This past weekend, Elmwood Playhouse in downtown Nyack, a cornerstone of the village’s vibrant arts scene for 77 years, proved once again why it remains a beloved community treasure with its production of Stephen Karam’s “The Humans.”
This Tony Award-winning dramedy, directed with remarkable insight by Lisa Spielman, opened November 15 and will run through December 7.
Opening night was a celebration in itself, with the gracious Elmwood Playhouse staff warmly welcoming patrons like family. A delightful smorgasbord of wine, cheese, and hors d’oeuvres added to the festive atmosphere, perfectly setting the tone for an intimate evening of storytelling.
Set in a cramped, deteriorating apartment in New York City’s Chinatown, “The Humans” explores the dynamics of the Blake family as they gather for Thanksgiving dinner. On the surface, it’s a celebration of togetherness, but bubbling beneath are tensions and secrets that explode into raw emotional moments. The story, with its blend of sharp humor and deep poignancy, resonates long after the curtain falls.
Spielman’s direction captures the complexity of Karam’s script, masterfully balancing humor and heartbreak. Under her leadership, the cast delivers performances that feel deeply authentic:
Larry Reina (Port Chester, NY) portrays Erik Blake with a heart-wrenching subtlety, embodying a father weighed down by past mistakes and present struggles.
Kelly Kirby (Dobbs Ferry, NY), as Deirdre Blake, shines as a mother navigating her love for her family while desperately trying to hold it together. Her warmth and bittersweet humor anchor the production.
Rachel Schulte (Stamford, CT), as Aimee Blake, brings emotional depth and precision to the eldest daughter, capturing her heartbreak and quiet resilience.
Sierra Lidén (Northvale, NJ), as Brigid Blake, perfectly balances the youngest daughter’s striving for independence with her deep-seated need for familial connection.
Mara Mittleman Karg (Nanuet, NY), as Momo Blake, delivers a chilling and tender performance as the grandmother grappling with dementia, creating moments both touching and haunting.
Justin Smith (Garnerville, NY), as Richard Saad, brings charm and earnestness as Brigid’s boyfriend, offering an optimistic counterpoint to the family’s struggles.
The set design is another star of the show, transforming Elmwood’s cozy, historic stage into a Manhattan apartment brimming with personality. The creaking floorboards, flickering lights, and unsettling noises are almost a character of their own, hinting at secrets from the past and mirroring the family’s unraveling. The apartment becomes more than just a backdrop—it’s a vessel for the family’s vulnerabilities, its flaws an extension of their struggles.
Spielman’s keen direction and Elmwood’s intimate venue heighten the play’s emotional impact, drawing the audience into the Blakes’ Thanksgiving dinner and their unraveling truths. Past critics have called “The Humans” a “quietly devastating masterpiece,” praising its raw and honest portrayal of family life. Elmwood’s production not only honors these accolades but delivers a hauntingly perplexing ending that lingers in the mind long after the final blackout.
Note: Performances run through December 7, with shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm, plus a captioned performance on Thursday, December 5. Tickets are $30, with discounts available for seniors, students, and service members. For tickets and more information, visit Elmwoodplayhouse.com.
