In this episode of “Half Hour”, we take a closer look at the Manhattan Theatre Club production of Bug at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, Tracy Letts’ psychological thriller about loneliness, paranoia, and conspiracy thinking. We break down how the plot unfolds in a single motel room, how David Cromer’s direction shapes the tension, and why the story feels especially pointed in today’s political climate.

We discuss what’s working with the cast, including Carrie Coon, Namir Smallwood, Jennifer Engstrom, Steve Key, and Randall Arney, and how each performance supports the play’s blend of intimacy and horror. We also reflect on our own questions with the material, the production’s design choices, and where we see Bug fitting into this year’s Tony Awards conversation. The episode wraps with our “Half-Minute” segment, where we each highlight one specific moment that stayed with us after the curtain came down.

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