LaBute New Theater Festival 2019 NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (108)
See it if You like good writing and interesting subjects and good acting.
Don't see it if You are sensitive about topics about the Holocaust.
See it if An exceptional trio of short plays which encourages lots of thought on the subjects.
Don't see it if If you prefer musicals or light dramas.
See it if Three short gut punches thrown by one of today's best. Nice cozy shoe box theater.
Don't see it if Hate small casts and a short running time. Read more
See it if You like strong writing, performances, and one act plays. The second one was a highlight.
Don't see it if You don't like long monologues or are easily offended by discussions that involve the Holocaust, race, and shootings. Read more
See it if Not a fan of LaBute but liked these short plays. Well written and acted. Almost conversational style dialogue and very effective.
Don't see it if you want a full length drama, beautiful set and emotional drama. The dialogue and set in this play very low key.
See it if You enjoy short 1-Act plays that make you feel slightly uncomfortable.
Don't see it if You want a large production. 2 of 3 plays are monologues and the third has 2 actors.
See it if you want to see interesting & flawed characters. LaBute exposes the ugliness of humanity in ways that are recognizable & at times relatable.
Don't see it if you cant bear watching potentially unlikeable characters in squirm-inducing situations, as this is often LaBute's trademark. Read more
See it if you like to feel uncomfortable about topics that are relevant
Don't see it if you want mainstream, feel-good theater
Critic Reviews (19)
“LaBute’s plays often attempt to shock—or at the very least agitate...Fans of LaBute will be happy to know that the latest offerings contain their share of unease, and they unsettle with needling provocations around politics, race, and personal relationships...The plays include simple but effective design...The minimalist approach is fitting for this trio of one-acts. LaBute has a knack for encapsulating big ideas in pocket-size plays.”
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“Captivating...All of LaBute’s one acts...deal with at least the proposition of alternative facts...The remarkable thing about these plays is that LaBute is not asking us simply to do our research and compile the facts before weighing in on the external evidence of history. He is instead asking us to mine the direction of our own internal moral compass and, without any coaching or prompting, reject the very notion of anything as tragically destructive as evil or alternative facts.”
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“Three one-act plays by Neil LaBute...’The Fourth Reich,’ directed by John Pierson, is a one man monologue...Then followed by ‘Great Negro Works of Art’ also directed by John Pierson...’Unlikely Japan’ was directed by Neil LaBute himself...Unfortunately, I didn’t feel anything positive about the LaBute New Theater Festival. I don’t blame the actors. They got into the roles and were believable characters. It was just that their scripts didn’t have any real substance.”
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