Indecent

See it if You want to see a show that is cleverly and beautifully staged. It does the near impossible-inform without preaching, teach w/out lecturing.

Don't see it if If you are anti Semitic or don't have a love for art. This play, I believe, grasps the pure essence of the struggles some artists endure.

See it if You want to see a contemporary view of the past, that shows how issues, such as prejudice & censorship are still with us.

Don't see it if You want to see current issues dealt w/more directly. You're uncomfortable w/Jewish and/or lesbian themes depicted on stage.

See it if You love historical dramas, especially those that focus on religion, theatre, and artistic censorship during the World War II era.

Don't see it if You have no interest in Jewish history or prefer plays set in a more modern era.

See it if you want to enjoy a multi-talented cast in a well-written play with innovative staging deliver some important messages.

Don't see it if you want a big stage production where everything is another happiness.

See it if Its about art and free thinking, and its being taken away.

Don't see it if At time the story is slow, and one over the scenes.

See it if You want to be touched at the lives of a theater company who played across Europe and the US, their back-stories, and their tragic end.

Don't see it if You'd be saddened at the end of the story, you don't want to see two women fall in deep love with each other and kiss in the rain.

See it if You love plays with historical truth, fine ensemble work from talented cast, creative staging, thoughtful direction. Much is special. But...

Don't see it if No interest in story of obscure play, gay themes, antisemitism. It's intelligent, theater but repetitive/overly earnest. No story arc here.

Also In talking about this show a few weeks later with a friend, she helped me realize why I had some reservations about the show. If you've read the blurb, you know the entirety of what happens during the course of the play. There's no new information, and the story doesn't go anywhere. So, it's good theater with many good moments, but I had hoped for more - especially based on the reviews.

Saw this at the Cort Theater on Broadway in May, 2017.... Read more Read less

See it if you appreciate seeing the absolute essence of theater. This a show about a show and about the extraordinary people behind that show.

Don't see it if you need a happy ending, have a problem with actors playing multiple roles or can't handle laughing through tears.

Also I have seldom seen a show staged so beautifully. The stage pictures will stay with you long after the curtain comes down.... Read more Read less

See it if You like highly intelligent entertainment. Paula Vogel on Broadway, yea!!!

Don't see it if You're looking to give your brain a rest.

See it if a Yiddish play with lesbian romance followed around the world for 50 years. Atmospheric Klezmer music and dance. Tom Nelis is outstanding

Don't see it if Asch and Schildkraut could have been the conscience of the 20th century. So much to think about here. Highly theatrical, too

Also The title projections were illegible much of the time

See it if A very original concept. An engaging cast. A story I was unaware of. Good writing. Entertaining.

Don't see it if Confusing at times.

See it if you are interested in the jewish culture or in the history of a play which challenged the political repression of alternate lifesyles.

Don't see it if you would be offended by lesbian scenes, the reference to whores and a whore house, or a disrespect of religious objects and believes.

See it if you're interested in seeing a show that is more relevant now than ever to the arts and our political climate. Intense, thought-provoking.

Don't see it if you're not in the mood for a heavy play that requires you to think or if you're not interested in a rarely mentioned historical story.

See it if you’re dutifully set on a play from a Pulitzer winner w/ a message of acceptance, religious/artistic freedom. Maybe bring your older kids.

Don't see it if you expect to be moved, thrilled, or inspired to take action for social equality and fairness.

Also Indecent is competently performed but there are no surprises here. It’s not that the narrative is predictable, but the play’s perspective sits so squarely on the right side of history that there’s no tension or newness at all. You’d think hot button topics like antisemitism, gay discrimination, poverty, censorship would be more provocative. Actually, nothing about Indecent is controversial.

The cast does a great job with what they have. The very last 10 minutes are excellent and supposed to be the payoff to the lukewarm history lesson that came before. Wasn't enough for me but apparently works for many others.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a show in a show, theatre history, censorship, and a real-life drama that spans generations

Don't see it if You want a comedy or easy escape; dislike reading subtitles

See it if You care about the discussion of art versus politics.

Don't see it if you prefer politically correct theater.

Also Great direction and story. Ending seemed to drag on.

See it if you enjoy political theater that touches on history and how we let it repeat itself. Terrific writing, great cast and direction. Must see.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy plays with a message

See it if you get the chance. It's a beautifully told story of a little-known episode in theater history.

Don't see it if it doesn't tour. It's an affecting, relevant work, so I very much hope it does.

See it if you want to see how great a total theater experience can be when expertly put together and executed.

Don't see it if you are looking for light fluff.

See it if culture of the Yiddish community - its vibrant theater & music; issue of censorship by those with a narrow view of whom we can love

Don't see it if subtitles, play within a play (some acts are repeated); 105 min. without intermission; actors in several roles; sometimes confusing

Also The beginning is a little more cerebral than emotional - a lot of information is packed in & I didn't feel the full force of Asch's play until the last third - the love scene in the rain.
The actors performance of the play in the Ghetto is emotional & really shows how important the arts are.... Read more Read less

See it if the history of theatre arts means ANYthing to you. "Lemml" would be THE ultimate & ideal theater-going companion. Thank you, Richard Topol!

Don't see it if you bleed water. You don't have to be Jewish for your brain to understand & for your soul to deeply feel tragedy, presented so eloquently.

See it if you want to experience a masterful, smart, and informative play by Paula Vogel that moves at a quick clip and keeps you engaged throughout.

Don't see it if not embracing of homosexuality and eroticism in art; you get a balcony seat, which will block some projected English/Yiddish translations.

Also I'm quite glad I managed to see Paula Vogel's Indecent before it's August 6, 2017 closing date, and while it's not a perfectly-produced play, the writing, sentiment, and story are engrossing. Afterward, I wanted to rush home and look up "God of Vengeance" and Sholem Asch, and further investigate the censorship issues, as well as history of Jewish artists in America. To me, this is a strength of the play: it makes audiences want to know, want to embrace more ideas, and want to investigate the world and history around them. What was frustrating, though, is some of the choppiness of scene and time shifts, indicated by projected words/directions (some in Yiddish, some in English) at the top of the stage. Those in the balcony could not read most of it, as the stage lights blocked the words. Projections are also on the sides, but they're on stage and not angled towards audiences. Although I managed to follow along, if you can, get an orchestra or mezzanine seat to avoid feeling frustrated.... Read more Read less

See it if You're interested in the history of Yiddish theatre, particularly in America. You want to see excellent direction.

Don't see it if You dislike downtown theatre aesthetics.

See it if This is a must see no matter what kind of theatre that you enjoy. Moving and a story that needed to be told.

Don't see it if i can't see a reason not to see it.

See it if you want a poignant view into how Jews have been treated. Reminiscent of Fiddler on the Roof and It's A Beautiful Life

Don't see it if you don't care for gay/lesbian interactions or you want to see a funny show.