“A deliciously barbed comedy where civility crumbles and the laughs land hard.”
PLAYCLOSED
The Balusters
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre · 1h 35m
Opened Apr 21, 2026 · Closed Jun 21, 2026 · Ran for 2 months
15 Rave
15 Positive
5 Mixed
1 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics largely embrace Lindsay-Abaire's sharp HOA satire as a funny, timely skewering of liberal hypocrisy, though some find it heavy-handed. The stellar ensemble cast and biting dialogue earn widespread praise.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
36 reviews15 Rave
15 Positive
5 Mixed
1 Negative
Sort:
“The Balusters is the best play of the season and the funniest current night out.”
“It is the kind of work I crave in a comedy-- insightful, entertaining, uproariously funny, perspicaciously comments on our time and stays with you long after the curtain comes down.”
“This year, it appears that one of those marvelous shows is The Balusters.”
““The Balusters” is a must-see production that accomplishes what the best social comedies do: it makes us laugh at petty squabbles while forcing us to confront the uglier truths underneath.”
Audience Scorecard
2.5K audience reviews
A
Loving It
Awards Scorecard
2025-26 season59
Honored
Nominated for Best Play
Drama Desk:1 win / 7 nomsOuter Critics:1 winDrama League:2 noms
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about The Balusters?
Critics largely embrace Lindsay-Abaire's sharp HOA satire as a funny, timely skewering of liberal hypocrisy, though some find it heavy-handed. The stellar ensemble cast and biting dialogue earn widespread praise. (CriticScore 79/100 from 36 reviews.)
Is The Balusters worth seeing?
Yes. The Balusters earns strong reviews from critics (79/100 from 36 reviews). Most theatergoers will have a great time.
What is the CriticScore for The Balusters?
The Balusters has a CriticScore of 79/100 based on 36 professional reviews. This is a "Recommended" show.
Is The Balusters still running on Broadway?
No, The Balusters has closed. It played at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre and closed on June 21, 2026.
How long is The Balusters?
The Balusters has a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes with no intermission.
Is The Balusters appropriate for children?
The Balusters is recommended for Ages 12+.
Theater Scorecard
Great VenueThe Samuel J. Friedman Theatre offers good sightlines with minimal obstructions and a well-raked mezzanine, ensuring a clear view from most seats. The sound quality is consistently praised, and the seating is comfortable with decent legroom. The theater's ambiance is enhanced by its elegant design following renovation, though facilities like restrooms are average, leading to some congestion during intermissions.
Original Broadway Cast
- Marylouise BurkePenny BuellNom: Featured Actress (Play)
- Kayli CarterWillow GibbonsBroadway debut
- Ricardo ChaviraIsaac RosarioBroadway debut
- Carl Clemons-HopkinsBrooks Duncan
- Margaret ColinRuth Ackerman
- Michael EsperAlan Kirby
- Maria-Christina OliverasLuz Baccay
- Anika Noni RoseKyra Marshall
Creative Team
- David Lindsay-AbairePlaywright
- Kenny LeonDirector
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 79/100 (36 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Apr 21, 2026
- Closed
- Jun 21, 2026
- Run Length
- 2 months
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Intermissions
- 0
- Age
- Ages 12+
- Synopsis
- The Balusters is a comedy play written by David Lindsay-Abaire and originally produced at Manhattan Theatre Club.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
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