Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s Broadway Debut in 'Other Desert Cities' Divides Critics

Key points

• Julia Louis-Dreyfus makes her Broadway debut as Polly Wyeth in the revival of 'Other Desert Cities' at the Hudson Theatre.
• The production is a box-office success, joining the $2 Million Club in its first full week of previews.
• Critical reception is sharply divided, with some praising the cast and others criticizing the dated material and uneven direction.
• Joe Keery receives universal acclaim for his role as Trip Wyeth, while Ed Harris and Allison Janney receive mixed reviews.
• The play, set in 2004, explores family secrets and political divides, with renewed relevance in the current climate.

Background

Jon Robin Baitz's 'Other Desert Cities' premiered Off-Broadway in 2011 before transferring to Broadway the same year. The play was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The current revival is directed by John Benjamin Hickey, with a star-studded cast including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Allison Janney, Joe Keery, and Lily Rabe. The production is a limited engagement running through January 17, 2027.

How outlets are covering it

Critics are sharply divided on the revival. 1 Minute Critic and The New York Times praise the production, with 1 Minute Critic calling it a 'phenomenal revival' and The New York Times calling Louis-Dreyfus's debut 'smashing.' However, The Los Angeles Times criticizes the dated material and uneven direction, calling the play 'cumbersome' and the direction 'blunting the laughter.' Playbill notes that the production is a box-office success, joining the $2 Million Club in its first full week of previews. Joe Keery receives universal acclaim for his role as Trip Wyeth, while Ed Harris and Allison Janney receive mixed reviews. The play's 2004 setting is noted for its renewed relevance to current political divides, with some critics arguing that the play's themes are more relevant now than when it premiered.

Why it matters

The revival of 'Other Desert Cities' highlights the enduring relevance of Jon Robin Baitz's play in the current political climate. The play's exploration of family secrets and political divides resonates with contemporary audiences, making it a significant cultural event. The star-studded cast, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Broadway debut, has drawn significant attention and box-office success, demonstrating the power of Broadway to attract audiences and spark critical debate.

What to watch

The production will continue at the Hudson Theatre through January 17, 2027. Critics and audiences will continue to debate the merits of the revival, with some praising the cast and others criticizing the dated material and uneven direction. The play's themes of family secrets and political divides will likely remain relevant in the current climate, making it a significant cultural event.