Good morning, and welcome to Broadway News’ Broadway Review — our overview of reactions, recommendations and information tied to last night’s Broadway opening of “Eureka Day.” Brittani Samuel is off, so Gloria Oladipo steps in for today’s edition.
RUNDOWN
Thank God for comedies that are actually funny. “Eureka Day,” a Broadway debut from playwright Jonathan Spector, is an uproarious satire set at the eponymously named primary school about liberal, anti-vaxxer parents, a demographic receiving increased scrutiny following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Excellently directed by Anna D. Shapiro, “Eureka Day” remains well-paced, hilarious and surprisingly undated, despite the avalanche of plays attempting to dissect American culture wars. Shapiro has a natural eye for chaos, never overwhelming audiences as tensions flare; the play could easily veer off course in the hands of a less capable director, but finds itself buoyed by Shapiro’s craft. Actor Jessica Hecht is a special delight as long-time Eureka Day executive committee member Suzanne, a delicious addition in an already well-rounded cast. Hecht brings the perfect dash of passive-aggression and racist double-speak as she attempts to exert control.
