Mixed Reviews for 'Other Desert Cities' Revival Highlight Cast Divides

Key points

• The revival of 'Other Desert Cities' opened at the Hudson Theatre in New York, running through January 17, 2027.
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus makes her Broadway debut as Polly Wyeth, while Joe Keery makes his stage debut as Trip.
• Ed Harris, Allison Janney, and Lily Rabe return to Broadway in the production, which is directed by John Benjamin Hickey.
• The play, originally a 2011 Pulitzer finalist, is set in 2004 and explores a conservative family's secrets amidst the Iraq War era.
• Joe Keery is widely praised for his performance, with critics noting his ability to balance cynicism and sensitivity.
• The production has become one of the hottest tickets of the fall season, drawing celebrity audiences.

Background

Our previous coverage in September 2026 highlighted 'Other Desert Cities' as a key highlight of the 2026-2027 Broadway season, noting Louis-Dreyfus's debut as a significant career milestone. Earlier reports also detailed the broader fall season, which includes other high-profile revivals and new musicals. Louis-Dreyfus's transition from television to stage has been a topic of interest, with recent interviews discussing her career trajectory and the friction involved in her previous television work.

How outlets are covering it

The critical reception of the revival is polarized. The New York Times and The Guardian offer largely positive reviews, with Helen Shaw calling Louis-Dreyfus's debut 'smashing' and praising the cast's energy. The Guardian describes the production as 'timely' and notes that Louis-Dreyfus and Ed Harris 'shine,' though it critiques Lily Rabe's character for being too faultless. In contrast, The Hollywood Reporter's Richard Lawson is highly critical, describing the production as 'wobbly' and 'woefully imbalanced.' Lawson argues that Louis-Dreyfus fails to convey the necessary power and gravitas for her role, and that Ed Harris appears lost. He also criticizes director John Benjamin Hickey for poor pacing. New York Theatre Guide provides a more neutral overview, focusing on the cast and production details, but notes in its review that the show is 'largely awkwardly directed' despite standout performances from Keery. All sources agree that Joe Keery delivers the best performance in the ensemble.

Why it matters

The revival of 'Other Desert Cities' is significant for several reasons. First, it marks the Broadway debut of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, a major television star, and the stage debut of Joe Keery, a popular film actor. Second, the play's themes of political division, family secrets, and the legacy of conservative politics remain relevant in the current political climate, making it a timely production. Third, the production's success or failure will likely influence the trajectory of these actors' careers and the future of Broadway revivals. The mixed reviews also highlight the challenges of reviving classic plays in a new cultural context, where original themes may need to be reinterpreted to resonate with modern audiences.

What to watch

The production will continue at the Hudson Theatre through January 17, 2027. The mixed critical reception may impact ticket sales and the show's longevity, but its status as a hot ticket suggests strong audience interest. Future reviews and audience feedback will likely provide a clearer picture of the production's overall success. The actors involved may also use this production as a platform to showcase their range and versatility, potentially leading to new opportunities in film, television, or stage.