Mary Jane
82

Mary Jane NYC Reviews and Tickets

82%
(173 Ratings)
Positive
91%
Mixed
7%
Negative
2%
Members say
Great acting, Absorbing, Thought-provoking, Intelligent, Great writing

About the Show

New York Theatre Workshop presents Pulitzer Prize finalist Amy Herzog's new play about the struggles and joys of a single mother with a severely ill toddler.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (173)

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159 Reviews | 18 Followers
80
Absorbing, Great acting, Thought-provoking

See it if You want to see a new , original American drama about dealing with a challenging life situation. A superb ensemble cast led by Carrie Coon.

Don't see it if you don’t like dramas dealing with depressing themes or don’t like theatre that makes you think and feel emotions.

302 Reviews | 99 Followers
80
Great acting, Intelligent, Slow

See it if You want a realistic view of one woman's struggle with a sick child. A "moment in time" show. Strong performances all around.

Don't see it if You want some plot development. There isn't any. Set was great.

272 Reviews | 57 Followers
80
Ambitious, Thought-provoking, Intense

See it if Amy Herzog's beautiful writing is of interest; excellent actors in multiple roles appeals; life and death subject matter isn't scary for you

Don't see it if a troubled and deeply challenging mother/child relationship or the subject of disability is too close to home. Read more

282 Reviews | 64 Followers
79
Absorbing, Great acting, Great staging, Great writing, Relevant

See it if You are a fan of the playwright and/or the talented cast members.The plot revolves around a mothers' coping with her young son's illness.

Don't see it if Plays involving the illness of a child and the effects on the mother don't appeal to you. The play discusses religion,social issues,health.

122 Reviews | 20 Followers
78
Great writing, Resonant, Intense, Absorbing, Riveting

See it if You appreciate strong, varied ensemble work. You enjoy stories about simple people grappling with life.

Don't see it if You struggle to watch stories of care-giving, especially when geared towards children with disabilities. Read more

642 Reviews | 71 Followers
78
Good acting. well done. very depressing story.

See it if You want very serious depressing drama.

Don't see it if You want an entertainment that's light.

65 Reviews | 10 Followers
76
Thought-provoking, Profound, Intense

See it if You aren't put off by a poignant, heartbreaking depiction of a young mother living with a severely disabled child. Beautiful writing, acting

Don't see it if You want to see upbeat entertainment in the theater. It will be too close to home. You expect closure and answers to the questions raised.

178 Reviews | 281 Followers
75
Good acting, Naturalistic, Unusual slice of life, Unsatisfying ending

See it if Enjoy naturalistic plays and appreciate less-told stories. Moms dealing with ill kids are usually "weepy" or "heroic." This is more subtle.

Don't see it if You prefer a clear dramatic arc with a discernible resolution. This has no conflict, character development or real plot.

Critic Reviews (42)

A
October 5th, 2017

"Features a strong cast, realistic dialogue, sharp insights and a few surprises...The action is slow and steady, especially in the first half...The play becomes somewhat tedious, although the pace picks up significantly in the second half...Outside of the performances, the strength of 'Mary Jane' is Herzog’s dialogue...You do not need to have a child to appreciate this production and what it is trying to say about life, death, health care — and just taking it one day at a time."
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Vogue
September 28th, 2017

"The excruciating suffering of a sick child can be alleviated by community, 'Mary Jane' seems to say, but there is no escaping it. It is this push-pull between the momentary reprieve that (female) support offers, and the persistent undertow of despair that provides the fascinating momentum of 'Mary Jane'...It’s a play with unexpected grace and optimism, and one that offers faith in the power of communion."
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