Broadway's 'The Roommate' Stars Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone in a Spirited Comedy of Unexpected Friendship
September 13, 2024The Roommate, a new comedy written by Jen Silverman, centers on Sharon, played by Mia Farrow, who seeks a roommate after her divorce, leading to an unexpected friendship with Robyn, portrayed by Patti LuPone.
Set in the present day, the play explores themes of identity, morality, and personal reinvention, as both characters undergo significant development and reveal deeper layers of their personalities.
Directed by Jack O'Brien, the production began previews on August 29 and officially opened on September 12, with performances scheduled to run until December 15, 2024, at the Booth Theatre.
The opening night featured both Farrow and LuPone, who took their bows together, showcasing their dynamic interplay that enhances the play's themes of friendship and identity.
The narrative touches on various issues, including divorce, identity theft, estranged families, and drug use, and has received an audience approval rating of 82% on Show-Score.
The play runs for approximately 100 minutes without an intermission and includes a brief sequence of flashing lights and staged smoking.
While the humor in the play is initially hit-or-miss, it gains momentum as Sharon engages in small scams, illustrating her transformation and the evolving relationship with Robyn.
Critics have noted that the play subverts audience expectations regarding the relationship between the two women, although some have remarked that the characters lack depth.
Despite the characters' shortcomings, the performances by Farrow and LuPone keep the audience engaged, thanks to their extensive acting experience.
Overall, The Roommate is recognized as a spirited Broadway entry that showcases the talents of its lead actresses, even if it doesn't fully realize its potential.
The play was inspired by stories from Silverman's partner's mother about having a roommate later in life, which adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Featuring a simple structure with just two actors and minimal production elements, the play has been described as a 'sophisticated sitcom' appealing to fans of the lead actresses and the playwright.
Summary based on 18 sources
Get a daily email with more Theatre stories
Sources
New York Post • Sep 11, 2024
'The Roommate' on Broadway: Get tickets to see Mia Farrow and Patti LuPoneVariety • Sep 12, 2024
'The Roommate' Review: Mia Farrow, Patti LuPone in Broadway ComedyThe Daily Beast • Sep 13, 2024
‘The Roommate’ on Broadway: Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow Do the Dark SideDeadline • Sep 13, 2024
Mia Farrow & Patti LuPone In ‘The Roommate’: Odd Couple, Odder Play – Broadway Review