The Bullpen NYC Reviews and Tickets

82%

(3 Reviews)

Positive

100%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Confusing, Funny, Ambitious, Quirky

About the Show

'The Bullpen' is an 18-character solo play in which a man is arrested, arraigned and put on trial for a crime he claims he did not commit.

Consequently he is judged by two systems of jurisprudence – one a jury of his peers in an actual courtroom and the other the fascinating and hilarious denizens of the bullpen in which he is being held. Actor Joe Assadourian mercurially transforms from character to character and court to court as the play steamrolls toward both verdicts that literally range from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Member Reviews (3)

Confusing, Ambitious, Clever, Absorbing, Dizzying

See it if you like highly imaginative solo shows. The actor-writer plays many different parts of the people he meets after his arrest.

Don't see it if you are easily confused. I usually follow changes of roles easily, but Bullpen was challenging. Heavy accents interfered with my enjoyment. Read more

Absorbing, Great acting, Edgy

See it if You have an open mind, and appreciate good writing

Don't see it if you don't like one actor playing multiple roles

Critic Reviews (11)

"He’s one terrific actor, and a very good playwright as well. That much is clear throughout his solo show, 'The Bullpen,' which takes an extremely funny look at a particularly dreadful situation... There’s little heart-tugging or cliché...It’s often wildly funny."
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"The result is astonishing...'The Bullpen' could use some tweaking. But it provides a fascinating perspective on criminal mind-sets and offers a rare joy for theatergoers: the thrill of watching a natural talent get sprung on the world."
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"Strap yourself in for one wild ride when you take your seat at Joe Assadourian's insanely entertaining and thought-provoking one-man show...Missing it ought to be a crime...Brimming with keen wit and well-crafted dialogue, it's an accomplished bit of absurdist writing."
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"A hilarious one-man play that takes you through a wild ride into the “other” side of the New York City courthouse...The play is a fast-paced, ironic and funny examination on the process of going through a murder trial...'The Bullpen' offers a bold, original script and a lively performance that deserves a wide attention!"
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"'The Bullpen' is an endearing and hilarious one-man show full of heart and humility...All-in-all, 'The Bullpen' is what every one-man show strives to be. It is a testament to what a talented writer/performer-director team can accomplish with clarity of vision and purpose."
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"Within 65 minutes, Assadourian zeroes in on the epicenter of incarceration with stanch sensitivity and empathy without a tinge of melodrama...This unique yarn feels like an intimate cabaret mash-up of '12 Angry Men' and 'Orange Is The New Black' for the 'Law and Order' generation, but with surprising entail and wit."
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"A new one-man show has just opened that I think ought to be in the running for a New York Innovative Theatre Award. 'The Bullpen' is a fast-paced and hilarious look at people who are not exactly at their best...It’s solid writing with exceptional execution."
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"A prisoner's account of what goes on in New York City's holding pen for arrested men is unexpectedly and often hilariously funny...This is tough stand-up comedy, as good as any solo performance can get."
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"Assadourian’s self-written solo show is a perfect example of a comic piece that allows one to see aspects of life which your typical audience member will hopefully never have to face outside the theater. On the other hand, Assadourian’s dexterously twisty performance as the 18 characters in 'The Bullpen' is so cunning and appealing that you might care to commit a crime of your own so that you too can create a delightfully social experience like this one."
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"The mercurial Mr. Assadourian brilliantly transforms the bare stage into a frighteningly colorful prison bullpen while creating an uproariously funny and grotesque reflection of our dysfunctional, criminal justice system...A stronger and less frenetic narrative might help the audience better absorb the worthwhile experience. Nevertheless, Mr. Assadourian's sixty-five minute satire is pure entertainment."
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"Life can be pretty tough and 'The Bullpen' depicts that incredibly well. Director Richard Hoeler and writer/performer Joe Assadorian team together to create a masterful and hilarious off Broadway show...From the moment the lights went down and the acting began, I was amused and at the same time mesmerized. I was at the edge of my seat. There was not a second that I was not entertained."
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