Story Overview
JOB in New York is a story of one woman’s struggle with the overwhelming demands of her career and the toll it takes on her mental health. Max Wolf Friedlich’s play JOB unfolds within the confines of a therapist’s office, where the intense, often combative interactions between two central characters drive the narrative. The story follows Jane, a high-ranking executive at a successful tech company, who finds herself grappling with a deepening personal crisis as her professional life spirals out of control.
As the play begins, Jane is on the verge of a breakdown, overwhelmed by the immense pressures of her job. She turns to Liz, a therapist who becomes both a sounding board and a challenger to Jane’s increasingly erratic thoughts. The play’s tension rises as Jane’s sessions with Liz reveal the extent of her inner turmoil, marked by feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and a profound sense of loneliness despite her outward success.
Throughout their sessions, Jane confronts her fears and anxieties, while Liz carefully probes into the roots of her distress. The dialogue between them is sharp and relentless, as Liz tries to untangle the complex web of Jane’s thoughts, pushing her to confront the personal and professional decisions that have led her to this point. As the story progresses, the line between Jane’s professional identity and her struggles blurs, highlighting the fragile balance she has been trying to maintain.
The climax of the play arrives as Jane’s crisis reaches a breaking point, forcing her to make critical decisions about her future. The resolution is bittersweet, as Jane gains a clearer understanding of her situation but is left to face the difficult realities of her life.
Cast Information
JOB show today in NYCÂ is a character-driven play with a small but powerful cast. The story focuses on the intense interactions between its two main characters. These two actors are central to the play.
- Sydney Lemmon as Jane
- Peter Friedman as Liz
Venue Details
The Hayes Theater, located in New York City, is a historic Broadway venue known for its intimate setting and rich history. Originally opened in 1912 as the Little Theatre, it was renamed in honor of actress Helen Hayes in 1983. With a seating capacity of around 600, the Hayes Theater offers an up-close and personal experience, making it ideal for plays with strong character-driven narratives like JOBÂ in New York. Its classic architecture and legacy make it a cherished space for both performers and audiences.
Reviews
JOB Broadway in theaters in NYCÂ has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The play has been praised for its sharp, insightful writing and the intense performances of its lead actors. Critics have noted how the dialogue-driven narrative effectively explores complex themes such as mental health, workplace pressure, and personal identity. The performances of Sydney Lemmon and Peter Friedman, in particular, have been highlighted for their depth and emotional resonance, with reviewers applauding their ability to bring the characters’ struggles to life.
Some have also appreciated the play’s dark humor and the way it balances moments of levity with serious subject matter. While a few reviews have pointed out the intense, sometimes uncomfortable nature of the exchanges between the characters, the overall response to JOB has been one of admiration for its compelling storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
In addition to the performances and writing, the direction of JOB has also garnered praise. The staging is often described as minimalist yet effective, allowing the focus to remain on the characters and their dialogue. The confined setting of the therapist’s office, where most of the play takes place, creates a sense of intimacy and tension, drawing the audience into the emotional background of the characters. This directorial choice has been lauded for enhancing the play’s psychological depth and making the interactions between Jane and Liz feel even more immediate and impactful.
Music
JOB show in New York is not known for having a traditional musical score with songs. Instead, the play focuses on the intense dialogue between its characters, creating a more intimate and raw theatrical experience without musical numbers. The production relies on the actors’ performances and the script’s powerful language to convey the emotional depth of the story.
Awards
While JOB is still a relatively new play and may not have accumulated an extensive list of awards, it has garnered attention for its compelling narrative and strong performances. The play has been considered for various theater awards, highlighting the exceptional work of its cast and creative team.
The play itself has also been praised for its writing, with Friedlich being acknowledged as a promising playwright whose work resonates with contemporary audiences. Although JOB show in New York may not have a long list of major awards yet, its impact on the theater scene suggests that it could become a strong contender in future award seasons.
Run Length and Schedule
The JOB show in New York at the Hayes Theater has a run length of approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. The show is scheduled to run through September 29.
Weekly Schedule
- Tuesday: 8:00 PM
- Wednesday: 2:00 PM (matinee) and 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 2:00 PM (matinee) and 8:00 PM
Food and Beverage Options
The theater typically offers a range of snacks and beverages, including popcorn, candy, and soda. Alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer may also be available. If you want a meal before or after watching JOB in New York, you can also consider nearby eating establishments. The Hayes Theater is surrounded by several fine-dining restaurants, casual cafes, bars, and lounges, giving patrons plenty of options to choose from.