Sweat

See it if You like a good blue collar drama. This is an on the money intense well acted well written Show of the decline of the middle class.

Don't see it if You don't like character development. You have to get to know these people to care about them and you will get to know them well.

Also I grew up in the area of Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel during the decline and death of the union and ultimately the factories themselves, which happened roughly around the time this play takes place. The intense emotions, ideas and actions in this play are so spot on perfect to what I lived through it was remarkable.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy stories about working-class folks dealing with the harsh realities of life.

Don't see it if you're looking for something fresh, original, or light.

Also I feel like I've seen this story a hundred times before, and for some reason it's often set in Pennsylvania. This play offers nothing new. It's the TV series Roseanne without the humor. It's also the plays Skeleton Crew and Jitney.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy gritty real life dramas about working class folks, with strong performances and a cool, realistic set.

Don't see it if you're looking for an uplifting experience. This one is pretty darn depressing; no happy endings here.

See it if you want another take on racial issues we face in this country

Don't see it if you don't want to see a play that is 2 hr and 30 mins. It's not as good as 5 sessions.

Also I saw and off off broadway show in Harlem two weeks ago called 5 sessions and it was incredible. During the talk back the general thought was that the show would never make it to broadway because its too edgy and not commercial enough. It's a shame because Sweat gets a lot of hype but its watered down compared to what it could have been. I felt like this play really needs to be cleaned up. There is no way it should be as long as it is. Some of the writing is ok and the acting is good but the fat needs to be trimmed. I am sure I would loved seeing it in more in a smaller theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in working class stories and the views of locals about immigrants and job availability.

Don't see it if you are looking for a light and fun show or do not particularly care for working class struggles.

See it if You are interested in a play focused on the plight and reality of many Americans

Don't see it if You want a happy escape or are not interested in a play that centers around unions

See it if you want to see a well written and acted play about why our middle class blue collar population is waning. Its been done before, though.

Don't see it if you looking to escape the news about what's happening to America's working class.

See it if a slow-moving drama on industrial jobs leaving the Rust Belt appeals, & to see the Tony-nominated turns by Johanna Day & Michelle Wilson.

Don't see it if you'll mind being bored for not insignificant stretches. Having won the Pulitzer, I expected it to have something new to say; it doesn't.

Also Some of the roles seem miscast, making scenes that should resonate much more not do so. i.e. There's a long monologue where a character wistfully recalls her youthful dreams, & it should be moving, but isn't. There are a lot of weird moments like that, where something should land but just doesn't.... Read more Read less

See it if Moving depiction of the plight of blue collar, union workers - the disintegration of their world unfolds onstage. Couldn't be more relevant.

Don't see it if Message is driven home a bit heavy-handedly. The acting is superb, & you get to know & care about each character. I was deeply moved.

See it if you like a strong relevant script that deals with union disintegration, and blue collar workers. Heartbreaking and riveting.

Don't see it if You prefer musicals or comedies.

See it if you enjoy high drama. Intermission allows you to regroup & breathe before the big blow. Bounces around a bit but resolves itself by the end.

Don't see it if you want lite theatre w/o having to think. I don't know about Pulitzer Prize material, but it IS well-written and extremely well-performed.

Also Everyone should see this show. I can see how it would have had a successful run @ The Public. Didn't seem "big enough" for Broadway; seemed perfect for Off-Broadway. Instead of closing altogether, this show should be remounted in a smaller house so more folks could have a chance to experience it.... Read more Read less

See it if you love dramas that take slices of life (work, family, friendship) often overlooked, magnifying frictions & fissures into cautionary tales.

Don't see it if uncomfortable with moments of racism and violence; you don't want to be mentally-riveted by solid story-writing; need spectacle and music.

Also It’s appropriate that I saw Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play on the heels of finishing Philipp Meyer’s novel American Rust, as I could not ask for a better pairing of intelligent, immersive, and sometimes revelatory works about working-class America and the grit required to work, live, and survive. A shame Sweat is closing: it ticks all the boxes of successful drama: universal but not cliché; realistic in that trauma and drama builds with time; well-acted; well-staged; and intelligent. Though humor is slim, Sweat’s bold, assertive, and sometimes frenetic moments draw us in, even making us cringe and gasp a bit, as in some of the final moments. While some dialogue and dramatics feel expected, the actors are committed. I left with the type of feeling I get after an August Wilson play (i.e. Broadway’s recent production of Jitney)—that I’ve been looking in a mirror and only now noticing something I should have examined earlier. See Sweat but be fast: show closes June 25, 2017!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a play that deals with a timely subject that makes one think about business' obligation to its workers.

Don't see it if you have a problem hearing because words are muddled in the fast dialogue. I tried the theatre's hearing devices - to no avail.

See it if you love drama play and small town hardship about being laid off.

Don't see it if you want a musical.

See it if the characters may be blue collar but each is rich, complex and compelling. Brilliant script, well designed sets. Don't miss this. Excellent

Don't see it if You want to see something happy or light.

See it if Brilliantly acted and timely politically charged production of friends/co-workers torn apart bringing out the worst in them, due to fears.

Don't see it if Do not like politically and racially charged dramas showing how "ugly" one can become when riddled with fear. This is an eye opener.

See it if You want to see a MASTERFUL piece of work about the REAL world we live in!!!

Don't see it if you want to bury you head in the sand (like Donald Trump and not understand what we all need to get along in this ever-changing world.

Also I saw this Pulitzer prize winning play last night and was BLOWN AWAY by the REAL RAW RIVITING performances up there on that stage. Be prepared to leave the theater changed,and wanting to make a positive change in your immediate world.... Read more Read less

See it if Great topical drama to which everyone can relate. Pulitzer prize winner is gritty and realistic.Terrific ensemble acting.

Don't see it if You are looking for a light comedy.This play requires your complete attention.

See it if you like intense, talky drama with sudden scene and time jumps. This is more about the characters lives entwining than anything else.

Don't see it if you're expecting something overtly political or "Trumpian." It addresses grievances of Pennsylvanian factory workers in a holistic manner.

Also I liked it, but I didn't love it. The set and staging was superlative, the acting rockier, and the script snappy and solid. I'm somewhat surprised by a Pulitzer win, but I do not think it undeserved.

None of the characters were particularly likeable, but they were to a T almost all relatable. I had sympathy for even the worst of them, and that's a feat.

The play is set up as flashbacks to and from 2000 and 2008, with the mystery of a critical, traumatic incident as the main driving force (along with the impending 2000 layoffs at the mill). Ultimately, the incident is revealed, the perpetrators seem to move toward closure, but wisely we never see this emotional catharsis play out on stage. An excellent ending.... Read more Read less

See it if enjoy well written and performed drama about working class life & struggles.

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

See it if you are interested in a modern story examining race and class in today's America/you want to support a female playwright of color

Don't see it if are not okay with non-linear storytelling/need to have all elements of the plot wrapped up nicely

See it if you appreciate the playwright and want to see her work, for a very fine cast, for a story with resonance and relevance to current politics

Don't see it if you are looking or hoping for new insights or the quality of writing in Ruined.

Also So much potential but over-indulgence in preaching. Some really tight cuts to act 1 would have made this a more powerful play.... Read more Read less

See it if You like relevant plays. Lots of cussing. Missed initial show due to a train incident, rescheduled, and glad I did. Great piece. I teared!

Don't see it if No reason not to see, unless you hate cussing and racial topics. This is a better version of "Dolphins and Sharks".

See it if the human condition, especially in times of plant closings & the consequences interest you. Should have won a Tony!

Don't see it if you don't want to see anything that might make you sad.

See it if Confrontational dialogue and stark reality of the dissolution of middle America reflected by a talented cast sounds like an evening out

Don't see it if Cold stark reality does not provide escapism typically branded on Broadway; blame seems to be on Wall Street whether you agree or not