Discover what is being said about the new play by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire.
The Guardian: *** “Is this a multifaceted discussion or a series of cute writers’ tricks? The Balusters feels more like the latter – which makes it both more fun and less resonant than it probably should be.”
The New York Times: “This psychological delicacy comes as no surprise: Lindsay-Abaire wrote one of our most persuasive dramas on social collision, “Good People,” which explores the two ends of the class struggle in New England. I may have quibbles with the way his plot here unfolds, particularly the way it incorporates Luz, whose circumstances must be manipulated in unrealistic ways. But all boulevard comedies lean on coincidence, and I guess that applies even when the boulevard is a residential esplanade. (I laughed while I watched “The Balusters”; I only grumbled while thinking about it hours later.)”
Theatrely.com: “The Balusters concludes with a victory for social justice and the raising up of marginalized voices in a manner that feels tidy. It’s satisfying, yes—and perhaps Lindsay-Abaire is allowing himself a bit of fantasy by pushing that still-raging right-wing backlash out of his narrative frame. But great satire surely has to confront the ugliness, not pretend it away. The culture wars are still raging, and there is no victory in sight—nice as that might be to imagine.”
Variety: “Written by David Lindsay-Abaire with a keen understanding of human nature and directed by Kenny Leon with a master’s skill for building onstage drama to a fever pitch, “The Balusters,” which debuts tonight at Manhattan Theatre Club, may be the most vital and timely show on Broadway this season. It’s definitely the funniest.”
Deadline: “While The Balusters is never less than entertaining, the play suffers in comparison to similar recent Broadway works, notably The Minutes and, especially, Eureka Day, both of which had sharper laughs and singular executions.”
Entertainment Weekly: “By the time The Balusters reaches its conclusion, the play has forced its characters and audience to explore the intricacies of racism, discrimination, privilege, and those annoying biases that we all contain, and asked the question of how we determine a bad person is a bad person. It’s uncomfortable, hokey (in a respectable way, most of the time), and keen, although it could do with a bit of sharpening in some elements.”
New York Post: *** “Line by line and moment by moment, “The Balusters” is an engrossing and enjoyable watch, fueled by Lindsay-Abaire’s impolite humor and the cast’s sparky connectivity and willing embrace of the bonkers. Director Kenny Leon precisely paces the comedy and gets a string of howls for his efforts.”
New York Theater.me: “It seems unfair to leave anybody unmentioned – let’s see, there’s also Carl Clemons-Hopkins as Brooks Duncan, who feels targeted more for being gay than Black (although, in a clever twist, things are not what they seem), and Michael Esper as Alan Kirby, who feels targeted for being a straight white man. It also feels unfair to single out any individual performances. “
The Wall Street Journal: “David Lindsay-Abaire sets his comic sights on the contentious happenings within a wealthy suburb’s neighborhood association in a new play directed by Kenny Leon.”
New York Stage Review: **** “Speaking of aesthetic curation, we must discuss Derek McLane’s Architectural Digest–ready set. From the floor-to-ceiling drapes to the turquoise tiled fireplace to the burnt-orange and olive walls through the parlor doorways, every detail is stunning, right down to the artwork and the throw pillows (two of which I have already tracked down and purchased). Top-notch comedy and covetable home decor—all in a tidy 100-minute package.”
Theater Mania: “Regardless of anything else, The Balusters is hilarious, skewering not only neighborhood associations but also identity politics while maintaining compassion for all its characters. Too bad real HOA meetings can’t be this fun.”
New York Theatre Guide: “Still, The Balusters is thrilling to watch from start to finish, a sort of respectable cage match with a typed agenda and tea served on family china. Welcome to the liberal thunderdome.”
To book tickets visit: https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/shows/2025-26-season/the-balusters/