See it if Moving realistic story of economic & identity struggle and loss. Great writing/acting. Relevant and painful.
Don't see it if you are up for lighter fare tonight. Issues treated might hit too close to home.
See it if You like topical character driven drama. Great acting and direction.
Don't see it if You're looking for light and fluffy. This show has something to say.
See it if you like workplace dramas. The characters are well-drawn, as are the conflicts. You feel for all as they face the decline of their industry.
Don't see it if you want a perfect script. This could have used some cuts. Still, it was compelling and elucidating...and very well staged/acted. Read more
See it if You like Plays set in the workplace of a lower class population using heavy street dialogue and accents. You like realistic plays.
Don't see it if You can't deal with heavy, unsubtle street talk. You dislike even a few moments of rap music used to set the tone and time of the plot.
See it if You want a well-acted realistic drama, and to see the pain of the workers and their life issues.
Don't see it if You're offended by frank language/discussions.
See it if You like beautifully rendered characters, you care about societal issues, you like realistic drama that unfolds carefully and true.
Don't see it if Uncomfortable with economic struggle, street dialect, topical story lines. Want fluff, easy answers. But this one's worth seeing, folks. GO.
See it if you enjoy well written, excellently acted drama with engaging characters and a relevant plot.
Don't see it if you have difficulty with heavy accents and fast-paced lines; dislike story lines that make you think and feel.
See it if you missed it the first time. Really terrific.
Don't see it if you do not like reality plays showing a side of life you might not know.
"The financial perils and uncertainty for workers at the mercy of industry pressures are movingly depicted in the earthy 'Skeleton Crew,' tautly written by Dominique Morisseau and briskly directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson...By the conclusion, in-depth acquaintance with the characters has been achieved and the playwright, skilled actors and a knowledgeable director have succeeded in shining a spotlight on a vulnerable slice of America."
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"An engrossing, pertinent script, well acted and directed. Despite a rather depressing atmosphere, made heavy by the threat of unemployment, Morrisseau skillfully weaves humor, friendship and forgiveness into the story...The action on stage may depict issues specific to Detroit's auto industry, but the playwright poignantly reminds us that anyone's life can change in the blink of an eye and the reality is that these characters could be any one of us."
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"Warm-blooded, astute and beautifully acted four-character drama...It is, in many ways, an old-fashioned play: naturalistic, tightly structured and filled with self-defining monologues of vernacular lyricism...It is, in other words, a deeply moral and deeply American play, with a loving compassion for those trapped in a system that makes sins, spiritual or societal, and self-betrayal almost inevitable."
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"Morisseau’s play is firmly based in the lives and evocative language of its four characters, whom Ruben Santiago-Hudson’s powerful production treats with August Wilson–ian respect. They’re messed-up but decent people, driven by forces that may or may not be beyond their control."
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"There’s little wrong with 'Skeleton Crew,' that August Wilson couldn’t fix. Like Wilson, this playwright has heart, along with a sense of historical moments that define the lives of ordinary Americans. Her rough-edged dialogue even has a touch of the street poet. What’s missing in the work is a grasp of character-driven dramatic action — although that can still be acquired."
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"'Skeleton Crew,' set in the dingy break room of a Detroit auto-parts factory, looks modest but is deeply affecting...Dominique Morisseau’s drama effectively weaves together all their stories. Flawed as her people are, we root for them — especially since the cast is absolutely terrific. Don’t miss this intimate gem."
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"Morisseau creates characters who don't merely speak, they sing with the vernacular of their community. Rarely has dialogue ever felt so much like eavesdropping on an actual conversation...As for the company, they are collectively impeccable."
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"An engrossing character study of types that add up to a vivid portrait of urban collapse…Morisseau's fluid and naturalistic dialogue and the strong work of director Ruben Santiago-Hudson and his fine ensemble add up to an edgy and engrossing drama that delivers a solid emotional impact."
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