“It transforms a neglected American tragedy into an act of living remembrance while simultaneously expanding the expressive possibilities of musical theater itself.”
Off-BwayPlayOriginal
OFF-BROADWAYPLAYORIGINALNOW PLAYING
The Potluck
Soho Rep · 2h 30m · Opened Jun 30, 2026 · Closes Aug 9, 2026
Critics' Take
Alvarez's meta-musical about the 1979 Greensboro Massacre draws mixed reviews. Critics praise its ambitious risk-taking and emotional honesty but fault its self-reflexive structure for obscuring the powerful historical story at its core.
Critic Scorecard
8 reviewsSort:
“I found “The Potluck” extraordinary, and devastating.”
“It is heartbreaking and beautiful as it finds a window into the pain of loss and stirs up righteous anger.”
Exeunt Magazine StaffFull Review
“Alvarez tells the story in seemingly unrelated but fascinating dollops of information that coalesce when they sings “The Ballad of the 5,” that memorial to the five martyrs.”
“It's a lovely idea but one that doesn't feel fully earned.”
Audience Scorecard
36 audience reviews
B-
Shrugging
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about The Potluck?
Alvarez's meta-musical about the 1979 Greensboro Massacre draws mixed reviews. Critics praise its ambitious risk-taking and emotional honesty but fault its self-reflexive structure for obscuring the powerful historical story at its core. (CriticScore 71/100 from 8 reviews.)
Is The Potluck worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say The Potluck is worth seeing (71/100 from 8 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for The Potluck?
The Potluck has a CriticScore of 71/100 based on 8 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is The Potluck still running Off-Broadway?
Yes, The Potluck is currently playing at Soho Rep Off-Broadway. It is scheduled to close on August 9, 2026.
Where is The Potluck playing Off-Broadway?
The Potluck is playing at Soho Rep.
How long is The Potluck?
The Potluck has a runtime of 2 hours and 30 minutes, including 1 intermission.
Cast
Cast information is not yet available for this production.
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 71/100 (8 reviews)
- Status
- Now Playing
- Opened
- Jun 30, 2026
- Closes
- Aug 9, 2026
- Running
- 2 months Off-Broadway
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Intermissions
- 1
- Theater
- Soho Rep
- Synopsis
- A musical exploring inherited trauma, activism, and the legacy of the Greensboro Massacre. The musical draws on the 1979 Greensboro Massacre, in which five labor organizers were killed during a protest in Greensboro, North Carolina. It follows a narrative shaped by the aftermath of that violence, tracing how its impact extends across generations. What begins as an attempt to document history evolves into a broader exploration of memory, trauma, and the lingering presence of unresolved events. Created by César James Alvarez, who was born into the survivor community, the musical shifts between personal reflection and collective experience. Featuring a 12-person intergenerational cast, the work incorporates music and storytelling to examine capitalism, solidarity, and how individuals proce...
- Data Last Updated
- August 8, 2026
