Red State Blue State
Closed 1h 15m
Red State Blue State
77%
77%
(142 Ratings)
Positive
81%
Mixed
18%
Negative
1%
Members say
Funny, Entertaining, Clever, Relevant, Intelligent

About the Show

SNL alum Colin Quinn lays bare the absurdities, hypocrisies, and calamities on both sides of the political divide in this new solo comedy.

Read more Show less

Critic Reviews (23)

The New York Times
January 22nd, 2019

“In a smart, if sometimes shaggy, monologue that ponders an ideologically riven nation, Quinn is not firmly allied to one side or another...He comes across as the kind of guy you might like to have a beer with, which may be as much of a plus in a comedian as it is in a politician. Unlike a politician, though, he will almost surely make you laugh, and more than once...Quinn throws out a couple of ideas for what to do...but ‘Red State Blue State’ isn’t a prescription. It’s a provocation.”
Read more

Time Out New York
January 22nd, 2019

"At a time when even middle-of-the-road comics seem to be choosing sides, it's refreshing to hear the no-nonsense Quinn go after political absolutism on both the right and the left. Yet this solo show, minimally directed by Bobby Morseco, lacks a clear narrative through line...His routine often seems stitched together, like a parade of greatest political hits—and misses. But...it has a fairly high laugh rate and, despite its hot-button topicality, feels designed to unite, not offend."
Read more

The Hollywood Reporter
January 22nd, 2019

“The comedian dissects the current social and political climate with his usual cutting wit and keen observations...The comedian is an equal opportunity offender, taking care to assail both sides of the political spectrum...Quinn's deadpan delivery can become monotonous over the course of an evening. And the show's climactic episode proves hit-or-miss. But those flaws don't prevent ‘Red State Blue State’ from being the sort of sharp political satire we can't seem to get enough of."
Read more

AM New York
January 22nd, 2019

“Liberals and conservatives alike are subjected to relentless ridicule and contempt in...Quinn’s pugnacious and contrarian one-man show...Quinn tackles and ridicules social media addiction, the expectation that comedians now must be politically correct, premarital sex and celebrities taking political stances...Even if you disagree with Quinn, his fast, loose and furious mode of presentation is consistently exciting and packed with solid laugh lines and smart comparisons."
Read more

Theatermania
January 22nd, 2019

“Quinn ends up preaching to a very particular choir. And that makes this 70-minute set all the more disappointing...In short, ‘Red State Blue State’ isn't barbed enough to be offensive nor incisive enough to be funny. More surprising is Quinn's unsteady delivery...He never really seems sure of himself...His ability to get through his own show seemed a little perilous...’Red State Blue State’ leaves us with a ho-hum sigh, rather than the belly laugh we so desperately want.”
Read more

BroadwayWorld
January 23rd, 2019

“Very funny riff on contemporary America's political divide...Directed by Bobby Moresco, ‘Red State Blue State’ is a tight 75-minute set that, without taking sides, seeks to sort out how the country got torn apart so quickly...To expound on this, he charges through 50 zingers, one for each state...Maybe they're not all gems, but his expertise in rhythms and tones creates a comical topography as varied as the land that we love.”
Read more

Lighting & Sound America
January 28th, 2019

“One of Quinn’s liveliest shows...The comedian has come up with a merrily nonpartisan evening that is likely to satisfy anyone with a sense of humor, no matter which way you vote...He...generates authentic shock-of-recognition laughs; their amusement level is only increased by that rusty-hasp voice and understated tone of incredulity at the absurdity...The fun thins a bit at a certain point, due to the show's single-note focus. But, after a slowish few minutes, Quinn recovers quite nicely.”
Read more

Talkin' Broadway
January 22nd, 2019

“A freewheeling, discursive examination of the country's current political and social stalemate. Trying to avoid taking a side, Quinn assures his audience upfront that he will...not exhibit partisan favoritism...’Red State Blue State’ seems scattershot as it takes aim at its satirical targets, and the material is often repetitive...The final section of the show reflects the unevenness of the writing...The litany becomes wearying instead of comically revelatory.”
Read more