The Providence of Neighboring Bodies
Closed 1h 20m
The Providence of Neighboring Bodies
69

The Providence of Neighboring Bodies NYC Reviews and Tickets

69%
(29 Ratings)
Positive
62%
Mixed
24%
Negative
14%
Members say
Quirky, Funny, Confusing, Great acting, Delightful

About the Show

Dutch Kills Theater presents a strange and witty tale about female friendship, an unexpected Airbnb guest, and the secrets that bind us together.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (29)

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JR
140 Reviews | 27 Followers
90
Intelligent, Edgy, Profound, Relevant

See it if you want something unique and original, charming and quirky, smart and funny. I cant get it out of my head.

Don't see it if you like tons of action, dont care about metaphor, or need everything to make perfect sense.

62 Reviews | 17 Followers
78
Quirky, Refreshing, Thought-provoking

See it if you enjoy being in an intimate space to see new works. Make sure you read the note from the playwright before the show starts.

Don't see it if you are accustomed to only seeing big Broadway shows, or if you have a limited imagination. Read more

267 Reviews | 52 Followers
72
Great writing, Confusing, Great acting, Quirky

See it if You enjoy lovely language & good acting, even if you don't always know where it is leading. The explanatory blurb in the program is helpful.

Don't see it if You only enjoy straightforward shows where all your questions are answered.

317 Reviews | 109 Followers
64
Enchanting, Great acting, Funny, Quirky

See it if You're interested in a narrative told mainly through monologues investigating relationships based in proximity

Don't see it if You dislike quiet theatre that doesn't clarify its realism vs. fantasy.

34 Reviews | 8 Followers
30
Banal, Cliched, Dated, Disappointing, Insipid

See it if ...

Don't see it if you have literally ANYTHING else to do.

16 Reviews | 9 Followers
79
Delightful, Great acting, Quirky, Great writing, Refreshing

See it if You like female-driven shows, you don't mind small shows

Don't see it if You need a lot of stagecraft and an exciting plot, you don't have a high tolerance for twee characters

219 Reviews | 88 Followers
During previews
93
Great acting, Great writing, Funny, Clever, Quirky

See it if You enjoy non-traditional story telling; you don't need elaborate sets to put you in a place; you are interested in a fresh voice

Don't see it if You only like straightforward stories - this smacks of magical realism. You don't like shows where the actors break the 4th Wall. Read more

332 Reviews | 41 Followers
During previews
85
Delightful, Entertaining, Funny, Fast moving, Enjoyable

See it if You like a light and funny play about neighbors. You don't mind simple yet effective staging. You like a play with three women performing.

Don't see it if You need elaborate staging. You are too serious and can't enjoy a light enjoyable performance. Read more

Critic Reviews (9)

Time Out New York
February 24th, 2017

"Jean Ann Douglass's 'The Providence of Neighboring Bodies' will remind you of our absurdist-in-chief Edward Albee...It's not easy to avoid the masters when you're trying to craft something short and sharp...A surprising and wicked little concoction...Douglass has a fine poetic ear and the actors are full of comic invention...It was impossible not to laugh, really. 'Bodies' is richly amusing, despite its strain of darkness."
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New York Theatre Guide
February 26th, 2017

"Powerful text, strong direction, brilliant design, and phenomenal performances...It’s so smart and heartbreaking and agonizing...Chayes has crafted an exquisite gem full of nuanced moments and potent interactions. Her gifted hand can be seen in the clever staging and perfectly paced tension lines between the characters' inner turmoil and outward facade...This is an intelligent production that has stayed with me...A brilliant satirical metaphor that will ensure its longevity as a defining text."
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BroadwayWorld
February 25th, 2017

"Featuring a powerhouse cast of only three and a truly thought-provoking plot that gets more intricate the more I think about it, ‘Providence’ brings a lot of great artistic decisions together in such a small space, and in so short a time…There is so much about this play that really grows on you the more you try to weave your way through its seeming simplicity…A rather intriguing production which audiences will find as interesting during as after the show has ended."
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Theatre is Easy
February 24th, 2017

"Jean Ann Douglass’ bizarre, effervescent little play unfurls slowly like a magical flower…In a stream of narration directly to the audience, Dora goes about her quaint albeit dull day in the gentle, untroubled neighborhood of Rhode Island. It’s tediously funny…I promise there’s more in store for what becomes an allegory for the concern of the outsider, all with the pleasant veneer of smiles, comedy, and sunshine that makes for a jolting conclusion."
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Theater Pizzazz
February 27th, 2017

"'Providence' contains plenty of theater magic, using a minimal set and few props and just three characters...Douglass has a flair for soliloquy aided by a keen eye for the details of everyday life...The writing is enhanced, however, by a truly mesmerizing performance from Lori Elizabeth Parquet as Dora...Douglass’ comedy is so entertaining it isn’t until afterward that you realize it is a tragedy about America in its present chaos. That’s theater magic."
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Times Square Chronicles
February 23rd, 2017

"Ms. Douglass' writing is very interesting and the play peals down the layers of friendships, loneliness and prejudice. Ms. Douglass has a lot to say and it hits home in subtle through lines...This is a company, actress and playwright to keep your eyes on. If you get a chance, 'Providence of Neighboring Bodies' just may surprise you at how good it is."
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Theater In The Now
March 11th, 2017

“A quirky dramedy that strikes the right chord. Douglass has an innate ability when it comes to storytelling…Where she slightly stumbles is the perception of the themes. They are clearly present yet not prominent enough to feel intentional. In the grand scope of the play, it’s only a minor blip…‘The Providence of Neighboring Bodies’ was a consistently touching…A rare beauty. Jean Ann Douglass has crafted a play that exemplifies human connection in a manner that is subtle yet profound.”
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New York Theatre Review
February 28th, 2017

"Berkeley, Parquet, and Staats are beautifully cast...Jess Chayes directs minimally, which suits the production beautifully, allowing the words to do the work...Douglass’ script is somewhat sprawling but for the most part this works in favor of helping us get to know these women intimately...The funny and quirky 'The Providence of Neighboring Bodies' packs quite a big punch, and leaves you pondering some bigger questions on the way out the door."
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