Delia Ephron's 'Left on Tenth': A Quasi-Romantic Comedy That Hits Hard

Grab your popcorn and brace yourself for a Broadway experience that’s as messy and beautiful as your last breakup. Delia Ephron, the queen of romantic dialogue, known for classics like "You've Got Mail," is back and this time she’s not just writing—she’s stepping onto the stage with her play Left on Tenth. With heavyweights Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher leading the charge, this production is about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through love, loss, and the hell of trying to find romance when life throws you a curveball.

The Premise: Love in the Time of Illness

At its heart, Left on Tenth is a quasi-romantic comedy that explores the raw and vulnerable side of love intertwined with grief. Ephron’s adaptation of her own memoir dives into the murky waters of finding love later in life, especially when you’re dealing with the specter of illness. It’s not just a story about finding a partner; it’s about finding yourself amidst the chaos. Margulies plays the lead, bringing her signature charm and depth, while Gallagher adds a sprinkle of that classic heartthrob allure. Together, they navigate the treacherous waters of late-in-life romance.

What Critics Are Saying

Critics are split like a bad marriage on this one. The New York Times praises the deeper exploration of Ephron's illness, suggesting that it's not all sunshine and rainbows; it’s a poignant reminder that love can sometimes feel like a punch in the gut. Meanwhile, USA Today calls it well-meaning but teeters on the edge of too cute, while The Daily Beast argues it’s a bit too slick for its own good.

Romantic Comedy or Sappy Sludge?

Let’s be real: the term “romantic comedy” can often feel like a euphemism for “sappy sludge.” The New York Post isn’t holding back, branding it a “sappy slog” that wants to be deep but instead drowns in its own sentimentality. But isn’t that the charm of Broadway? The highs and lows, the laughter and tears, all wrapped up in a glittery package? Ephron’s work has always straddled that line, and here she does it again, albeit with mixed results.

Why You Should See It

Despite the mixed reviews, there’s something undeniably magnetic about Left on Tenth. It’s a raw portrayal of love that doesn’t shy away from the ugly bits. It’s not just about the fairy tale ending; it’s about the journey, the heartbreak, and the resilience necessary to navigate love when you’re already battling your own demons. It’s a reminder to all of us that love can come in unexpected forms—like a late-night text from an ex you thought you were over.

Final Thoughts

So, should you fork over your hard-earned cash for a ticket? If you’re in the mood for something that might make you laugh, cry, or roll your eyes at the absurdity of love, then yes, go for it. Just prepare yourself for a ride that’s part sweet, part heartbreaking, and all too real. Delia Ephron might just have you questioning your own love life by the time the curtain falls.

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