Jon Robin Baitz’s play “Other Desert Cities” returned to New York in a revival at the Hudson Theatre, marking Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Broadway debut in the role of Polly Wyeth, originally portrayed by Stockard Channing in the 2011 premiere. Set in Palm Springs in 2004, against the backdrop of the second Iraq war, the drama explores the tensions within a politically divided family during the Christmas holidays.

Louis-Dreyfus plays Polly Wyeth, a conservative California Republican with a polished, WASP-influenced lifestyle, hosting her family’s holiday gathering at an opulent desert home. Polly and her husband, Lyman, played by Ed Harris, are staunch supporters of the war and embody establishment Republican values. Their daughter Brooke, portrayed by Lily Rabe, has recently returned home after a period of hospitalization for depression. Brooke’s return brings unresolved family conflicts to the surface, particularly regarding her forthcoming memoir recounting her older brother Henry’s radicalization, involvement in a bombing that resulted in a fatality, and his subsequent death by suicide. These events have left deep scars, and Brooke’s decision to attribute much of the tragedy to her parents’ conservative politics fuels bitter disputes.

The play navigates the fraught dynamic between Polly’s tightly controlled image of familial perfection and Brooke’s decision to challenge that narrative publicly. Polly’s sister Silda, interpreted by Allison Janney, adds further complexity as a recovering alcoholic critical of Polly’s politics and an active supporter of Brooke’s project. Meanwhile, Trip, the youngest Wyeth sibling and a producer of a sensational courtroom reality show, serves as a reluctant mediator among the fractious relatives.

Originally a drawing-room comedy with sharp wit and probing family drama, “Other Desert Cities” combines elements of farce and serious theatrical tradition. The revival’s direction by John Benjamin Hickey adopts a toned-down tone that contrasts with the original production’s more biting approach. This shift, while aiming to deepen emotional resonance, reportedly softens the comedic impact and reduces dramatic tension.

Critical responses highlight Louis-Dreyfus’ portrayal of Polly as more sympathetic and accessible compared to Channing’s earlier, more austere interpretation. Ed Harris offers a convincing presence as Lyman, though some critics find his performance uneven as the narrative intensifies. Lily Rabe tackles the demanding role of Brooke with notable intensity, though her style contrasts with the more restrained performances of her co-stars. Allison Janney’s Silda, a former standout in previous productions, comes across as less commanding in this iteration. Joe Keery, making his Broadway debut as Trip, delivers a notably strong performance, balancing humor and frustration effectively.

“Other Desert Cities,” originally crafted in a less polarized political climate, grapples with themes that have only grown more contentious since its debut. The revival’s more conciliatory tone underscores shifts in American political and cultural discourse, reflecting on how familial and ideological divisions have evolved over the past decade.