Sugar in Our Wounds
Closed 1h 40m
Sugar in Our Wounds
85

Sugar in Our Wounds NYC Reviews and Tickets

85%
(47 Ratings)
Positive
89%
Mixed
11%
Negative
0%
Members say
Absorbing, Great acting, Intense, Thought-provoking, Great writing

About the Show

Manhattan Theatre Club presents this lyrical new play, Donja R. Love's exploration of queer love at a pivotal moment in black history.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (47)

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155 Reviews | 32 Followers
90
Absorbing, Great acting, Thought-provoking, Intense, Resonant

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.

91 Reviews | 22 Followers
89
Ambitious, Absorbing, Great acting, Thought-provoking, Historical

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.

57 Reviews | 19 Followers
89
Absorbing, Clever, Great acting

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.

728 Reviews | 414 Followers
88
Absorbing, Refreshing, Intelligent, Great writing, Clever

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.

524 Reviews | 134 Followers
86
Gay slaves uncivil war melodrama, Gay slaves in civil war melodrama

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.

781 Reviews | 249 Followers
85
Romantic, Intense, Enchanting, Tragic, Funny

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.

144 Reviews | 29 Followers
83
Absorbing, Great acting

See it if ...

Don't see it if ... Read more

750 Reviews | 329 Followers
82
Mesmerizing poetic portrayal of lives of black slaves during civil war tho goes astray at end

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

Critic Reviews (14)

Front Row Center
June 20th, 2018

"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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Broadway Blog
June 19th, 2018

“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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The Wrap
June 19th, 2018

"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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Towleroad
June 20th, 2018

“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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Stage Left
June 25th, 2018

“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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F
June 23rd, 2018

“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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