August Wilson’s Jitney (Broadway)

See it if JITNEY has great strengths and weaknesses. It is a lively slice-of-inner city life in the 70s. Well acted and staged. Many men, one woman.

Don't see it if Two of the main conflicts--father/son and lovers--felt forced. Some of the dialogue and situations are clunky. Still, an important piece.

See it if You want to see stellar acting. I was completely absorbed throughout. The ensemble was stellar in this well staged work. Highly recommend!

Don't see it if Heavier dramas are not your thing or if you don't like character driven works. You are not a fan of August Wilson plays.

See it if you love theater. We have seen 3 versions and this is the best. My first 100 rating. We have seen all 10 plays in the cycle and Jitney ...

Don't see it if Sorry, I cannot come up with a reaosn to miss this production

Also is tied for #1 of Wilson's works with Fences, This is THEATER as it should be. I cannot praise it enough.
CORRECTION. I also rated Dear Evan Hansen a 100% a year ago.... Read more Read less

See it if you like to see theater that feels truly honest and also truly compelling.

Don't see it if you're more interested in plot-driven shows than (excellent) slice-of-life shows.

See it if you're a fan of Wilson, want to see some great acting by a fool-proof cast, enjoy realism, like humor/tragedy blends

Don't see it if you're not a fan of Wilson, don't like plays that require concentration, have difficulty sitting 2-1/2 hours, subject matter not of interest

See it if for magisterial/hilarious script animating black working class experience in the '70s, strong ensemble/JD Thompson, Ruben's expert direction

Don't see it if first half plays as near-farce, second as Greek tragedy; would be more effective if tonal contrasts not as stark

Also It is important to understand: though the focus of this play is the black experience in the U.S., like all great plays it speaks to all of us. In particular, Jitney deals with larger issues of personal responsibility and justice, how to rise above adversity and how to "be a man". That is why Wilson's plays are for the ages.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a Wilson fan or want to give his plays a try. It's one of his most accessible -- both funny and touching. This is a great production.

Don't see it if You're interested in a play with a more female-centric voice. This Wilson play is sorely lacking women.

See it if You want to see how Wilson captures the mood of a group of the underclass working men - struggling to survive with dignity .

Don't see it if You have no heart. Dislike conversational plays. Do not care about struggles and others' problems and self-esteem.

Also August Wilson is one of the greatest 20TH century playwrights He captures the struggles of everyone dancing on the edge of the poverty line, working hard to stay above their debts, but refusing to succumb to welfare.
In Jitney the stories unfold as the ensemble cast - now an unrelated family - lives with the ups and downs of life.
They lean on each other for love, understanding and support. The actors may all be black, but this applies to any culture.
The actors are all perfect in their roles. I was lucky enough to see Stephen Tyrone Williams play Youngblood, usually played by Andre Howard. Stephen is outstanding.
My favorite in all Wilson's plays is Brandon J. Dirden - his emotions are amazing to watch.... Read more Read less

See it if Must see. One of August Willson's best.

Don't see it if You dislike ethnic stories.

See it if you want to see superb ensemble acting in a play about the African-American experience that resonates today.

Don't see it if you prefer action over conversation and like a linear plot.

Also Fine cast, great set, terrific costumes, sensitive direction.

See it if Very beautifully and lovingly written, acted, directed and staged. Excellent sets and lighting. A very satisfying evening of theater.

Don't see it if you prefer action, this is a slice of life story, it's all about the characters. If you prefer musicals, just know this productions sings.

See it if you love really excellent plays,well directed, & performed by great actors.This is the August Wilson play that we need right now. Brilliant

Don't see it if you are an idiot! This play is important, it matters. And the acting is perfect. Do not miss this show. Really. Do NOT miss it.So moving.

See it if You like a well acted and staged play. This is a superb production of a relevant Wilson work- the quality of acting is the best part

Don't see it if You want escapism from the drama of real life; it does get a bit slow - I was wishing I had taken a nap before

See it if detailed characters who work for a car service in econ. deprived African-Amer. neighborhood played by an amazing ensemble in a detailed set

Don't see it if you want a lot of action. There are 2 scenes where there is emotional clash but we really learn stories thru conversations

Also First impressions are changed during the play.
Father-son relationship is heart-wrenching.
8 of the 9 characters are the men working at the Jitney but women play an important role in their lives.
I did not look at my watch once. Even though it was conversation based, it moved quickly for me.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see an August Wilson play not often done; you want to see good acting.

Don't see it if you are expecting a riveting story. Repetitious, contrived and predictable. Not Wilson's best but worth seeing to see his body of work.

See it if you're ready for a riveting 2.5 hours of humor, intellect, sadness, psychomachiac struggles, and everything that makes us human. Phenomenal!

Don't see it if you dislike 1970s-era dramas that settle in the folds of your soul more than dazzle your eyes with ostentatious displays. Prepare to think.

See it if you are a fan of August Wilson's Century cycle and enjoy a riveting play about the lives of Jitney drivers and their everyday issues.

Don't see it if you are not a fan of August Wilson's style of language and subject matter.

See it if you like being immersed in an "everyman" culture that provides insights into human motivations and realistic characterizations.

Don't see it if if you find it challenging or are not interested in interpreting human psychological interactions.

See it if you want to see great acting and amazing show.

Don't see it if you don't like plays

See it if You want to see one of the finest ensembles on Broadway. Powerful script, fascinating characters. Whets the appetite for more August Wilson!

Don't see it if You don't respond to drama (but there is also humor throughout. Give it a chance!)

See it if Enjoy great acting, like August Wilson, and are interested in seeing an early work.

Don't see it if Looking for action. A bit more talky than necessary.

See it if set in a 1970's gypsy-cab "jitney" company. Effectively deals with a host of issues/relationships, inter-personal and family.

Don't see it if you need a fast-paced, or flashy show. This takes place in one room and starts out slowly, but soon picks up wielding a host of emotions.

See it if you barely eke out a living or if you care about people (whether African American or otherwise) who barely eke out a living.

Don't see it if you prefer plays about affluent people or WASPS -- this is the opposite of an A.R.Gurney play.

See it if you are a fan of August Wilson or well written, well performed plays

Don't see it if you are looking for a light hearted time at the theatre.

See it if you want an engaging drama with memorable characters, humor, and intense emotions.

Don't see it if you don't like plays set in one room, want something spanking modern, don't like plays. Not many reasons I can think of, honestly.

Also In an unlicensed cab company, the principled leader deals with his son returning after 20 years; other drivers deal with debt, rumors, alcohol, women, gambling, guns, and cheap fares. It was refreshing to see themes of reconciliation presented unromantically and harshly. Hard words and hard truths butt up against massive egos. The characterizations flare and spark and invigorate this vital play. A lightly cheesy ending doesn't have everyone live happily after, but marred ever so slightly for me the otherwise steely plot. If I've made it sound relentlessly grim, don't worry, there are smiles and laughs aplenty.... Read more Read less