Reviews

The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl

immatie's review

emotional funny fast-paced

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

5.0

I LOVED HER TO THE POINT OF INVENTION ‼️

armellereads's review

challenging funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

jackieeh's review

4.0

"In order to tell a good joke, you have to believe that your problems are very small, and that the world is very big."

Yes please! I've had this play on the periphery for years, but never felt inclined to read it or see it. Thanks, playwriting class, for showing me the error of my ways.

rdeegan's review

funny fast-paced

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

4.0

mariagiselad's review

3.0

This was a strange read, but in the best possible way. I'd watch it live only for Charles 'inspired medicine' monologue.

There once was a very great American surgeon named Halsted. He was married to a nurse. He loved her-- immeasurably. One day Halsted noticed that his wife's hands were chapped and red when she came back from surgery. And so he invented rubber gloves. For her. It is one of the great love stories in medicine. The difference between inspired medicine and uninspired medicine is love.
When I met Ana, I knew: I loved her to the point of invention

sabrina_manesse's review

4.0

An interesting play with unique symbolism and detailed writing. I like the humor of the play and how it mixes with dark themes. I didn't like the idea of soulmates that is in the play, personally, but it may work for someone else. I liked most of the characters and the use of language as well.

lana_rosalea's review

emotional funny reflective sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

anna_99l's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-paced

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

4.0

I read this as I saw it on a list of the best modern plays and noted it was a finalist for a Pulitzer. The play was much shorter than expected though very unique and enjoyable. I liked how Ruhl made notes at the beginning, detailing suggestions for directors to make modifications to the play in production (e.g., changing jokes). The use of displaying directions visually to your audience is also novel. I only hope I get to see the play on stage.

abbaggins's review

emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

3.5

rebeccavalley's review

5.0

This play is so beautiful it made me want to cry. I would give it more stars if I could.