Review

"'Homecoming King' is a roller-coaster ride. Onstage, Minhaj is a charming, energetic comedian and an absorbing storyteller... Earlier this year, when Minhaj performed 'Homecoming King' at the annual comedy festival in Montreal, the audience was right there with him, in tears of both laughter and pain." Full Review