ADMISSIONS is a new play that explodes the ideals and contradictions of liberal white America. Sherri Rosen-Mason (Jessica Hecht) is head of the admissions department at a New England prep school, fighting to diversify the student body. Alongside her husband, the school’s Headmaster, they’ve largely succeeded in bringing a stodgy institution into the twenty-first century. But when their only son sets his sights on an Ivy League university, personal ambition collides with progressive values, with convulsive results.

What it’s about: Lincoln Center Theater’s Admissions explores the ideals and contradictions of a liberal white family in New England. Sherri Rosen-Mason is head of the admissions department at a New England prep school, fighting to diversify the student body.  Alongside her husband, the school’s Headmaster, they’ve largely succeeded in bringing a stodgy institution into the twenty-first century. But when their only son sets his sights on an Ivy League university, personal ambition collides with progressive values. Why you should see it: A lot of people are talking about this play – it’s subject matter is controversial, to say the least. Joshua Harmon is a celebrated playwright, most known for Bad Jews, and you’ll find in Admissions Harmon’s acerbic wit combined with the self-loathing that so many of Harmon’s characters display. The performances by Jessica Hecht, Andrew Garman and Ben Edelman are superb. Edelman lends his lengthy monologues and his generally unlikable character a ton of charm and humanity. Garman has very little to say but packs a punch in every line he delivers. Hecht’s performance is the most understated, but also the most complex, as she handles her dual role as …Read more