
Show Finder
The Children
First Preview: Nov 13, 2017
Opening Date: Nov 28, 2017
Closing Date: Feb 4, 2018
Running Time: 01:55
Playing @
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
261 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Direct from an acclaimed run in London, the powerful Royal Court Theatre production of Lucy Kirkwood’s astonishing new play will make its American debut at MTC with the heralded original cast.
In a remote cottage on the lonely British coast, a couple of retired nuclear engineers are living a very quiet life. Outside, the world is in utter chaos following a devastating series of events. When an old friend turns up at their door, they’re shocked to discover the real reason for her visit.
The Children stars the original Royal Court Theatre cast: BAFTA Award winner Francesca Annis (BBC’s “Cranford”), two-time Olivier Award nominee Ron Cook (Juno and the Paycock at The Donmar), and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Deborah Findlay (National Theatre’s Stanley).
In a remote cottage on the lonely British coast, a couple of retired nuclear engineers are living a very quiet life. Outside, the world is in utter chaos following a devastating series of events. When an old friend turns up at their door, they’re shocked to discover the real reason for her visit.
The Children stars the original Royal Court Theatre cast: BAFTA Award winner Francesca Annis (BBC’s “Cranford”), two-time Olivier Award nominee Ron Cook (Juno and the Paycock at The Donmar), and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Deborah Findlay (National Theatre’s Stanley).
Show Notes: No Intermission
Age Guidance: 16
Audience Advisory: Matinee 12/20 @ 1 pm No performance on December 31, 2017
Performance Schedule
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY @ 7 PM
THURSDAY thru SATURDAY @ 8 PM
WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY @ 2 PM
Written By
- Lucy Kirkwood
Director
- James Macdonald
TDF Tickets Offers:
TDF Member tickets:
Not currently available for this show
Listed at 
Never
Full-price tickets:
$79.00 - $159.00
Video
Reviews
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The production, imported from London’s Royal Court Theatre with its superb three-member cast – Francesca Annis, Ron Cook and Deborah Findlay – and its director, James MacDonald, intact, is a bold and admirable choice for Manhattan Theatre Club’s Broadway venue, the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. It is particularly daring as a holiday-time offering: If you’re looking for a treat for, um, the children, “The Children” may not be the perfect theatrical stocking-stuffer.
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All three actors are in top form, portraying well-developed, multidimensional characters (as well they should, having inhabited them for more than a year) under James Macdonald’s meticulous direction. Beyond the environmental crisis, of course, they capture the more human side of the drama, as the characters struggle with the frustrating realities of their situation — intermittent power outages, undrinkable water, limited food supply, all played out on Miriam Buether’s gently tilting set — a not so subtle suggestion that the world’s gone askew. “I don’t know how to want less,” Hazel says at one point.
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That swirling unknown is bought startlingly to life at the end of the play, in one of the most visually stunning denouements on Broadway right now. And the true test of sitting and watching a play with no intermission for close to two hours is that you want to follow Hazel, Rose, and Robin to where they are going, to listen to them more. But Kirkwood has imagined the right end for them, right before a far more profound end presents itself.
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The production, imported from London’s Royal Court Theatre with its superb three-member cast – Francesca Annis, Ron Cook and Deborah Findlay – and its director, James MacDonald, intact, is a bold and admirable choice for Manhattan Theatre Club’s Broadway venue, the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. It is particularly daring as a holiday-time offering: If you’re looking for a treat for, um, the children, “The Children” may not be the perfect theatrical stocking-stuffer.
Accessibility
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Box Office
Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: Noon to 8 pm Wed: Noon to 8 pm (If there is a matinee, 10 am to 8 pm) Sat: 10 am to 8 pm Sun: 10 am to 7 pm -
Parking
Central Parking System, 257 West 47th St (Broadway and 8th Ave). Call (212) 262-9778 -
Restroom
The restrooms are wheelchair accessible and located on the lower level and Mezzanine level. -
Elevator/Escalator
An elevator is available to take you to all levels of the theatre. -
Telephone
On lower and Mezzanine levels. -
Water Fountain
Water fountain is accessible at 36" AFF. -
Wheelchair Info
8 seats available for wheelchair seating.












