Review Roundup: THE WHIPPING MAN

The Manhattan Theatre Club New York premiere of THE WHIPPING MAN, the acclaimed new play by Matthew Lopez, directed by Tony Award winner Doug Hughes, announced today that due to popular demand, the limited engagement has been extended again with tickets now on sale through Sunday, March 27. This marks the second extension for THE WHIPPING MAN as the show prepares to open today, Tuesday February 1, at MTC at New York City Center-Stage I (131 West 55th Street).

THE WHIPPING MAN stars two-time Emmy Award winner André Braugher ("Men of a Certain Age," "Homicide"), André Holland (Joe Turner's Come and Gone, The Brother/Sister Plays), and Jay Wilkison (film version of Rabbit Hole).

Three men tied by faith, bound by secrets, at a crossroads-a Jewish Confederate soldier (Wilkison) who has returned from battle, and two former slaves (Braugher and Holland), who were raised as Jews in his household. As the three men reunite to celebrate Passover, they uncover a tangle of secrets that might cost each man his freedom.

Charles Isherwood, NY Times: Aside from the novelty of its dramatis personae, "The Whipping Man" is a fairly traditional period drama that relies on suddenly sprung revelations to stoke its dramatic fires. John has secret knowledge of the fate of Simon's wife and daughter. He also suspects the truth about Caleb's unusual resistance to the idea of going to the Army hospital to have his leg removed. Caleb has his own reasons for seeking urgent knowledge of Simon's family.

Marilyn Stasio, Variety: There does come a point, though, when all the scene setting must pay off in conflict and action. But all that Lopez can come up with are ugly revelations and bitter recriminations about past events involving characters we've never met. Which is a bit like fighting the war all over again -- a lost cause and entirely beside the point.

Mark Kennedy, Associated Press: The excellent performances are matched by set designer John Lee Beatty's rotting, gutted mansion, where the roof leaks with real water. That ominous mood is echoed by sound designer Jill BC DuBoff's cracks of lightening, and by the relentless gloom summoned by lighting designer Ben Stanton; things are so dark that candles are sometimes the only real light.

Michael Sommers, NJ Newsroom: The dialogue sounds a mite contemporary, but Lopez writes it vividly and certainly knows how to pack plenty of storyline into two swift hours. Top-notch acting drives the drama, which is anchored by an exceptionally fine performance by Braugher, whose rich voice lends extra resonance to that Passover dinner.

 

 

 

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