Einstein!
Writer/performer Jack Fry brings the legendary theoretical physicist to life in his meticulously researched solo show, which explores Einstein's professional and personal struggles. Part of the first annual STEM Fest.
... Read moreIt's 1914 Berlin. War is breaking out all over Europe, and a 35-year old Einstein is fighting for his life as he faces colleagues trying to steal his work, an ugly divorce, anti-Semitism, failing health, thoughts of suicide, and a troubled relationship with his son, Hans Albert. Based on 15,000 documents about this curious man, Jack Fry's solo show examines one of the most intriguing icons of all time.
- Official Site
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- 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Already closed
- Under St. Marks Theatre (East Village)
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Reviews (25)
6 Critics' Reviews
for a previous production “Jack Fry will remind you of your coolest teacher ever as he portrays the emotional life of one of the world’s great minds with humor and sensitivity...Some technical detail is lost in Fry’s breathless dialect as he interprets the German’s more excited descriptions of relativity...Otherwise Fry’s empathetic interpretation of the character shines with, well, gravity...It’s a fun and educational night by a skilled and faithful team." Full Review
for a previous production "Directed with forceful energy by Tom Blomquist, Fry commands the stage and fully inhabits his role in an animated and emotional performance...Along with his compelling portrayal of Einstein, Fry clearly distinguishes between his characterizations of the supporting figures in the narrative...Fry’s stellar performance is enriched with video projections, clear and effective sound, and simple vintage-style props and set. Everything about 'Einstein!' is pure genius! Full Review
for a previous production "Jack Fry reinvented, wrote the play and portrays the young Einstein...Fry’s Einstein is both intriguing and amusing. He plays the fiddle. He’s distressed by the downside of his celebrity, i.e. tee-shirts on which his likeness is printed, and even worse, bobble-head dolls of him...The theater may be on the Fringe, but the production is not. Fry is an endearing performer with wonderful and changing accents." Full Review
for a previous production “I found this to be a masterpiece. You’re going to be entranced by Jack Fry’s brilliant personification of Einstein...Fry researched an immense amount of information about Einstein which has only been available in recent years. I don’t believe any actor alive today could do a more brilliant rendition of the personality and thinking of Einstein than we find in the presentation of Jack Fry.” Full Review
for a previous production "Fry plays not only the physicist but a variety of characters in this tour-de-force…He is handsome, charming as Einstein must have been…'Einstein!' is an intimate and well-researched portrait of a man we know too little about. Moreover, it is a glorious evening’s entertainment, a personal triumph for Fry and for the reality of science we know so little about." Full Review
for a previous production "The drama of the early 20th century scientific upheaval remains accessible thanks to a clear script and good visuals...Both Einstein's conflicted awe and actor Jack Fry's evident reverence for the complicated man are infectious, proving at least the hypothesis that yes, science history can merge with entertainment, and this is how you do it." Full Review
19 Members' Reviews
See it if You want to learn about Einstein and his scientific struggles and relationships
Don't see it if You expect Freud's Last Session; you will have trouble with an actor who looks like Tom Selleck
Also A learning opportunity
See it if Good portrayal of Einstein's human struggles. Gave me a feel for E's sense of humor and nervous breakdowns. Fun audience interaction.
Don't see it if You're expecting a more intense drama or wildly creative experience.
See it if you want to learn more about Einstein, explore the challenges scientific discovery, and watch one man play many roles quite well.
Don't see it if you have zero interest in science/Einstein, you're a stickler for accurate/consistent accents.
See it if you go to the theater to want to learn something.
Don't see it if you are not into the biographical genre.
See it if you want new perspective on your own daily struggles.
Don't see it if you are expecting pure slapstick/caricature.
See it if If you have a sense of curiosity If you wonder what Einstein's life was like
Don't see it if If your day is not complete without knowing what the Kardashians are wearing or doing If you love Trump rallies or FOX is always on at home
See it if You like great story telling. Einstein the Man vs. Einstein the Scientist. Humanity benefits from one man's sacrifice.
Don't see it if You don't like one man shows.
See it if You like a play that brings a famous historical figure who interacts with the audience. one man show by jack fry a great performer
Don't see it if You don't like one man shows
See it if you are interested in Einstein, history of the 20th century, and hard-hitting and thought-provoking acting
Don't see it if you're not into bio/historical drama. Einstein, like many clever biographical plays, is slow moving but powerful once it gains momentum.
See it if want to learn, in a very fun and entertaining way, about Einstein, from Einstein, and his journey to prove his theory of relativity.
Don't see it if you don't want to watch a fabulous actor play multiple parts in a well scripted show!
See it if You don't mind being given new insights into the personal life of such a well-known person.
Don't see it if You insist on a strictly chronological presentation of someone's life.
See it if If you want to be humorously entertained and don't mind learning something in the process.
Don't see it if ...you are looking for music, dancing and light entertainment.
See it if See it if you appreciate good acting. See it if you appreciate one-person shows. See it if you think that Albert Einstein was interesting.
Don't see it if Don't see it if you want to waste your time and not have any fun. :~) Truly, I can't think of a good reason not to see this show.
See it if ...you love biography and family intrigue
Don't see it if ....you don't understand English.....but even if you don't, you'd get it.
See it if like historical drama with humor & dashes of audience engagement. You'll see an Albert Einstein that you have never seen before...powerful!
Don't see it if you don’t like audience engagement. (But the actor’s bantering w/ audience is fun - NOT offensive & doesn’t disturb the flow of the story.)
See it if u want to be entertained & learn something about the young Einstein. My wife & I had no idea of the turmoils he faced to prove relativity.
Don't see it if you want to see a show where you check your brain at the door. There is an intense story to follow & you have to be on your toes.
See it if If you are interested in experiencing the untold stories of Einstein's personal and professional struggles- portrayed so magnificently.
Don't see it if If you're looking for an interpretation of the older Einstein. This is a much younger version of himself.
See it if An exploration of the personal, financial, societal and scientific challenges Einstein faced, like you've likely not seen before. Excellent!
Don't see it if If you're looking for a big Broadway musical, with incredible tunes that you'll be humming afterwards. This is not that show. Who knew?!
See it if you like history and science (or not). Jack Fry brings the unknown side of Albert Einstein to life.
Don't see it if you are looking for a musical.