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Excellent cast and story!! The set is awesome. The play will make you laugh, cry, and think. Lynn Nottage did well in bringing the story of these women to the stage. It made me more aware of some of the injustices that women face on a global level. Go see it for yourself!! It needs to go to Broadway next.

rating: no rating  ·  posted on 5/13/2009 at 2:36 PM

This weekend I went, somewhat begrudgingly, to see _Ruined_ at The Manhattan Theatre Club. I knew nothing about the play except that it had just won the Pulitzer Prize for Lynn Nottage. That was enough to get me in the door. Once in the theatre at City Center I saw the gigantic wall poster of the plays synopsis. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted those key cringe inducing Eve Ensler nouns and shuddered. I felt lightheaded at the very thought of two and a half hours of "women as victims" narrative. Well, in for a penny in for a pound as they say. I had my ticket and a pocketful of gourmet jelly beans, so into the theatre with me. My equilibrium began to return the moment I stepped inside. The stage is enormous and the house is small; and excellent combination. The stage was set dramatically and expansively, every inch was performance space. I took my comfortable sixth row seat and spun my head like an owl. The house was filled with actual theatergoers. The interracial crowd was tourist-free; another good sign, nary an M&Ms shopping bag in sight. Sitting in the row directly in front of me was Philip Seymour Hoffman or Phil as his friends call him and Laila Robbins not together; another very good sign. A few rows ahead of me, Lynn Whitfield sat down. Things were looking up. The last time I had been at a performance with such a healthy percentage of actor to commoner ration was _August Osage County_. Never underestimate the veracity of good omens. This play is enormous. Yes, it is a play set in a war torn far off locale, and yes there are unspeakable horrors brought upon women, men and children. But there is nothing treacly or sentimental or preachy about _Ruined_. It is a beautiful story about the human spirit, that brought me to tears twice not out of pity for the characters, but out of admiration for their strength. There are wonderful moments of laughter, and there is music, gorgeous, poetic music. The play is set in a taverna/brothel, and the music is live and an integral part of the play. Kate Whoriskey directs this play at a perfect pace. There is never one moment of downtime or distraction, I was riveted to every moment and motion on stage The play is mostly led by female characters who were beautifully developed. The male lead; Russel G. Jones, broke my heart. He is Herbie to Saidah Arrika Ekulonas aptly named Mama. It does not belittle _Ruined_ to draw this Gypsy comparison. Both Mamas live off the "talents" of their girls and both have a traveling salesman wooing them. Mr Jones Christian, like Herbie, is driven by decency, and in _Ruined_ this male character trait is most spectacular. Ms. Ekulona is a dynamic actress and finds every nuance of Mama, I could not get enough of her. Condola Rashad yes, Mrs. Huxtables daughter was a delightful surprise. She does a very fine job in the difficult and demanding role of Sophie. It is when she sings that she really comes to life. A capable singer, she is heartbreaking singing the songs of Lynn Nottage. Enough can not said about the play itself. My only concern about it is that now that it has won the Pulitzer, community theatres across America will tackle it. Human Rights organization will build fundraisers around it. But without the gorgeous direction of Ms. Whoriskey, the play could be cheapened. Produced on the expansive stage of the MTC and staged in such a realistic manner, there is a degree of intimacy that is a key component to the experience. This play should not be "watched" it should be experienced. In the wrong hands it quite possibly could deteriorate into a Congo Monologue. Please see it now while it is as it should be. The play and the performances will stay with you and youll feel better for having seen it.

rating: no rating  ·  posted on 5/11/2009 at 11:41 AM

I just came home from seeing RUINED at the Manhattan Theatre Club. You know how sometimes you see a play and you just want to tell everyone to go out and see it? Well, this is that play and I am telling everyone to go out and see it. While the message alone is reason enough, this play is so gripping, so riveting, and yes, so entertaining as well. It is beautifully acted, beautifully staged -- with much less technological magic than usual at MTC, beautifully written, and beautifully cast. As my husband said, if he had not read the impressive bio of the actress who played Salima, he would have thought she was a real refugee victim from the Congo who had been plunked down on the stage to tell her amazing story! I felt that way about just about everyone in the cast. Granted, the ending felt someone pat, and perhaps detracted from the sense of realism of what came before, but it is still a lovely and satisfying denouement. This is the best play I have seen at MTC since DOUBT. No doubt about it.

rating: no rating  ·  posted on 2/3/2009 at 10:54 PM

It is a rare thing that a human rights subject gets the creative treatment it deserves, but in this 2009 MTC production of, Ruined, it does. This is a beautifully written, directed, acted and staged play which uses craft and love to allow us, the audience, into the lives and choices of four women in war and chaos. If you go to one play this year, make it this one.

rating: no rating  ·  posted on 2/1/2009 at 12:50 PM

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» Ruined Extends at Manhattan Theatre Club Through September 6 Theater News
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