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An Enemy Of The People Reviews: Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli Dazzle In The Broadway Revival

Author DanielDaniel, April 19th, 2024

The Critics Weigh In On The Latest Broadway Revival

The reviews are rolling in for the revival of Ibsen's 1882 powerful play An Enemy Of The People'. Starring Jeremy Strong (Succession), Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos, White Lotus), and Victoria Pedretti (You), this production unfolds the narrative of a community doctor, portrayed by Strong, who uncovers a grave threat to the lives of himself and his fellow townspeople. As he attempts to raise the alarm, he is confronted by the harsh reality that those in authority cannot be trusted. With a target firmly on his back, the doctor must now worry about saving his town - and himself.

Following its debut on March 18, the eagerly anticipated reviews have poured in. Jeremy Strong's performance has garnered widespread acclaim, alongside discussions of the unexpected environmental protest that occurred mid-show and Ibsen's commentary on timely issues. Explore the critics' reactions to the opening night of 'An Enemy Of The People' below!

The Reviews

The Hollywood Reporter: "It's far from the first time Ibsen and this work in particular has been dragged into the present, but it's urgent and effective. Ultimately one of the key strengths of this bracing revival is that it presents a classic drama as a play for our time."

The Wall Street Journal: "As Dr. Thomas Stockmann, the much-antagonized protagonist of Henrik Ibsen's "An Enemy of the People," and perhaps the first theatrical whistleblower, Jeremy Strong gives a performance of sustained, contained intensity that keeps this intimate, refreshing revival continually absorbing."

Vulture: "But Herzog and Gold have cleared away any fustiness (which really lies not in Ibsen but in us) and have drawn out Enemy's inherent muscularity."

TimeOut: "I have seen productions that laid out the counterarguments and personality conflicts more compellingly, but none that focused so intently and mournfully on the underlying issue of contamination, both of the environment and of public discourse. This version of the play is a plea to the audience."

Deadline: "But have no doubt: Audiences on any every night of this limited 16-week run at Circle in the Square will witness a taut and exactingly directed production. Sam Gold's An Enemy Of The People is one of the best play revivals of the current season to date, right up there with Purlie Victorious, besting Doubt and even Gold's own, shakier Macbeth starring Daniel Craig in 2022."

Entertainment Weekly: "First staged over 140 years ago, Ibsen's play feels eerily prescient when performed here and now on Broadway, in an era where truth is constantly discarded for "alternative facts" and more conveniently advantageous narratives. In the hands of writer Amy Herzog, director Sam Gold, and a committed cast, it also is a striking portrait of oppositional forces both strategically manipulative and stunningly violent."

Theatrely: "Strong seemed to remain in character, even asking for the protesters to be allowed to speak as Imperioli and others, also in character, helped kick them out. The tension in his sulky disposition at that moment half commitment, half actual anguish proved to be the most incendiary comment on performativity, idealism, and action of the night."

Theatremania: "They are nigh perfect to play the opposing Stockmann brothers in Ibsen's An Enemy of the People, now being given a zippy revival adapted by playwright Amy Herzog and directed by her husband, Sam Gold."

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