Review Roundup: NONSENSE AND BEAUTY is a winning world premiere
Thursday | Mar. 14, 2019
A world premiere theatrical production is a special thing. With Nonsense and Beauty, The Rep is telling a story that's never appeared on a stage before: the tale of celebrated author E.M. Forster, the man he loved, and their rocky journey toward truly connecting with one another.
We're compiling all of the local critical reactions in this space, so be sure to keep checking back as the reviews continue to roll in! The show continues through March 24.
Calvin Wilson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
“Playwright Scott C. Sickles has a rare wit, and has created a story very much in the spirit of (E.M.) Forster."
"The palpable yearnings of its characters in a time of social repression, even for a renowned writer such as Forster, make it a fascinating and absorbing story."
Lynn Venhaus, St. Louis Limelight:
"This is the sixth play from 'Ignite!' to become a full-fledged production, and this world premiere is a dandy – a lovingly crafted work of substance, that means something, where the attention to detail is strong, and the approach thoughtful."
Richard T. Green, Talkin' Broadway:
"It could either be very funny or very sad, but under the direction of Seth Gordon on the studio stage at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, it manages very nicely to be both."
Michelle Kenyon, Snoop's Theatre Thoughts:
"With simple, effective staging and an especially strong cast, this is a compelling, promising new play."
Ann Pollack, St. Louis Eats and Drinks:
"The close confines of the Studio Theatre make it up close and personal. The contrast between the hesitant, upper-class intellectual who dreams of a loving relationship and the much younger man who is pretty much the epitome of what he’s longed for, including being more forthcoming physically and emotionally, is striking."