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Tom Hanks’ This World of Tomorrow Opens at The Shed to Reviews Praising Charm, Questioning Ambition

The star-led adaptation of Hanks’ short stories tracks a time-travel romance at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

Overview

  • The production officially opened November 18 at The Shed following previews that began October 30, and it is scheduled to run through December 21.
  • Co-written by Tom Hanks and James Glossman, the play centers on Bert Allenberry’s repeated returns to June 8, 1939 to pursue Carmen Perry, portrayed by Kelli O’Hara.
  • Early critiques from New York Theater and the Chicago Tribune praise the leads’ appeal but describe the work as old-fashioned, overlong, and uneven, with a heavy dose of nostalgia.
  • Kenny Leon directs a cast that includes Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Jay O. Sanders, Kerry Bishé, Kayli Carter, and others, with scenic and projection design by Derek McLane; the running time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Hanks told CBS Mornings the premise sprang from a dinner game about choosing 12 hours to visit in the past, and O’Hara emphasized that the show is a non-musical departure for her.