'English' Debuts on Broadway: A Heartfelt Comedy on Language and Identity

January 24, 2025
'English' Debuts on Broadway: A Heartfelt Comedy on Language and Identity
  • The 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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