De Novo NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (31)
See it if you are at all concerned about what values the USA represents in the 21st century of today and understand that we are facing a reckoning ...
Don't see it if you don't like political theater, and amazingly and surprisingly political theater that will move you to tears
See it if you want a front-row seat into the deportation process. It's a heart-breaking story told in a unique way.
Don't see it if you're not open to changing your mind on aggressive deportation policies.
See it if you love a true story that will shatter you. This play is so relevant now. You must see it.
Don't see it if you don't want to learn about immigration issues that plague so many. Get thee to West 4th Street.
See it if You appreciate a documentary approach to difficult political situations and have an open mind about immigration and deportation.
Don't see it if You want distance from the performance. Read more
See it if you want to see a powerful representation of a true childhood deportation story which gives insight to makes you think about the outcome.
Don't see it if you like light stories, you have a hard time with intensity in intimate settings, you do not enjoy stories/scripts taken from reality.
See it if 2019 version at Kingsborough C.C. Ms Weiner still in the cast Powerful story that has to be told. Catch it when it comes near you. Talkback
Don't see it if Not enough publicity so audience much too light.. 60 minutes.Only one performance.
See it if you're interested in a documentary style play which sadly recounts the struggles of a young asylum seeker and a broken immigration system.
Don't see it if you're looking for something fun and frivolous, or don't want to consider important social and political issues in America. Read more
See it if Interested in topical show about undocumented immigration and the system. Find shoes based upon real events and documents intersections
Don't see it if Want a lighthearted show or musical. Want a full fledged show with elaborate sets and production values. Don’t like shows with political pov
Critic Reviews (9)
“A powerful piece of political theater...Deftly directed by Solomon...Those documents make compelling dialogue, rendered tenderly human...The play re-argues Edgar’s deportation case, and in its tragedy demands that we consider who’s allowed to make a home in this country free of intimidation, and who we as a society are willing to fight for rather than against.”
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"Compassionately delivered by a nimble ensemble...Houses on the Moon bravely chooses a case guaranteed to evoke ambivalence...Solomon stages Edgar's complex story with efficient theatricality...One need not embellish to convey just how heartbreaking these cases are, and Houses on the Moon never does. By delivering a clear-eyed yet still deeply moving presentation of just one, the company proves that it takes a certain amount of willful ignorance to see these kids as just statistics."
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“Under Solomon's direction, this true tale of our times is given an unsensational presentation that, at first, seems a little dry but gradually gains force as Edgar progresses through the stages of his personal hell. The four-person cast underplays skillfully, aware that the facts of the story provide all the drama that is needed...Watching ‘De Novo’ is a very sad experience; be prepared for it to haunt you for days after you've seen it.”
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“Heart-wrenching and important...I cannot begin to say how thoroughly good the ensemble is...They are what makes this show so powerful and enjoyable...If there is any critique to level at ‘De Novo,’ it is that this is not a story that is particularly unpredictable...That takes away from the ability to feel true shock. But this predictability only adds to the beautiful difficulty of watching this true story unfold...It successfully humanizes a very big problem...It inspires.”
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"A Magnificently talented group of actors...With the use of screens and projections, Jeffrey Solomon’s direction is savvy and compassionate...Houses on the Moon Theater Company and its members have raised their voices in dissent. They have resisted tyranny and bureaucracy and you can too by bearing witness to this devastating and miraculous play."
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“’De Novo’ seeks to shed light on the 1.1 million undocumented minors in this country, by using this story to add heart...The cast is excellent, the play well directed and superbly done. Ureña as Edgar makes us feel for him...The rest of the cast play multiple roles and are adept at creating realistic characters, thanks to playwright and director Solomon."
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"It’s certain to raise the emotional temperature of any viewer, regardless of their political orientation or current stance on immigration...In keeping with the tone of the presentation, the acting is understated. Nobody overplays their hand or hogs the spotlight here...Directed by Solomon, it’s not light entertainment, an escape from reality, and offers no quick-fix to the immigration problem. Still, it does resonate with what we see and hear in the media everyday."
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“Whether the potential for highs and lows are neutered intentionally because the production is based on dry documentary evidence is uncertain, but the drama is delivered and received with limited emotional range. The slideshow of actual footage throughout the production is powerful punctuation...It can feel like an imposition of political persuasion, and might not be for everyone...'De Novo' would benefit from a wider reach and, perhaps, some agitation."
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