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Hanks' Time-Travel Play A Nostalgic Trip to 1939 NYC
19 Nov
Summary
- Tom Hanks co-wrote a time-travel fantasy play set in 1939.
- The play features Hanks as a scientist visiting the NYC World's Fair.
- The story echoes classic Frank Capra films with a nostalgic tone.
Tom Hanks leads the cast in "This World of Tomorrow," a recently opened play co-written with James Grossman. This time-travel fantasy, inspired by short stories from Hanks, transports audiences to the iconic 1939 New York World's Fair. Hanks portrays a future scientist who travels back in time, finding romance with a divorcee amidst the fair's futuristic exhibits and 1950s diners.
The production's narrative style is deeply reminiscent of classic Frank Capra films, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia. Hanks' performance as the scientist draws parallels to Jimmy Stewart's iconic roles in films like "It's a Wonderful Life." The play's humor relies on the audience's awareness of the future, with subtle remarks about technological advancements eliciting knowing chuckles.
"This World of Tomorrow" offers a two-hour and fifteen-minute escape into a bygone era, contrasting sharply with contemporary stage productions. The interplay between Hanks and co-star Kelli O'Hara provides a charming central romance, set against a backdrop of historical futurism. The play's sweet, retro charm is its defining characteristic.
