Roughly Speaking NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (59)
See it if you like plays that tackle social issues. This one, homelessness, touching and honest, but none of it was anything I didn't already know.
Don't see it if you're not in the mood for a well done cliched storyline.
See it if you want to see a play about an important social issue, you love plays that are very human and have a lot of heart
Don't see it if you're expecting a fresh take on the topic. The message of the play is still an important one, but it's cliched.
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 youlike shows drawn from real life that have a social conscience.
Don't see it if you don't like topical shows.
See it if you want to see a play that takes you into the mind of some of the homeless you might see walking around everyday.
Don't see it if you are looking for a musical or a story with a happy ending. Read more
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
See it if You like socially conscious plays
Don't see it if You're offended by profanity Read more
See it if A noble try: to educate the audience on the individuals who make up the homeless population in NYC through stories drawn from real life.
Don't see it if A clumsy, stilted effort which doesn't gel. There r some good performances, but author casts herself to no good end. Sits r forced & sloppy~
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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