Switzerland NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (19)
See it if Non stop mind play, intelligent, absorbing, pay attention at all times writing; some insight into the mind of a great writer & complex mind.
Don't see it if you do not like tension or psychological thrillers; it takes time and lots of talk for the story to unfold.
See it if One of the most intriguing, literary plays I've ever seen. Really made you think about the process of writing. Both actors were excellent!
Don't see it if you don't know anything about Patricia Highsmith or her book The Talented Mr. Ripley. If you don't and you plan to go, read up on it. Read more
See it if you enjoy plays about writers—especially mystery writers like Patricia Highsmith—who is a character in this cat & mouse play.
Don't see it if you like a play that starts reasonably well and then takes a quick nosedive. Poor acting and staging also lead to this play's downfall.
See it if You want to see a thoroughly engaging 2 handler in which you realize the story being presented isn’t the whole story. Quite a thriller !!!
Don't see it if You are only wanting to sit back and let a plot wash over you ! This is not that kind of play. It will totally engage you if you let it, wow Read more
See it if you are a fan of Patricia Highsmith's oeuvre, particularly the Ripliad and want to see a work that captures many aspects of her.
Don't see it if you don't like talky plays, don't know Highsmith's novels or the novels based on them, or are expecting a thriller more than a dark comedy. Read more
See it if you are a Highsmith fan and want to see a glimpse into her later life (real and imagined).You enjoy snappy dialogue in a feisty female role
Don't see it if you don't know who Patricia Highsmith is, don't know her famous characters, and don't care. (Play will be somewhat meaningless to you)
See it if Ninety minutes in the mind of Patricia Highsmith & the talented Mr Ripley give insight into the character & imagination of a mystery writer.
Don't see it if You don’t like Patricia Highsmith’s books and don’t want to see a Who is it? or Who done it? inspired by her life and writing.
See it if Audience seemed to like it. Laughed at what I thought were pretty lame jokes and attempts at high minded wit. Male actor was OK.
Don't see it if Dialogue cringe worthy at times.Actress not convincing but then this role is written so over the top not sure anyone could make it believabl Read more
Critic Reviews (16)
“Murray-Smith’s ‘Switzerland’ is part of a long tradition of writers writing about writers, and with few exceptions, it’s not a good idea. The subject’s actual work almost always puts the ersatz stuff in the shade, and trying to insert a play between a writer and her creation tends to be an exercise in overreach...Fundamental slackness around both reality and motivation is why the play, designed as a clash of wills, feels like a fight with pool noodles. The limpness extends throughout.”
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“‘Far from a tense, edge-of-your-seat thriller with twists that make you question everything that's come before, it is, in fact, the complete opposite: a genial, suspense-free two-hander that aims to surprise but cuts itself off at the pass every time. At least Foster's production is kind of fun, making for a reasonably diverting 80 minutes...Fortunately, the two performances are fun enough to help us overlook the textual shortcomings.”
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“With incisive dialogue, excellent staging, and outstanding performances, the two-hander is an intense thriller that is captivating audiences...There are unexpected twists and turns...The performances by Scott...and Petzold...couldn't be better. They master Murray-Smith's gripping dialogue and the sense of mystery and treachery that looms in the story. Audiences will be mesmerized by the portrayals of their complex characters...A superb play for mystery lovers."
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"Saying much more about what transpires during the tense, intermission-less 90 minutes would be transgressing on Murray-Smith’s fun, fun heightened by Gmoser’s lighting and absolutely maximized by Dan Foster’s on-the-money direction...Whether attendees for whom Highsmith is an as-yet-unacquired taste, the glorious dark humor of Switzerland may be somewhat obscure. But darkly humorous the Hudson Stage Company import is, and, as such, is a great time-killer."
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"Joanna Murray-Smith's 'Switzerland' is engrossing in an intellectual way in its discussing of writing and writers. Its revelations about the life of author Patricia Highsmith may or may not be of interest to viewers who have never read her or only know her from the many film versions of her books...However, the drama's third act shift into an entirely different play will be problematic for many audience members."
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“The most enjoyable moments are when we see these characters' walls being broken down, and we get a sense not just of the complexity of these people, but also of the talents of these two actors...What may well be a deliberate acting choice appears completely organic, a total immersion of actor into character...For those who enjoy interpreting a play on their own, ‘Switzerland’ is certainly a show that will make you think.”
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“Anyone with a love for a rousing game of cat and mouse will find themselves well at home...’Switzerland’ brought to mind the classic mystery-comedy ‘Deathtrap’...Perhaps the time is right once again for another in this always welcome genre; one that includes cracking good humor, knowing sophistication, and twists and turns you don’t see coming.”
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"Foster guides a stellar cast of two, Scott and Petzold, both portraying unlikeable characters only slightly leavened with ambiguity and wit. In their own ways, they exchange the selfishness driving them to use each other and keeps the audience watching and waiting for one to fall. The wall of lethal weapon collection augments the tension with a hint at a possible death...The ending is sudden and surreal, an expression of love without passion."
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