Katie Holmes gets mixed reviews on Broadway, gold star as a mom

Josh Hamilton, left, Katie Holmes and Norbert Leo Butz take their curtain call during the "Dead Accounts" Broadway opening night at the Music Box Theatre.

By Matt Donnelly

Nov. 30, 2012 12 AM PT

Katie Holmes’ new Broadway effort “Dead Accounts” has finally opened for New York audiences after weeks of previews, and the reviews are in.

The verdict: a mixed reception for former “Smash” show-runner Theresa Rebeck’s play, but Katie herself won over many with her performance -- especially in contrast to her 2008 Broadway debut in a revival of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons.”

The Times said Holmes was “charming, natural and, yes, about as fresh-faced as a moisturizer model,” but ultimately couldn’t bring dimension to the poorly drawn character.

The New York Times tossed in a “Dawson’s Creek” reference, saying that Holmes’ character (a small town beauty) “suggests what might have happened to Joey Potter, the ultimate girl-next-door she once portrayed ... had she never found true love or left town.”

Newsday wasn’t so kind, noting that Katie “fades into the kitchen wallpaper during light comedy. But when her character toughens up in the more dramatic second act, so does she.”

There’s one major fan in the former Mrs. Tom Cruise’s corner: her costar Judy Greer.

“I’ve just been impressed by her work ethic, honestly, and her ability as a single mom, to juggle being an awesome mom,” Greer told Vanity Fair.

“She’s like got a kid, she works out every day, she’s cooking dinner at night for her daughter, she manages to go and get her a new dress if she has a special thing, going to her lessons after school ... it’s pretty impressive.”

Greer even let on what may be the secret to Katie’s new life as a solo parent: “I’ve rarely seen her without a giant cup of coffee in her hand, I will say that.”

ALSO:

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