The Appointment NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (7)
See it if Alternates between serious realistic scenes in an abortion clinic; and zany absurdist comedy from the perspective of unborn fetuses.
Don't see it if Also, edgy funny audience participation. And satirical songs, with a band. Asks difficult questions about trying to put a value on life. Read more
See it if you enjoy shows that aren't afraid to try new things stylistically / aren't afraid to provoke an audience
Don't see it if you would be annoyed by the same joke over and over again, or if you dislike early-stage, unpolished comedy or shows w/ audience interaction
See it if for audacious subject matter, which for about 1/3 of the show is handled humorously and/or impactfully. The other 2/3 is confusing filler.
Don't see it if can't sit through a pointless and interminable Thanksgiving scene. Doctor office scenes are the most powerful and arresting part of the show
See it if You enjoy socially relevant, irreverent, no-punches-pulled theater with a zany, diverse score.
Don't see it if You like your theater more entertaining than socially conscious or have little patience for fringey, experimental work.
See it if a funny, warped (in the best way), absurdist musical about abortion appeals to you; if this comes back to NYC, which apparently it may.
Don't see it if you are prudish, anti-choice or can't appreciate absurdist humor. Actually, if you are anti-choice, I really want you to see it!
See it if You want an absurd night in the theatre talking about difficult subjects or wanna know more about abortion in this country.
Don't see it if I think there could be a trigger warning reason for not wanting to see it. It deals with some difficult stuff. Or if fetuses make you uncomf
See it if you like absurdist humor and care about reproductive rights and want to see a really good show (seriously, one of the best I’ve seen).
Don't see it if you don’t like quick switches from humor to seriousness.
Critic Reviews (5)
"What you will definitely not feel after this remarkable phantasmagoria is clearheaded. Or smug, or righteous, or vindicated in your beliefs, no matter what they are, about an endlessly divisive subject...Unfolded in a series of songs and sketches, this production implicitly pushes arguments for and against abortion to their extreme limits...This thoughtful, profoundly imaginative show concludes in a silence that is all the more eloquent for the sound and the fury that preceded it."
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"A feverish explosion of the abortion debate that replaces rigid political views with a visceral exploration of the emotions that fuel both sides...When they’re playing fetuses, the seven performers are consummate clowns who know how to manage the crowd...But they also draw you into the show’s less heightened moments...Most of 'The Appointment' is open to interpretation...But although it jolts and excites discussion, its silent finale cuts through the noise."
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“It’s made quite clear that this mesmerizing offbeat musical will be thoughtfully exploring the issue of abortion. There’s lightheartedness with serious overtones. The overall quality is that of a television variety special of the 1970’s...Amusing in small doses this device makes the show’s 90 minutes seem padded...Apart from presenting the subject itself there’s no overt political message to really be discerned during this entertaining fantasia.”
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“The balance the show strikes between over-the-top absurdity and stripped-down realism is a tricky one, and though the contrast is part of the point, sometimes it feels like the governing principle is ‘more is better’ when a little more shape might have sharpened the impact. Nonetheless, enormous credit is due to...Steinmetz and the entire ensemble, who switch back and forth between two entirely different genres of performance with crispness and command."
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“’The Appointment’ does seem a bit too long and starts to drag. The early scenes are so energetic that what follows has trouble matching those highs. The tone shifts between quietly contemplative and goofy tomfoolery...This outrageously provocative musical should be seen by theatergoers who can equally embrace challenging, offensive, funny, and serious material...It will demand you to see the other side of the argument.”
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Trailer
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