Diary of a Madman (The Russian Arts Theater and Studio) NYC Reviews and Tickets

87%

(101 Ratings)

Positive

92%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Great acting, Absorbing, Ambitious, Clever, Entertaining

About the Show

A government clerk's descent into madness is documented in a diary, revealing surreal experiences.

Based on Gogol's short story, Diary of a Madman, unfolds as a diary penned by Aksenty Ivanovich Poprishchin. This first-person narrative traces the descent into insanity of a humble government clerk. Initially, Poprishchin documents his frustrations and humiliations with composure, justifying society's attacks on his dignity. However, reason gradually succumbs to delusion, and his incoherent ramblings spiral out of control. Through his journal entries, Poprishchin guides us through the bewildering realms of his chaotic reality, from his hateful job and crush on his employer's daughter, to his encounters with letter-writing dogs, to the torture he undergoes at the hands of the Spanish "Inquisitor."

Show-Score Member Reviews (99)

Quirky, Great staging & costumes, Absorbing, Entertaining

See it if you enjoy absurdist and/or surrealist theater; want to see a terrific, tour-de-force performance by the nimble Tom Schubert in the lead

Don't see it if you prefer standard, predictable theater; don't "get" Russian cynicism, need air conditioning & a comfortable seat ( building is ramshackle) Read more

Quirky, Great writing, Great staging, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if Adapted from Gogol's best short story,Madman is perf by an incredible Tom Schubert&is abt a quixotic govt clerk who descends into madness.*

Don't see it if You don't appreciate a Russian sense of humor or a nonsensical/ absurdist/ surrealist theater, then this play is not for you. Read more

Entertaining, Delightful, Ambitious

See it if You like to support ambitious local theater with excellent performances

Don't see it if You prefer mindless entertainment

Quirky, Great staging, Great acting, Ambitious, Absorbing

See it if You want to see a brilliant actor and a very talented and crafty production of a difficult to stage story. Hope it gets extended.

Don't see it if Dont see it without getting familiar with a plot of the story the show is based on. It will enhance your experience greatly.

Quirky, Intelligent, Great acting, Ambitious

See it if Quirky fascinating production. Lead particularly outstanding.

Don't see it if Uncomfortable seats. Arrive early: Unassigned seating and some saving 3,4 or more seats.

Quirky, Funny, Absorbing, Great writing, Great acting

See it if you like absurd & surreal theatre of a different (Russian) culture wonderfully performed with great costumes/props and Tom Schubert leading.

Don't see it if want deep drama or cannot appreciate non-American presentation. With no intermission the close, uncomfortable seats will test your endurance

Absorbing

See it if You want an excellent adaption of a short story in the form of a narrative play with a wonderful lead.

Don't see it if You don’t like plays that are mostly a narrative as the play is just mostly, i assume, following the 1st person short story. Read more

Interesting translation, Edgy, Great acting, Absorbing

See it if Excellent acting by the lead in this sad but interesting Russian translation.

Don't see it if If you do not like Russian plays from a previous century then skip this one.

Trailer

Creative team

The Russian Arts Theater and Studio