The Two Character Play (2019) NYC Reviews and Tickets

75%

(38 Reviews)

Positive

68%

Mixed

29%

Negative

Members say

Great acting, Confusing, Quirky, Great writing, Absorbing

About the Show

Reality and fantasy are interwoven in this two-hander from Tennessee Williams, as two actors on tour―brother and sister―find themselves deserted in a decrepit "state theatre in an unknown state."

From the show:

The ultimate brother-and-sister act, Clare and Felice, a pair of genetically matched hams who combine the narcissism, fearfulness, shabbiness and splendor of every actor who ever walked the boards. Tonight they must put on "The Two Character Play" no less than brilliantly, for it might mean the end of their tour. They are competitive and codependent in a fierce, scary way that is particularly associated with show people and siblings. Just put them on a stage, then step back and watch them burn, possibly to a pile of ashes.

Member Reviews (38)

100

Absorbing, Must see, Great acting, Great staging, Great writing

See it if you are fascinated by Tennessee Williams’ obsession with mental illness and human weakness and the restorative transformative power of love.

Don't see it if you are irreconcilably morose from plays about mental illness and poverty, prefer shorter comedies, more than two actors, or scene changes

Great lights, sound, costumes, direction: a total ensemble, Terrific, all-out performances, Rich, textured production, Refreshing, Ambitious

See it if You're up for a theatrical labor of love and a fine example of skill, imagination and talent trumping low budgets. Williams would be pleased

Don't see it if Your brain insists on sequential narrative or has calcified past wonder; truth most often lies between the cracks, so go with it or don't go Read more

Great writing, Great staging, Great acting, Dizzying, Absorbing

See it if You are a fan of TW. Fascinating play within a play structure. Heartbreaking characters and story. Fine acting; wonderfully intimate theater

Don't see it if You are looking for a light, uplifting play with uncomplicated characters

Intelligent, Edgy, Great acting, Funny, Entertaining

See it if you know the play or like insane like plays

Don't see it if you only like mainstream shows

Intense, Great acting, Great staging, Great writing

See it if Characters,dialog,set,mus are perfectly blended to express themes of mental disorder,fam viloence,bro/sis relation. Grt act,light&writin

Don't see it if you don't like Tennessee Williams and the Theater of the Absurd.

Southern gothic, Borderline absurd, Metatheatrical, Inventive

See it if you’d like to see a late work of Tennessee Williams, a dip into Theater of the Absurd, not often performed.

Don't see it if you’re hoping that this late Tennessee Williams play is a simple update of earlier work. Read more

Confusing, Clever, Absorbing

See it if you enjoy complex two character dialogues with lots of bending of roles and context that interweave to tell a basically sad story.

Don't see it if you mind some confusion and meta-theatrical dialogue. You mind that the play within a play is comic while the wrapper play is dark. Read more

Entertaining, Great acting, Quirky, Funny

See it if you like Williams' plays and don't need a well defined plot

Don't see it if you want a straight linear plot Read more

Trailer

Creative team

13th Street Repertory Company

Presenter