Punch (Preview)

Note: this review is of a Preview performance, where the show is still being tweaked prior to the show getting locked in for Opening Night. The script may still be going through edits, in order to tighten up scenes or address audience reactions. We generally only publish reviews of Preview performances when the show is already very polished and when we are able to recommend seeing the show now, in its current state.

Punch is a new play by James Graham currently in previews at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on Broadway with an Opening Night scheduled for September 29. The show is currently planned to close on November 2.

This play is a true story based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne. The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and a goal of the story is to generate awareness from a tragedy. The story covers multiple timely themes.

I was on the fence about seeing this show, but early reviews were overall positive. In the end, I decided to trust the folks who are doing the Manhattan Theatre Club programming. They have not let me down before, and I was just at this same venue back in June for Sondheim’s Old Friends, which is one of my favorite productions over the past year.

Tonight, MTC earned even more of my trust, and I will trust and prioritize MTC productions even more in the future. Punch is fantastic.

I am surprised to read that this show is Will Harrison’s Broadway debut, as I felt like he had a standout performance. He plays the lead character Jacob, and I very much enjoyed watching Will evolve his character over the course of the play. Will’s performance was truly exceptional, and I loved the choices that were made by director Adam Penford and/or by Will.

I knew coming in that Victoria Clark would be excellent (she is), and the fun surprise was that she plays multiple characters who are very different from each other. It was also fun to hear the audience buzz during intermission as many of the patrons finally started to figure out why they recognized Victoria. I kept hearing, “That’s Kimberly Akimbo!” I let it slide and did not correct them that she was actually Kimberly Levaco lol.

The entire cast was a joy to watch, and they are very polished and prepared given the show is still in previews.

I also very much enjoyed the lighting design, sound design, and costumes. The simple set also worked well. The lighting and sound especially worked well together, which is always nice to see (and hear).

What I do not know is how the marketing can be tweaked to get more people to want to see the show and not have the “on the fence” feeling like I had. For me, it was primarily whether or not I was in the mood for a heavy show, since theatre is also an escape. My only thought here is the positive reviews will generate some FOMO, as the early reviews from the performance the night before mine did help sway me to go. And I am glad I did. For those reading this who are on the fence, know that the story will be especially relatable for parents, teachers, and those who work with children and especially teens. And the story is at least as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. The characters in this story are all truly remarkable humans, and their empathy sets an example for all of us. And in this production, these incredible humans are played by top notch actors under great direction. So go see it! You will be happy you did.

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