Roughly Speaking NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (59)
See it if If you want to open your eyes to the horror of some people's lives, which is not to their doing in most cases.
Don't see it if Homelessness and poverty depresses you.
See it if you like social subject masterfully acted by all. This play deserves attention at a more renowned venue.
Don't see it if You are not interested in a plays dealing with social issues.
See it if If you are interested in plays that have heart and speak to issues we are facing on our planet. Plays that create a call to action.
Don't see it if If you want to see light and fluffy.
See it if You want a real look into the lives of the homeless of NYC.
Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with homelessness and confronting it.
See it if You want a snapshot of the stories and struggles of homeless folks.
Don't see it if You are not a fan of rap. It's not my favorite genre, but I still enjoyed the play.
See it if you enjoy timely material with a message. This is a strong, versatile cast, and every member fully commits to humanizing the homeless.
Don't see it if you want glitter and flash. This is a simple, bare-bones set. Don't see it if you want to avoid any sense of social responsibility.
See it if you enjoy plays that deal with relevant issues in society
Don't see it if you are looking for something lighthearted
See it if you like thoughtful, poignant, funny plays with some rapping scattered throughout.
Don't see it if you are looking for something light and fluffy, or a big budget production
Critic Reviews (5)
"Directed by Celine Rosenthal, this heartfelt new play is--for the most
part--an empathetic window into the lives of a troubled few. Behind Zeiger’s
tight script and a handful of admirable performances, 'Roughly Speaking' is an
honest representation and dissection of the homeless culture in New York
City."
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"Because of its documentary nature, 'Roughly Speaking' is like a collage of various portraits of people from the streets; it's like a staged version of the 'Humans of New York' project...Zeiger is able to capture with great clarity the characters’ unique ways of communication, and develops a wide range of heartfelt stories...'Roughly Speaking' is a theatrical event with a goal to create positive change in our society. It is truly the most important kind of theatre, and deserves much attention."
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"Without having to say so directly, the production makes the audience aware of the extent to which homelessness is a systemic rather than an individual problem...Don't get the idea that this is presented as some sort of didactic lesson: it all comes organically from rounded characters who have friendships, aspirations, and humor. The production keeps the audience invested in them throughout...'Roughly Speaking' gives voice to those who are not usually given a platform to speak."
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"A moving passion project brought to life by a band of Broadway professionals. Based on the true stories culled from over 200 interviews with homeless NYC men and women, the actors do a tremendous job preserving the dignity of the characters’ story lines, which are intertwined with care and rooted in reality, not melodrama...A collection of small triumphs in a landscape of tragedy and strife, handled with honor by a gifted and dedicated cast."
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"Besides learning more about this underrepresented in literature and theater group of people, we also enjoy 'Roughly Speaking,' directed by Celine Rosenthal, for its artistic value and keen sense of humor that brightens up the grimness of the topic...'Roughly Speaking' teaches us to listen and pay attention to the homeless instead of feeling bad for them as we are walking by. It reminds us that each of these people has a unique story, which is worth hearing."
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