See it if you have any interest in a different love story, the time will fly by. The acting, writing, set and costumes are all superb
Don't see it if if you are not prepared to hear the "N" word or see the queer experience in history with complexity and profound love.
See it if You want a new take on Southern and/or LGBT history. It’s heart-breaking. My one critique is it’s a bit talky.
Don't see it if You’re not able to consider others peoples lives.
See it if Well done story of a time that was long ago but might not feel that long ago. Wonderful acting by all five.
Don't see it if you don't want to get close to a family 150 years ago.
See it if A beautiful American drama about slavery and should be seen by all.
Don't see it if Not appropriate for children under 12.
See it if Touching, if at times mawkish, spiritual portrayal of a slave "family" in the old South. Sheldon Best is the best. Great cast.
Don't see it if The gay love story is memorable, though the outcome is predictable. Fantastic tree makes the set.
See it if Forbidden gay love disrupts slave family on oppressive civil war plantation. Passion overcomes wisdom. Humorous and surprisingly uplifting.
Don't see it if You don't like magical realism. Play is half realistic, half fantasy. Standard cliches are mixed with upended ones. Heavy sexual content.
See it if ...
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See it if brilliantly evokes joy/terror slave commty thru rhythmic language/movement, giant "lynching" tree/see below, frank sex, fine perfs
Don't see it if white slave owner daughter racist cliche; 2nd half focus on improbable homosexual relatnship btwn slaves/see below Read more
"Both Berry and Cozine handle their characters with precision and grace. These are two skilled and devoted actors. Their make their performances look easy, which is why we are glued to their every move. In addition, Love has given them the words that drive the play, and their hold on the reins is unwavering."
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“Profoundly moving and groundbreaking...The theme that may get the most buzz but is only one component of this incredibly layered production...A beautiful love story carried out by two completely dedicated actors...Despite the heavy subject matter and themes, Ali’s direction brings out humor, lightness, and relatable universality to the family dynamics...Simple, timeless, magical storytelling at its finest and a beautiful addition to the NY theater scene. It is what the world needs now.”
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"Ali’s direction of the play’s first sex scene is riveting...Uche has far more chemistry with Stewart than Best...Love inadequately explores James’ internalized homophobia...While the two men don’t register much excitement, Berry scores high on the Richter scale when she delivers a surprising monologue on her affairs with other women...Berry carries the show on the shoulders of her earth-grandmother portrayal, a true force of nature in the theater."
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“Love paints in broad strokes, but draws on Afrocentric narrative traditions to conjure a rich palette. His characters are near archetypes, but tenderly drawn. The ensemble buoys them with flesh and blood, rendering an unlikely romance all the more sweet and its harsh circumstance that much more painful.”
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“An unabashed love story between two men, slaves, steeped in magic and mysticism, and armed with lyrical, humorous, and sometimes anachronistic dialogue...Love gives his characters the dignity of their full existence. They are funny despite the terror they face, and want the same things all people want: love, community, and freedom...The play is...both sweet and sad...Bristling with humanity and raw emotion—a welcome reclamation well past due.”
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“Harrowing new play...Love seamlessly brings together the experience of queer, black America past and present — this tale of slavery, after all, is not set far in the past...It is an artistic, literary and conceptual triumph — not just for the queer black community, but for the greater pursuit of well-made, innovative theater that seeks to tell untold stories — that must be seen...The play is notably led by Berry...She gives a comedic and haunting performance.”
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