"A bumpy ride...She sets out not only to bust stereotypes about submissive Japanese-American women but also to rescue hick Kentuckians, intolerant Christians, ‘tiger moms’ and even the dying from the broad brush of caricature. Mission accomplished, though at a cost to coherence...An endless cycle of collision and regrouping, with pieces of plot hurtling at the characters from every direction...When it gets out of the way of its big agenda it has wonderful small things to say."
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"Winkler’s characters overflow with unexpected contradictions and loaded repartee that make them seem to exist beyond the confines of this story...That verisimilitude, bolstered by solid performances from the cast, is the finest attribute of this vivid character study. But although 'God Said This' grapples with compelling themes...the narrative isn't particularly cohesive or convincing...Winkler brings a singular voice and important perspective to the stage, but her Hiro’s journey wanders."
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“’God Said This’ is superior to its predecessor in every way but one...The new play is a vehicle without a dramatic motor. Winkler charts small changes to her characters, but mostly this is an evening of sitting around as they attend to Masako. Some problems have carried over...But ‘God Said This’ is a relatively painless example of the genre, with some expert actors and real moments of insight. It's not an attraction to go out of your way for, but...you're likely to have a pretty good time.”
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"To say there is something in 'God Said This' for everyone sounds trite, but it's accurate...Winkler knows we're each only the leading characters in our own life stories. The play delicately weaves together different genres, once again replicating the unpredictability of existence. One moment it's all sitcom-y harmless fun, the next it's ripping your heart out...An evening spent with this family at the theater, is an evening where humanity is on display in its rawest form."
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“A new play that may well ring a few bells of recognition with anybody who ever felt like an outsider among their kin...The playwright drew upon some personal experiences to create this engaging, if unexceptional, dramedy...Since the story regards mother-daughter-sister relationships more than otherwise, it’s curious that the two male figures have been developed with richer detail and color...The production and its design are competent rather than inspired, as are the performances.”
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"Theatergoers who have been in the same situation as Leah Nanako Winkler's characters in 'God Said This' may be very moved; others may be put off by the disagreeable nature of the majority of these people, family members who in other circumstances you would not want to get to know or spend time with. In any event, under the assured direction of Morgan Gould, the quintet of actors has some juicy if familiar roles to sink their teeth into."
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"My fingers are poised now over this keyboard and I am trying to compose a series of words to get you, Dear Reader, to understand that I witnessed a miracle last night. You don’t get the perfect blend often in New York theatre performances...Winkler’s writing goes deep into the real...I love this family. I want them to make it...You can’t, you can’t, you can’t miss this show. Really. I’m not kidding. This is gold I’m giving you here."
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“Directed with a haphazard whiplash style by Gould, the punches come wild and free...Winkler does a credible job bringing in doses of humor and rage...’God Said This’ tries to say way too much about way too many things. I just wanted Winkler to let God have just a few less pointed things to say in order to make this piece tighter, clearer, and more emotionally real...I enjoyed the creations of character, but had no desire to go to the wake and give comfort to these complicated souls.”
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