pharfaite's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jcp1009's review against another edition
4.0
This is a quick coming of age story about an art historian who isn't willing to give up her feminism. It really struck me that even though this play is about 25 years old, there are many themes that are still very relevant.
jackieeh's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this play a lot more before I read my Women in Theater professor's article about it. Then all of a sudden all its flaws became pretty clear. Nonetheless, my favorite thing about it, the dialogue, remained unchallenged, so that's okay.
Heidi was an interesting main character in that she is often portrayed as responding to things happening around her rather than actively engaging in them herself. As a way to highlight the different stages of the second wave feminist movement (stages Heidi sees her friends enacting) this wasn't a bad choice.
Also, as far as dialogue is concerned, the play read very naturally. "I know some of these people," I kept telling myself, mainly because I could hear their lines so vividly in my head.
And Heidi's an art historian. Yes.
Heidi was an interesting main character in that she is often portrayed as responding to things happening around her rather than actively engaging in them herself. As a way to highlight the different stages of the second wave feminist movement (stages Heidi sees her friends enacting) this wasn't a bad choice.
Also, as far as dialogue is concerned, the play read very naturally. "I know some of these people," I kept telling myself, mainly because I could hear their lines so vividly in my head.
And Heidi's an art historian. Yes.
aguattery's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This isn't specific to the Heidi Chronicles but I simply don't feel that plays should be read. I think they should be watched. Without the visuals I feel like there wasn't really any impact. I didn't get attached to the characters or their plights and basically just pushed through it to check reading a play off one of my reading challenges
andrealaurion's review against another edition
It's funny, the elements that made this play groundbreaking 30 years ago are what make it sound dated now. Doesn't take away from it's importance.
mrz_owenz's review against another edition
3.0
Reading a play is never as good as watching a play.
Follows Heidi in her quest to "have it all." At times it is insightful but I feel like ending the play with Heidi adopting a baby as the way to find happiness was...unfortunate.
Follows Heidi in her quest to "have it all." At times it is insightful but I feel like ending the play with Heidi adopting a baby as the way to find happiness was...unfortunate.
michaeldmcclain's review against another edition
4.0
What struck me most about The Heidi Chronicles was Heidi's uncertainty as time marches on and she becomes increasingly lost and frustrated dealing with the repercussions of what she fought for back in the '60's and '70's. I think I expected a more confident, self-assured Heidi when I began but what Wendy Wasserstein gave us was a more complex, ambivalent portrait. Heidi even compares herself to a Heffalump and gurrrrllll. Same.
Heidi's heartbreaking speech in Act 2, Scene 4 is the perfect distillation of what Wasserstein's aiming to bring to the surface: wasn't the feminist movement supposed to bring women together? If so, why does Heidi feel so alone?
Heidi's heartbreaking speech in Act 2, Scene 4 is the perfect distillation of what Wasserstein's aiming to bring to the surface: wasn't the feminist movement supposed to bring women together? If so, why does Heidi feel so alone?
abetterbradley's review against another edition
4.0
I'm on a bit of a Wendy Wasserstein kick. This play won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony in 1989. Even though the play is over 20 years old, the themes presented are still valid.
More...