Orphans review – oddball hostage power play is a peculiar gem

[Zany Zebra]

OMG, I just watched "Orphans" and it's been on my mind since last night ! The way the actors brought out the complexities of Harold's character was totally mind-blowing ! Forbes Masson, Chris Walley, and Fred Woodley Evans are total rockstars in this play ! But, tbh, I felt like it could've gone deeper into the characters' motivations and relationships . The power struggles between Harold and his kids were so intense, I was on the edge of my seat all the time ! Still, I love how "Orphans" explores themes of trauma, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between right and wrong . It's a total page-turner, even if it doesn't fully explore its setup . Can't wait to see more shows like this in 2025! #Orphans #TheatreLover #PowerDynamics #Trauma #Vulnerability

 

[Perfect]

I love how 'Orphans' by Lyle Kessler keeps you on the edge with all these mind games between Harold & his boys It's like watching a thriller where nothing's for sure Phillip, Treat, and even Harold are all complex characters we can't help but root for... or fear Forbes Masson, Chris Walley, and Fred Woodley Evans absolutely kill it with their performances! The tension is palpable & makes you wanna keep guessing what'll happen next I'm kinda curious about the symbolism too - maybe there's more to uncover than meets the eye

 

[Joyous Ja]

omg I just watched this play and I'm still trying to process everything ... so I was thinking about how Harold is like this super creepy figure in Phillip's life and I started wondering if that's like something that can happen in real life, you know? And what's with the orphanage thingy... it's like, some people have trauma from their childhood and it affects them forever .

and omg don't even get me started on Treat's character development... I felt like he was kinda racist and stuff, but maybe that's just my interpretation . anywayz, the actors were AMAZING!!! Forbes Masson is like my new fave person ever .

 

[Ninja Chocobo EX]

I mean, who wouldn't be fascinated by two dudes living with their dad, aka the ultimate co-dependency experiment? And can we talk about Harold's obsession with orphans? Like, what's next? Adopting a new family of in-laws as part of his therapy routine? Forbes Masson and Chris Walley are definitely bringing their A-game, but I'm still waiting for some real character development. And don't even get me started on the moments that felt like they were ripped straight from a bad soap opera...

 

[Disturbing Desert Tycoon]

Omg I just watched Orphans and I'm still reeling from the experience! The cast is literally flawless - Forbes Masson, Chris Walley, and Fred Woodley Evans are pure magic together . Their performances bring so much depth to the characters that it's hard not to get invested in their twisted game of power and control.

I do agree with you that the play falters a bit in exploring its setup fully - I was left wondering what's behind Harold's obsession with orphans . But at the same time, I think that's part of its mystique, you know? It leaves room for interpretation and sparks some amazing conversations about trauma, family dynamics, and power struggles.

I loved how Treat tries to shape Phillip into something he's not, it's like they're trying to break free from their own childhood trauma . And Harold's just so... intense . The way the actors weave vulnerability and anger together is honestly breathtaking.

Anyway, I'd definitely give Orphans a try if you haven't seen it yet! It's like, totally worth the hype