Chris Nashawaty

“Whenever Cranston isn't on stage, the show tends to feel a bit didactic. And some of van Hove's flashy, fourth-wall-breaking technical daredevilry feels distracting and oddly pointless. For example, before the show even starts, the actors can be seen stretching and preparing on the darkened stage as French disco music plays.”

“And yet, Pretty Woman doesn’t quite work as a musical.”

“From the moment the curtain raises until the moment it finally drops, there’s a sense that something is missing.”

“It’s a show about déjà vu that I suspect will feel totally fresh and new every night.”

“As hard as it tries, The Present never really makes the case for why Chekhov’s forgotten play should be remembered alongside his more famous ones.”

“Too bad that this time around it’s also an ensemble comedy that feels like a one-man show.”