Review Roundup: "Switzerland"

In Switzerland, cantankerous murder mystery author Patricia Highsmith is interrupted by a handsome young man on a dark mission. What follows in Joanna Murray-Smith’s latest co-commission for the Geffen Playhouse is a cat and mouse game made all the more fun due to its players, the exceptionally skilled Laura Linney and Seth Numrich.

No wonder tickets sold out so quickly. Read on for a sampling of what the critics are saying …

“GO! Murray-Smith’s writing is fluid, adeptly switching between florid literary prose, as Highsmith extemporaneously drafts her next novel, and compelling dialogue between the play’s two characters, who dance around one another figuratively and literally …” — LA Weekly

“The talented Mr. Numrich is almost too perfectly cast here, his skills effortlessly encompassing both stumblebum and trickster.” — Variety

“Director Mark Brokaw keeps the energy up, blocking his two actors with a natural flow in the open-floor space of Highsmith’s bunker-like living room, with its spectacular 180-degree view of the snow-covered Alps courtesy of scenic designer Anthony T. Fanning.” — The Hollywood Reporter

“The play also grows with intrigue as it moves forward, pulling back the layers of its two characters to reveal their true selves — neither being who they initially appeared to be (Highsmith reveals herself as vulnerable while Edward is deliciously self-assured) and the result is gripping.” — Entertainment Weekly

“Numrich is note perfect!” — Los Angeles Times

“[Linney and Numrich’s] seasoned skill and versatility as well as Murray-Smith’s devilishly good script keep us glued for an all too short 95 minutes. Anthony T. Fanning’s mesmerizing set design with the alps surrounding and the long spiral staircase that seems to lead nowhere stage right, Ellen McCartney’s bright costumes, especially the mannish shirts and jeans for Linney, and Lap Chi Chu’s expert lighting all contribute much to the thrill of the evening.” — Broadway World

“Laura Linney boldly strides into the challenge of portraying an unapologetic, bigoted, and foul-mouthed misanthrope who actually caused an acquaintance to speculate how one human being ‘could be that relentlessly ugly.’” — Life in LA