The 2016 production received mixed reviews with Frank Rizzo of
Variety praising its lead star Olyphant but writing that while "The play is entertaining and engaging, performed by a top-rate ensemble...its long reach for political and social resonance is a stretch, with Strings and those around him equating or manipulating his celebrity life and personal angst to a larger moral drift of the country." David Rooney of
The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "There’s a much better play nestling in the almost three hours of
Hold On to Me Darling, but Lonergan seems unwilling to find it, leaving most of the poignancy buried between his disjointed scenes en route to a conclusion of unearned emotion.". Alexis Soloski of
The Guardian described the play as being "amusing but uneven", adding that it was a "A changeable blend of farce, comedy and drama". The 2024 production received critical acclaim, particularly for Driver's performance. Robert Hoffer for
The Wrap considered McCrane to be the "best role" of Driver's career. Jesse Hassenger for
The Guardian wrote that Driver as McCrane has "the magnetism to draw all eyes in his direction whenever he’s on stage." For
Vogue, Christopher Barnard commented that throughout the play's nearly 3-hour runtime "Driver does not hit a false note, a feat considering the aw-shucks, cowboy clichés lurking in the lines for less capable actors." == Accolades ==