The Abingdon Theatre (New York City, NY)
The Optimist looks at the volatile and surprisingly hilarious clash of passion and genetics when three well-bred, intelligent 20-somethings (twin brothers Noel and Declan, plus Noel's ex-girlfriend) encamp at a cheap motel in Tallahassee on the eve of a friend's funeral, and the marriage of the brother's father to the woman with whom he had a longstanding affair while their mother was still alive.
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The last event was Friday April 11, 2008 / 8:00pm. (view all dates)
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This play was poorly written. It was as if three kids got together and performed in their own livingroom in front of their peers. Before the play started all the audience saw was garbage in the center of the stage. It was suppose to be letters from his mom, that he was cutting and pasting, but during all of but the last act the performers walked on top of the paper. They even tried to make out on the garbage. There was no curtains, so you actually saw the stage set up. They had two very heavy girls come out and try to set up the stage. They couldn't bend so imagine them sweeping the paper with their foot. The paper was piled in the garbage on the side all sloppily left on the stage. It was just a mess. The last act was worse because the bedspread and sheets was rolled up and placed on the stage right in front of the audience. Bed springs were against the wall and dresser. They even took the television out of the closet and placed it on the floor. JUST GARBAGE...... A few people left before it was over.
The acting was excellent....laugh out loud funny.....a must see.
This is what is best about off-off Broadway in my opinion. Smart writing and passionate performances.
I had no expectations at all and was pleasantly surprised by the small but filled theater and the great performances by all three actors. An enjoyable and funny comedy with some touching moments as well. I definitely recommend it!
Really liked this play! Great actors and a really good sense of the emotional rollercoaster.
Great writing, great performances - all around a great, funny dark show. Highly recommend.
The script was excellent and the acting was all out!!! Great talent!!
excellent play, amazing actors, I truly enjoyed my time and strongly recommand this show.
Great acting - a compelling performance by all. Loved it.
Ground UP Productions, the company behind the smash hit musical The People vs. Mona and last fall’s revival of The Baby with the Bathwater, comes The Optimist, an edgy new play written by Jason Chimonides and directed by Jace Alexander (“Rescue Me”).
Sex, mortality and unrequited love lurk throughout the play as the trio anticipates the funeral of their young friend, and the wedding of the father who the young men believe was responsible for their beloved mother's death.
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