COLLECTED STORIES Reviews — Page 2

Boring this play is not. It's not fireworks or spectacle, but it's brilliant dialogue and thrilling to watch the two characters evolve over time. I found myself sitting in the seat, not wanting any scene to end and yet wanting to know what was coming next for these two characters and their relationship.

I find these reviews' almost omission of Sarah Paulson odd. They all write love letters to Lavin, rightfully, but seem to gloss over Paulson. Although she is a little old for the role, I thought Sarah Paulson was absolutely brilliant. Her change over the 6 years the play is set was stunning.

I wish so much that I could see this show again. It's funny and heartbreaking and, I thought, so moving. Then again, I relate so much with the character of Lisa.

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Updated On: 4/28/10 at 11:01 PM

The Faster Times is mixed to positive:

But if “Collected Stories” eventually focuses on this issue, its main pleasures come from watching two good actresses explore their evolving relationship in six scenes over six years, starting with a visit Lisa, then a graduate student, makes to the cluttered Greenwich Village apartment of Ruth, who is her teacher. Lisa becomes Ruth’s assistant, protégée, friend, and then a literary star eclipsing her mentor.
Collected Stories Review: Stealing A Life For Literature

Mixed to positive from NY1. He hardly addresses Lavin's performance, except to say that she uses a lot of tissues. He's pissed about it.


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