"The script of 'Orwell in America' has several shortcomings, all of them excusable once its lead actor, Jamie Horton, starts to speak. As the title character, Mr. Horton delivers perhaps the finest performance I’ve seen Off Broadway this year, and greatly raises the worth of this moderately interesting play...Joe Sutton’s script is light on drama, outside of moments manufactured to spark tension...Still, Mr. Horton is dynamic...While there’s scant spectacle, Mr. Horton remains transfixing."
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"Award-winning playwright Joe Sutton not only captures the man of ideas but also places them in a setting where they, and he, are accessible even to those who know nothing at all of Orwell...They explore his work, socialism, the Spanish Civil War, Britain’s class system, and sexual politics – which I know sounds about as exciting as listening to a chess match on the radio, but Sutton and Horton have managed to make these discussions that we might have in our daily lives."
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"Sutton has created a keen imagining of what might have occurred if Orwell had actually visited the United States on a book tour...The actors portray their roles with a passion that brings their characters to full life. Jamie Horton is excellent as George Orwell. You may believe you are in the company of the renowned writer who is tenacious, yet subtly charming...See 'Orwell in America' now while it is on the New York City stage. This theatrical jewel entertains and captivates its audience."
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"It's fascinating that 'Orwell in America' aims to get at the truth of its title character through an entirely fictional set of incidents...Most the time 'Orwell in America' is a sympathetic portrait of a fierce, fearless thinker caught in the political crosscurrents of his time...Sutton makes real drama out this imaginary episode that accurately evokes the conflicts that roiled Orwell's life in its final chapter. And in Horton, he has an actor magnificently equipped to bring Orwell to life. "
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"That Jamie Horton is an American actor employing an authentic sounding clipped British accent further substantiates his superb performance as the title role in the very enjoyable biographical fantasia…Ms. de Waal offers a lovely characterization conveying attractiveness and intelligence. De Waal and Horton have great chemistry together which is an integral part of the production’s success…Director Peter Hackett’s work with the actors achieves the desired sensitivity and passion."
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"Sutton’s writing as well as Horton’s portrayal certainly bring to life a vivid character...Soundbites of audience members' questions during Blair's talk become slightly off-putting because of the technical capacity of the space. However, it is apparent how they push the story forward. The actors command the stage with captivating grace, especially Horton, who creates a spot-on, complex George Orwell who is no longer merely a name on a dust jacket, but a multidimensional human."
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"Jamie Horton gives a delightful, virtuosic performance, engaging us with his humor and wit, while touching us with his neediness...Deftly directed by Peter Hackett, 'Orwell in America' is more than a fascinating study of a leading literary figure. It’s also a touching romance (Orwell is in his late 40s, Carlotta is in her early 20s). Moreover, it’s about historical context...Thanks to playwright Sutton’s passion and Jamie Horton’s performance, Orwell certainly has left an impression on us."
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"I suspect that even fans of Orwell and those who are particularly well informed about this period in history will find a new level of understanding about this era...Director Peter Hackett makes some wonderful choices, both in utilization of the stage space and in the way his actors express themselves through body language and physicality. A well-rounded production that oozes charm and celebrates humor, 'Orwell in America' is an absolute treat and not to be missed."
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