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The Receptionist Reviews
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The play about the set change Review by: Thom, Dec 1, 2007 |
| This woefully incomplete show does include a nifty set change right at the end of the play. Since it was directed by Joe Mantello who directed Wicked we expected no less than perfectly drected technical theatrics and we got it. The play however is more like an average episode of one of those fifties anthology television series oft times using either communism or red baiting as an unspoken threat. In these times the playwright has found an new ... read more threat in our over surveillanced society but it plays our the same. Jayne Houdyshell is wonderful in small detail and large effect as the title character. The others play attitudes and moods rather than characters. At 70 minutes and with its undeveloped theme this is a definite rip off for a full price ticket. It is barely a one act play. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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ANSWERING THE TELEPHONE IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE Review by: Beth M, Nov 25, 2007 |
ADAM BOCK’S THE RECEPTIONIST
By Beth Mandelbaum
When the lights went out at the end of The Receptionist, I actually experienced an all too real sense that I might never feel safe again. And part of this seems to be the result of still not fully understanding what had happened, which in this particular play, adds greatly to its mood and impact.
This play, which runs about 70 minutes is, to my taste, very compelling,... read more, and extremely well written, directed, and acted. It is a fine play that takes the audience into the territory of sophisticated sci fi and horror, where one experiences a kind of no man’s land that has been compared to the Twilight Zone.
For the fullest experience of this very unusual play, I would strongly recommend not reading the newspaper and on line reviews, as I personally found that they revealed too much.
However, I was extremely fortunate to see The Receptionist on a day when there was a post performance discussion at which the absolutely wonderful actress, Jayne Houdyshell, who plays the title role, and the playwright, Adam Bock, were present. I gained additional enrichment and insight.
The Receptionist presents, in its first half, what may seem like a frivolous and seemingly trivial glimpse into the office life at an unnamed company with no specified purpose. The playwright shared that he has purposely left entirely vague what kind of company is depicted in the play. The first part feels like a play in which nothing in particular seems to be happening. One may feel almost as if trapped in the utterly banal, though also amusing and engaging, office chat. However, this seems to offers an excellent foil for the second part, and enables the second part to come at the audience with some rather gruesome surprises. (Do note the play’s somewhat bewildering and rather grotesque prologue, as this is actually extremely and symbolically revelatory.)
As the play progresses, I imagine that most audience members will begin to feel some sense of inner disturbance and unease. Even where there is the appearance of outward levity and the kind of normal office chatter that often occurs, sinister aspects begin to appear. Bits of genuine creepiness will undoubtedly catch your attention, though you are unlikely to fully understand what is happening, though one senses that there is some kind of evil in the air. And I feel that this lack of understanding on the part of the audience is a key reason as to why The Receptionist is so very effective.
The second part of the play is pervaded with a sense of anxiety about the unknown. It increasingly embodies a sense of suspicion and feelings of helplessness in the face of not knowing.
The actors do an extraordinary job making what feels like complete reversals in the latter parts of the play in terms of their manner, expressions and the nature of their dialog. Some characters embody definite Jekyll and Hyde type aspects.
One aspect of the play’s structure that ultimately makes it especially effective (though potentially annoying) is that the playwright spends what can feel like a very long time on the seemingly extremely benign and empty office interactions; one may even begin to wonder why this play has come so highly recommended.
However, the playwright shared at the post play discussion that it was his intention to draw out the seemingly banal: he wants to allow the audience plenty of time to get to know the protagonists and, ultimately, to begin to identify with them, if not personally, than as features of a modern day office, the kind of office that most everyone has experienced in one way or another. And because of the audiences’ identification with these characters, when horror strikes, one may feel, as I did, that this experience can actually happen to you.
The Receptionist is a play that I believe audiences will take with them outside and perhaps home for a while, as the |
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Alone
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
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The Receptionist Review by: Octoberdude, Nov 25, 2007 |
I saw the Receptionist on a Wednesday matinee (discounted ticket) during the strike. Great cast with roles far more complex than might meet the eye. While I won't reveal the ending for the sake of future audiences, I will say the script is deceptively depressing.
In keeping with the spirit of off-Broadway, the play is experimental, clever and effective. I definitely have seen several plays "on" Broadway that have left me much ... read more less entertained and mentally challenged. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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MISLED BY REVIEWS Review by: Dorry, Nov 22, 2007 |
| Most reviews were wonderful. While I found Houdsywell adequate, I certainly was not spellbound. While some reviews called the play itself "stingy" and"" incomplete", I would call it a real rip-off. Women leaving the theatre lining up for the elevator were positively silent until one said, "I didn't understand a single thing. And I'm MAD!" Her comment was echoed by the nine women in line! What a waste! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Review by: Herb, Nov 15, 2007 |
| This is a brilliant play. The first part of it is low key, but humorous. Just when you begin to ask: where is this play going?---it takes a sudden turn that becomes absolutely chilling. To tell you what it is, would spoil it. The last part of the play is in sharp contrast to the first part. It speaks volumes, more in what it doesnt articulate, that what is articulated. If that sounds strange, you must see it, to appreciate it. The cast is ... read more perfect |
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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:
Business Assoc., Seniors, Tourists
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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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