"A thought-provoking blend of music, science, and human nature...Their eccentricity and rapid fire dialogue, as well as the play's repetitive pattern, recalls a Stoppard play influenced by Sondheimโs use of musical phrases and Dada poetry. Despite the doctoral-level vocabulary and highly intellectual discussions, the plot is relatively simple...In an age where the validity of science is constantly threatened by ignorance in power, 'Fusiform Gyrus' is certainly a breath of fresh, optimistic air."
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"A production that is imaginatively staged...Performances by Nelis and Zimet are proof that veterans of the form can make a meal out of even thinly drawn characters, introducing the audience to worlds that are not on the page...Maddow has constructed a risky work, exemplary of the history and mission of 'The Talking Band.' Luckily, she has a director like Heyman at her side who handles the challenge with remarkable skill and innovation."
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"Itโs a reckless and even fun adventure...A meditation on life, death, and everything in between...Maddowโs writing is erudite but never dry. It has a cyclical form that, at times, deconstructs ideas and builds on them so that a dense idea is picked apart like a thread...The many absurd and hilarious moments in the play donโt upstage the deeper reflections...A magic carpet ride of intellectual discovery."
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"Glories in its details and takes its time getting to its destination...Nelis and Zimet are each splendid actors, but it's when they engage with one another that the play comes alive. Their energy is infectious...Politically timely, but never feels like it's lecturing the audience or pushing a political agenda...Some audiences may not be easily won over...However, those who are willing to relax and absorb the sights and sounds around them...are in for an evening of joy and insight."
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