Of Human Bondage
Closed 2h 40m
Of Human Bondage
87

Of Human Bondage NYC Reviews and Tickets

87%
(137 Ratings)
Positive
96%
Mixed
4%
Negative
0%
Members say
Great acting, Great staging, Absorbing, Ambitious, Masterful

About the Show

Canada's Soulpepper Theatre Company presents the first-ever theatrical adaptation of W. Somerset Maugham's 1915 epic of lustful obsession and the pursuit of happiness.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (137)

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140 Reviews | 33 Followers
100
Absorbing, Ambitious, Enchanting, Great acting, Masterful

See it if You would enjoy an innovative way of presenting a classical tale. While superficially this period piece remains in the period - stage (cont)

Don't see it if You only enjoy Broadway style productions. Read more

445 Reviews | 146 Followers
100
Absorbing, Ambitious, Masterful, Intense, Must see

See it if you’ve asked why people go to the theater vs movies/tv. This is THE show that best exemplifies what can only be achieved in live performance

Don't see it if You're not fluent in English. You want a light comedy. Otherwise, if you have a choice between Human Bondage and any other ticket, pick OHB Read more

AEO
111 Reviews | 14 Followers
100
Exquisite, Great staging, Great writing, Masterful, Must see

See it if An extraordinarily conceived, directed & acted classic. The best show I've seen in NY since 'Brief Encounter '.

Don't see it if You're expecting fluff. Read more

575 Reviews | 734 Followers
100
Absorbing, Clever, Great acting, Epic, Masterful

See it if you happen to feel disenchanted by theatre. This production will restore your faith. The creativity, performances, and writing are superb.

Don't see it if you don't care for epic stories or are in the mood for something light and mind-numbing. But really, you should see this. Read more

71 Reviews | 7 Followers
96
Absorbing, Clever, Entertaining, Great acting, Delightful

See it if Great acting and staging

Don't see it if you don't like dramas

MJK
677 Reviews | 192 Followers
96
Absorbing, Ambitious, Clever, Great staging, Must see

See it if you want to see smartly-written, cleverly-staged, shrewdly-acted, well-paced melodrama; to discover a great (hidden) Canadian treasure.

Don't see it if you have no heart or no interest in theatre. Read more

203 Reviews | 13 Followers
96
Absorbing, Great acting, Great staging, Great writing, Intelligent

See it if You want exquisite staging, masterful acting, great adaptation of a thoughtful book. An excellent theatrical experience.

Don't see it if You hate great theater and only like musical comedy.

774 Reviews | 246 Followers
95
Masterful, Epic, Touching, Exquisite, Profound

See it if Wonderful characters and themes. Starts from a student's romance and career struggles and ends with the forgiveness of human weaknesses.

Don't see it if It's a bit repetitive and preachy in spots, with predictable outcomes.

Critic Reviews (23)

The New York Times
July 6th, 2017

“Beautiful and bittersweet…Mr. Prest balances his darkly fascinating character’s mania with an underlying sense of goodness…Stuart Hughes and Sarah Wilson excel in the choicest supporting roles…At its best — and in this show, that’s often — ‘Of Human Bondage’ also manages to ask a few questions about art and ambition. But at its core, Maugham’s story is a call for compassion for ourselves, and a plea for forgiveness for the mistakes of our youth…An exceptionally empathetic production.”
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Time Out New York
July 6th, 2017

"It is wise of director Schultz to take a stylized approach to Thiessen’s dramatic adaptation...Although there are only 12 people in the cast, they embody many more characters than that, simply by changing their accents...Yet their performances are grounded firmly in reality, so the play remains emotionally engaging...Despite its necessary compression, this account of 'Of Human Bondage' does justice to one of the most intense she’s-just-not-that-into-you sagas ever written."
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Deadline
July 20th, 2017

"Thiessen and Schultz, as director, wisely steer clear of brooding moodiness and go instead for a more stylized representation of Maugham’s tale...The approach makes delicate work of a dark tale with echoes of social commentary that recall 'The Elephant Man,' though 'Of Human Bondage' stands very much on its own merits."
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Talkin' Broadway
July 6th, 2017

"Thiessen's adaptation of 'Of Human Bondage' may accentuate the melodramatic nature of the plot, but the acting, directing, and the production itself make for a positively exhilarating theatrical experience and a stellar entry to the Soulpepper on 42nd festival...Under Albert Schultz's direction, the cast as a whole is nigh unto perfect, operating as a tight-knit ensemble that brings to mind the glory days of the epic Dickensian productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company.”
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TheaterScene.net
July 10th, 2017

"While the power of W. Somerset Maugham's legendary story is still much in evidence, Soulpepper's elaborate staging for 'Of Human Bondage' dilutes its effectiveness. Lacking in sexual heat, what the stage performance may do is send you back to the original novel, not a bad thing."
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CurtainUp
July 6th, 2017

"Thiessen's adaptation is still essentially a soap opera-ish tale of tortured unrequited love...It's nevertheless an edgy, very modern theatrical work. Credit Schultz, his inventive designers and the extremely versatile 12-member ensemble for mounting one of the most exciting adaptations of a century-old book...Ultimately everything adds up to lots of good choices by everyone...Consequently, you would be making a pretty smart choice yourself if you put it on your must-see list."
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Theater Pizzazz
July 6th, 2017

“A splendid, remarkably collaborative effort. Vern Thiessen’s superb adaptation is brought to fruition by the innovative designs working hand in glove with director Albert Schultz…The stagecraft alone would make it worth a visit….Philip is heroically played by Gregory Prest. This is indeed a bravura performance. Mildred is beautifully portrayed by Michelle Monteith...Maugham fans can rejoice! Soulpepper pulls it off. This is glorious theater.”
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Front Mezz Junkies
July 9th, 2017

"A deeply rewarding piece of theatrical art making...An ingenious retelling of Maugham’s classic tale, one that is far removed from other interpretations...The company of artists at Soulpepper have created a unique and thrilling production that has only expanded the relatable by stripping the narrative down to its essentials by using every theatrical trick at their disposal. It’s a strikingly modern affair that is unforgettable and exactly what theatre should be."
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