My Own Take: Off Broadway's 'I'm Assuming You Know David Greenspan'

The show: “I’m Assuming You Know David Greenspan” by Mona Pirnot at the Atlantic Theater Company.

What makes it special?: David Greenspan.

Who is he and why is he in a title of a play that he did not write?: Greenspan is a downtown theatre artist — writer/performer/sui generis— who has earned a half-dozen Obie Awards over a career that has spanned more than 40 years.

What’s it about?: It’s about the cost of being a creative artist in America, both financially and the toll it takes to one’s mind, soul and spirit. Here he plays four millennial women taking about the cost of being a playwright in America. Or working in the theater in general.

Sounds like an ‘ insider’ theater kind of play: Yes and no. Like “Stranger Things” now on Broadway —

”Stranger Things” and David Greenspan? Quite a comparison: It’s a stretch but hear me out: If you know a lot about that sci-fi series you will have a special pleasure in seeing the new Broadway extravaganza. But if you don’t, it will still — or could be — a wondrous experience. That’s the comparison. The special experience for those who don’t know of Greenspan and his work will be that of a fresh find and what’s better than discovering something so new and so brilliant. But it could also relate to anyone who works in a field they love without financial reward.

And the story?: In this solo work he plays a group of young women. Interestingly enough, none of the characters include David Greenspan. Set in 2022 in Brooklyn apartment of a young playwright named Emmy. The women are there to participate ion a reading of Emmy’s new play. But we also learn a recent accident that needed medical attention has made her re-examine her future life in the theater. This brings up issues of money, health insurance and her own mental health. She invites some friends over to gauge their reaction to her latest work which will help her decide if she will continue as a playwright or move on to a more financially and secure career.

The group includes another playwright, Mona, who has been obsessed with Greenspan ever since she saw him in his solo show “The Patsy.” In that 1920’s drawing room comedy the actor plays all the parts, including then stage directions. It’s a tour de force., she explains as she talks about his other great works and his commitment to his art.

Then there’s Sierra who works in TV and has earned big bucks. (Her observations of that industry are hilarious and oh so accurate.)

A fourth character arrives late in the play who adds a welcoming perspective — but no spoilers here.

Greenspan plays each of the characters with detail, grace, finesse, humor and humanity. You laugh even as your heart breaks a little about those who make lives in the theater. It’s also a little bit wild having this longtime artist, now 69, play all the parts of these young female characters as they talk about Greenspan’s off-Broadway work in an off-Broadway theater is very…

Meta?: Yes. But in a way that makes the point of the play all so real and impressive. It’s not a gimmick. The production works on so many levels, not the least of which is a deep appreciation for those who continue to work in theater. Greenspan is the personification of this and this work — happily celebrated by another writer who appreciates him so — but it extend to a larger theatrical world as well.

But it still sounds a bit sad: Well, it is, especially in the way this country treats such non-commercial artists, and now even more so.

Mona says in explaining her idol: “He’s an artist’s artist. Tony Kushner said when he first saw David Greenspan onstage he was like, ‘Why do I even try? I’m so jealous, why do I even bother, this guy is astounding.’” To which the listener replies: “Who is Tony Kushner?”

But this play is uplifting and funny, too. One can simply just sit back and watch Greenspan’s theatrical virtuosity. That alone is worth everything.

I also want to mention that the show is directed by Ken Rus Schmoll, who has worked with Greenspan several timers, including another solo show Gertrude Stein’s “Four Saints in Three Acts.”

Who will like it?: People who know David Greenspan;s work. Also people who don ’t.

Who won’t?: Those who have an aversion to solo shows. I get it. But in this case they would be missing out.

For the kids?: Savvy youngsters with great imaginations and teens who love theater — or theatricality — would greatly enjoy the show . And they can say to their friends with an air of hipness, “And I assume you know David Greenspan.”

Thoughts on leaving the parking lot?: Why hasn’t David Greenspan ever been given a MacArthur “Genius” grant?

Final thought to readers after this review: I’m assuming you now know about David Greenspan. Now follow his career and catch him if you can. You, too, may be astounded. Among his many works is adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s “The Bridge of San Luis Rey,” “Dead Mother,” “She Stoops to Comedy,” “The Memory Motel,” his solo performance of Eugene O’Neill’s six-hour plays“Strange Interlude.” The list goes on and on. He’s also appeared in other people’s plays including Terrence McNally’s “Some Men,” “The Boys in the Band,” and most recently "On Set with Theda Bara.”

Info: atlantictheater.org. Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes. No intermission.