“And they have succeeded beyond any expectation I had prior to seeing it.”
By Shari BarrettMay 26, 2026Full Review
PLAYREGIONALCLOSED
Ascent
Skylight Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
Opened May 12, 2026 · Closed Jun 14, 2026 · Ran for 1 month
Regional production: tracked as a buzzy, well-reviewed show that could transfer to Broadway.
3 Rave
2 Positive
2 Mixed
Critics' Take
Henry Ong's final play about Chinese rocket scientist Qian Xuesen delivers timely relevance and strong performances, though critics note pacing issues from excessive short scenes and laborious transitions that bog down the production.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
7 reviews3 Rave
2 Positive
2 Mixed
Sort:
Weighted by outlet tier · Counts
- Tier 1: 100%
- Tier 2: 75%
- Tier 3: 40%
- Tier 4: 20%
“Henry Ong’s Ascent is a tempest in a Fabergé jewel box.”
By Ernest KearneyMay 24, 2026Full Review
“Whether or not you had the great good fortune of knowing Henry, his final play is a theatrical event worth celebrating.”
StageSceneLA StaffMay 23, 2026Full Review
“I highly recommend for all to watch this play about this incredible man brought to life by such talented artists...”
The Nerds of Color StaffMay 11, 2026Full Review
“This is a very well-made production, but it raises the question of what this play could have been if the playwright, who passed away in 2018, had been able to sign off on the final draft.”
By Molly McLeanMay 12, 2026Full Review
