7 / 10
As a dysfunctional family drama, 'The Lyons' is hardly as penetrating as 'Clybourne Park' or 'Other Desert Cities.' But as directed by Mark Brokaw, it's entertaining and full of witty one-liners. Lavin delivers a wild performance marked by wide facial expressions, an often screeching voice and kooky personality. She is nicely supported by an emaciated Latessa, tortured Grant and seemingly helpless Esper.
7 / 10
One of the reasons we expect so much out of Broadway shows is that they cost so much to see. Nicky Silver's 'The Lyons,' which transferred to Broadway this week, is a clever little dysfunctional-family comedy that contains at least twice its fair share of laughs. Though it's more than a bit of a mess, 'The Lyons' has its moments, and Linda Lavin, the star, is in sensational form. Off Broadway, that amounted to a passable bargain—but is it really worth $126.50 to see an amusing but inconsistent show? All I can tell you is that despite its extreme unevenness, 'The Lyons' is never boring.
| 2011 | Off-Broadway |
Vineyard Theatre Production Off-Broadway |
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Play | Linda Lavin |
| 2012 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Play | Nicky Silver |
| 2012 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Linda Lavin |
| 2012 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Production of a Play | 0 |
| 2012 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Play | Linda Lavin |
| 2012 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Director of a Play | Mark Brokaw |
| 2012 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding New Broadway Play | 0 |
| 2012 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play | Linda Lavin |
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