Ruddy Productions Presents Sinners on a Southbound Bus (FringeNYC) NYC Reviews and Tickets

94%

(21 Reviews)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Great writing, Clever, Great acting, Entertaining

About the Show

Part of FringeNYC: Set during a late night bus ride on a warm, misty Alabama night, "Sinners on a Southbound Bus" is a dramatic/comedic meditation on fear, morality, and the ghosts we leave behind.

Categories: Comedy, Drama, Local. From Ruddy Productions. Written by Ben Holbrook. Directed by Phoebe Padget.

FROM THE ARTIST:
Set during a late night bus ride on a warm, misty Alabama night, "Sinners on a Southbound Bus" is a dramatic/comedic meditation on fear, morality, and the ghosts we leave behind. When Trudy, a quick-thinking young woman, finds herself in the presence of the rash, charismatic Morgan and his more stoic associate, Silas, she sees an opportunity to alleviate some of her boredom on the long, hot bus ride to Dothan. The pleasant conversation, however, takes an ominous turn after an encounter with the police reveals that the two men share a dark, potentially violent secret, which could place every passenger in danger. Trudy, nevertheless, still sees the good in Morgan and, through their budding friendship, finds a connection that forces him to face demons that make every mile more dangerous and every confrontation more volatile, as they head towards their inevitable destination.

Member Reviews (21)

Absorbing, Clever, Great acting, Masterful, Intense

See it if you are intrigued by plot twists and strong characters interacting realistically

Don't see it if you are offended or upset by violence or ridicule of "church ladies"

Clever, Funny, Great acting

See it if an excellent production all around. Well written and acted, good staging, engaging plot, keeps suspense at just the right moments.

Don't see it if The very last scene is somewhat disappointing and rather unnecessary, imho.

Critic Reviews (3)

“What Ben Holbrook has accomplished in his writing: a consistent sense of danger and intrigue while revealing his character’s sins through a distinct Southern poeticism. The bus transforms into an emotional and spiritual pressure cooker...As strong as it is, 'Sinners' does not come without the rough edges of a play in development...These factors, though relatively minor, lead the production slightly awry from the excellent pacing, energy, and tone that will take this show to its next level.”
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"This is an intriguing story, told in a way that raises many questions...The cast is fine, defining characters and playing into the ambiguity of the situation. One problem is the Southern accents, they are inconsistent and difficult to understand...The script can be revised, shortened to quicken the pace, or lengthened to flesh out the characters. There is plenty of opportunity to increase the dramatic arc. As it stands now, it is certainly worthy of a look and a good conversation builder."
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"A sensational script. 'Sinners on a Southbound Bus' is an example of perfectly dangerous theater…Holbrook's text is biting…He smartly avoids preaching by providing all angles of the conversation with ease…Padget had to tell the story through staging...Unfortunately it wasn't enough. She made it seem as if these people were stationary…Ben Holbrook has written a masterpiece. But this production proves that it’s a difficult play to stage."
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