“You will want to see this charming intergenerational two hander. It's a play that tugs at your heartstrings and also makes you smile...This unexpected friendship between two very different individuals is truly inspiring...The acting couldn't be better...The actors master Cirnigliaro's wonderfully written dialogue and make you feel as though Bernard and Rory's rooftop meetings are actually unfolding in real time...An honest, beautiful and genuine story that must be seen.”
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"This is one of those opposites-attract two-handers in which two people meet and instantly irritate each other, then gradually open up and form an unshakeable bond. Since this is the only possible plot trajectory, suspense is impossible; one's enjoyment hinges on becoming engaged with the characters, a tall order under the circumstances...If Erin Mallon's script is both predictable and cloying, the rest of the production is thoroughly professional."
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"Comically and touchingly demonstrated...What surprises most is how empathetic we grow to both characters. While the setup covers territory we've seen before, the playwright wins us over by feeding us information...in bits and pieces, allowing each to show their authenticity and vulnerability...The pair play beautifully off each other, and Masur gives an exceptional performance...A sweet and lovely little gem of a play.”
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"Gradually, as the course of a year passes, we learn about the characters' trouble-filled off-stage lives: Rory is coping with being part of a broken family; Bernard suffered loss early in life, and his wife now has medical issues. The growing friendship between the two opposites is obviously meant to create an occasion for epiphany. Too obviously. The drama in the characters' contrasting lives plays out with boilerplate predictability. It's all just a little too pat."
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“Masur’s and Johnson’s open-hearted, intelligent performances and Cirnigliaro’s thoughtful, understated direction polish up a play that occasionally treads water while in search of fresh ideas...Mallon’s humor can also be somewhat hit-and-miss...Still, Mallon just manages to thread the needle of balancing broad comedy with the multi-pronged pathos...’The Net Will Appear’ doesn’t demand much from its audience, but lovingly performed as it is here, it’s as gentle as an air hug.”
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"It’s kind and emotionally true, speaking sweetly and innocently of love, attachment, and loss in a way that feels authentic and engaging...Just believe me when I tell you this tender and emotional entwining of two souls in need is worthy of your time and your heart. Johnson is a charmer, building enthusiasm, emotionality, and engagement with a force that can’t be denied...A perfect gift of clarity, love, and kindness for the holidays."
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"Delivers a similar momentary respite from the battering harshness of the outside world, in a straightforward but skillful production...The production takes on the risk of casting both roles with actors who are within a few years of the actual age of their character, and for the most part the gambit succeeds...The overall effect is static, yet there is something calming in its predictability...I’d describe my experience of the work as peaceful."
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“Mallon’s sweet, modest play...Masur is terrific in portraying Bernard...Rory, a talkative, precocious nine-year-old, suddenly appears on the roof of the house next door, determined to engage her grumpy neighbor...Her naïveté provides much of the humor in the play. Many of her remarks are spot-on and hilarious, though some are too precious...Over the course of the 80 minutes of the play, Rory wears down Bernard’s reserve, and we learn more about each of them.”
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