Adam NYC Reviews and Tickets

76%
(30 Ratings)
Positive
80%
Mixed
13%
Negative
7%
Members say
Great acting, Thought-provoking, Absorbing, Relevant, Ambitious

About the Show

New Federal Theatre and Castillo Theatre present a biographical solo play about renowned Harlem pastor and congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (30)

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209 Reviews | 150 Followers
94
Absorbing, Great acting, Romantic, Profound, Resonant

See it if You want to hear a heartfelt energetic touching monologue this is show for you.

Don't see it if You don't like one-man shows with minimalist staging, you don't like history Read more

165 Reviews | 22 Followers
89
Absorbing, Entertaining, Clever, Masterful, Intelligent

See it if if you want to know more about a controversial historical figure.His life was fascinating and the government's part in his undoing was typic

Don't see it if IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT PEOPLE'S FIGHTS FOR FREEDOM. Read more

332 Reviews | 41 Followers
86
Absorbing, Entertaining, Delightful, Informative

See it if You like one man historical shows. You want to hear more about Adam Powell and his trials and tribulations.

Don't see it if You don't like one man performances. You are not interested in Mr. Powell's life. Read more

287 Reviews | 32 Followers
86
Thought-provoking, Resonant, Profound

See it if You enjoy historical biographies of important political figures

Don't see it if You are looking for spectacle

179 Reviews | 29 Followers
85
Absorbing, Great acting, Great staging, Great writing, Relevant

See it if mini history lesson about the first African American elected to Congress; Simonson captures the driven, charismatic, confident personality.

Don't see it if you are not interested in the civil rights movement.

141 Reviews | 57 Followers
83
Absorbing, Great acting, Ambitious, Relevant, Refreshing

See it if You like one-man shows. You like political topics, especially the African-American civil rights movement of the last century.

Don't see it if You don't like one-man shows or African-American experiences. The narrative of Adam is far from comprehensive due to the time limit.

154 Reviews | 20 Followers
80
Ambitious, Absorbing, Great acting, Thought-provoking

See it if You want to see a well done, biographical show on a man who did a lot for his community, but is probably mostly known for his boulevard.

Don't see it if You don't enjoy one person, historical shows with minimal stagecraft.

54 Reviews | 35 Followers
80
Ambitious, Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Intelligent

See it if You're looking for an inspiring, one-man show about an important figure in US history

Don't see it if You want something silly/fluffy

Critic Reviews (4)

TheaterScene.net
February 17th, 2017

"Well-written, with biographical details dramatically integrated...Due to Mr. DeAnda’s expert research and schematic construction, it’s an informative and interesting 65 minutes, but lacking in depth. DeAnda hasn’t provided enough conflict in his catalogue of incidents, and at times the script is a simple recitation...'Adam' somewhat restores Powell’s faded luster through its accomplished production and Simonson’s excellent performance."
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Theatre is Easy
February 19th, 2017

"Director Ajene D. Washington’s interpretation of this story is simple and effective, never getting in the way of the text, as conveyed by Timothy Simonson’s fantastic performance...Simonson knocks it out of the park here...If I’m going to nitpick, there are some anecdotes that are more exciting than others...Ultimately, 'Adam' is a classic American story, both educational and inspirational, that anyone with an interest in history or politics will enjoy."
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Stage Buddy
March 6th, 2017

"It’s the delivery of this one-man show that makes it unique and downright captivating...Timothy Simonson channels the passion of Adam Clayton Powell Jr...Director Ajene D Washington provides us with waves of emotion through an excellent sense of timing, and skillfully pulls out the little things to make you laugh just when you’re fighting back tears. Peter DeAnda’s script isn’t just a telling of facts, it’s very much an intimate and personal relationship with the audience."
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Edge New York
February 17th, 2017

"An excellent sketch of an intriguing man, wonderfully performed. The play's main lack is simply that it doesn't spend even more time digging into Powell's character. We get a pretty good sense of the man, but I would have liked to see a bit more complexity and to learn more about any tensions between his personal and political life…There's no question that 'Adam' succeeds in making you want to pick up a book to find out even more about this dynamic organizer."
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