Wickedest Woman NYC Reviews and Tickets

81%

(36 Reviews)

Positive

86%

Mixed

14%

Negative

Members say

Thought-provoking, Relevant, Absorbing, Intelligent, Ambitious

About the Show

This new drama follows the epic story of New York City midwife and abortionist Ann Trow Lohman's life in the 1800s.

When Lohman started performing abortions in 1838, they were legal in the US. When she committed suicide, almost 40 years later at the end of her career, they were illegal. "Wickedest Woman" traces Lohman’s rise to notoriety and her struggle to keep her life intact as the scrutiny and even physical danger became ever more intense. A story about the history of abortions, reproductive rights, and a forgotten legacy.

Member Reviews (36)

Absorbing, Fascinating history, Runs out of steam, Well-staged, Needs tightening

See it if you're interested in abortion history. Theatrical presentn of info w/oft-broken 4th wall. Gr story of strg woman, staged creatively. Singing

Don't see it if you get impatient; loses focus. Some scenes drag. Uneven acting skills. Sad (true) ending. Effective gender-bending roles. Google-ready.

Intelligent, Informative, Insightful, Relevant, Absorbing

See it if Well researched, written & acted bio. Excellent characterization of Madame Restell. I didn't know that abortion was legal in 1850.

Don't see it if You don't enjoy bio shows. You are uninterested in the history of abortion and how today's controversy relates to the late 19th century.

Ambitious, Thought-provoking, Informative, Great writing, Great lead performance

See it if to see a riveting 19th C historical musical drama about a fascinating (& shockingly unheralded) abortionist who became a NYC socialite.

Don't see it if u expect an abortion debate [This is notably non-political]; ur stridently anti-abortion & apathetic to the history of women's health issues

Absorbing, Thought-provoking, Relevant, Great writing, Intelligent

See it if Sharp, intelligent writing from Bashline infuses docu-drama about 'infamous' woman abortionist & health advocate O"Hara-Baker shines in lead

Don't see it if Strongest when following facts of Lohman's life & career; gets a little questionable when going personal esp around mother/daughter conflict

Ambitious, Banal, Indulgent, Thought-provoking, Relevant

See it if you're interested in the abortion debate, curious about a historic figure in the birth control/abortion movement in NYC, strong female lead

Don't see it if you're not interested in a play about a proficient abortionist in late 19th century or biographical works that are repetitive or strident

Absorbing, Intelligent, Relevant, Thought-provoking

See it if To learn about a historical figure you probably have never heard of. Totally gender fluid: women playing men, men playing pregnant women.

Don't see it if A bit amateurish. More like a history lesson than a fully realized play. Acting was good. Serious, not for you if you want something light. Read more

Fascinating, Historically accurate, Great writing, Great staging, Intelligent

See it if A fascinating portrait of a woman who makes history in 1800’s New York. If you enjoy realistic drama see this it’s your kind of play !

Don't see it if You are looking for escapist drama and or you can’t deal with plays that portray the subject of abortion. Otherwise see it, you will learn !

Absorbing, Fascinating history, Nice staging, Thought-provoking, Topic quite relevant today (sadly)

See it if Like dramatizations of historical people/events. This a good example of when that works. Direction/lead good, nice use of music, interesting

Don't see it if Don't want story re women's health rights/abortion. This does slow down in the middle and could use some editing. Not all cast measure up.

Critic Reviews (4)

“Brilliantly written and using historical documents and transcripts, Jessica Bashline's ‘Wickedest Woman’ tells a fascinating but true story. It has been given a riveting, cinematic production by Strange Sun Theater Company directed by Melissa Crespo at WP Theater. Based entirely on the facts of the case, the play is an indictment of medical, social and political hypocrisy in 19th century New York City with Ann having crossed important and powerful financial interests.”
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“The production is replete with great details, from gender-blind doubling of the cast, to the semi-impressionistic set...the mix of accents in the play's NYC, and the effective snatches of traditional songs...O'Hara-Baker is superb. Her complex, deeply human, and dignified portrayal of Ann is enthralling right through its moving conclusion...The rest of the cast brings strong performances to a range of roles...This is one time that seeing the doctor is something to look forward to.”
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"Jessica O’Hara-Baker is absolutely stunning. Her Ann Lohman is passionate, matter of fact, and severe to enemies and compassionate to patients...The ensemble of actors were constantly playing opposite genders – a clear and powerful choice by director Melissa Crespo – and they excel...At a time when media is fighting to affect and shape our collective perspective, Strange Sun Theater’s production of 'Wickedest Woman' is a reminder that there is always more to the story."
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"Jessica O’Hara Baker gives a fierce, intense performance that carries the show. She’s electrifying to watch, and her presence is missed in the few moments she’s offstage for a costume change...The production is thoughtfully directed by Melissa Crespo...'Wickedest Woman' is a play worth braving the cold weather for, to see the story of an exceptional woman whose modern relevance is, at once, depressing and inspiring."
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