Zurich
About the show
Funerals are for the living. What happened and why and who did it and how, none of that matters in the moments before. Colt Coeur presents this new play about the moments before. More…
'Zurich' is a series of two-handers, each in identical hotel rooms in a grand hotel in Zürich, as guests enjoy the last moments of their private, awkward, funny, and not-so-funny lives. Themes of nationalism, tourism, social responsibility, isolation, class, and gender roles are all explored, as well as the tension between public vs. private, and assimilation vs. diversity.
"This show keeps at a steady pace as we explore the last moments of 10 lives. In a world deep into global crisis, is there really any neutrality? Amelia Roper’s smart dialogue matched with winning performances makes 'Zürich' a stand out." Full Review
"Working with a superb multigenerational cast, Campbell-Holt fleshes out every uncomfortable nuance in Roper's collection of mostly two-person conversations. Placid as some of the interactions might look from our voyeuristic vantage point, they are tense with potential violence; corruption, betrayal and resentment are never very far from the surface." Full Review
"This current production is a brainteaser. In a series of scenes, many issues of human interaction are addressed albeit even those awkward and very private ones that we'd never hope anyone might be privy to watch...From the emergence of these scenes, spiffily directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt, we peek into worlds of corruption, violence, frightening reality that touches all of our lives in a place that remains neutral. The writing is humor-laden." Full Review
"Though 'Zürich' has been carefully structured, almost excessively so, what occurs within its individual scenes still needs some rigorous editing. There’s no denying that the play hangs together thematically...Despite the committed performances of the cast members, their characters too often seem like prisoners not only of a corrupt social order, but also of a pedagogical vision. It’s not just that dividing glass wall that inhibits our empathy for these querulous figures." Full Review
See it if You want an intelligent and funny play about human interaction that’s beautifully structured
Don't see it if You are hoping for any sort of happy ending
See it if You like great dialogue, interconnecting stories and surprises. Fantastic acting and characters, especially from Paul, maid & young boy.
Don't see it if You don't like some tense moments, especially the end, but it's still worth seeing.
See it if you'd like a great play that presents scenes that (at first glance) don't have anything to do with each other and dares you to find meaning.
Don't see it if you don't like having to connect the dots for yourself when watching a play. It's all there, but you'll get out of it as much as you put in.
See it if ... you like to see work by up-and-coming playwrights. (This one is mentored by Sarah Ruhl). Curious goings on in a Zurich luxury hotel.
Don't see it if ... you don't like disconnected vignettes. Unfortunately, each one is too long. Payoff at the very end is not quite enough to compensate
See it if Ah yes, a mordant play about the meaning/banality of individual lives, sort of a Plaza Suite for the 21st century. Funny & bitter by turns
Don't see it if with appealing actors in a fishbowl setting. Some scenes overlong but squeeze in humor & political, social & emotional content to the max.
See it if You appreciate clever staging and quick dialogue.
Don't see it if You have hearing issues. The performance is behind glass which makes it challenging at times even with miked actors.
See it if You want a smart show packed with interesting characters all staying in the same Zurich hotel.
Don't see it if You want something fast paced. The show is a bit slow and could be shortened a bit.
Also Carolyn Holding delivers an outstanding performance as the maid.
See it if you enjoy quick set pieces. So if one set of characters isn't doing it for you, they'll be gone soon and you can try again with a new pair.
Don't see it if you really want to invest in characters. Each scene starts kinda slow before ramping up. By the time you care about anyone, they're gone.
Also There's overly dramatic violence in this play, and I wish there wasn't... Read more Read less
See it if you like innovation, excitement and great acting.
Don't see it if traditional, conformist
See it if shows that expertly blend topical issues w/personal stories appeal to you. This is simultaneously funny, moving, & surprising. A must-see!
Don't see it if Colt Coeur productions consistently deliver unpredictable theater that’s accessible & relatable yet entirely original.
Cast & Creatives (18)
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