The Pattern at Pendarvis NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (41)
See it if You like to learn about a gay man’s struggle wt the society back in the day, how they tried to fit in &their story told through an interview
Don't see it if You like bigger production/cast, not interested in gay community, their dilemma just to fit in the community.The risk that they have taken Read more
See it if you want to see a gifted storyteller. Lawrence Merritt is EVERYTHING! Couldn't take my eyes away! Overall, great acting and touching show
Don't see it if you're not comfortable being drawn into a narrative. This is classic, simple draw-you-in storytelling done by a master.
See it if you would like to meet a man whose devotion to a cause (preservation) and to another man had a lasting impact.
Don't see it if you dislike quiet, thoughtful plays that are built on reminicence and reveal character slowly.
See it if Poignant tale of an older gay man being interviewed for a book. Will he share how he & his lover built Pendaris? Touching & heartwarming.
Don't see it if You're looking for a musical. Show runs 70 minutes. All 3 cast members are excellent.
See it if A gem. Famous gay historic preservationist tells of restoring miners' homes in Wis. All of it done with male partner in the 1930s closet.
Don't see it if Very handsome author/interviewer wants to know about being gay in the 30s and 40s. But museum honcho wants to keep the gay angle covered up
See it if You enjoy biographical interviews with witty conversations and lively stories when talking about serious topics
Don't see it if You just want to be entertained or crave for intensity
See it if you don't want to risk missing an outstanding turn by actor Lawrence Merritt. His nuanced performance ultimately touched me deeply.
Don't see it if plays with gay themes are not on your agenda. Read more
See it if you like queer history, you like personal narratives, you like plays based on true stories
Don't see it if you're homophobic, you don't like personal narratives
Critic Reviews (6)
"'The Pattern at Pendarvis' suffers from a certain awkwardness of construction, and, in its later passages, it doesn't entirely avoid the trap of preachiness, but Edgar is a fascinating character brought to life in all his evasive, cranky, poignant glory by Lawrence Merritt...To his credit, the director, Joseph Megel, lets the drama unfold in its own way, trusting it to deliver its considerable emotional impact."
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"Serene, absorbing, and concise...Gray infuses his straightforward 70-minute interview treatment with tension, suspense, and drama...He provides skillful exposition and while present at the discussion stuffily keeps trying to steer it away from personal disclosures. The dialogue is smooth, efficient, and dotted with references to figures of that time...Megel’s staging is suitably simple yet theatrical...A moving work that documents a distant chapter of gay history."
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“A sweet, sincere, but very small exploration of Midwestern mid-20th century life...What’s onstage...amounts to a snapshot—an intriguing snapshot, but one with a frustratingly blurry focus...To watch Merritt navigate Edgar’s rather complicated, detailed monologues is impressive and even inspiring...A touching, fully felt performance...’The Pattern at Pendarvis’ lasts a little over an hour, and it leaves you a little hungry.”
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“An absorbing new play about queer culture keepers...The premise couldn’t be simpler...A slow burn of a play. The first half is relatively static and expository...Gray’s naturalistic dialogue and incremental storytelling holds our interest. It’s not until the final minutes that the play realizes it’s full dramatic potential...The standout...is Merritt, who embodies the soft-spoken Edgar with a delicate mix of caution, intrigue, humility, fervor, and, ultimately, pride.”
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"We can truly understand and appreciate what these to men did for the town and celebrate their love story...What makes this an astounding production is the connection between Lawrence Merritt, Edgar and Gregory Jensen, Rich. The men are separated by 60 years and throughout the play they develop a deep understanding and respect for one another...The two have breath-taking chemistry...This is a definite must see and another perfect example of theater that matters!"
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A play that goes into great detail about its description of a setting while taking place entirely within a man’s living room shouldn’t work so well, but it does...Written with great affection and care, ‘The Pattern at Pendarvis’ is a play whose effect sneaks up on you slowly. At first, it seems like a pleasant enough way to spend eighty minutes, but it gradually becomes something special, and concludes with a beautifully understated ending that respects the nuance that came before.”
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