The reviews are in for Phyl, Cicely Hamilton’s 1913 comedy, which Mint Theater Company opened at Theatre Row on Thursday, October 22, in its American premiere. Banned from its planned Oxford premiere for its frank view of a woman’s sexual and economic freedom, the play follows a fed-up governess who chooses a rich man’s Riviera over respectability, directed here by Britt Berke. The critics are warm about the rediscovery and unanimous about Lily Ganser in the title role, with reservations kept to a predictable last stretch.
The verdict: five reviews in so far, all of them positive. Two outlets give a score: Theater Life 4 out of 5 and New York Stage Review 3 out of 5; the rest publish no rating. Theater Pizzazz and Talkin’ Broadway are the most enthusiastic, while TheaterMania and Talkin’ Broadway both find the plot turns easy to see coming. Every critic singles out Lily Ganser, and most give credit to Britt Berke’s staging and to Anthony Michael Martinez as Jack.
What are critics saying about Phyl?
TheaterMania
"A Feminist Cinderella Story Returns to the Stage in a Witty Revival of Phyl"
Reviewer: Rachel Graham
Rachel Graham finds the plot turns predictable but the heroine’s fate uncertain enough to hold her, and credits Lily Ganser with making a sometimes unlikable Phyl easy to root for.
"…aside from a few small flaws, Phyl is a quick-moving, engrossing diversion."
She is less taken with Katie Firth’s Mrs. Ponsonby and with Jane Shaw’s sound design, but admires M.L. Geiger’s lighting and Alicia J. Austin’s costumes.
Theater Life
Reviewer: Paulanne Simmons · 4 out of 5
Paulanne Simmons calls it a delightful play that turns two old literary tropes, rags to riches and the fallen woman, on their heads.
"Phyl turns out to be not a cautionary tale but an ironic commentary on the vicissitudes of life."
She finds Ganser engaging, Anthony Michael Martinez a worthy suitor, and something very modern in a heroine written more than a century ago.
New York Stage Review
"Phyl: A Free Spirited Woman of 1913"
Reviewer: Michael Sommers · 3 out of 5
Michael Sommers sees a neat pre-war blend of romance and quiet social comment from a suffragette writer, of most interest to theatergoers who seek out rediscovered plays of the period.
"Britt Berke, the director, gives Phyl a well-paced, agreeably performed production."
He likes the way Ganser brightens as Phyl’s spirit takes wing and Martinez’s easy charm as Jack, though he thinks some of the period costumes could be better finished.
Talkin’ Broadway
Reviewer: James Wilson
James Wilson welcomes another forgotten play unearthed by the Mint, and recounts how its frank treatment of women’s independence caused a stir in Oxford in 1913.
"Phyl, Cicely Hamilton's play from 1913, is receiving its New York stage debut, and it is both highly entertaining and engagingly provocative."
He feels the last third lumbers once the ending is in sight, but finds the acting terrific across the board and Britt Berke’s direction sure-footed.
Theater Pizzazz
"Charm with a Message"
Reviewer: Alix Cohen
Alix Cohen praises Ganser’s delicate, poignant Phyl, Jennifer Blood’s brittle but sympathetic sister and Martinez’s natural Jack.
"This is an entertaining play with meat on it and an utterly captivating production."
She credits Berke’s skill with stage business and admires Brittany Vasta’s Riviera set and Austin’s costumes.
Catch up on our roundups for Two Girls at the Cherry Lane Theatre and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button at The Public Theater, or look back at our first look at the production.
Phyl runs at Theatre Row (Theatre Four), 410 West 42nd Street, through November 7, 2026. The running time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one intermission. Production photos by Todd Cerveris.
