Jonathan Spector writes the best-argued group scenes in American theater right now, and Birthright drops seven people who once traveled to Israel together back into one room to find out what two decades did to their politics and their friendships. Teddy Bergman's production uses every minute of its three-and-a-half hours, with Zoe Winters and Eli Gelb leading a cast of very sharp comic actors. It is the kind of play people argue about on the sidewalk after.
What to expect
The Newman Mills is a flexible mid-size house on West 52nd Street, staged close enough that overlapping dialogue reads clearly. Expect three and a half hours with two intermissions, long unbroken scenes and very little scenery change. Treat it as a full evening rather than a quick 90-minute Off-Broadway play.
Good to know
- Take the C or E to 50th Street; MCC's building is on West 52nd near Tenth Avenue
- The running time is long with two intermissions, so eat beforehand and plan your night around it
- MCC typically offers rush and lottery seats — check official channels first
- Expect strong language and sustained political argument about Israel and Jewish identity
- Accessible seating is available and the lobby is step-free from the street
- The two breaks are real intervals, and the lobby bar gets crowded during both
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Common questions
How long is Birthright?
About three hours and 30 minutes, including two intermissions.
Do I need to know what a Birthright trip is?
No. The play establishes that it is a sponsored heritage trip to Israel for young Jewish adults, and the characters' memories of theirs supply everything else.
Is this by the same writer as Eureka Day?
Yes. Jonathan Spector won a Tony for Eureka Day, and Birthright uses the same knack for staging a room full of people talking past each other.
More this weekend
