Lucas Hnath's HILLARY and CLINTON Starring Laurie Metcalf and John Lithgow

Playwright Lucas Hnath uncovers a universe with an unbeknownst conversation between Hillary and Bill Clinton during the presidential primaries in 2008.  The voyeuristic look into the couple's marital & political tribulations is riveting.  Many have wondered about the banter between Bill in his tumultuous term as President and during Hillary's run for the White in 2008.  Hnath's brilliant play "A Doll's House, Part 2" earned him the Tony for Best Play and a Tony for Best Actress for Laurie Metcalf who stars as the invincible Hillary.  Hillary's impenetrable persona revealed an unexpected crack in her carapace when confronted by a women during an informal Q&A in NH days before the state's primary.  The woman asked Clinton "How do you do it?" A softball question that elicited an uncharacteristic emotional response.  A teary eyed Clinton answered, "It's not easy - you know?"  Showing a softer more vulnerable side may have transformed her into a stronger candidate.  Hillary  won the NH primary despite polls predicting otherwise.  The simple but loaded question is volleyed about.  Why did Hill stay with Bill after his ignominious affair?  What motivated Hillary to run for the highest office and pursue public service?  What makes Hill and Bill tick as a team?  Was Hillary being strategic in staying by her husband's side?  Is Hillary power hungry or an altruistic patriot?  In Hnath's skillful hands, Hillary is seen as a relatable & complex individual with an omnipotent drive to be elected and a wife with ambivalent feelings for Bill (Tony & Emmy winner John Lithgow) whose indiscretions brought embarrassment and impeachment.  Hill's campaign manager Mark (Zak Orth) is adamant in keeping Bill out of the picture.  Still, she turns to Bill for support and when he arrives in the sparse hotel room, recriminations and frustrations soar.  Hillary wants to be out from under Bill's shadow.  Lithgow's Bill is a petulant egomaniac who doesn't want to be delegated to the sidelines or left alone.  Barack (Peter Francis James) makes an appearance in a cordial chess match with Hillary vying for position.  The acting is first rate and the sorry, not sorry repertoire is smart & humorous.  The universe where "Hillary and Clinton" co-exist is one with betrayals and reasonable actions.  The repercussions of what may have been and what actually transpired could fill a vortex.  What matters most in this amusing and exceptionally well acted play are the reverse images of the Hill & Bill we think we know.