Linda Vista

See it if This was a really well acted play. Much better than Nebraska. A funny play and moves for the most part quickly. Great ensemble cast.

Don't see it if Full nudity and explicit language. If you dont want politics in a play.

See it if Self-loathing man going through mid-life crisis feeds his ego & hurts people. His exaggerated damaged character makes for a lot of drama.

Don't see it if You can’t abide Dick Wheeler, a funny narcissistic misogynist who sucks people in. Maybe too contrived, but maybe not. Nude sex scenes.

Also I liked the ambiguous ending! Has he turned a new leaf, or....

See it if Lett's funny, astute & often bilious portrait of 'toxic masculinity' Superb ensemble led by a bravura Barford It's the writing that shines

Don't see it if Lett's tries awfully (no pun intended) hard to have us empathize w/Wheeler But the rationales albeit skillful fall flat & come off as hollow

See it if you seek a smart, authentic, provocative portrayal of mid life crises & damaged people trying to find their way, from the ever-astute Letts.

Don't see it if ur offended by frank discussions & depictions of sex, incl. nudity (tho it doesn't seem gratuitous); ur trying to avoid current politics.

Also Aside from a hackneyed gag toward the end of the show (wherein our protagonist, in the throes of a midlife crisis, dons a leather jacket, tattoos, etc.) this is a keenly observed, quick-witted, perfectly cast, true-to-life (yet altogether original) contemporary comedy. There are no easy resolutions. All of the characters are flawed but relatable (even the bitter, misanthropic, narcissistic blowhard at the center of the play), and Letts lets none of them (or us) off too easily.... Read more Read less

See it if fan of Tracy Letts, for a great performance by Ian Banford, incisive portrait of a modern straight selfish uber-male out-of-touch with women

Don't see it if not interested in a sharp portrait of an alienating, frustrating obnoxious character or plays that go on a bit too long

See it if good writing that finds subtle humor in ordinary life situations pleases you.

Don't see it if watching losers follow their bad demons to inevitable conclusions depresses you.

See it if you love Letts, VERY funny dramas, growth in characters, excellent acting.The dialogue is wonderful.Characters are well rounded.

Don't see it if full frontal nudity and very realistic sex acts are distracting.Play goes off the rails when it gets so graphic.Not necessary.Cringe worthy

See it if you enjoy a great human story well written and performed by a great ensemble cast

Don't see it if you are upset by language and nudity or do not enjoy thinking at the theater

See it if downward spiral of a damaged, self-destructive, middle-aged misanthrope told with incisive humor performed to perfection by a terrific cast

Don't see it if full frontal nudity, simulated sex scenes, toxic masculinity, & a few scenes that don't quite ring true would be deal-breakers.

Also Everyone in the cast had moments to shine, but it was Ian Barford, who gives a creepily magnetic performance, who holds the play together. Tracy Letts writes some devastatingly​ pungent, clever dialogue.... Read more Read less

See it if story of a sexist male having a mid-life crisis who is funny in the beginning; interested in seeing a characters true colors come

Don't see it if don't want toxic masculinity, full nudity, graphic sex scenes, foul language; want likable characters

Also The sex scenes were a turning point although hints to his character have been apparent throughout. Maybe they could have been a little less graphic but they are relevant to the story.... Read more Read less

See it if Toxic Masculinity: The Play appeals to you. This is definitely that.

Don't see it if the scathing humor can’t redeem the icky protagonist, a mediocre white guy who unrepentantly obliterates his every unearned privilege.

Also The cast is great, and the story is relevant and rings true, but it’s hard to stay in the presence of a guy like this (who is scarily realistic) for 2 1/2 hours without wanting a hot shower afterwards.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a great performance by Ian Barford. Good book by Tracy Letts.

Don't see it if you are looking for an laugh out loud comedy. It's a sad tale of a dysfunctional middle aged guy.

See it if a fan of Tracey Letts who must see absolutely all of his work; unafraid of lots of cringe-worthy moments of sexuality and misogyny.

Don't see it if uncomfortable with: sexuality and nudity, misogyny, cynicism, cheating, negligent parenting, and/or curmudgeonly middle-aged white men.

Also In Linda Vista, white men are despicable, the surrounding women little more than caricatures of stale types. I am appalled yet curious as to why so many audience members laughed at rapey, stalkerish jokes. Domestic abuse is downplayed; protagonist Wheeler is dating and sleeping around before his divorce is finalized, neglecting to help a troubled teenage son poised to be a monstrous woman-hating sex-addict. (It’s not a pretty picture of the legacy we’ve inherited nor the one we’re leaving behind). Tracey Letts appears to want to celebrate middle age and coming back from its failures and humiliations. I’m all for second chances, and would have loved more about Wheeler’s creative life. But it’s hard to root for Wheeler when he causes so much destruction, and as a privileged, college-educated white man, he winds up looking spoiled, whiney, and unthankful. Linda Vista seems better in mind than on stage: too indulgent, half-baked, and out of touch with the current political climate.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of Tracy Letts or someone in the cast, or want to sit in the most cramped seats on God's Green Earth.

Don't see it if Gratuitous foul language and sex are of interest to you, as opposed to solid dialogue and meaningful intimacy.

Also In all fairness, I left at the interval, and would have left after the first 20 minutes if it would not have been disruptive. (Many years of theatre-going have taught me that if I am not engaged in the first half-hour, it never gets better for me.)

In the precious time I spent on this, I never cared about any of the characters or their outcome. The humor is forced in a Neil Simon kind of way, which is already old and boring for the most part. I know that men speaking among themselves often devolve into locker room patois, but a good playwright can convey that without using offensive language.

As for the sex scene, it made me horribly sad and was boring to watch. That's a first for me! Too much effort is being made here to be funny in a New Yorker cartoon kind of way. They are succeeding, because those cartoons are not funny anymore.

However, watch this win something at award time -- the audience was laughing throughout.... Read more Read less

See it if Beautiful disaster of a 50 yo divorced man trying to see himself again. Funny scrooge jokes with references more for older audience.

Don't see it if Whiny, sarcastic older white men or full nudity (3 people) annoy you. Don't like characters that continue to dig their own graves.

Also Diversity: complex, strong, unapologetic Asian American female character! Protagonist is still a cis White man who somehow lands all these wonderful women.
Ticket from CulturePass.NYC for $0. Seat in back orchestra.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of Letts & ready to laugh & sigh as you watch a 50 year old man & his self-destructive behavior in his escapades with women

Don't see it if On stage nudity is not ok with you

See it if you want to see an adult comedy about a guy in his mid ages going through a mid-life crisis.

Don't see it if don't want to see the worst case scenario of what middle age looks like. There are 2 very graphic sex scenes.

See it if you want an intelligent evening in the theatre. The cast is excellent as is the writing.

Don't see it if you want a light comedy

See it if you'll enjoy a very funny look at relationships, especially the toxic ones and the bad choices we are capable of making.

Don't see it if you are a prude and can't condone nudity or foul language even though, in this case, they are germaine to the storyline.

Also Tracy Letts writes some seriously F'd up shit. Whether psychological bedlam like "Bug" or "Killer Joe" or comedic looks at relationships like "Man from Nebraska" (Another 2nd Stage production) or "Linda Vista" now playing at the Helen Hayes. This does fall under the heading of "Seriously F'd up shit", hilariously funny, very raunchy and more than a little dark. The character of Wheeler (Ian Barford) works so well, not only because of the taut, humor written into it, but because of the portrayal. Wheeler is a lower class every man. Divorced, broke and when fortune smiles upon him, he finds a way to completely destroy it. We can see ourselves being friends with him, and seeing his fall coming a mile away. As a friend in the play says, "You're gonna do what you're gonna do." Aren't we all? While it doesn't ring true that the slovenly Wheeler would be able to attract such hot girls, it is true that we men have a tendency look past what we have, to something in the distance. SEE IT!!!!... Read more Read less

See it if You want snappy writing and exceptional acting all around (also a fun and clever set).

Don't see it if You want a play with a strong driving plot or a play without some very uncomfortable moments on stage.

See it if You want the Steppenwolf experience without the commute.

Don't see it if You hate long plays about a middle aged loser.

Also A modern loser du jour tale. The leather lung Wheeler is clearly not someone one wishes to see nude or follow for three hours, but he has interesting friends, lovers and coworkers. They make this six sitcom episode sitcom disguised as a play worth watching. Avoid the mezzanine. I missed many Act I details before descending. The karaoke is fun. Cast is clearly in groove after being together so long. Nice overhang panorama of the San Diego skyline above a revolving set. Cold, bland remodeling Hayes job. It is not particularly welcoming, but very convenient. As always, Letts is more.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see if Tracy Letts can find a new way to consider white male mediocrity. He actually finds something new to say. Beautifully.

Don't see it if You just can’t handle another middle-aged schlub who may or may not be redeemable.

Also The cast here is fantastic, and Barford gives a bravura lead performance that is utterly stripped of vanity. It’s also a hilarious show even when it starts cutting deeper. Hated the set design but otherwise, a wonderful if not revelatory evening in exceedingly competent hands.... Read more Read less

See it if A sharp & witty play about a mans downward spiral into midlife crisis as told by Tracey Letts.

Don't see it if You're offended by full frontal nudity and simulated sex. It's hard to empathize with the unlikable / self destructive protagonist.

See it if You have any interest in contemporary relationships. Or, see it if you want a good story with great acting

Don't see it if You can't endure long shows

See it if you're okay with a blunt, biting look at mid-life crisis. It's often tough to swallow but the writing & acting are first-rate. Steppenwolf!

Don't see it if you want an easily digestible show full of likable characters. Or if you have a problem with full-frontal nudity & explicit sex scenes.

Also I have to say, I really enjoyed this show, even though I couldn't really relate to the material. It's smart & wickedly biting, if at times tough to swallow. Tracy Letts is a treasure.... Read more Read less