We Live by the Sea NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (142)
See it if you want to see a well-crafted story of what it's like to be on the autism spectrum. If you liked Curious Incident of the Dog in Nightime.
Don't see it if haze, flashing lights, or loud sounds trouble you - this stark portrayal can be unsettling to those easily affected. Read more
See it if you seek a stirring, authentic, unconventional family drama by an inventive theater co, about truth, acceptance, compassion & responsibility
Don't see it if you aren't prepared to be moved, shaken, inspired & captivated by the story of an autistic girl & the support of family & friends around her
See it if You want to see something different, a tragic but ultimately heartwarming portrayal of autism told with a quirky nonlinear style.
Don't see it if You're uncomfortable with portrayals of autism or are bothered by flashing lights/loud sounds.
See it if you like well acted plays that make you really think what it would be like to have a disability or to be responsible for a disabled person
Don't see it if you want lightness and froth.This play is fun, entertaining & joyful.But it is also painful, sad & profound.I loved this play.Please see it.
See it if you enjoy black box productions, shows that honestly portray those on the autism spectrum, and small but mighty ensembles
Don't see it if you aren't interested in truthful portrayals of those with autism or you want to see a big-budget production Read more
See it if You want to experience something difference. I think the play was very well done overall especially the visuals, characters and music.
Don't see it if You want something light and expect a traditionally structured play.
See it if You are sensitive to the human condition. You appreciate the art of less is more. You want to see an autistic actor that is a revelation.
Don't see it if You don't want to see a play about an autistic girl. You want a structured drama with a formulaic plot,scenery and a proscenium stage.
See it if Realistic portrayal of autism is revealed in a story that brought me joy and touched my heart. The entire ensemble delivered extraordinary
Don't see it if If you are not able “to see the world through different eyes.” Read more
Critic Reviews (18)
"Tightly directed and boasting four strong performances...What elevates this story to something more than a tale about a person with a disability is that it allows the audience to see Katy both from the outside and from within...Howarth seamlessly juggles the production's elements for maximum impact and nothing comes across as over the top or clichéd...Intimate, insightful, and ultimately uplifting...Offers some simple yet powerful lessons about growth, change, and acceptance by others."
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"Alexandra Simonet brings a subtle, emotional and empathetic performance as Hannah... All are skillfully directed and staged by Howarth, who uses the small space expertly to tell this tale...A gorgeous, moving story about loss and personal triumph. From start to finish, every little touch in this production is well conceived, from the effective and imaginative set all the way down to the postcard from Katy in the program."
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"The story is brilliant — hilarious and heartbreaking all at once — but in the small, intimate theater you’ll witness one incredibly courageous and truthful performance by young Alexandra Brain...The script is a scramble of overlapping lines, with characters talking over and around each other throughout. The performance and direction of it, however, looks so easy and so natural at times that of course it must have been incredibly difficult to get just right. But right it is, remarkably so."
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"An inventive and well-judged piece…It feels like everything has been very carefully considered. Alex Howarth’s production is so light and tight that you can forgive it the occasional sidestep into fairy-lit whimsy...There are no easy answers or magic cures. The standard of performance is high all-round, but Alex Brain’s performance as Katy is incredible, sustained, rich and funny, her timing exact. Informative without being worthy, this a really appealing piece. Lovely stuff."
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"Katy is on the autistic spectrum and finds it difficult to connect to people, but with stories, well that’s when she does some of her best and bravest thinking...Live music and video projections form a backdrop to the utterly credible central character. The other parts are less well rounded. Ryan’s back story and the ease with which he is accepted feels somewhat underdeveloped. A unique, inventive piece of theatre that is touching, heart-warming and enlightening."
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"The modestly masterful storytelling is warmly delivered by intelligent performances. Beating loudly at its heart, Alex Brain–playing Katy–is breathtaking. It is rare to see such an enchanting example of autism depicted so sensitively…Sea-deep and honestly interpreted research renders 'We Live by the Sea' an informative and special immersion into the lives of those shaped by autism…This is my Fringe gem, a treasure that I will bury in the burning cockles of my heart."
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"It's feel good and funny, honest and above all completely believable…Alex Brain’s performance in the central role is mesmerizing…'We Live by the Sea' is an outstanding piece of theatre with a big heart and carefully honed performances. I cried freely throughout as did the rest of the audience. It's rare for theatre to connect in such a way and Patch of Blue has created something very raw and beautiful."
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"Alex Brain gives a stellar performance as Katy, taking the audience along with her as she moves rapidly from laughter through sadness, frustration, anger, and at times back to laughter...We witness episodes of sensory overload – when Katy is subjected to music, loud speech and flashing lights and then on a car journey, which Katy does not enjoy, when Hannah inadvertently tells a lie regarding their direction...I was moved to tears by this performance and cannot recommend it too highly."
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