The 2018 Broadway cast
Lobby Hero is a play written by Kenneth Lonergan. It is set in the lobby of a Middle-class apartment complex in Manhattan, and follows Jeff, a twentysomething security guard, his boss William, and two police officers for whom the building is on their normal route, veteran Bill and rookie Dawn (who Jeff has a crush on). As the story progresses the secrets and problems facing the characters gradually become exposed, and everybody's image of the other characters shifts.
The play premiered off-Broadway in 2001 and was later given an acclaimed Broadway production in 2018, receiving Tony nominations for Michael Cera as Jeff and Brian Tyree Henry as William, and also starred Chris Evans as Bill and Bel Powley as Dawn.
Tropes Related to Lobby Hero include:
- Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: Bill, at first glance, appears to be a straight laced hero cop. As the play progresses, however, he's revealed to be manipulative, misogynistic, and a bully.
- Can't Get Away with Nuthin': William is as by-the-book as they come and thinks nothing of firing people for violating the rules. Also in Jeff's backstory, as he was kicked out of the Navy for smoking pot.
- Minimalist Cast: Only the main four characters appear on stage.
- One-Steve Limit: Averted with Bill and William.
- Pint-Sized Powerhouse: Dawn, typically played by a petite actress, is introduced soon after severely beating up a suspect.
- "Well Done, Son" Guy: Jeff's father was a navy hero, and Jeff has never been able to live up to him.
