"Mother Russia" at Signature

[MezzA101]

Posted: 2/25/26 at 7:02am

‘Mother Russia’ Review: A New Play That’s as Funny as It’s Smart

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/23/theater/mother-russia-review.html?unlocked_article_code=1.O1A.-BiE.Q2Q2SGFvvKRk&smid=nytcore-android-share

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 2/26/26 at 12:08am

I enjoyed this a lot, but there was something that I still can't put my finger on that felt just a little "off" about it, like it needs one more reworking but I can't figure out what they should change.  It straddles tone very well, the playfulness and archness of the characters and their line delivery giving way to the truths about their situations (weirdly it reminded me a bit of Prince F in that way).  There are a lot of laughs that carry you through the show, and the set has some fun transitions as well, but I think maybe it just went on for a bit longer than I wanted it to.  David Turner as Mother Russia I thought was giving the most memorable performance, but there really wasn't a weak link at all in the cast.  I'd be really curious to hear what others thought of this, given that I'm having trouble parsing my own feelings on the play, though I did quite enjoy it overall.