"Actors who react to the audience, a limited cast with multiple roles that actually help the structure of the story, and a scenarisation that is lively, simple, and reinforces the actors' acting. Go see it. "
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Lars V from Ithaca on Apr 1, 2026
Powerful evening
"Incredible performance. Story needs to be told because we have broken prison system. Incredible cast. Well staged.. Great use of staging, a powerful evening."
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Giorgio F from Washington, DC on Mar 29, 2026
Outstanding acting! Brilliantly written!
"The story is universal and yet focuses on one man, one woman and the powerful love between them that cannot last the test of time. At the core is a magnified look at the criminal justice system's impact on both of their lives. The musical landscape echos a specific moment in time - the 1970's. The staging - the harshness of the insides of a prison - the echoing sounds add to a gut punch which I felt grow throughout the performance. I didn't know the story before going to this show but I wanted to see Brody's stage performance. He's my very fav actor. My friend and I had the discount seats with no leg room and a terrible sight line. During the performance none of this mattered. I was inside a prison fighting for Yarris freedom (and everyone else). The play has stayed with me and has elevated my commitment to fight this our flawed system which continues to execute innocent people. Wow!! if a play can do this - it is a winner."
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Tami G from Brooklyn on Mar 27, 2026
Unforgettable Performance
"This was one of the best shows of any kind that I have seen in person. I took my 2 sons (college age) and we were blown away. This show memory will not be soon forgotten."
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 27, 2026
Adrian Brody and Tessa Thompson are terrific.
"The acting was fantastic. The pacing and length seemed just right....they really captured the emotion of the material."
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Kurt b from Portland on Mar 26, 2026
A riveting night at the theater
"Wonderful acting, excellent and cleverly designed set, terrific play, kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time"
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Maria S from Brooklyn on Mar 26, 2026
Outstanding performances
"Loved every second of it. Great actors, great play. 100% recommend. "
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Maria R from Severn on Mar 22, 2026
Superb
"If you are in need of a play with great actors and solid story, this is for you. It's not a musical but full of impressive dialog, acting and creative set design. Even though it is long and we are told "it's a quiet play", time passes so quickly. Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson are flawless. Every line is delivered with perfection. Every scene is enthralling. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 31, 2026
Great Cast, A Little Bumpy Staging
"The strength of Adrien Brody carries this. Originally a one-man show, you can see how someone said “this could be better.” Every protagonist needs an antagonist. Hence, Tessa Thompson. Who is a good foil for the Adrien Tour de Force. This is weighty material. To maintain the dramatic through line, there’s no intermission in this 2-hour show. Docking a star bc they can’t figure out if they are a straight-up drama with some levity, or a drama + levity & some really off-kilter farcical jokes thrown in. So a little uneven in places. (Keep the Oscar joke, though! And the water) "
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Jenn M from Plano on Mar 21, 2026
Watch the documentary first
"My husband watched the documentary before seeing the play, I did not. The play concentrated mostly on the relationship he had with the female character . I had so many questions at the end. Had I went with more information regarding why he was there and for so long I may have the play differently. Oh and there is no intermission "
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 1, 2026
About
The Fear of 13
The Fear of 13 tells the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris, who spends more than two decades on death row for a murder he insists he did not commit. Through a series of prison visits with a volunteer named Jackie, Nick traces a life shaped by impulse and consequence. As Nick and Jackie’s conversations deepen, the line between witness and participant blurs, forcing both to confront what justice demands, what belief requires, and the perilous distance between true freedom and the illusion of self- determination. By turns devastating, darkly funny, and life-affirming, The Fear of 13 is a powerful exploration of truth and trust, conscience and connection.
