“Though it has its flaws, this Present is a stunning evening of theater and an insightful examination of how echoes of the past can influence how we live now.”
PLAYCLOSED
The Present
Opened Jan 8, 2017 · Closed Mar 19, 2017 · Ran for 2 months
5 Rave
8 Positive
7 Mixed
3 Negative
Critics' Take
Critics are mixed on this Chekhov adaptation, with most agreeing Cate Blanchett delivers a dazzling Broadway debut in a production that's overlong and uneven. Her star power carries an otherwise lethargic three-hour evening.
This show has closed. Tickets are no longer available.
Critic Scorecard
23 reviews5 Rave
8 Positive
7 Mixed
3 Negative
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“This is dazzling ensemble theater, partnering Blanchett with the sly and thrilling Richard Roxburgh, her Vanya in 2012.”
“Her presence in The Present makes it an instant event on Broadway; but the play and production are more than worthy, thank you very much.”
“Blanchett and Roxburgh give off so much heat that it’s hard to focus on all these secondary moths.”
“The brilliance of Crowley’s production lies in its ability to peel back the layers of its many characters to reveal relatable and laughable flaws.”
Audience Scorecard
294 audience reviews
B-
Shrugging
Awards Scorecard
2016-17 season23
Nominated
Nominated for Best Actress (Play)
Drama Desk:1 nom
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicAll Time
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about The Present?
Critics are mixed on this Chekhov adaptation, with most agreeing Cate Blanchett delivers a dazzling Broadway debut in a production that's overlong and uneven. Her star power carries an otherwise lethargic three-hour evening. (CriticScore 70/100 from 23 reviews.)
Is The Present worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say The Present is worth seeing (70/100 from 23 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for The Present?
The Present has a CriticScore of 70/100 based on 23 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is The Present still running on Broadway?
No, The Present has closed. It played at Ethel Barrymore Theatre and closed on March 19, 2017.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Ethel Barrymore Theatre offers good sightlines with a well-raked mezzanine and minimal obstructions, though some box seats have limited views. Sound quality is average, with some reports of less than ideal acoustics. Comfort is typical for a Broadway theater, with decent legroom in some areas. However, facilities are lacking, with only one restroom on the lower level leading to potential congestion.
Original Broadway Cast
- Cate BlanchettAnnaNom: Actress (Play)Broadway debut
- Richard RoxburghMikhailBroadway debut
- Anna BamfordMariaBroadway debut
- Andrew BuchananOsipBroadway debut
- David DownerYegorBroadway debut
- Eamon FarrenKirillBroadway debut
- Martin JacobsAlexeiBroadway debut
- Brandon McClellandDimitriBroadway debut
Creative Team
- John CrowleyDirector
- Andrew UptonPlaywright
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 70/100 (23 reviews)
- Status
- Closed
- Opened
- Jan 8, 2017
- Closed
- Mar 19, 2017
- Run Length
- 2 months
- Synopsis
- Present Arms is a Broadway musical comedy that opened April 26, 1928, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart, and book by Herbert Fields. It was produced by Lew Fields with musical numbers stage by Busby Berkeley.
- Data Last Updated
- October 7, 2026
