Austin loved Steven Tomlinson’s American Fiesta, cheering it through two successful runs and showering it with praise, in print reviews and word of mouth.
New York … not so much.
The latest solo show by our town’s favorite performing economist made its Big Apple debut at the Vineyard Theatre on April 25, and the response was, sadly, less than ecstatic, at least from professional critics. Not that they hated it. Actually, most reviews included positive comments: “Entertaining” and “amusing” show up regularly as descriptors of the show, and Tomlinson himself is characterized as “engaging” or some variation on good-natured (“affable,” “amiable,” “genial”). And almost everyone has praise for Mark Brokaw’s direction and Neil Patel’s set, which lovingly showcases the Fiestaware dishes central to the play.
But.
Most of the reviews come with a “but” that leads to some sharp criticism. Tomlinson is consistently dismissed as more motivational speaker than actor, and several critics weren’t persuaded by Fiesta‘s blend of the personal and the political. The kindest felt the play grew “preachy” (Linda Winer, Newsday), while the harshest called it “trite, tenuous, and overstated” at its worst (Gina Bellafante, New York Times) or “rather boring and empty” overall (Martin Denton, NyTheatre.com).
American Fiesta has yet to find a champion in the New York press, but it definitely struck a chord with a few bloggers; see speakthespeechiprayyou.blogspot.com and tsnob.blogspot.com. The show continues through May 20 at the Vineyard Theatre, 108 E. 15th.
This article appears in May 4 • 2007.