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Ruined Reviews
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| 1 |
Ruined - Reality! Review by: JSE, Aug 19, 2009 |
| This was a moving and thought provoking show. These issues are not headliners in the news, but reflect reality for many war torn areas throughout the world. Excellent performances, and production ... Get to this show!! |
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must see!
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You must see.....best acting and story this year! Review by: Diract66, Aug 13, 2009 |
| This was an excellent play. The acting was superb. As you enter the theatre you see a wide open setting that evokes the middle of a jungle with this small oasis of a bar. But , of course, a special bar of relaxation! This is a safe area in the midst of war torn Congo, but is it really safe from the outside conflict. There are three major stories going through the play. All of the characters are well done. If you do not come to tears toward ... read more the end of this play you are not human. See it now! I would like this to run in a small theatre on broadway and for more people to see this play. The audience I saw this play with were mostly white middle age people that cheered and gave everyone a standing ovation. This play needs to be seen by all people. There are accents in this play so some may not here every word but the actors are so good you will hear 98%. If you want your heart and mind touched by the power of live theatre...see this play....there are discounts so no excuses. |
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must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 3 |
Phenomenal! Believe all the great reviews! Review by: EJ, Aug 12, 2009 |
| See it and you'll know why this play won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize. What a great script. What an important story to tell. Actors really do it justice. Riveting from start to finish! |
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must see!
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| 4 |
Outstanding drama Review by: JW, Aug 10, 2009 |
Writing, direction, acting and atmospheric music all coalesce in telling a powerful, moving story about
individuals embroiled in an interminable civil war in the drama, "Ruined". The play is wonderfully paced, and as tragic as the subject matter is, it is still laced with playful humor, highlighting the humanity of its characters. After seeing the play, I felt I personally knew these ... read more characters--felt their vulnerability and admired their strength. Drama of the highest caliber, I wouldn't be surprised if this play transferred to Broadway in the near future. |
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must see!
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| 5 |
Review by: nina, Aug 9, 2009 |
| If you want theater that is thought provoking, this is one engagement that should not be missed. |
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must see!
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| 6 |
Ruined - An outstanding show Review by: adav, Jul 12, 2009 |
| Excellent!! The play tells the story of women from the Republic of Congo who have been brutalized due to political circumstances. It also highlights the resiliency of the human spirit even under the harshes of circumstances. I would see it again and again. |
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| 7 |
Review by: TheatreLover, Jul 10, 2009 |
| This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is by no means flawless. However, it has an important message and is a beautiful story that will surely move you. The cast was incredible. Don't miss this one. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Seniors, Adults, Anyone
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| 8 |
Amazing and captivating play Review by: CJ, Jun 8, 2009 |
| Very captivating... Important issue. I thought the play and acting was amazing. I was extremely pleased with my choice that day. I only heard rave reviews from others as leaving the theatre. |
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| 9 |
Ruined is a Gem! Review by: nthrich, Jun 5, 2009 |
| Amazing and moving. I can see why this won the Pulitzer prize. Don't miss it! |
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| 10 |
Spectacular Review by: Yolanda, May 11, 2009 |
This weekend I went, somewhat begrudgingly, to see _Ruined_ at The Manhattan Theatre Club. I knew nothing about the play except that it had just won the Pulitzer Prize for Lynn Nottage. That was enough to get me in the door. Once in the theatre (at City Center) I saw the gigantic wall poster of the play's synopsis. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted those key cringe inducing Eve Ensler nouns and shuddered. I felt lightheaded at the ... read more very thought of two and a half hours of "women as victims" narrative. Well, in for a penny in for a pound as they say. I had my ticket and a pocketful of gourmet jelly beans, so into the theatre with me. My equilibrium began to return the moment I stepped inside. The stage is enormous and the house is small; and excellent combination. The stage was set dramatically and expansively, every inch was performance space. I took my comfortable sixth row seat and spun my head like an owl. The house was filled with actual theatergoers. The interracial crowd was tourist-free; another good sign, nary an M&Ms shopping bag in sight. Sitting in the row directly in front of me was Philip Seymour Hoffman (or Phil as his friends call him) and Laila Robbins (not together;) another very good sign. A few rows ahead of me, Lynn Whitfield sat down. Things were looking up. The last time I had been at a performance with such a healthy percentage of actor to commoner ration was _August Osage County_.
Never underestimate the veracity of good omens. This play is enormous. Yes, it is a play set in a war torn far off locale, and yes there are unspeakable horrors brought upon women, men and children. But there is nothing treacly or sentimental or preachy about _Ruined_. It is a beautiful story about the human spirit, that brought me to tears (twice) not out of pity for the characters, but out of admiration for their strength. There are wonderful moments of laughter, and there is music, gorgeous, poetic music. The play is set in a taverna/brothel, and the music is live and an integral part of the play. Kate Whoriskey directs this play at a perfect pace. There is never one moment of downtime or distraction, I was riveted to every moment and motion on stage The play is mostly led by female characters who were beautifully developed. The male lead; Russel G. Jones, broke my heart. He is Herbie to Saidah Arrika Ekulona's aptly named Mama. It does not belittle _Ruined_ to draw this Gypsy comparison. Both Mama's live off the "talents" of their girls and both have a traveling salesman wooing them. Mr Jones' Christian, like Herbie, is driven by decency, and in _Ruined_ this male character trait is most spectacular. Ms. Ekulona is a dynamic actress and finds every nuance of Mama, I could not get enough of her. Condola Rashad (yes, Mrs. Huxtable's daughter) was a delightful surprise. She does a very fine job in the difficult and demanding role of Sophie. It is when she sings that she really comes to life. A capable singer, she is heartbreaking singing the songs of Lynn Nottage. Enough can not said about the play itself. My only concern about it is that now that it has won the Pulitzer, community theatres across America will tackle it. Human Rights organization will build fundraisers around it. But without the gorgeous direction of Ms. Whoriskey, the play could be cheapened. Produced on the expansive stage of the MTC and staged in such a realistic manner, there is a degree of intimacy that is a key component to the experience. This play should not be "watched" it should be experienced. In the wrong hands it quite possibly could deteriorate into a Congo Monologue. Please see it now while it is as it should be. The play and the performances will stay with you and you'll feel better for having seen it.
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 11 |
Moving and well-acted. So rich that I would go twice! Review by: ChrisAllis, May 3, 2009 |
| Loved the show. Topical, timely, relevant, moving. I found the pace satisfying. It never flagged. I was extremely moved by the actors' performances and it offered no easy answeres for the issues. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
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| 12 |
Choas of War Review by: theatergoer, Mar 22, 2009 |
| The brutalities of war and human cost unfold in a way that emotionally involves the audience with the characters. The story about the horrors and human cost of the war in the Congo unfolds sometimes quietly, sometimes raw emotion. You care about the women and their suffering. Not to be missed |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Tourists, Adults
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| 13 |
Awesome !! Review by: , Mar 21, 2009 |
Compelling story with excellent heart filled performances.
Must see !! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 14 |
Not to be missed Review by: Martin, Mar 18, 2009 |
| An amazing night of theatre -- no wonder it is so hard to get a ticket. A very important story that needs to be told. So well done on every level. Acting is superb! It is long but doesn't feel like it. Talented talented cast. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Adults
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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