annemariewellswriter's review against another edition
4.0
Really loved the female-based narrative and the discussions the characters have that women have in real life about perceived timelines and "can they have it all." For a play that came out in 1988, it was surprisingly open to the gay narrative, though there was a joke that was supposed to be a double-entendre alluding to the gay character but in actuality connected homosexuality to pedophilia - hence not 5 stars.
ebunk's review
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dkrane's review against another edition
3.0
The other characters spend so much time talking over Heidi it's hard to know what she actually thinks.
That being said, her second act speech/monologue is brilliant.
That being said, her second act speech/monologue is brilliant.
kyarabereading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I don't often read plays, so it was fun getting to do so. I found the writing very funny and the commentary very interesting.
pharfaite's review against another edition
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.