The Real Thing

The world is a lesser place without the great Tom Stoppard in it. But fortunately, he left us many works of his genius behind, including this Tony-winning gem from the 1980s. It’s a romantic comedy. It’s a meditation about love and relationships. It is a critique of dilettantes and fair-weather supporters. But mostly, it’s a funny, human story about people in the arts, who are wrestling, as everyone does, with their lives and their relationships, seeking “the real thing.” Have they found “real” love? Are they doing work that is “real” and useful? In this play Stoppard’s unique sense of humor, his understanding of art and history, and above all his genius at wordplay are in service of a singular work of compassion for our foibles and the redemption we achieve through each other.