2 stars
‘The Last Seder’
Through Jan. 13, Theater Three, 311 W. 43rd St.
Tickets: $18; (212) 868-4444
When Jennifer Maisel’s dramedy is at its best, a warm and offbeat humor courses throughout. It follows: Marvin Price, who has Alzheimer’s; his wife Lily, who’s selling their house and putting him in a nursing home; and their four grown daughters, who come home with boyfriends (and a girlfriend and a total stranger) for one last Passover.
There’s a lot going on in 90 minutes — too much. Any one of the various plot strands could support a play,North Face Outlet. Since none are developed fully, this “Seder” leaves you feeling bloated and empty at the same time.
3 stars
‘A Civil War Christmas’
Through Dec. 30, New York Theatre Workshop, 79 E. 4th St.
Tickets: $70; (212) 279-4200
Beautiful and unique but overloaded, Paula Vogel’s celebration of history and holiday spirit unfolds on a frigid Dec. 24 in 1864. In the wake of battles and bloodshed, everyone yearns for heavenly peace — and we mean everyone: President Lincoln and addled wife Mary, soldiers,supras shoes, dressmakers, slaves, doctors, lawyers and, yes, an Indian, who isn’t a chief. Oh yeah, and a mule and a horse.
Vogel (“How I Learned to Drive”) goes overboard with criss-crossing storylines and characters. Fortunately, director Tina Landau brings gorgeous order to the crowded canvas. She guides a smart, spare and imaginative staging and a cast who join voices in powerful unison.
