See it if You like intense one-person shows or have a hard time keeping up with non-traditional storytelling.
Don't see it if you don't like uncomfortable moments (as this play has many) or you're looking for a nice diversion.
See it if You like to see a one person show where things are represented through acting with monologue.
Don't see it if You have a weak constitution towards works dealing with death.
See it if If you like thought provoking theater
Don't see it if If you like bigger production
See it if You enjoy the mix of historical (personal and otherwise) and medical stories. If you enjoy mixed monologue types with a few others.
Don't see it if You have any squeamishness in context with medical issues or descriptions. You like more involved theater.
See it if you can deal with an illogical monologue; can watch a hospital patient submit to rather realistic nursing & medical procedures onstage
Don't see it if you are squeamish; have no tolerance for a metaphor stretched to it's far boundaries
See it if you like one-person shows that creatively attempt to contextualize personal suffering.
Don't see it if you're not up for a rambling, melodramatic show about dying.
See it if you like interesting connections between past and present and seeing strong range from an actor.
Don't see it if you don't like one man shows, since this often feels like one.
See it if A monologue on the musings of death and suffering are your thing. Also, if you are craving a one person show.
Don't see it if You have other shows lined up to see.
"This arrestingly designed fever dream of a show starts strong and ends gloriously. But it becomes awfully muddled in the middle...As blurred and tumultuous as Marty’s thoughts are, though, they need to be clear to us. They aren’t, particularly in memories involving dialogue, when it’s rarely obvious who’s speaking...He’s promised us an intimate evening, but what’s missing, finally, is intimacy."
Read more
"Holder’s script paints Martin’s and Mary’s stories with a fairly broad stroke; a bit more specificity might allow audiences to connect more deeply with each character. Nonetheless, this impressionistic style fits well with the show’s thematic elements, and Holder’s versatility and showmanship carry us through most of its plot gaps. Ultimately, 'Typhoid Mary' explores the individual’s battle with time and circumstance: how do we, as artists and humans, define ourselves in light of adversity?"
Read more
"If you’re looking for something that is plot driven, or even containing a strong character arc, this may not be the right piece for you. But what you can appreciate is the performance from Carl Holder...But grasping just exactly what Holder has Martin Allen spewing is the real challenge...The show has so much content that it may be hard to grasp at first. This play is not for everyone. But you have to appreciate the visual aesthetic it provides. It makes the play endurable."
Read more
"'An Intimate Evening With Typhoid Mary' features Martin Allen, written and played with great depth by Carl Holder, on the final night of his life...The play confronts us with the physical realities of death, and offers artistic expression as the only hope of personal resolution. Its keen design and detailed performances will linger with you."
Read more
"The specificity to which every element of 'Typhoid Mary' is addressed is exciting, but ultimately gets lost in a confusion of circumstances...Essentially a one-man show supported by an ensemble, 'Typhoid Mary' is spent with two core stories, both of which beg to occupy more space than they are given...Ultimately, the tale unfolding on stage is at odds with the style of the production, which was painstakingly crafted and adhered to."
Read more