'English' Debuts on Broadway: A Heartfelt Comedy on Language and Identity
January 24, 2025The Broadway premiere of Sanaz Toossi's acclaimed play 'English' took place on January 23, 2025, at the Todd Haimes Theatre, featuring the original cast from its successful off-Broadway run.
Set in an Iranian classroom, the play centers on adult English learners preparing for their proficiency exam, revealing their dreams and frustrations, which adds depth to its comedic elements.
Gloria Oladipo from The Guardian describes 'English' as a complex exploration of language significance, intertwining comedy with profound themes of grief and assimilation.
Frank Scheck from New York Stage Review noted that upon rewatching the play, he found it thematically richer and more moving than during its initial premiere.
Jesse Green from The New York Times praises the play for its disciplined storytelling, blending humor with deeper themes of small tragedies and compensations.
Greg Evans concludes that the play retains its wit and compassion in its Broadway debut, ensuring that nothing is lost in translation.
Jonathan Mandell mentions that while 'English' remains a charming comedy about language learning, it feels less impactful in the current political and cultural climate than it did in 2022.
Tim Teeman urges audiences to see the play, linking its themes to contemporary issues of immigration and rights under political scrutiny.
Roma Torre highlights the challenges faced by non-native speakers in learning English, emphasizing the play's commentary on language's influence on identity and culture.
Charles Isherwood points out the evolving relationships among characters as a key feature of the play, showcasing the actors' fresh performances despite their prior roles.
Allison Considine stresses the show's exploration of identity and communication, declaring it a triumph of storytelling through language.
Adam Feldman from Time Out New York emphasizes the immersive nature of the play and its thoughtful exploration of language rules and character development.
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BroadwayWorld.com
Review Roundup: Pulitzer Prize-Winning ENGLISH Opens On Broadway