Holy Ghosts NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (49)
See it if you are interested in the human condition. Such an interesting, surprisingly moving and excellently executed thought provoking piece.
Don't see it if you're not the least interested in what drives human beings to believe in a higher power.
See it if you like psychological dramas and are interested in the intersection of psychology and spirituality
Don't see it if you have short attention span and need a short play with lots of visual effects Read more
See it if You enjoy well-cast plays w/ 15 committed actors. A solid script and production that provokes thoughts on religion, community, & marriage.
Don't see it if Lots of yelling, but appropriate for the story.
See it if You want to see a well performed, well directed and well acted play showing the need for community.
Don't see it if you dislike plays about religion. Read more
See it if You needn't be religious to be riveted by this play--in fact it's better if you aren't. I didn't think I'd like it but it blew me away.
Don't see it if You have zero curiosity about the ways lonely damaged people find one another and make a community nor any interest in their accomplishments
See it if You want to feel like you're at church, enjoy some great music, singing and acting. You want to see what can happen in religious settings.
Don't see it if You are offended (you shouldn't be) by a performance about the Pentecostal faith. You don't want to feel like you are in church. Read more
See it if You like absorbing southern drama, dramatic story telling, great ensemble work, surprises and colorful characters
Don't see it if You don’t like southern, religious genre pieces, slow evolution of storyline or emotional, personal revelations
See it if you’d like to take a clear-eyed but sympathetic look at a slice of rural, religious America that doesn’t often make it to the NYC stage.
Don't see it if the thought of sitting through big chunks of a Pentecostal service makes you queasy. Read more
Critic Reviews (4)
"Director Judson Jones has not overcome the script’s structural failings. The dialogue seemed a little forced and the transitions weak, but mostly Mr. Jones could not overcome his cast using shouting as a substitute for emotions...We love Theatre East’s mission of fostering new plays of social relevance through New York and World Premieres. Unfortunately, this production isn’t their best."
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“Not the most action-filled piece, but it’s not intended to be. Instead, it is a slice of life drama...Watching this story unfold is fascinating and ominous...The amounts of grace, care, and compassion shared by this congregation are deeply touching. Yet beneath it lies a troubling, blinded cult-like mentality...Jones painted a respectable portrait for city slickers who are otherwise unfamiliar with this world...It might send you on a journey through your own soul.”
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“The show is about 80% exposition/story-telling, but it works, beautifully...I worked on the last NY production of ‘Holy Ghosts,’ 40 years ago. I was quite impressed with the show, but...it had a major flaw. It turns out that play holds up very well--and this production actually fixes the flaw...Jones gets credit for the fix and for directing a smooth, clear, touching production that builds nicely and convincingly...The excellent cast is anchored by a strong and subtle performance by Palmer.”
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“Outstanding revival...Jones and his actors take great care ensuring that the play never gets out of control...Jones adds a nice touch having worshipers occasionally look into the audience as if to bring them into their circle...Because Linney’s writing is so powerful, the service and play’s climax is controlled...Jarrett and Palmer are believably heartbreaking...This production’s heart is worn by Wassum’s Mrs. Wall, the church organist.”
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