More Theater Monday - Observant & Tracks

We were given complimentary tickets to Observant for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Observant 

Where: The Chain Theatre

             312 W. 36th St.

             New York, New York

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up

When: Through September 28, 2024

The Gordon family has gathered together to celebrate the holidays. Although they are a Jewish family, the way various family members observe their religion varies greatly. It ranges from the older sister, Sarah, who is Modern Orthodox to the mom. Amy who is more interested in following Christian traditions like putting up a tree and singing carols than following her own traditions. This leads to plenty of conflict within the family until an unexpected tragedy brings them together.

This is play that deals with some very serious subjects. They include not only religious intolerance, but antisemitism, and the gun violence that is permeating this country as well. Anyone who is triggered by these things should avoid it. It is not all heaviness for the entire duration of the show, however. There is plenty of humor and lightness mixed in at least throughout the early part of the play. Nevertheless, the central themes are very dark, and it is, by no means, a happy and uplifting show.

It is extremely timely. It is also thoughtful and well-written. It makes you think of what it really means to be tolerant and accepting of others even within your family. If we can't even achieve that how are we ever going to achieve tolerance and acceptance on a grander scale. 

And that's our view. For more about Observant or to purchase tickets, go to www.tickettailor.com/events/sparktheatrefestival

Photo credits:

All Observant production photos by Dallas Phelps, NYC

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What: Tracks

            

Where: 59E59 Theatres

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up

When: Through September 28, 2028

In Tracks, Mickey, a Black man in London, is trying to raise his son in the wake of the police killing of a black man and the riots that followed. Then,  a mysterious stranger from his past returns revealing secrets and upsetting things. 

While the performances of the three-member cast were good especially that of Jason Alan Carvell in the role of Mickey, a man who has clearly dealt with a lot in his life, and just wants to be left alone to raise his son. However, not that much happens in this show, it is mostly all talk and it is sometimes hard to understand the dialogue because of the accents. It also moves extremely slowly. Plus, you don't really get to know enough about the characters and their shared past. Maybe, if you did it would be more interesting and wouldn't feel so long.

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the

matter.

Tips for Tuesday will be closed tomorrow. Tune in Wednesday for Where-To-Go Wednesday.

Photo credits:

All Observant production photos by Dallas Phelps, NYC

All Tracks production photos by Burdette Parks