Review by anonymous
June 11, 2017What I liked
Stephen Spiegel gives a virtuosic performance. His delivery is effortless. He uncannily humanizes JWB with depth, psychology, humor, and blush-worthy charm. How am I supposed to hate Lincoln’s killer when he’s so charismatic, funny, dashingly handsome, and passionate?! The writing is playfully detailed without being academic. The directing is elegantly simple and energizing to the piece.
I couldn’t think of a more timely play to see in America right now. All of the headline buzz words popped into my head during the show: radicalized white males, terror attacks, gun laws, terror cells, patriotism, jihad, Confederate flags, mental health, racism, Alt-Right, fear of the ‘other,’ celebrity, Allahu Akbar, Black Lives Matter.
This thought-provoking production makes history seem not so past tense. It’s an incredible yet unpretentious evening at the theater. Bravo to the team!
What I didn't like
The Complex could perhaps consider having an intern or volunteer sit in the hallway outside of the theaters to help remind patrons to keep their voices down. When such good work is being done, the productions deserve to have the distraction outside limited as much as possible!
My overall impression
A play about the assassination of an American president? This production is treading on some very provocative waters…
