Alec Rigdon

See it if you enjoy wonderful onstage performances.

Don't see it if you want tightly written scripts with clear storytelling.

See it if you love a modern Broadway standard with high production value.

Don't see it if you are a purist of the novel or want a score to feel fresh and contemporary.

Also I saw Wicked 19 years into its run and it is apparent that this show has been locked since it's premier. Some of the technology and music is dated, but overall it is still a fun time with excited and receptive audiences.... Read more Read less

See it if you like historical dramas told by an adept ensemble.

Don't see it if disconnected scripts are a turn off.

Also The Far Country is a commendable story but needs a bit more trimming and tuning. I felt like I was watching two different shows between Act 1 and 2. A lot of the writing and design imagery are stunning but feel like a flash in the pan that doesn't tie into it the rest of the story.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy updated takes on classic shows and powerhouse casts.

Don't see it if you like your theater subtle.

See it if you want to challenge your ideas of theatre, freedom, and America.

Don't see it if you want a family-friendly fluff piece.

See it if you love great humor and finding the perfect balance between heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Don't see it if you don't like the concept of hope.

See it if you like well-executed ghost stories.

Don't see it if you don't like spooky scenarios or mystery.

See it if you like ensemble pieces and spectacular swings and understudies.

Don't see it if you dislike messy endings.

See it if you like ensemble pieces with great sets.

Don't see it if you want clear messaging in your drama.

See it if you like reimaginings of classic stories.

Don't see it if you are a Shakespeare purist.

See it if you like Tesori and complicated characters.

Don't see it if you want a traditional book musical instead of (essentially) an opera.

See it if you like Lifetime movies and great costume changes.

Don't see it if you expect excellent book writing.

See it if you want to challenge the landscape of American theatre.

Don't see it if you can't handle uncomfortable conversations.

See it if you love spectacle, high energy performances, and jukebox musicals.

Don't see it if you are a purist of the film version.

See it if you like polished Broadway revivals and gender-swapped concepts.

Don't see it if you dislike 70s music or prefer simplistic productions.

See it if you like golden-era musicals.

Don't see it if you are easily bored.

See it if you like stripped-down revivals of a Broadway classic with a stellar cast.

Don't see it if you dislike Sondheim or staged concert productions.

See it if you like classic Broadway and stunt casting.

Don't see it if you want something that feels fresh.

See it if you like seeing a fresh take on a classic story.

Don't see it if you dislike strong ensemble musicals with great writing.

See it if you love a well-performed two-hander.

Don't see it if you are not a fan of intimate family drama.

See it if you enjoy brilliant performances in an intimate new play.

Don't see it if you are bored with straight plays.

See it if you like off-beat plays with humor and good performances.

Don't see it if you seek straightforward storylines.

See it if you wish to see more representation and discussion of native/indigenous lives on the American stage.

Don't see it if you prefer large casts and a lot of action.

See it if you want to see a masterfully-acted one-man production of a holiday classic.

Don't see it if you are tired of A Christmas Carol.

See it if you enjoy memoirs.

Don't see it if you want action or any sort of spectacle.

See it if you enjoy theater that challenges your expectations.

Don't see it if you are bothered by adult language, family drama, or sexual content.

See it if you enjoy stunning music performed by world-class artists. The visuals are also masterfully integrated throughout the story.

Don't see it if you are not a fan of opera or topics of depression and self-harm.

See it if you like dark, satirical, musical adaptations of Shakespeare.

Don't see it if you don't like gore onstage or less-than-perfect book writing.

Also Scotland, PA is a fun show, with a disappointing score and book. The orchestrations could use a lot of help, but even then I found myself trying to remember more of the songs beyond "Clairvoyant." The performances are solid, but the pacing seemed awkward due to stilted staging. I would be interested in seeing any future iterations of this if the team continues tweaking the piece.... Read more Read less

See it if you have been aching for a solid revival of a cult-classic musical. Staging and onstage talent is stellar.

Don't see it if you seek a complete re-imagining of this piece or can't stand (very) dark humor.

See it if you love a hilarious interpretation of a great movie. The book is hilarious, the staging is non-stop, and it looks great, to boot.

Don't see it if you expect a scene-by-scene recreation of the movie. There are several liberties taken with the story, but they all work very well.

See it if you want a updated and dark retelling of an classic American musical. There are some fantastic performances and brilliant choreography.

Don't see it if you are a fan of the original staging or need everything to make sense. This reimagining doesn't hit the mark but does spark conversation.

See it if you love Hnath's writing, Metcalf's acting, or thought-provoking, political drama.

Don't see it if you seek a light, bubbly show.

See it if you love Sondheim or pared down, imaginative interpretations of musicals.

Don't see it if you expect a blockbuster musical. However entertaining Merrily is, there is a reason it's not produced often.

See it if you enjoy aggressive performance art.

Don't see it if you seek clear narratives or comfortable seats/leg room (practically none exists).

See it if you love Cher (duh). I'm not even her #1 fan and I still enjoyed it greatly. Plenty of top hits with some unexpected tunes thrown in, too.

Don't see it if you are looking for a super deep theatrical experience. There are plenty of emotional moments, but it's still coated in glitter.

See it if you love good food, great theatre, and unique atmospheres.

Don't see it if you hate Shakespeare. But even then, it's a very refreshing adaptation of a rarely done classic.

See it if you enjoy a great comedic script performed expertly in a wonderful, new, intimate Broadway theatre.

Don't see it if you dislike LGBTQ+ storylines or shows over 2 hours.

See it if you enjoy spectacles, great dancing, and family friendly performances with wonderful designs in a great NYC landmark.

Don't see it if you want a stress-free experience. The theater is HUGE and security lines are atrocious.

See it if you like historical fiction with a dose of comedy and feminism.

Don't see it if you aren't a fan of period pieces, Shakespeare, or backstage drama.

See it if you're okay with a somewhat slow, newish play.

Don't see it if you expect big production budgets or a super clear story.

See it if you enjoy legitimately good comedic moments and can keep up with a fairly fast-paced script.

Don't see it if you seek a deep message at the end of it all. While the characters flit around finding a relevant moral, the stakes never feel high.

See it if you enjoy first-hand accounts of Broadway and Hollywood ages past as told with a heavy dose of brassy humor.

Don't see it if you need more to look at than a woman in a chair and a projection screen. Delivered as a memoir rather than a play.

See it if you appreciate intimate scenes and unique storytelling, especially for a musical.

Don't see it if you expect big Broadway voices or dancing.

See it if you love big mid-century musicals.

Don't see it if you want something with edge.

See it if you love a drama that explores the ups and downs of a woman's life.

Don't see it if you expect a groundbreaking script.

See it if you love the music of Jason Robert Brown or a semi-staged concert with great singers.

Don't see it if you prefer an overarching storyline.

See it if you enjoy intimate storytelling by a very competent actress.

Don't see it if you don't care for one-woman shoews or can't handle graphic storytelling.

See it if you love beautiful, intimate scenes in a complex spider web of a story.

Don't see it if you require a straight-forward, easily digestible play.

See it if you enjoy seeing a true story regarding a powerful topic and inventive staging.

Don't see it if you avoid drama with political undertones.