Por Emilia Vargas – BroadwayWorld.com
New York, NY – The immersive theatrical experience *The Brothers Size* opened this week at The Shed, marking a significant expansion of the critically acclaimed production originally debuting at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. The show, directed by Stephen Adly Guirgis, promises a deeply personal and poignant exploration of family, legacy, and the enduring weight of expectations, and initial reactions from audiences and critics suggest it’s delivering on that promise.
*The Brothers Size*, which centers around the last week of the lives of the three Size brothers – Julius, Lester, and Vincent – unfolds within the confines of their crumbling Brooklyn brownstone. The brothers, each grappling with their own regrets and unrealized dreams, attempt to navigate the final chapter of their lives, supported by their mother, Maeve, and driven by a stubborn commitment to their family’s fractured legacy.
Guirgis’ script is praised for its unflinching honesty and powerful dialogue. Performances are consistently lauded, particularly those of the three Size brothers – played by Denzel Whitaker as Julius, J. Harrison Crippa as Lester, and David Manazar as Vincent – who embody each character’s distinct personality with remarkable nuance and emotional depth. Manazar’s portrayal of Vincent, in particular, is generating considerable buzz, described by many as a masterclass in understated grief.
The staging itself, a key component of the show’s success, remains remarkably faithful to the Williamstown production. The brownstone is meticulously detailed, offering a genuine sense of lived-in space and creating a powerfully intimate atmosphere for the audience. The deliberate pacing and focus on the brothers’ quiet conversations allow the audience to truly inhabit their world.
“This isn’t a spectacle,” noted theater critic Samuel Davies of *The New York Stage*. “It’s a profoundly human story, brought to life by incredibly committed performances and a masterful understanding of silence. The show’s strength lies in its ability to make the audience feel like a reluctant, yet essential, part of the Size family.”
While some critics have noted a potential reliance on familiar family dynamics, the overall consensus is that *The Brothers Size* is a compelling and worthwhile theatrical experience. The run at The Shed, scheduled to last through December 24th, is already proving popular, with tickets selling steadily.
The show’s extended run offers New York audiences a unique opportunity to witness this celebrated production, and solidifies its place as a must-see theatrical event this season.
—