Off-Broadway Theater Review: ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES (written and directed by Alan Ayckbourn, 59E59 Theaters)

Kim Wall delivers a brilliant performance as Barry, an aging municipal employee, in Alan Ayckbourn’s Arrivals and Departures, part of the Brits Off-Broadway Festival at 59E59 Theaters. Mr. Wall carries the show, and although surrounded by a fine cast, without him there’s not much to see here. Still, the first act of this two hour and fifteen minute play, directed by Mr. Ayckbourn, feels interminable. The second one gets better. And the climax is devastating, making the entire ordeal worthwhile. Or almost. I can’t quite decide. I am glad I saw it. But would I sit through it again? Probably not.