Despite being a globally recognized movie star, Tom Hanks’s recent stage performance in the play This World Of Tomorrow received a somewhat mixed reaction from critics.
Tom Hanks, 69, stars as Bert Allenberry in the new film, alongside Kelli O’Hara, 49, a Tony Award-winning actress who plays his character’s love interest, Carmen Perry.
The play, directed by Kenny Leon and currently showing at The Shed in New York, was adapted from a collection of short stories called Uncommon Type by Tom and James Glossman, who co-wrote the script.
Despite winning an Oscar, the actor hasn’t been getting the usual praise for his latest play, with some critics calling it boring and simply not good.
Others have called the play a ‘touching love story’ and hailed Tom for his ‘charming’ performance.
The play tells the story of Bert, a scientist who journeys from the future to the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City. There, he meets and falls in love with Carmen, a bookkeeper.
Bert falls deeply in love with Carmen and repeatedly relives the same day in New York, hoping to be with her, even though he knows their relationship can never be.
Vulture critic Jackson McHenry strongly disliked the performance, calling it the start of a boring experience.
He commented that what was currently happening at the Shed wasn’t really a play, but rather something like a play. Actors were wearing costumes and moving around on stage, reciting memorized lines for about two hours.
The movie lacks a clear focus and doesn’t really explore any particular theme. Director Leon, known for making melodramatic films with famous actors, hasn’t given his cast much direction either.
Jackson described the play as something lighthearted and imaginative, like a quick sketch or a small-scale production created simply to please one individual.
In his review for the Washington Post, theatre critic Naveen Kumar praised ‘This World of Tomorrow’ for its unique ability to feel both futuristic and nostalgic – a surprisingly skillful accomplishment.
No matter how you look at it, you’ll feel a strong desire to get away. If you want to continue liking your favorite actor… it’s time to leave now.
Tim Teeman from the Daily Beast scathingly wrote: ‘Tom Hanks finally does something bad.
Tom Hanks is still likable and charming, but the connection between his character and the potential love interest feels more like a friendship than a romance.
Though Tom Hanks occasionally delivers grand speeches about history and important values, the play hints at a larger message without ever fully committing to it.
Peter Hempstead from Theatre Mania said: ‘This World of Tomorrow feels very yesterday.
The movie relies on common romantic comedy ideas, similar to those found in films like Groundhog Day and Back to the Future. While these aren’t necessarily bad, the film doesn’t offer a fresh or original take on them.
Instead, the movie gets bogged down in complicated scientific details and overly long explanations of time travel, stretching its length to a tiring two hours and fifteen minutes.
Despite several weaknesses, the New York Theatre felt the play was ultimately successful thanks to Tom’s strong performance.
It’s easy to see why the show is appealing – after all, it’s a love story with Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara as the leads!
It’s surprisingly enjoyable just watching Tom Hanks’ expressions while he’s performing – noticing how involved he is, even when he’s not speaking.
This show is special because you get to see a famous actor live on stage, and it feels surprisingly personal and genuine, like a glimpse into something truly intimate.
Okay, so The Guardian’s Benjamin Lee gave it three stars! Three stars! And he actually called it ‘breezily enjoyable’! I knew it was good, I knew it! It’s just… so validating to see someone else recognize how amazing it is, even if it’s just ‘breezily enjoyable’ to them. I’m telling you, it’s more than that!
Tom Hanks, who last appeared on Broadway in the 1980s-set play Lucky Guy, shares a genuine connection with Saoirse O’Hara in the final scenes. O’Hara skillfully captures the speech patterns of the time period without falling into caricature.
Melissa Rose Bernado from the New York Stage Review also gave the show three stars, recommending audiences ‘see it for Tom Hanks, but you’ll stay for Eugene O’Hara’.
Alison Considine of the New York Theatre Guide lauded the play for its ‘touching love story’
She praised Hanks’ incredible stage presence, saying that even hearing him repeat lines was enjoyable. She believes the show is exceptional and worth seeing no matter where you’re coming from.
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2025-11-19 14:05