When Tom Hanks steps onto the stage in This World of Tomorrow, the crowd buzzes with excitement. But wait—what’s this? His character, Bert Allenberry, sports a wild gray wig. As he starts speaking, it’s clear that familiar voice belongs to America’s favorite dad.
But excitement wanes quickly. It’s great to see Hanks back on stage after his earlier success in Lucky Guy, yet this new play offers little for someone of his talent. Directed by Kenny Leon, This World of Tomorrow runs until December 21, but it struggles to deliver a compelling story.
The play follows Bert, a scientist from 2089 who travels back to the 1939 World’s Fair in Queens. This adventure echoes many of Hanks’ beloved movie roles, where he dives into extraordinary journeys and reflects on a romanticized past.
Bert’s main goal? To meet Carmen Perry, played by Kelli O’Hara, a modest bookkeeper treating herself and her niece to a day at the fair. Their connection grows amid Carmen’s chatter and the fair’s allure. It’s a mix of nostalgia and longing, but as Bert revisits their moments, he faces a unique challenge—changing Carmen’s fate.
While their budding relationship unfolds, the play nudges toward major themes: love and the passage of time. Yet, chemistry between the characters feels more platonic than romantic. Hanks delivers heartfelt monologues about history, yet the play never fully realizes its potential to explore deeper ideas.
Some gaps in the storyline leave audiences scratching their heads. For instance, why is Bert surprised by ordinary items from 1939? And how does a time-traveling scientist navigate back from a hotel room? These questions suggest a fun premise that the play doesn’t fully capitalize on.
With a few standout performances, particularly from O’Hara, and engaging visuals, the play has its moments. The projections of 1939 and the appealing costumes are bright spots that slightly elevate the experience.
However, the repetitive script and lack of dynamic pacing hinder its impact. Ultimately, This World of Tomorrow wants to transport its audience but falls short, wasting precious time without delivering on its promises.
Historically, many productions struggle with similar issues—great actors in underwhelming roles. For instance, we can look back at other big names who faced critical flops, like Nicole Kidman in The Blue Room. Sometimes, even the biggest stars can’t save a story that lacks depth.
In recent surveys, over 60% of theatergoers express a desire for original scripts that spark meaningful dialogue. It would seem this trend applies here as well, where audiences crave narratives that resonate rather than just star power.
As critics and fans discuss This World of Tomorrow, it’s clear: while nostalgia may be comforting, it can’t replace a well-crafted storyline.
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