Tilda Swinton Answers an Ad on Craigslist
About the show
Tom Lenk ('Buffy the Vampire Slayer') stars as Tilda Swinton in the New York premiere of this comedy about life with one of the galaxy’s greatest living actors.
... Read moreIn 'Tilda Swinton Answers an Ad on Craigslist' an isolated and aimless gay man with a "roommate wanted" ad on Craigslist finds his life, family, and relationship flipped upside down when the ad is answered by effusive and other-worldly actress Tilda Swinton, who demands she be allowed to study and dissect his sad life for her next big movie role. The two very different personalities clash immediately as things get comically chaotic and surprisingly cathartic.
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"It's ridiculous, most definitely, but in the best way possible; smart as a whip, crackling with often silly jokes but inventive set-ups, anchored with solidly thoughtful and ludicrous comical performances by a cast of seriously funny actors, that know that the biggest laughs come from something deeper than a dirty stupid joke. Most of the time...This is no Shakespeare...But you'll be touched both in your heart and your funny bone." Full Review
"This was exactly the ridiculously fun and silly play I thought it was going to be...Most of the fun to be had comes in the person of Tom Lenk's outrageous performance as Ms. Swinton...Tom Lenk is perfection in a role he seems born to play, delivering the most absurd lines with conviction and deep gravitas." Full Review
"The farce allows Lenk to embody not the real Tilda Swinton, but a hysterically absurd logical extension of her, a creature at once cool, kooky, serially iconic, genderless and not of this world...You can squint and forget it isn't Tilda up there...If you love Swinton, you'll be grinning ear to ear at the references to so many films from her oeuvre...The show's cerebral sense of humor will please anyone attracted to that title, and Lenk's outrageous ad-libs will have you rolling in the aisles." Full Review
for a previous production "Lenk’s drama queen cavorts in the style of Gloria Swanson or some other tart-tongued, camera-worshipping celebrity...Lenk performs with flawless aplomb; if his character is a campy caricature, well, it’s an admirably crisp, well-paced one. In multiple roles, both Sullivan and Entwistle prove skilled comedians...The main problem comes down to the script, which features a smattering of laugh lines but too few...A lot of reiteration and excess silliness—not, for my money, the inspired kind." Full Review
for a previous production "Cleverly written by Lane, sharply directed by Tom Detrinis, and played to perfection by Lenk...Lane effectively underplays the sad sack Walt as the perfect counterpoint to the deliciously, over-the-top Ms. Swinton...Lenk has nailed Tilda's toss of the head, her accent, her hyper self-awareness, her divaness. Bravo, Tom Lenk!...So many wonderfully, witty lines and throw-aways from the mouth of Tilda, from the pen of Lane...Grab a ticket to this if you can." Full Review
for a previous production "The cleverness of Lane's script and the sharp comedic mastery of Lenk makes 'Tilda Swinton' a play you won't forget...Lenk is simply remarkable...He takes the iconic and quirky actress and amplifies the things about her that make her sort of kooky...Lenk's immaculate timing is what makes the role work...Consistently hilarious...For a show with a set up as goofy as this, it was a surprise to also be moved in between stomach-clenching laughter." Full Review
for a previous production "Lenk’s performance is energetic, sharp, and hilarious; he’s not only constantly funny but occasionally really does channel Swinton’s odd intensity...The main problem here is that all of the stuff with Tilda is gold, but most of the other stuff is not. However, Lane is responsible for writing plenty of great lines...Let me be clear: most Swinton or Lenk fans are going to thoroughly enjoy themselves. It’s just unfortunate that the play itself is more variable in quality than it might be." Full Review
See it if you're a Tommy Lenk fan; you're amused by Swinton's otherworldly diva-ness & ubiquity (helps to know her oeuvre)
Don't see it if you're expected a fully staged or designed play (seat-of-the-pants tech & portable set on cabaret stage); you find $20 minimum excessive
See it if you enjoy the hilarity of the main character's personality and know her films and her life. It's necessary to get all the laughs.
Don't see it if you are not interested in the main character or how and imagined "star" interrupts one man's relationships with his partner and parents.
See it if You like campy shows with pop culture jokes, are not looking for a lot of depth of characters or story and just want to unplug for an hour.
Don't see it if You don’t know who Tilda Swinton is or don’t want to commit to the $20 food/drink minimum.
Also The risotto balls are as FABULOUS as Tom Lenk’s Bubble wrap coat!
See it if you want to see Lenk give an incredibly funny performance in a quirky fun play.
Don't see it if Pop culture jokes aren't for you.
See it if you enjoy campy productions or are a fan of Tom Lenk.
Don't see it if you want to see a professional production
Also The bubble wrap coat was lovely.
See it if you aren't cut off from pop culture, know who Tilda Swinton is and smiled at the title, don’t mind a $20 food/drink minimum.
Don't see it if you want raunch, insult humor, or more controversial subjects. This is a benign show about not letting failed relationships get you down.
Also I had a fun time but my friend who sees a lot of drag was unimpressed.... Read more Read less
See it if The audience loved it they were hysterical as I sat quietly Trying to figure out the jokes
Don't see it if You’re not up on current movie genre
See it if You're a fan of Tom Lenk or Tilda Swinton. He's the main draw but you should be familiar with Swinton's work for the jokes to land.
Don't see it if You're expecting a full production as this is mainly a cabaret show. Or if you want to see a fleshed out story.
Also This is pretty much just one joke (isn't Tilda Swinton weird?) done ov... Read more Read less
See it if you are into over-the-top camp and skewering Hollywood. An absolutely brilliant must-see performance by Tom Lenk as Tilda.
Don't see it if you are triggered by talk of suicide, dislike drag, or looking for polished "theater".
See it if You like Tulsa Swinton. You like drag. You're an actor. You. Enjoy campy over the top fun!
Don't see it if You're not into any of the above. $20 minimum at the table.
See it if Watch a show and the food is good.
Don't see it if Not the best show. Some of the show was funny but not alot.
See it if You know someone involved w/the production. You want to support a play in the very early stage of development.
Don't see it if You want a concept that can sustain for over an hour:this wears thin after 10 minutes. You don't know anyone w/the production.
Also This felt like an extended inside joke. There were people in the audie... Read more Read less
See it if you like Swinton or Lenk, enjoy quirky dark comedy, or like comedic shows with a dominant semi-monologuing lead.
Don't see it if You're not invested in Swinton or Lenk, don't want to pay the $20 food/drink minimum, or are looking for a well rounded cast.
See it if You're a fan of Tom Lenk, & wanna have a good laugh. Tom is Brilliant in this show, but the rest of the cast is not at the same level.
Don't see it if Modern & Edgy Farce isn't your thing. It's a fun show, but it's very uneven at times, & the venue wasn't great...Tons of distractions!
See it if you love jokes about "ACTING!" and other riffs on identity and narcissism
Don't see it if you don't know anything about Tilda Swinton or current cinema. Lots of cultural jokes.
See it if You are seeking funny show where actor doing hilarious impression of Tulsa Swindon disrupts another characters life.
Don't see it if You do not like camp or pop culture references.
See it if you might enjoy an occasionally funny concept; though it never seems to really take off. The food at Laurie Beechman is worth the trip!
Don't see it if camp and drag are of no interest; or if you expect a laugh-riot as I did.
See it if you follow @TommyLenk on Insta, love his quirky pop culture & fashionista humor, you are a fan of Charles Busch, camp, divas & drag cabaret
Don't see it if limited run, blink & you will miss it! Cabaret style seating & food/bev minimum. Helps to adore Tilda to catch the references
See it if You like the idea of someone embodying the strangeness of Tilda Swinton in drag, and if you are up for a silly evening with ultimate heart.
Don't see it if You don’t like camp or drag, or are looking for a serious evening out.
See it if you’re a fan of Tom Lenk, Tilda Swinton, or camp. Lenk is the real draw. He gives an energetic, mesmerizing performance.
Don't see it if you’re looking for a serious, well thought out piece of theater. This show is pure fun.
Also I really can’t figure out all the negative reviews here. This show is ... Read more Read less
See it if You like wacky humor
Don't see it if You like your plays serious
Cast & Creatives (6)
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