Public Servant NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (98)
See it if You enjoy a good solid play that is well-written
Don't see it if You like a large-cast production Read more
See it if you appreciate a well-produced small scale family drama
Don't see it if you prefer dancing girls and broad comedy
See it if you enjoy a very unique, creative set; plays that display how politics can unfold in a real life situation.
Don't see it if You love high budget productions.
See it if You are a fan of this author and want to see a timely piece which is not as good as The Cake.
Don't see it if You need compelling drama to be satisfied in the theatre. This is interesting, but not a must-see.
See it if You enjoy plays contrasting the reality of life and politics with family relationships; if public service in general is a topic of interest.
Don't see it if You do not like confronting the realities and conflicts of public service. You do not like plots about complicated family relationships.
See it if You want to see three wonderful actors, very creative set with fence becomes office/ garden/ kitchen all at once,family drama, pro life etc
Don't see it if You do not like slow plays that gives you slice of life
See it if you want a slow, quiet, slice of life portrait of the modern South that doesn't trade on stereotypes; you like dialogue-heavy pieces
Don't see it if you need a flashy performance; you don't want frank engagement with ability or female sexuality; you aren't willing to wait for a payoff Read more
See it if A local councilman deals with political issues & tries to meet the needs of both constituents & family; simple at first then it gets harder.
Don't see it if You are an ardent right to lifer. Many themes intertwined by three actors, confusing at times.
Critic Reviews (16)
"A homey comedy-drama--neither particularly comedic or dramatic…The characters…are all good-hearted exemplars of the play's theme, that people should help other people…Like so much else in this low-keyed play, tears may flow but they do so with barely any sense of dramatic tension. 'Public Servant' has its heart in the right place but it lacks emotional punch, garners few laughs, and loses any sense of a focused dramatic purpose…A sharper production might have helped."
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"The play is appealingly low key and realistic. It’s also a positive take on humanity’s basic instincts, something in short supply these days...Director Geordie Broadwater handles frequent entrances and exits with good timing and innate purpose, emphasizing the vicissitudes of character’s lives. In fact, nothing on stage looks or sounds false except slightly fluctuating accents."
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"The entire play wants to do the right thing. But the strain of doing so shows in its improbable plot developments and its unrealistic denouement. It's not that people don't change their minds or find a place of compromise but it's not unrealistic to expect our playwrights to wrestle with how they get there. Here they just suddenly and inexplicably do...I expect more intellectual rigor from my theater and 'Public Servant' fails to deliver on that."
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"Directed by Geordie Broadwater, the pacing is slow and the mood is agonizing, as the characters interact, reveal their backstories, and deal with their unhappy lives, unsettled circumstances, and predictably overlapping situations...'Public Servant' addresses basic everyday issues of the human condition, the choices we make in life and politics, and the need for mutual support and empathy in order to make a positive difference. In so doing, it accomplishes TBTB’s mission."
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"'Public Servant' is being marketed according to its writer, Bekah Brunstetter, because of her affiliation with 'This Is Us,' and the play has its sappy, tear-jerking moments. Hence, I was happy. Moreover, like the show, Bekah plots her storylines and desired outcomes like seeds between characters’ bonds; building upon the notion that humanity can only better through humanity. "
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"I’m reminded of the old maxim 'Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes' and I think the play truly succeeds at conveying that message, particularly in regard to today’s pro-life/pro-choice conundrum. And it does so with great sensitivity. All three actors deliver superb performances."
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“’Public Servant’ started off really well...The play is a place in time on many subjects and that's where the problem lies after the first fifty minutes. Rather than put a plot line out there and expand on it, Brunstetter is slow to bring this play forward. Once the play gets its footing, it spirals in many non relevant issues. What could be a suspenseful, good show turned out to be fair at best...The writing and direction could have been a lot better."
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“A warm, gentle discussion of women’s issues and politics...Brunstetter has given us an intelligent, moving picture of the difficulties involved when one must (as politicians must) be everything to everyone...Chris Henry Coffey is sympathetic and believable...Miriam, skillfully played by Christine Bruno...Courtney Butt’s costumes were entirely appropriate, while Edward Morris’ sets were an absolute delight...The lighting was also skillfully done and well coordinated, as was the music."
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