Necessary Targets went through several public (and celebrated) readings before it was staged as a play in the United States. Movie stars read the play in benefits to raise money for war refugees. Ensler then gained fame, even world recognition, with the successful run of her Obie-winning Vagina Monologues. This brought interest in her earlier play, and Necessary Targets was staged.

The first staging in the United States took place in Connecticut in 2001. Despite the many previous readings the play had received, Markland Taylor, writing for Variety, finds that Ensler's work still needs some polishing. “If it's ever to be the shattering cri de coeur [protest] it seemingly intends,” Taylor writes, “more work is needed.” Taylor faults the writing, stating that Ensler's characters need more depth. In the end, however, Taylor offers an oblique word of praise when he says that “Ensler must deliver the assured...