"I felt nothing for Kuhn's performance at the Public and even less on Broadway, though I will admit she absolutely brings the house down with "Days and Days." However, to me, the song feels unearned. I think Helen is a mostly background character, not given her proper due throughout the show to be given such a big, show-stopping number. For the record, this is a slight against the way the character is presented, not Kuhn, who does well with the material she's given. Do I think it deserves a Tony nom? Nah. But what Sydney Lucas has done with Small Alison, absolutely. But, it's also a more "shine-worthy" role which Lucas has completely crushed and made her own."
I think this is the point thought that makes Days and Days work so well: how did she end up in this place where she has been pushed into the background of her very own life, having to manage the mess Bruce causes and keep her family afloat? For me, Kuhn very intentionally works her more limited time on stage prior to Days and Days to make this characterization become evident and crushing during that number.