This annual festival of new American short plays returns to 59E59 for its 12th consecutive year. More…
The festival's two series consist of three plays each.
Series B:
'Sparring Partner'
By Neil LaBute
Directed by J.J. Kandel
The long time flirtation between two co-workers comes to a head over the course of a lunchtime game of "Hollywood Names." Will their "affair of the mind" blossom into something more or is it about to take an even darker and more dangerous turn?
'IBIS'
By Eric Lane
Directed by Terry Berliner
Ty has been haunted by the disappearance of his father ever since Victor abandoned his family twenty years ago. But when he hires a no-nonsense female detective to solve the mystery and track Victor down, the answers she uncovers add up in ways that even Ty could never have predicted.
'The Plot'
By Claire Zajdel
Directed by James Rees
Frankie and Tyler's mother has purchased a plot at the local cemetery, and today her children have been summoned to approve their mother's final resting place. As they wait for her to arrive, Frankie and Tyler's growing realization of their own mortality triggers an avalanche of emotions.
See the lineup for Series A here.
See it if you want to enjoy a refreshing, resonant, playful one-act (Sparring Partner) about a burgeoning office romance during a lunch in the park.
Don't see it if you aren't willing to withstand a promising, aimless let-down (The Plot) & half-baked, cliché-ridden play (IBIS) to get to the LaBute payoff
See it if you like well written short plays. Big impact;little wasted time.Acting/directing is uneven.Writing is all quite good.
Don't see it if you want something big & brassy.These make you think and feel.And for god's sweet sake, make the alarm clock face backwards or set it!
See it if You want to see a pretty diverse set of two-handers (well, mostly two-handers) that are solidly written, directed, and acted.
Don't see it if You dislike two-handers. Are looking for something edgy. While the plays aren't too light, they're far from anything edgy.
See it if Ok, so series B, was overall better than A. "The Plot" had decent acting, but, needed a little more development. A little morbid of a plot
Don't see it if (Pun intended); it was the weakest of the 3. "Ibis" has strong acting from the 2 younger actors, but, the older male and his story killed it
Also He could've been left out, or be a character not on stage. Very witty ... Read more Read less
See it if Three short plays and I did not like any of them...Hope part B is better,,
Don't see it if Don't bother with this one...
See it if you want a grab bag evening - with three different shows in one night, you never know what you're going to get!
Don't see it if you dislike that this is truly three separate works. If there is any underlying theme or content connecting them, it does so loosely.
Also This particular series is difficult to review in a broad "overview" ki... Read more Read less
See it if If you like short plays and/or new dramas, especially a good new LaBute play (that doesn't have his usual surprise twist BTW ...)
Don't see it if you hate short plays, only like familiar classics, or need to see big stars.
See it if you are a fan of Neil LaBute or like to support independent theater. You do get 3 plays for the price.
Don't see it if you want an exciting or meaningful experience. All three shows were banal and dragged on.
See it if you’d like to experience 3 different, well constructed, contemporary plays in a single sitting.
Don't see it if you don’t like low-budget productions, or intimate houses, or you’re in the mood for a full-length play.
Also This summer I found the 2nd batch of 59E59's annual "Summer Shorts" se... Read more Read less
See it if You're up for new one-act plays (stronger than Series A). Interesting voices in The Plot & Ibis; the best LaBute one-acter in several years.
Don't see it if You'd prefer some light fare - while not depressing or distressing, these stories are serious and spare.
See it if You enjoy one act plays . I was most impressed by IBIS. The performances in all of the plays were very good
Don't see it if I was disappointed in the plays as compared to the other series this year and in prior years.
See it if It's hard to judge this show - some of the performances are excellent and some are abysmal. The quality of the plays ranges drastically.
Don't see it if You're looking for a consistent show. Some of the performances, especially LaBute's show, are phenomenal however.