Sally & Tom NYC Reviews and Tickets

77%

(85 Ratings)

Positive

80%

Mixed

13%

Negative

Members say

Ambitious, Great acting, Clever, Absorbing, Thought-provoking

About the Show

A theatre troupe stages a play about Sally Hemings & Thomas Jefferson in Suzan-Lori Parks' new work.

The little-known Good Company theatre group, operating far, far from the bright lights of Broadway, is staging a production centered around Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson. The role of Sally will be portrayed by writer Luce, who also happens to be romantically involved with Mike, the play's director, cast in the role of Tom. Now, one might wonder, what could possibly go wrong here?

Suzan-Lori Parks, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright returns to The Public after presenting their previous season's acclaimed work, The Harder They Come. This time, she presents a provocative dramedy that not only pays homage to the art of theatre but also scrutinizes our historical past with a critical eye.

Show-Score Member Reviews (49)

100

Great writing, Intelligent, Great acting, Relevant, Masterful

See it if you want to be blown away by suzan-lori parks’ amazing play! sheria irving is outstanding as is everyone else in the cast! fabulous!

Don't see it if if plays about history, race or a play within a play are not your thing. Read more

Part of slp's project to reimagine, Central myths of our founding fathers, Reimagines jefferson-hemings story, Through play w/i play about the same

See it if 1 of yr's best; redefines legacy Jeff, viewing his reltnship w Hem as part expoltatn slaves; 1 smartst/funniest portraits how theater’s made

Don't see it if slack, repetitious at times/could cut about 30 mins of 2 hr 45 min play Read more

Great acting, Resonant, Great writing, Clever, Absorbing

See it if You want to see a great play.

Don't see it if You want a fun musical

Absorbing, Resonant, Thought-provoking, Relevant, Clever

See it if you want to ask deeper questions about historiography and justice given Hamilton’s success. You like clever plays about plays and artistry.

Don't see it if you think Hamilton is beyond reproach, or you don’t want to see behind the curtain of show business. A bit long and repetitive at times.

Relevant, Entertaining, Intelligent

See it if you’d enjoy hearing Sally Hemings speak in her own voice (well, S-LP’s version of it, which feels authentic) about her life with Jefferson.

Don't see it if It’s a bit too long, and I found the backstage story less interesting than the play-within-a-play (although the former had its moments).

Intelligent, Great acting, Riveting, Ambitious

See it if you want a great playwright discussing the contiuing question of a Founding Father's worthiness with modern backstage feelings & issues.

Don't see it if you might find it too preachy at points along with a character flaw that is sadly typical and tired (to me).

Intelligent, Great writing, Great staging, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if You want to see two shows in one both intelligent, thoughtful with humor while discussing slavery and ownership.

Don't see it if You can't tolerate being uncomfortable while at the theater.

Aware, Slow, Intelligent, Great acting, Great writing

See it if you like plays that expose historical truths & acknowledge the enslaved who built this country up despite all odds. ideal vs reality.

Don't see it if you can't look critically at the "founding fathers" & explore some explosive questions about the US. The play within a play format is clunky