Jesse Eisenberg wins over critics again with new play

Jesse Eisenberg has won over theatre critics again as his latest self-written play debuted in New York this week (beg25Feb13).

The Social Network star appears opposite acting veteran Vanessa Redgrave in The Revisionist, which premiered at the Off-Broadway Cherry Lane Theatre on Thursday night (28Feb13), nearly 18 months his first production, Asuncion, debuted at the same venue.

Asuncion previously won acclaim from theatre critics, and now Eisenberg has another hit on his hands.

Ben Brantley of the New York Times was full of praise for Redgrave, insisting she "reminds us why she's considered the greatest actress of her generation," adding, "I would like to extend hearty thanks to Mr. Eisenberg... for giving her the space and material to create her finest, fullest stage performance since she won a Tony for Long Day's Journey Into Night a decade ago."

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter concludes The Revisionist is "a tighter, more dramatically robust piece" than Asuncion and adds of Redgrave, "Her movements have a natural grace and strength that makes her mesmerising to watch up close... Stage acting doesn't get much better."

Elysa Gardner, of USA Today, writes, "Eisenberg... has a wry ear and a knack for unsentimental poignance that keep Revisionist emotionally compelling... He also holds his own on stage opposite Redgrave, who at 76 remains an unflinchingly sharp, vivid presence."

Joe Dziemianowicz of the New York Daily News wasn't as impressed, branding the production a "nonstarter of a drama", but conceded "the chance to see Redgrave, who's terrific, up close and personal makes it almost worth your time."