Waiting for Giovanni NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (7)
See it if you want an exploration of what it means to be a gay man (especially an African American one) in this country
Don't see it if you don't like gay or black issues
See it if You want to see fine theater and a great story that is particularly relevant in these times
Don't see it if You prefer light entertainment
See it if you are a Baldwin fan and want to know more about the man behind the activist. It's a passionate portrait of a complex writer and period.
Don't see it if you don't like bio-plays. A basic knowledge of Baldwin is required going in to fully appreciate the play.
See it if Play moves fast. A very good detailed plot on Baldwin. Very sparse stage, 2 chairs and a table. Actors are very good.
Don't see it if If you don't like a small black box. Has a small amount of humor but it is a very serious play. If you don't want a quick moving serious pla
See it if you can appreciate an entertaining evening hanging out with three literary lions: James Baldwin, Richard Wright, and Lorraine Hansberry.
Don't see it if you're intensely claustrophobic. The Siggy (where the play is performed) is a small, subterranean black box space.
See it if You have read Giovanni"s Room and are familiar with Baldwin. Want an absorbing story centering on blacks in the 50's dealing with racism.
Don't see it if You have no interest in racism against blacks or the struggle Baldwin evidently had also being gay. Read more
See it if you love James Baldwin, care about racism, feel the tensions of love vs duty
Don't see it if you are looking for action
Critic Reviews (2)
“A brilliantly imagined look at the impact of racial discord on Baldwin as he completes his second novel...In imagining the writer's inner turmoil, Gomez brings these issues into sharp focus...Finley has directed a gripping, emotionally resonant production, acted on a virtually bare stage—save for two chairs and one table—that presents Baldwin as humane, deeply introspective, and haunted by insecurities and legitimate worries.”
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“At slightly less than two hours running time, the play moves quickly, and the cast is well up to the task at hand. For fans of Baldwin and his seminal works, those who love a good civil rights play, or anyone seeking a good love story, ‘Waiting for Giovanni’ will not disappoint.”
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