Ode to Joy – Location, Tickets, Review
Ode to Joy is a new play by Craig Lucas (best known for Prelude to a Kiss and the book (i.e. the spoken parts in the musical) of The Light in the Piazza). It centers on the story of a depressed, alcoholic painter (Kathryn Erbe) and her two lovers (Arliss Howard and Roxanna Hope) as they battle through illness, loss, addiction, and healing. Presented by Rattlestick Playwrights Theater at the Cherry Lane Theatre, Ode to Joy is a downbeat drama about how we cope with pain.
Maxamoo
We’re skeptical when playwrights direct their own work. There are examples of the “written and directed by” model working perfectly well, but Ode to Joy is not one. This play is self-indulgent and its tone is holier-than-thou. Its structure is a rambling Frankenstein of mismatched parts and its characters are unlikable narcissists.
Ode to Joy’s perspectives on alcoholism and addiction are preachy and self-serving, as if the mere fact that its characters are rock-bottom alcoholics automatically makes them worthy subjects of a play. Ode to Joy wants to move us to a place of empathy with a perpetual onslaught of depressing situations and relationships, but the result is the opposite. This play is off-putting, not because of its themes, but because the characterization of the themes feels like a shameless attempt to manipulate the audience.
Public Opinion
Have you seen Ode to Joy? What did you think? Comment below or tweet to us at @Maxamoo.
Critics’ Reviews
Wow, talk about split critics. The Times, sorta positive, and the Post, entirely negative, are at odds over Ode to Joy and the rest are pretty mixed:
New York Times
Can’t Hold Their Feelings, or Their Drink
New York Post
Craig Lucas’ ‘Ode to Joy’ is more 12-step program than play
NYtheater Now
Lucas’ script shines with frequent brilliance and singular characters
TheaterMania
“Craig Lucas’ new play, starring Kathryn Erbe and Arliss Howard, explores the havoc addiction wreaks on relationships.”
TICKETS
$66.00 (click here for tickets)
DATES
Extended through April 19, 2014
LOCATION
Cherry Lane Theatre
33 Commerce Street
New York City
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RUNNING TIME
2 hours and 10 minutes, 1 intermission
CAST & CREW
(partial list)
Written and Directed by Craig Lucas
Featuring Kathryn Erbe, Arliss Howard and Roxanna Hope