A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
"Timely and provocative. John Lithgow is superb, fearsome – a master thespian."
Time Out New York
Adam Feldman
"I found Lithgow’s performance a fascinating study in monstrosity. I found myself engaged by the conversations I’ve had since seeing Giant: They are the necessary third act to this two-act play."
A powerful, honest and relevant play with amazing cast
"I particularly liked how ugly face of antisemitism and medieval prejudice against the Jews as a nation was unmasked in this brilliant play. It is astonishing that the children’s author who supposedly intellectual and talented spreads his hatred till his last breath. John Lithgow and the entire cast’s performance was outstanding. I highly recommend this play. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 18, 2026
John Lithgow
"I wanted to see this because of the subject matter and to see John Lithgow in this role. I loved it. Beautifully written and staged. My slight hesitancy is that the English accents were a little tough to get in the back rows. "
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Janey R from Camano Island on Jun 7, 2026
Incredible!
"John Lithgow exceeded my expectations, but I should not have been surprised. There was so much to take in and learning about Dahl and his changing personality. There were funny moments and shocking moments. It makes you wonder who he truly was, and I think his personality enjoyed the changes; all the ups and downs. Dahl clearly was a fascinating person who wrote lovely books for children. But seeing his meanness and stubbornness, was quite insightful. I can’t say anything negative about this play. I thought all the actors were excellent. The set was simple which you would expect given the place in time and they were renovating this home. No problem there. I love a small, intimate theater and certainly met expectations there. Great history of the Music Box. And, I have to say, the staff at the theater was incredibly kind and welcoming. Everyone welcomed you and thanked you for coming. From the front of the house to the ushers, it was refreshing to be around the staff."
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Andi G from Fredericksburg on Jun 4, 2026
A most memorable theater experience.
"The cast was magnificent; even tho Lithgow was the big draw, everyone was wonderful. It is a play that is so relevant for what we are experiencing right now. There were moments that were very difficult to listen to, but Lithgow managed to elicit some empathy (at least from me), for his rather unstable character, especially when he alluded to his care for abandoned children. A very memorable moment in the theater, and I hope he wins the Tony!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 31, 2026
Excellent performances all around
"While the subject matter is hard to hear, it is still relevant today. Flawless performances. High recommend "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 29, 2026
Intense and relevant
"Giant is a story worth telling, relevant when it happened, more relevant today. The star power of John Lithgow did not disappoint. He was amazing! Aya Cash was a revelation! She was fantastic!
We thoroughly enjoyed the show even when the conversations became uncomfortable and intense. We left with our thoughts very much provoked.
Only very minor complaint was that with the dialogue being rapid-fire in places and with accents, I missed some of the words. But I always caught the gist.
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Broadway.com Customer on May 25, 2026
Best Play: Very timely, but I suppose it always is.
"Lithgow!!!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 13, 2026
Brilliant play
"The cast is superb lead by a towering John Lithgow."
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CHarles F from New York on Apr 27, 2026
Don't miss a chance to see John Lithgow
"I have long considered John Lithgow a guy I'd like to know. After Giant, I recognize that I probably couldn't form an English sentence if I talked to him. He is a "giant" of current theater- one of the most nuanced, profound performances I have seen in 45 years of Broadway shows. Timely issues expertly handled. Don't miss a chance to see this- and listen to his NPR interview too. A bright spot in a scary time."
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Roberta B from Leeton on Apr 4, 2026
A Giant of a performance
"John Lithgow should win the Tony for his outstanding performance! Raw and brilliant. He is outstanding but then again the entire cast is excellent. A must see for all of us us who read Roald Dahl."
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Betsy S from New York on Mar 14, 2026
Intense
"The story was a suprise to me. Did not expect a diatribe about his views of Israel and Jews. Maybe I just didn't know about his personal life, or views. Childrens'book author. Only recenly learned he could be nasty.
John Lithgow is excellent. His stage presence carries the play. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 22, 2026
Get the earphones in the lobby
"I didn't hear the first half. During intermission upset I mentioned to woman next to me. She said go get earphones at no cost downstairs. Had no idea. I ran down. Second half now that I heard everything was exceptional. A very
important topic especially today.
Would've gave five stars if I heard dialog in first half. "
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Rochelle R from New York on Jun 22, 2026
Very Powerful!
"The show was very powerful and intense. All the actors were excellent. You leave the theatre in deep thought."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 29, 2026
Challenging Play for a Challenging Time
""Giant" is a play that evokes ambivalence. Lithgow's performance towers over everything and everyone else, giving Roald Dahl his 'day in court.' I was rapt as was the hushed audience, I think because the debate in the play is so central to our current lives. Isn't this what drama ought to be?
My ambivalence is with the ultimate statement of the play. Is "Giant" about Dahl's antisemitism? Is the play about Israel's behavior? Does Mark Rosenblatt want the audience to think that anti-Zionism is equivalent to antisemitism? One could leave the theater believing that, but then, in light of Gaza, one could also sympathize with Dahl. Does the final phone call expose Dahl's real but latent antisemitism or is it a way of getting back at his publishers? (A good use of ambivalence)
I'd also question the choice of having long periods of dialogue--albeit strong dialogue--while other characters sit and listen. I actually felt sorry for Rachel Stirling trying to physically frame her responses.
Jessie Stone's speech at the end of Act 1, while capturing the audience's sympathy, was facile, especially in light of Gaza and the brutal displacement of Palestinians. I can contrast that speech with Tom Maschler's: his experience as a London Jew struck me as dead on. I've experienced the same in Canada, where a student once threw pennies at my feet.
"Giant" is a wholly provocative play, gripping but difficult. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 25, 2026
Amazing acting
"John Lithgrow was terrific. I felt that the staging was a somewhat stiff. The other actors seemed to stand awkwardly at times and I felt Aya Cash as Jessie Stone was too histrionic.
The set was bare bones and could have been more attractive.
A good thoughtful play."
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Linda G from Scarborough on May 18, 2026
Lithgow gives Giant performance despite venue
"The play and the performances of a very talented cast were outstanding. A very insightful and revealing biopic for the stage, “Giant” was a wonderful experience for my wife and I. I only wish I could say the same about the venue, Music Box Theater. Though charming and intimate with satisfactory acoustics and production value, it sadly is unable to keep out the cacophony of the city. Constant instances of distracting sirens and shouts from nearby crowds outside greatly diminished what would have been an amazing theatrical experience. "
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Shaun S from Cincinnati on Apr 19, 2026
A timely and relevant show
"I really enjoyed this play. The performances were outstanding and topic was very thought provoking. The issues are very relevant given the current situation in the middle east. It was special treat to see John Lithgow - he is still at the top of his game, even at 80!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 19, 2026
Great performances. Provocative subject
"Great acting throughout. Fascinating storyline and subject. Only problem was with the sound. They didn't seem to be miked and we couldn't hear some of the dialog in the balcony."
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Scott B from New York on Apr 10, 2026
Tough to hear
"Brilliant performances by the entire cast, especially Lithgow who fully inhabits this monster giving energy to his words. But precisely because those words are powerful, Giant is a difficult play to watch and hear. You hate yourself a little for staying to the end and absorbing his verbal blows and comments, but you are transfixed by glorious, seamless portrayals even when filled with hate.
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 3, 2026
Very good but not quite great show
"Overall really good play. Worth seeing. Definitely relevant to our times. Some great performances, in particular, Aya Cash. Some really powerful moments. Was moved by some of the play but expected to be moved more. Not sure why I wasn’t. Would still highly recommend."
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Ira P from Teaneck on Mar 12, 2026
About
Giant
A world-famous children’s author under threat. A battle of wills in the wake of scandal. And one chance to make amends.
Following an acclaimed West End run and three Olivier Awards, Giant tells the story of author Roald Dahl and the true scandal that shook his legacy.
