THE FEAR OF 13 with Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson

Watching Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson on stage at the James Earl Jones Theatre is a life-changing experience. The Fear of 13, written by Lindsey Ferrentino and based on Nick Yarris’ memoir, is utterly heartbreaking. Utterly beautiful. Utterly human. The play opens with Brody speaking directly to the audience, as Yarris on death row. There are moments when you feel that Brody is speaking to you—no one else, just you for those few seconds—as if he’s found you in your chair so he can share with you his pain. He moves to the edge of the stage and locks eyes. He IS Yarris pleading with you to hear his story, at least once, before he dies.

When deciding on our next play, Rand and I had considered a few fantastic options. NYC always has fantastic options. The “thirteen” is what grabbed my immediate attention. Well, Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, too. I will follow them anywhere. I had not seen the documentary, and I thought, Why thirteen? (It is the age of Clementine in Precious Ugly, a notorious age, in my experience.) And I had to find out. I refused to look up the film. I refused to read too much before going. I prefer an experiential discovery in the moment, especially when two amazing actors are leading. Throw me into it and make me work for it. The Fear of 13 does this and more. It is a beautiful juggernaut. It made me cry. It made me think. It made me laugh. Is there anything better?

Brody’s and Thompson’s soliloquies are THE reason that the stage is essential storytelling. And always will be. Experiencing Nick Yarris’ words, narrated in real time by Brody and Thompson brilliance, is not to be missed. Their performances are devastating, matched by David Cromer’s direction and powerhouse production with hyper-minimalist scenes that force emotional connectivity through multi-sensory engagement beyond the usual glitz of Broadway plays and musicals.

The Fear of 13 is a must-see in NYC. Hurry. Closing soon.