MCC Theater’s American premiere of The End of Longing, a new play written by and starring Matthew Perry—best known as Chandler from the long-running sitcom Friends—officially opened June 5 Off-Broadway.
The End of Longing arrives in New York after a hit commercial run in London, where it became the most successful play in the history of the Playhouse Theatre despite cool notices from critics. Perry has made structural revisions to the play since its 2016 London premiere, condensing it from two acts into one.
See what New York critics thought of the play below. Check back for updates.
Entertainment Weekly (Allison Adato)
Hollywood Reporter (Frank Scheck)
Newsday (Elisabeth Vincentelli)
New York Daily News (Joe Dziemianowicz)
Time Out New York (Adam Feldman)
Read: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MATTHEW PERRY’S PLAYWRITING AND NEW YORK STAGE DEBUT
Lindsay Posner, who also directed the West End production, returns to stage the American premiere that co-stars House actor Jennifer Morrison, Quincy Dunn-Baker, and Sue Jean Kim.
The new play sees four strangers walk into a bar—an alcoholic, an escort, a self-diagnosed neurotic, and a well-intentioned dimwit. “Broken and deeply flawed, they find their lives irreversibly entwined no matter how hard they try to break free of one another,“ read production notes from MCC.
The play has scenic design by Tony winner Derek McLane, costume design by Sarah Laux, lighting design by two-time Tony nominee Ben Stanton, and sound design by Ryan Rumery. Casting is by Telsey + Co/William Cantler, C.S.A.
For tickets and more information visit mcctheater.org. Performances are at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, located at 121 Christopher Street.
