The Few

by Samuel D. Hunter

From Samuel D. Hunter, the award-winning author of The Whale and Bright New Boise, and the 2014 recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Grant, comes The Few. Four years ago, Bryan abandoned his labor of love, a newspaper for truckers. Now he’s returned – with no word of where he’s been – and things have changed. His former lover is filled with rage, his new coworker is filled with incessant adoration, and his paper is filled with personal ads. As he considers giving up for good, Bryan searches for what he couldn’t find on the road: a way to keep faith in humanity. In it's acclaimed run at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre in New York City, The Few was praised for its "unusual insight into, and empathy for, people whose lives have settled into sad stasis, or strategic withdrawal." (The New York Times)
(Samuel French)

Genres: Plays

74 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 2 out of 5]

This the fifth Hunter play I've read now, and the first I've not really cared for - the premise is a bit preposterous (people producing a personals ads paper for truckers), and although short, it is both repetitious and doesn't lead much of anywhere.

[Lani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much like many Samuel D. Hunter plays I've recently seen/read, this play focuses on the least interesting character, while the most interesting character has a very small role.

[Nick K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This play is small and lovely. It is more a character study than plot driven. There are some huge emotions being dealt with but Hunter does not spoon feed the audience. He makes you put some things together on your own. The characters were real to me along with their struggles. It was an enjoyable read with an ending that brought tears to my eyes.

[Ashton Showers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star

really loved the sense of purpose in this one but felt like it had a little too much in it for how short it was, the conflicts didn’t feel fully resolved or developed

[Alex Chapes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had seen the play live.

UPDATE! I wrote that line above (about wishing I had seen the play) YESTERDAY. And today, guess what?! They are doing an online streamed version next month! "On Saturday July 11th at 7:00pm EST, Play-PerView will present The Few, written and directed by Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale, Greater Clements, "Baskets"). Reuniting the entire original cast of the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater production, this live-streamed performance will feature Tony Award nominee Gideon Glick (To Kill A Mockingbird, Ocean's 8), Michael Laurence (Appropriate, "Damages"), and Tasha Lawrence (Pipeline, The Whale). Four years ago, Bryan abandoned his labor of love: a newspaper for truckers. Now he's returned-with no word of where he's been-and things have changed. His former lover is filled with rage, his new coworker is filled with incessant adoration, and his paper is filled with personal ads. As he considers giving up for good, Bryan searches for what he couldn't find on the road: a way to keep faith in humanity. This reading will benefit Rattlestick Playwrights Theater."

Now I am very glad I just read the play!