The Spoils NYC Reviews and Tickets

"While the idea of an unlikable protagonist pushing everyone away isn’t a novel one, Eisenberg uses it to take the audience to some interesting, even enjoyable places. But it’s also one of those plays where, within the first 10 minutes, you know exactly how it’s going to end. 'The Spoils' doesn’t possess many surprises, but unlike Eisenberg’s protagonist, it still achieves a lot of its potential."
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"'The Spoils' is a strangely compelling look at young New Yorkers struggling to achieve their professional ambitions and hold on to their personal identities and values...The scenes have an unusually naturalistic flow. Eisenberg gives a highly invested, hyperactive performance that stresses Ben's self-concerned mentality while adding enough subtlety to suggest some self-loathing."
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"'The Spoils' is a play not only more complete than his previous works, but also one that is significantly better than the last two combined...In a theatrical landscape filled with plays about fiftysomethings, it's refreshing to see a play that speaks to this generation of young people, one that unabashedly puts forward the sad truth of what it's like to find a place in a society that doesn't want them."
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"Hyper-charged character drama...While Eisenberg's idiosyncratic portrayal is the evening's showcased performance, director Scott Elliot's terrific ensemble does a great job of bringing out the theme of the limits of compassion. It's an intriguing, well-acted play with some startling moments."
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"Ben is the most compelling figure in Jesse Eisenberg's biting but too-chewy new play...Eisenberg hints at broader themes, particularly of race, that never jell into the significance you crave for something to. Worse, none of the other characters is remotely as interesting as Ben."
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"An ambiguous ending...that will divide the audience between those moved to feel sorry for Ben's pain, and those unable to sympathize with him; those who see him as a hopeless basket case and those who feel he might still be helped...a well paced, visually on the mark production."
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"Jesse Eisenberg and Scott Elliott bring star power to a funny, well-acted production, but the story doesn’t entirely add up...The main problem is that all of the action revolves around Ben. He’s more of a type -- a man-child -- than a fully realized character. Audiences wanting motivation for his character’s behavior will likely be frustrated. But it’s a testament to Eisenberg’s writing and the strength of the talented ensemble that the show still mostly works."
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"The dinner scene of the two couples and Ben is a priceless piece of writing, as is the scene when Ben gets Sarah alone in the apartment...Yes, this is all about Ben. However, the other characters are clearly defined and juxtaposed to give them their own distinct identities. Scott Elliott directs with a smooth hand."
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