See it if You're interested in seeing homelessness in a different way. We all walk by them everyday. Robert makes us see them.
Don't see it if You're not interested in changing your perception. Read more
See it if You will enjoy how fast the creator/actor can switch characters. Very believable. Very insightful to the characters.
Don't see it if You have no empathy for the homeless
See it if you enjoy intimate, one-person shows and are concerned about social problems. If you're able to work imaginatively with an actor.
Don't see it if you prefer lighter fare or shows with a large cast. Read more
See it if you are interested in a one man show that deals with a heart wrenching topic
Don't see it if you need more characters in a play and need an uplifting topic Read more
See it if You enjoy a one man show describing the lives of 5 homeless individuals and what brought them to their homelessness
Don't see it if You want an upbeat linear show with fancy sets and multiple performers
See it if you want to live with eyes wide open to the stories of 5 homeless characters portrayed at breakneck speed by a virtuostic writer/performer.r
Don't see it if theater is your favorite escapist means - this is very compelling portraiture drawn from the author's experience with real people in the 80s Read more
See it if you want to learn more about relationships in the homeless community
Don't see it if you don't like solo performers playing multiple characters or tiny "theaters.
See it if You appreciate hearing one mans journey presented in a way that is accessible and interesting. His struggle though unique becomes universal.
Don't see it if You don’t like one person shows. This guy’s presentation needs a bit of work but the material is worth overlooking his rough spots.
"The play is haunted by the lack of any meaningful dramatic action, as well as a tendency toward sentimentality...Galinsky has a fairly solid technique, but at times he has trouble giving the characters distinct identities...An admirable project, but as it is, it is in need of a more astringent point of view and a stronger dramatic spine. We need a more urgent reason to spend time with these characters; otherwise, just as in real life, it will be too easy to turn away when they approach."
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“Though Galinsky meticulously captures the soul of each persona...there is a lack of propulsion and energy to the plot; in this instance there is not enough of to the plot to keep the audience interested...There is tension but no real conflict...Without a doubt, this is an accurate display of life for many homeless people, but onstage the absence of heightened drama feels dull."
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“Galinsky's vital solo piece, based on real people, is the most important kind of urban voyeurism...If you enjoy the work of Anna Deavere Smith, or are an active reader of those ‘Humans of New York’ posts, you're in for a treat...The respect and compassion that Galinsky has for his subjects are readily apparent...The chameleonic Galinsky transforms between various distinct personas with perfect control and ease...Each one of them has a story that needs to be heard.”
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"Based on true stories, 'The Bench' successfully tugs at the heartstrings of its audience. Weaving in loss, love, and heartbreak through an emotional performance. This skillfully written play creates an eye-opening experience...Galinsky gives a brilliant performance filled with both high energy and emotion, endearing all five characters to the audience within an hour. A fascinating tale that brings drama, a little tragedy, and just a taste of comedy."
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“’The Bench' is well-deserving of a legendary stage setting to let this diamond of a show shine...Not only a tour de force of Galinsky's stage writing and acting, but it truly moved me, and quite frankly left me with both awe and hope...Galinsky throws down the gauntlet as a social challenge to all of us--to be better people, see fellow humans with more empathy and to ultimately to understand that what is on the surface is not always what is underneath.”
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