Eureka Day review – thorny Broadway play takes on school vaccination chaos

Eureka Day, a new play at the Samuel J Friedman Theatre, satirizes progressive schooling. The play features a talented cast including Amber Gray, Jessica Hecht, and Bill Irwin. The setting is a seemingly idyllic Oakland elementary school emphasizing social justice. The school's administration utilizes progressive jargon to avoid conflict. An outbreak of mumps disrupts the school's carefully constructed harmony. The initial scene risks caricature, portraying overly cautious woke characters. However, the play cleverly navigates this potential pitfall. The humor arises from the challenges of maintaining harmony in a politically charged environment. The production boasts strong set design by Todd Rosenthal and direction by Anna D Shapiro. The play's timeliness and sharp humor make it engaging for audiences.