Review: Time Stands Still

I first encountered Brian d'Arcy James in the off-Broadway premiere of Next to Normal in February 2008. He portrayed Dan Goodman with the perfect combination of emotion, conviction, and desperation. Later that year, he starred opposite Jim Norton and John Gallagher, Jr. in the Atlantic Theater Company's revival of Port Authority, a play by Conor McPherson. Then came Shrek. We move on.

In November 2009, d'Arcy hung up his ogre costume and decisively embraced a role in a new play by Donald Margulies (Dinner With Friends, Collected Stories). After three weeks of previews, Time Stands Still officially opened last night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.Time Stands Still centers on Sarah and James, a photographer and a journalist who spend their lives documenting human suffering. When an unexpected injury confines the couple to a conventional life at home, the lens shifts and they reluctantly become the subjects of their own stories. While occasionally cliche, Donald Margulies's writing is intelligent and provocative. The scenes rely on honest dialogue, effortlessly delivered by the talented ensemble cast. The production is directed by Daniel Sullivan and stars Brian d'Arcy James, Laura Linney, Eric Bogosian, and Alicia Silverstone. Do not pass up the chance to see this show before its limited run concludes on March 21.

But don't take my word for it. In a stunning NYT review, Charles Isherwood regards Time Stands Still as a "flawless Manhattan Theater Club production" and asserts Brian d'Arcy James "has never been better than he is here."