Reviews

In the Next Room, or the vibrator play by Sarah Ruhl

casspro's review against another edition

5.0

Sarah Ruhl explores the history of the vibrator to cure both female and male hysteria during the dawn of the Age of Electricity. But orgasm is not the final conquest here; Ruhl searches to find the meaning of marriage and happiness between two people.

theinkwyrm's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I feel like this is one of those cases where the play would be better to experience on stage like it was meant to be rather than reading it as a book. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed this, I just think that the strength of this play lies more in how the actors build the dynamic in all the unspoken gestures we don’t get to see on the page. That being said, I thought this was funny and I liked the queer story line for Mrs. Daldry and Annie. 

pantrat's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

ninamartyn2's review against another edition

funny informative reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

- 15 points cause the main character is racist and doesn’t change 

isamdzglz's review against another edition

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

rnh1213's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

lizaroo71's review against another edition

4.0

What a play. Two rooms next to one another. In one, a doctor uses a vibrator to treat women dealing with hysteria (this, apparently, was a real medical practice in the 1880’s); in the next room, the doctor’s wife deals with a newborn.

This is a fascinating look at marriage and desire and giving into pleasure. I would love to see a production of this one.

pantehnreads's review against another edition

5.0

This play is awesome. It is funny, thought-provoking, and has a unique premise. Exploring themes of pleasure, love, sexuality, sensuality, motherhood, and friendship "In the next room, or the vibrator play" will have you laughing out loud. There are queer characters, a POC character, and multiple female characters exploring their sexuality and their agency. I would love to see this play live or even put it on.

annabugs's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

apasc's review against another edition

4.0

I really want to see this play now. I imagine laughing so much! Besides being funny, I love the messages Ruhl puts in throughout the play.