Reviews
A MOST DANGEROUS WOMAN
"Even people who don't know George Eliot from George Sand are likely to be intrigued by the struggles that Ms. Tempelsman relates in her study of a celebrated English novelist whose rugged prose and unconventional private life scandalized the hypocritical society of her day."
~Michael Sommers, The New York Times
“If you are waiting anxiously for the next season of PBS’ Downton Abbey, this is the perfect prescription to tide you over. Not that it isn’t funny. It’s that and more. You are so hooked by this fascinating woman. All in all, this is a play for any fan of George Eliot’s work. And if you are not, it proves you should be.”
~David Novinski, TheaterJones.com
“This dazzling play reminds us at every turn that 19th century women of wit and brain had few outlets for their genius. Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues to inspire with works classic and destined to be classics like ‘A Most Dangerous Woman.’ Fortunately, the run of this play has already been extended. Tickets are going fast and George Eliot awaits.”
~Sherri Rase, [Q]onstage
“…a world premiere of an intriguing new play. The playwright presents Evans as a flesh-and-blood human being – albeit a genius – who has the same frailties, doubts and weaknesses as those who populate her finely observed fiction. In this brilliant production of a witty, funny, provocative and heartbreaking play, George Eliot descends from Parnassus to dwell among us. Meet her with her hair down.”
~Bob Brown, The Princeton Packet
“An unexpected treat. A Most Dangerous Woman is sprightly and irreverent, closer in spirit to a biographical experiment like Peter Shaffer's Amadeus. Tempelsman's play freely fluctuates between humor and near-heartbreak. Eliot would approve."
~Patrick Kennedy, Broadway World
“A remarkable story. [The] dialogue is sharp, and the play balances lessons about the Victorian era and its limits for women with lighter scenes, which Maltby and the cast gleefully seize. It is to the credit of the playwright, cast and creative team that the author and her world come through with such clarity.”
~Ronni Reich, The Star-Ledger
“A beautifully wrought tale of discovery. All in all, this is a satisfying evening of an original play that sheds light on a writer who is rarely celebrated. It’s fascinating. Everything works.”
~Liz Keill, TheAlternativePress.com
“Cathy Tempelsman created a protagonist who lives and breathes with a sympathetic urgency and determination. We desperately want her to succeed. Mary Ann Evans' story of having to hide her true nature and identity resonates today, given the current sea change in society's attitudes toward gays and the place of women. When she announces to publisher Blackwood, ‘I refuse to hide any longer; I will have a name,’ we want to get up and cheer."
~Ruth Ross, nj arts maven
“Our emotional involvement and interest grows exponentially, as does the tempo of the storytelling. A Most Dangerous Woman is a solidly entertaining, erudite play which should prove most popular among theatergoers throughout the country.”
~Bob Rendell, TalkinBroadway.com
“It’s always exciting when a distinguished repertory theatre such as Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey takes a breather from the classics and ventures forth with a new play. It is even more exciting when the result is as stimulating as its current production of Cathy Tempelsman’s ‘A Most Dangerous Woman.’”
~Stephen Wells, Baristanet
“An outstanding play about an exceptional woman, George Eliot, starring an exceptional actress. Yes, the expression ‘must-see’ may be overused, but it applies to this play and this performance. Moloney may be the tiniest person on the stage, but she dominates every scene.”
~Rick Busciglio, New Jersey Footlights
“Nothing feels quaint or sedate. It's a tender psychological homage to the life, loves and career of George Eliot. A marvelous candid portrayal of the emergence of a literary giant told from her creative perspective in a world that tolerated little brilliant originality in its women.”
~Alexandra Bonifield, criticalrant.com
“A most excellent production. Aedin Moloney is exquisite as the ‘dangerous woman’ of the title. Her performance is flawless and mesmerizing. The show is a must see for fans of the writer known as George Eliot, but it is just as captivating and interesting for those who know little or nothing of Eliot’s writings. Don’t miss this show.”
~Janine M. Torsiello, MorrisBeats.com
“Tempelsman plays with ideas of subconscious creativity, deception and blurring lines between two genders. In A Most Dangerous Woman men giggle and gossip girlishly in petticoats, and women wield cigars. This paean to George Eliot [is] lively, provocative, versatile and energetic...a fascinating, elaborate tapestry of the life of a writer who left the world better than she found it.”
~Christopher Soden, pegasusnewscom
And from scholars of Victorian literature and other writers:
"...gradually I became aware that I had tears in my eyes. I was thoroughly hooked. I hung on every one of George Eliot's words. I went in skeptical and came out a convert. If this in any form comes near where you are, do see it. I'd love to hear whether you too will get suckered into Victorian tears and deep affection for George Eliot as I was. Her language on stage was exquisite."
~George Levine, former editor, The Cambridge Companion to George Eliot
"I have now been twice to A Most Dangerous Woman. It is more than a dramatization of George Eliot’s life: You incorporate her language, her statements, so seamlessly that the play maintains its dramatic thrust from beginning to the end (an end that, I confess, caused me to weep)."
~Barry Qualls, Professor, Rutgers University
"This play is crucial for every generation of women. George Eliot makes me braver and gives me cause to rejoice. An amazing work. Not one person searching the purse for cough drops. In fact, not one cough or shifting in the seat. We were all slightly on the edge of them. There is so much wisdom in the script. About truth, life and art. About learning and acknowledging, then honoring who we are."
~Barbara Lazear Ascher, Dancing in the Dark and Landscape Without Gravity
AS YOU LOATHE IT
"A classic and a treasure."
~J. Peter Bergman, Berkshire Bright Focus