You don’t need to be a scholar or theologian to enjoy the rich debate provided by “Freud’s Last Session,” which recently extended its Off-Broadway run at Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre in New York City.
“Freud’s Last Session” stars Martin Rayner as the titular father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, opposite Mark H. Dold as a young C.S. Lewis. The two scholars debate their conflicting views during this fictional meeting at Freud’s London home on September 3, 1939, weeks before Freud will eventually take his own life to end an arduous battle with cancer.
The play explores topics of religion, humanity and (of course) sexuality with a fast-paced dialogue that is both bitingly witty and deeply poignant. Playwright Mark St. Germain based this theatrical character study on the themes discussed in “The Question of God” by Harvard professor Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr.
Though Freud and Lewis could easily become caricatures in less competent hands, Rayner and Dold interpret their respective roles with a nuance, poise and humor that dissolve audience preconceptions. Similarly delightful is the lush and beguiling set, designed by Brian Prather to house this one-act play.
Regular ticket prices for the play are $65, but TicketNews readers can save up to 31 percent when they use “Freud’s Last Session” discount code LSTNEWS9.
Due to audience demand, the limited engagement “Freud’s Last Session” is now booked through July 3 at Little Theatre. Evening engagements are at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Sunday, and 8 p.m. each Wednesday through Saturday. Matinees are also staged at 2 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.
The Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre is located at 10 West 64th Street, between Broadway and Central Park West, in New York, NY. The show runs approximately 80 minutes without intermission.
“Freud’s Last Session” was reviewed in participation with TicketNews’ Discount Theatre Program, which provides unique discount codes for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and other theatrical productions. For more information on the program or enrolling a production, visit our Discount Theatre Program page or e-mail Liz Hoffman.