Sweat Reviews
“…in a bar where the workers hang out after their shift, enjoying that middle-class lifestyle. Cynthia, Tracey, and Jessie have worked together in the factory since high school. They celebrate birthdays and other festive occasions together in the bar. Cynthia’s son Chris and Tracey’s son Jason are buddies. Cynthia and Chris are Black. Tracey and Jason and Jessie are white.
Race is not a factor. They are united in the union. Then the company advertises a new supervisory position. Cynthia and Tracey both apply for it. Cynthia gets it.
And Sweat is splendid theatre.”
— Bob Wilcock, HEC
“At first the bar is filled with the merry good fellowship of a birthday celebration among loving friends. We watch, over the months, as that friendship is corroded by rumors of layoffs, by failed union negotiations. One friend is promoted to Supervisor. Has she joined the enemy? A decades-long friendship is tainted by the suspicion of racial preference. Management demands draconian cuts in wages. Must we strike? The Black Rep has opened its 45th season with a very strong production of the work. It's not to be missed!”
— Steve Callihan, BWW
“Economic uncertainty threatens longtime friendships in “Sweat,” the powerful and poignant production that opens the 45th Black Rep season …. 'Sweat' explores dark side of American dream.”
—- Calvin Wilson, STLToday
“ The Black Rep historically has nurtured incisive and riveting productions of many of the greatest works by African American playwrights. Despite some sluggish moments, its presentation of Sweat continues the company’s and founder Himes’ well-earned reputation for theater at its pulsating finest.”
—- Mark Bretz, Ladue News
“Great elegance goes into her storytelling, as Nottage gives us startling flash-forwards and poetic, narrative retrogrades under the flawless direction of Black Rep founder Ron Himes. You may never get invited to an actual anti-NAFTA march or see a telethon to save rural America from the ravages of drug abuse and decline. But you can march in to see this two and a half hour long play and bear witness to the rich, complex portrayals of all of that.
…It is a devastating play that confirms our worst fears about the failings of the American way of life, and the hostile takeover of our democracy. It may be the most important play of the 21st century.”
— Richard T. Green, Talkin Broadway