The Balusters: Broadway Edition

by David Lindsay-Abaire

Genres: Plays

174 pages, Paperback

Published July 21, 2026

About the author

David Lindsay-Abaire is an American playwright and lyricist. He received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2007 for his play, Rabbit Hole.

Reviews

[Scott]

Dangerously truthful and caustically humorous! This is an impressive ensemble piece
and worthy of its five Tony Nominations!

[Sela]

This was such a good read, I’m so sad I didn’t get to see it when it was running😭😭 That last scene was crazy, also “even her votes are nonbinary” is killing me
Very funny script 10/10

[Win Goodbody]

DLA has taken a milieu of no interest to anyone - namely his earnest, progressive urban neighborhood - and fashioned a long and excruciatingly detailed account of nothing happening. 90% of the dialogue here is of the dreaded mundane filler category.

[Codey Odachowski]

When I first saw this play being advertised on Broadway, I knew nothing about it. I saw the brilliant and intriguing artwork, saw that it was written by David Lindsay-Abaire and that was it. Months go by and I start hearing people talk about how great it is and my interest was piqued!

I pre-ordered this play and was ecstatic to finally receive it in the mail!

This play is a classic group of people from all different walks of life getting together to discuss taboo topics. And I loved every second of it!

The Vernon Point Neighborhood Association gathers once a month to discuss topics to better the neighborhood. Newcomer, Kyra, decides to bring up a topic regarding the placement of a stop sign, at her first meeting…and drama ensues. Constantly competing with the President of the Board, Elliot, Kyra makes it her mission to get everyone on her side.

But this play is about way more than just a stop sign…this play, in true David Lindsay-Abaire fashion, is about a group of diverse people from different walks of life, trying to understand each other in the interest of coexistence. We see that no one is perfect, and that everyone says the wrong thing and makes mistakes. But it’s how we grow from that, which makes us the people we are.

A beautiful play!!!

[Jason]

A viciously funny piece! This was a at times funny, at times very uncomfortable, visit with a Neighborhood Association Board. Diverse people, personalities and histories collide in this look at what preservation means to different people. As with Lindsay-Abaire's work, things are not always what they seem to be, and as soon as you scratch the surface, the blood will flow!

[Shannon Geier]

Want to find the bastion of infighting and hypocrisy? Intrigue and backstabbing? Look no further than an HOA!! This biting comedy is so much fun and also I found myself, on more than one occasion, setting the book to the side to cover my face and just muttering “No. That did not happen!!! They did not say that!!”
Beginning to end it was fantastic!!!

[Chloe Hernandez]

shot straight up in bed multiple times. i read this in less than 2 hours. such an incredible piece about the silly yet ever-present nuances that come with living in suburbia, no matter who you are. also made me reflect on the recent and sudden rise of conservatism in my generation? a hilarious piece that forces us all to look at the parts of ourselves we’re more likely to hide away.

[Liz]

When I read a script on my own, I often determine entertainment value If I can see myself ‘directing’ the play as I turn pages. And I can on this one.

Very diverse set of actors/characters needed which is nice for enhancing Inclusion in a show as well as some terrify. ‘AhHa’ moments.

I think my theater friends will definitely Dig this one!

I’d like to see it on stage soon.

[JCP]

Samuel J Friedman Theatre, 261 W 47th St.
Directed by Kenny Leon
Richard Thomas, MaryLouise Burke, Kayli Carter, Ricardo Chavira, Carl Clemons-Hopkins. Margaret Colin, Michael Esper, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Anika Noni Rose, Jeena Yi

[Caroline Cole]

Tore through this play in the Munich airport. A very funny, sharp portrait of suburban board meetings and the thinly veiled prejudice that comes with them. Reminds me of my hometown. I wish I’d seen the broadway production!

[Steven]

Savvy smart and funny as all get out

[Julio Gutierrez]

So so so funny! I had such a blast reading this

[Anna Halza]

Loving this era of "neighborhood committee" plays.

[Scott]

This is a witty and perceptive look at how people interact and can surprise each other. What is a seemingly simple premise peels back layers smartly.

[Bobby Sullivan]

Excellent play. The characters are hilarious, and the underlying issues are very important.

[Brian McCann]

Excellent contemporary comedy — a well-deserved Best Play nomination this year. Looking forward to regional productions in the near future.

[Curran]

I read this because I know the actor who originated the role of Ruth. I laughed and gasped all the way through, but did see two of the twists coming. David Lindsay-Abaire is a master at his craft and created something all at once singular, poignant, and hilarious.

[Tim Grimes]

Excellent play, both probing and funny.

[Mallory Peterson]

3.75 ☆ tbh i did not know what a baluster was but i am certainly enlightened now!

[Doug]

4.5, rounded down.

This just opened on Broadway to generally enthusiastic reviews, and I found the script for download on the Manhattan Theatre Club's own website prior to publication - they are presenting the play's premiere. I've run hot and cold on Lindsay Abaire's other works, but this is mostly in the plus column. It tackles some timely and prickly issues, and the characters are all well-defined, if perhaps leaning a bit towards sit-com cliches. There is one surprising twist late in the play that I didn't see coming, so that always elevates a play in my estimation.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/21/th...
https://variety.com/2026/legit/review...
https://ew.com/the-balusters-review-b...
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/202...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEMyt...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzeNh...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JapTN...