See it if You like one-man shows, enjoy philosophical discussions about man's mortality and the fragility of life, and enjoy quirky humor.
Don't see it if you require constant stimulation, have no imagination or are expecting it to have the impact of Eric Bogossian's "Talk Radio".
See it if you want thought for the sake of thought; you don't mind your funny or thought-provoking theatre moments to be few and far between
Don't see it if you want theatre that is compelling and active; you want to see more than an actor's forehead for 78 of 90 minutes; you are squeamish
See it if you are looking for entertainment!
Don't see it if you looking for sex!
See it if you're feeling down and want to put your problems in perspective.
Don't see it if You don't have the attention span to sit through 1.5 hours to talking with very little action.
See it if You enjoy dark humor, interspersed with real human moments.
Don't see it if You're easily bored - there's not a lot of action here.
See it if you are willing to go along for the ride. While the individual segments all have strong moments, its the total sum effect that stays w/you
Don't see it if you want neat and tidy summations that answer the questions asked
“Although Stuart’s performance is charming and warm, West can only be enigmatic for so long before we begin to wonder about his own story—which, frustratingly, we never learn. Some of what he says offers hints at the man behind the voice. In the end, though, one can’t help wishing that West would put down the microphone for a second and talk with us, or anyone, face to face.”
Read more
"Jeremy Stuart’s quirky creation is a treat for anyone and everyone who enjoys a good radio show or could use a little help from a modern-age guardian angel like Harland West. In a world where theatre is dominated by large ensembles and massive budgets, 'First Time, Long Time' serves as a reminder that one man onstage, committed to his humble job, is more than enough to qualify as a fantastic evening of theatre and storytelling."
Read more
"Stuart's writing is rich and vivid, and thus the piece is highly effective at what it sets out to accomplish. His portrayal of West is compelling, a portrait of cool detachment. Expert voice work by Amanda Byron and Robert Sherrane, as all of the offstage callers, fills out the play masterfully...Perhaps more than anything else, this play reminds us of the power of storytelling to provoke, engage, and jolt."
Read more