The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence
Mainstage Theater
Written by
Madeleine George
Directed by Leigh Silverman
WORLD PREMIERE
Watson: trusty sidekick to Sherlock Holmes; loyal engineer who built Bell’s first telephone; unstoppable super-computer that became reigning Jeopardy! champ; amiable techno-dweeb who, in the present day, is just looking for love. These four constant companions become one in this brilliantly witty, time-jumping, loving tribute (and cautionary tale) dedicated to the people—and machines—upon which we all depend.
Photos by Joan Marcus
“MARVELOUS AND FILLED WITH MARVELS. In the Stoppardian world of The Watson Intelligence, Madeleine George’s human, dramatic play takes surprising turns. Amanda Quaid, David Costabile, and John Ellison Conlee are excellent, and under Leigh Silverman’s bracing direction, pull off a good deal of magic. ”
— Jesse Green, New York magazine“FOUR STARS. A sweet and twisty time-tripping fantasy that keeps the seriocomic juices flowing. Refreshingly whimsical, Madeleine George’s play juggles several deep themes with grace, wit and intellectual verve. ”
— David Cote, Time Out NY
“GRANDLY AMBITIOUS. John Ellison Conlee is brilliant in four different roles. David Costabile imbues his characters with a fervid intensity. ”
— Charles Isherwood, NY Times“Like her characters, playwright Madeleine George is fiercely inventive.”
— David Cote, NY1 | Read Review Transcript“The talented cast masters quick-change character shifts, swapping accents and costumes at a breakneck pace. Watching them, it's easy to get drawn into the play's knot of ideas and romantic intrigue. ”
— Adam Markovitz, Entertainment Weekly“A FAST PACED, GENRE-DEFYING PLAY certain to get your mental gears turning. ”
— Zachary Stewart, Theatermania