What We're Up Against (WP Theater) NYC Reviews and Tickets

“Ms. Rebeck’s play isn’t about sexual harassment. It’s about all of the other ugly ways that a woman can be foiled and dismissed, ostracized and worn down, when she’s just trying to do her job. It’s also about what happens when she dares to show her anger...As sitcomish as it sometimes feels, ‘What We’re Up Against’ has a complex view of its characters and their dynamics...The cast is an impressive assemblage of talent...Oddly, though, the flashiest roles belong to men.”
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“A bitterly funny workplace comedy...This is prime Rebeck territory—driven characters locking horns in pursuit of a prize—and the current political climate makes this 1992 play seem frighteningly timely...'What We’re Up Against' is not as fully realized as Rebeck’s later works; the premise wears thin, and the characters can come across as mouthpieces for a message. But director Campbell-Holt and her accomplished cast, send sparks flying as genders and generations collide.”
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"The play couldn't feel more dated...A provocative premise, but Rebeck's writing fails to do it full justice. The characters are so one-dimensional they might as well have their defining traits tattooed on their foreheads; the dialogue is repetitive and exclamatory; and the storyline feels padded despite the relatively brief running time...The performers bring a fierce energy to their characterizations that goes a long way toward compensating...It rarely rises above the level of cliche."
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“With its undeniably sharp perspective and neat archetypal characters, ‘What We're Up Against’ is guaranteed to infuriate — which is why you should see it...The story is dramatically compelling, the rage behind it undeniably authentic, and the characters are recognizably human...Even if you disagree with Rebeck's take on the way women are treated in the workplace, it is impossible to resist this ever-unfolding Machiavellian tale...An uncomfortable but vital night at the theater.”
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“'What We're Up Against' suffers from nagging little structural problems that occasionally prove undermining...The play that houses it could stand a firmer foundation...The play tries to occupy a middle ground between satire and drama that really means it, never really paying full tribute to either approach...The dialogue could use more zing at times...It suffers from a certain fuzziness of presentation that keeps it from landing a knockout punch."
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"It's a solid setup, which leads to a mildly satisfying comeuppance. But nothing about Rebeck's play is particularly surprising or, more importantly, challenging, unless, I suppose, you happen to share Stu's mindset. And, if you do, you're probably not hanging out at the Women's Project Theater."
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"'What We’re Up Against' relies on some sitcom-y dialogue, and some standard dumb male tropes, though ultimately I found it to be an honest and realistic depiction of what it’s like to be a woman in the workforce...All of the actors are extremely well cast and committed to their roles...Perfectly directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt, 'What We’re Up Against' feels like a realistic depiction of a toxic office."
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“Relies very heavily on its dialogue. Fast-paced and yet annoyingly overly verbose at times...The play was relatable to anyone who has ever worked in any kind of office at any time; it was certainly not a black comedy, but more an accurate reflection of the day-to-day office politics with a funny observational commentary spattered throughout. The characters were certainly well established but never seem to grow."
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