""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
Great actors but little action
"Liked watching and hearing John Lithgow perform. The largely senior adult crowd seemed to hang on every word. But for me, it was a slow moving play. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 19, 2026
Lithgow brilliant. But disturbing material
"Go for John Lithgow.
But be prepared. This is NOT a comedy. Read in advance what this play is about. Don’t go in blind. May not be for everyone. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 7, 2026
Good topic and presented well
"Show was rather intense and the way they presented the controversial topic was done very well. The acting was very good. But it was hard to hear the actors in the mezzanine and difficult to understand due to the accents of the actors. "
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Robert B from Halesite on Mar 21, 2026
A little overrated. A little off putting. A little bit of a Rochaque test.
"It still seems a little antisemitic even though it obviously wants you to despise the antisemitic lead character's opinions. Something feels slightly off. I feel like we're supposed to be left still liking the guy a little and maybe even sympathizing with his point of view a little. Maybe it's a Rochaque test that I'm failing."
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Cary A from Towson on May 11, 2026
Great play, but sound problems continue.
"Wonderful play- the parts I could hear! I am not sure if there are any microphones. It sounds like there is not. If you sit in the mezzanine, it is very hard to hear the dialogs. I wish I had read the many many reviews stating this is a problem from the previews. It is not fixed. We had wonderful seats with a great view in the center Mezzanine, but Lithgow and others were very hard to hear. It is a shame. Very disappointing because it was a great play."
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Susan G from New York on Apr 11, 2026
Hard to Follow
"John Lithgow as well as the whole acting crew did a great job. However, the plot was difficult to follow as well as the dialogue given the British accent. "
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Dwight S from Fall River on May 24, 2026
Dull
"I thought the acting was very good but the content repetitive and boring at times"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 18, 2026
Dragged
"Only a few good part to the play. Started off slow, got much better before intermission, then fell flat.
A lot of the subject matter you would have to have known about Dahl's life to understand the references.
Disappointed in the cast's performances."
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John T from Nags Head on Apr 3, 2026
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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.
