Terms of Endearment NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (86)
See it if You enjoy a low key story about dysfunctional relationships. If you like simplicity in stage, story and acting
Don't see it if You expect a lively storyline, superb acting or fancy staging
See it if You're a Molly Ringwald fan interested in seeing how she performs live and in a serious role
Don't see it if You're expecting something as engrossing as the film -- some scenes didn't translate all that well to the stage
See it if If you are curious to see a live staged version of the movie & retain your worship of Molly Ringwald from the 1980's John Hughes movie era
Don't see it if You expect to be as moved by the sadder plot elements and heartwrenching performances as those in the movie version.. does not translate.
See it if you haven't seen the film.
Don't see it if you have seen the film---they did it better Read more
See it if Your a fan of Molly Ringwald. She does a fine job as Aurora Greenway.
Don't see it if The film opened the story up more, which made for a better story. The play seemed to condensed and rushed from scene to scene.
See it if you were a fan of Molly Ringwald or the movie, Terms of Endearment. If you like emotional stories regarding mother-daughter relationships
Don't see it if you are expecting anything new of a play based on a famous movie. If you like big extravaganzas instead of intimate plays. Read more
See it if you liked the movie and are curious to see it staged. Doesn't quite make it. The acting is good and for the stage size, the set works.
Don't see it if you want to be disappointed that the emotions of the movie do not carry through this stage version.
See it if You want to see Molly Ringwald up close in a small theater. She does a solid acting job. Entertaining 2 hrs but cant compare to movie
Don't see it if You loved the movie & expect the same depth. Seemed abbreviated. Hard to recreate story that was told so well on screen.
Critic Reviews (31)
"For all its virtues–including a trio of fine performances–the reality of the production is that it could never top the multi-Oscar winning 1983 film. And I honestly am not sure what was the point in trying…Ringwald brings a sort of regal dignity to Aurora. She doesn’t quite have enough bite to make some of Aurora’s carefully chosen barbs sting as strongly as they should, but she melts beautifully…Like the film, the play has both tears and laughter. It just lacks transcendence."
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“The question arises regarding the idea of turning a terrific movie into a claustrophobic stage play on a cramped stage: as they say, if it ain't broke don't fix it...Without the illuminating performances of MacLaine et al., the story seems unexceptional, even dull, with its tragic twist more manipulative than ever...A pallor of superficiality pervades Michael Parva's heavy-handed production...Ringwald, who can be a delightful stage presence...is simply out of her element here.”
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"A by-the-numbers adaptation...Molly Ringwald as the mother Aurora Greenway to Hannah Dunne’s daughter Emma Greenway acquit themselves well under Michael Parva’s direction. Or well enough...Ringwald and Dunne rise to the tear-jerking occasion—as do Brown and Milord—but the thought remains that the production is somehow superfluous."
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"'Terms of Endearment' has all the makings of a tearjerker, but as staged here under the direction of Michael Parva, it is so much more than that. There is much humor present, thanks to the level of the performances and the writing, and one gets to feel that this is ultimately a very human and even entertaining story that rises above button pushing to elicit tears and instead evokes real emotions and well-earned wet eyes...It stands as an impressive work well worth visiting."
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"Flat-out frustrating, if not infuriating. The script is superfluous. The direction lacks rules and guidelines. And it’s all due to how it is structured...This ensemble did all they could with tough material and rough direction to navigate...I could go on and on about the flaws of Michael Parva’s direction but deep down, with a cinematic text, there was no way this production was going to be able to properly find hope."
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"Gordon’s adaptation is reminiscent of the Oscar-winning comedy-drama…In this thoughtful production director Parva teases out fine performances from the always engaging Molly Ringwald and others in the cast. They marshal their talents to hit their mark on the comedy and the poignancy…Gordon has maintained the story’s brilliant dialogue and humorous events…If you adore the book and/or the film, then the play 'Terms of Endearment' will not disappoint."
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"'Terms' takes the points of highest emotional intensity from its source material, and strings them together, without the quiet interludes the film used to help us ease into the characters…Ringwald isn’t a prickly wisecracker, like MacLaine, but she’s solid here as an opinionated woman too involved in the life of her daughter…I enjoyed Brown as the sloppy space musketeer, with all his leering, heavy breathing and slouching…Endearing? Sometimes. But not a must-see."
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"Dan Gordon’s stage adaptation remains faithful to the source material and, under Michael Parva’s direction, it provides a moving and pleasant evening of entertainment that should appeal to both newcomers and longtime fans of the film…Ringwald lacks the natural austere demeanor of MacLaine and, dare I say, she may be miscast. Still, the chemistry she has with Dunne feels sincere...Gordon’s treatment is a fond trip down memory lane."
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