The Workshop

See it if you like plays about theater. TW is compelling w/ focus on writers (not actors). Fine ensemble acting, but Pnd'ton had some trouble w/lines.

Don't see it if discussions of theater seem pretentious .Or digressions annoy you (long one re: child molestation). TW needs cutting. Easily 30 mins.

Also I had fun at TW. I wanted a notepad and pen to take notes. Pendleton's character was very well-drawn. But some plot holes: how did Reilly get into a competitive MA program (small seminar with award-winning playwright)? Surely he would have had to submit plays and have had some literary education. And why was there the large digression about Lili's past? It ruined the momentum of Act II. Still, this conference table dramedy was surprisingly sophisticated and captivating.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see some very talented actors (incl. the masterful Austin Pendleton) play out a fascinating polemic on the art of playwriting.

Don't see it if you have no interest in modern drama or the insight into the writing process; you're uneasy in intimate settings (ie, an audience of 40).

Also Extra points are given to the cast for powering through and overcoming the thoroughly distracting audience member on the day I went (7/30) who had a loud, awkward, obstreperous laugh, which she guffawed endlessly and at the most inappropriate times.... Read more Read less

See it if you love theater and what makes theater.. Austin Pendleton is superb. The setting is great. It is perfect for anyone who wants to write .. .

Don't see it if Only about 40 seats Only two more weeks to the run.

See it if You enjoy theatre about the theatre. You like satire. You enjoy site-specific theatre. You like being up close to the performers.

Don't see it if You have no interest in theatre that talks about itself. You dislike small performing spaces. You don't like theatre about the process.

Also And now a word about theatre etiquette: if you have an annoying laugh (ask your friends), please restrain yourself during the performance. There was a distinct laugher in the audience, which was very distracting. It was something that I had to fight to ignore so I could give the play a fair score.... Read more Read less

See it if You like smart ideas that are written, acted & staged well. It helps if you are versed in lit & dramaturgy, but it's compelling regardless.

Don't see it if Don't like teensy spaces where you're on top of actors. Not lots of action, & talky by design. Profanity/raunchy sex talk (lots) 1st scene.

Also Runtime is 2.5 hours, but I didn't feel it. Was impressed with the pretty creative staging in a tight area and thought the lighting was very effective. There's a bit of business with smoking a cigarette which is cleverly handled.The cast is uniformly good - Pendleton is masterful. This is a character piece and you'll get a good feel for all but one by the end.

There are some plotholes (how the heck did Reilly make it into an MFA writing program?) and a few scenes that go on too long, but overall, it's engrossing.

Saw this on first performance in July, 2017.... Read more Read less

See it if You have a good knowledge of theatre and its history. You want to see characters with interesting stories

Don't see it if Want something easy and light

See it if you can appreciate a funny, intelligent take on the conflict between millennials and baby boomers and how they define theater.

Don't see it if you have no familiarity with theater history.

See it if Self-referential play about MFA playwriting class that uses up all ideas in act 1: emo needy has-been prof, inappropriate relationship, in-

Don't see it if articulate & illiterate would-be authors, preening successes but ignores only student of color. Even MFA students can leave at intermission.

See it if you want to see a show with great potential but still needing work

Don't see it if a show needing entire scenes to be struck severely disappoints you

Also it is almost always a mistake to introduce secondary characters that don't quickly move a show forward. Here the error is made at the close of each act. Each scene is completely unnecessary. The play should have closed with a Claire Siebers diatribe against the Professor immediately following his evisceration of "Lili" effectively destroying the group.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a compelling, tender, and real story told by a master actor and his ensemble.

Don't see it if You can't sit for 2 1/2 hours in a tiny space, virtually on top of the actors.

Also This play was riveting from the start. It's the story of a playwright turned teacher (them that can do, anyone?) and his sincere efforts to lead a group of 20-somethings in a workshop on playwriting. Pendleton conveys exasperation, hope, anger, disappointment and despair so masterfully that you're happy you're so close so you can catch every nuance. As someone closer to Pendleton's age, I identified keenly with the story that emerged and was grateful to find a play that "hit me where I lived" so to speak. Pendleton's moments of humor were so surprisingly hilarious that it's worth seeing the play for that. This show is a must-see for any acting student, actor, or person who loves really great theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in "academic" theatre; are a theatre professional;have read /seen many famous American plays; are an Austin Pendleton fan.

Don't see it if you want somethng light; don't have a fairly good background in American theatre history; don't like "talky" plays.

See it if you luurrrrrrve theater and well written, well-crafted plays. Loved the insider jokes, the sarcasm, the sadness and the great performances.

Don't see it if you don't have strong opinions of NYT theater critics - really don't.

See it if You want insight into theater writing, and how success and failure affects the writer,while being entertained. Sitting close draws you in.

Don't see it if If you have no patience for witnessing a process, which includes long speeches. One character not fleshed out as well as the others.

See it if You're up for an intense character study about a college prof who is a hero or a villain to the students he helps or warps. You decide.

Don't see it if All talk but almost no physical action is not your idea of a satisfying evening of theater. I was mesmerized.

See it if You want to see wonderful acting. Plot is a Master's Playwrighting Workshop. Love Austin Pendleton. Very funny, moving, exciting. See it!

Don't see it if You hate small venues and intimate setting.

See it if you love intimate theatre (the actors are so close, you can touch them), ensemble pieces about relationships, and episodic structure.

Don't see it if you're not a fan of the "Annie Baker" school of playwriting (narratives that gradually unspool, often in real time) & like plot-driven shows

See it if austin was outstanding while the other actors were mixed the day we saw it.

Don't see it if you don't like intelligent shows

See it if this is a play for theatre people, and a smart/witty one at that. Superbly acted with a centerpiece performance by Pendleton.

Don't see it if I can imagine most of the show not being nearly as entertaining if you weren't in the theatre. The script could also stand to loose 15 min.

See it if Smart, intimate, and real. You feel like you're in the room, but without the threat of audience participation. Pendleton & Co. all very good

Don't see it if You won't get as much out of this play if your theatre/lit knowledge is subpar. This play works best for well-read urban sophisticates.

See it if You want to see a well written show about the world of theatre with characters to care about

Don't see it if You do not know much about the theatre world

See it if You like to see new works by young playwrights. Great cast led by Austin Pendleton.

Don't see it if You're not a drama fan or do not like being in a very small theater.

Also I'd guess there are less than 40 seats in a small area very close to the actors so try to leave backpacks and larger bags at home (or they will ask you to check them)... Read more Read less

See it if You want to sit in on an instructor and students of theater-slice of life scenes depicting playwriting process. Intimate setting.

Don't see it if You are uninterested in the creative process of developing plays and the numerous references to theater. I found this work very engaging.

See it if You like small, intimate productions.

Don't see it if you are looking for a glitzy, action packed theatre production.

Also Theatre is small and intimate with about 30 seats. Unfortunately, a woman in the front row had an obnoxious laugh and it was extremely distracting to others in the audience as well as to the actors. Hopefully, you won't come in contact with her in future productions.... Read more Read less

See it if if you like Austin Pendleton and small intimate dramedies and interesting characters.

Don't see it if you are looking for production values or a plot driven story. This is about character development.

See it if You went to or teach in an MFA playwriting program. Funny and pathetic and shallow depiction of self involved playwrights.

Don't see it if You want a plot. Or like a piece that isn't self indulgent. This play is very funny/insider jokes. But long.