Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King
About the show
Cherry Lane Theatre presents The Daily Show correspondent Hasan Minhaj's one-man comedy chronicling his experiences growing up as a first-generation Indian-American. More…
Based on true events from Minhaj’s life navigating two worlds, 'Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King' is a comedy that follows Minhaj’s arrival in the US, his first meeting with his estranged sister, and his family’s quest to achieve the elusive American Dream. Minhaj explores interracial love, racism, bullying while discussing bigotry, acceptance, and forgiveness.
"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
"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
"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
"'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
"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
"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’ 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
"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
"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
See it if You enjoy one-person shows, ever seen Hasan Minaj on The Daily Show, appreciate comedic memoirs.
Don't see it if You didn't think The Daily Show with Jon Stewart was funny.
See it if You are interested in immigrant and multicultural issues and want to laugh a lot
Don't see it if you are easily offended by racial issues
See it if you're a Minhaj fan. He's charismatic and eager to please. His stories spotlight America's racial issues without the weight of slavery.
Don't see it if you want a coherent evening. The stories are disjointed; not all are effective. Still I found myself engrossed, laughing, and thinking.
See it if you want to see a light hearted comedic biography of an Indian comedian.
Don't see it if you aren't interested in Hasan's stories from growing up.
See it if you like good storytellers, you're interested in nontraditional stories and underrepresented voices, you want to a good hearty laugh
Don't see it if you are expecting more traditional theatre. This is more musings on a life so far than plot arc realized.
See it if you enjoy story-line comedy presented in a modern way. Will definitely resonate more with multicultural viewers or anyone with an open mind
Don't see it if you're a theater critic looking for reasons to find holes in a lightly crafted, raw story of a man.
See it if you like comedy, stand up, listening to your friend tell you one long crazy story
Don't see it if you like more traditional scripted plays
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