Alissa the Serious Theater Critic

See it if You enjoy flat interpretations of Shakespeare that make no effort to explore the complexity in his characters or writing.

Don't see it if You prefer to see something that will challenge you or has taken any risks in its' direction.

See it if You enjoy politically relevant theater wrapped in family drama between a mother and daughter.

Don't see it if You are a bit snobbish about music. Some of it is great, most is amateurish.

See it if You enjoy science and exploring the human mind

Don't see it if You are just looking to have a good time and not learn anything.

See it if You have a deep love for Chekhov

Don't see it if You don’t know much of checkhov’s work, you want to see fully developed characters with an arc you can follow.

See it if You enjoy interactive theater — best use of immersive theater that I have ever seen. And if you’re open to learning something new.

Don't see it if You hate immersive theater. There’s no hiding in this one.

See it if You enjoy quirky, interactive theater

Don't see it if You hate audience participation

See it if You enjoy large inclusive productions that make you feel good while giving a strong message

Don't see it if You hate musical theater

See it if You enjoy contemporary adaptations of classics

Don't see it if You enjoy plays in their purest form

See it if You love passionate stories told through lively musical numbers

Don't see it if You don't like up beat musicals

See it if You love quirky love stories and strong female leads

Don't see it if You don't have an appreciation for live music or epic adventure tales.

See it if You love classic Broadway epics or are a tourist and have never seen a musical before.

Don't see it if You prefer smaller edgy productions.

See it if You enjoy post-apocalyptic show involving cannibalism

Don't see it if You thought this was going to be a farce around a dinner table.

See it if You enjoy argument plays and thought provoking material.

Don't see it if You don't want any of your opinions to be challenged.

See it if You enjoy a rollicking good time! And see theater often enough to get a lot of theater based jokes.

Don't see it if You'd rather spend your time being lonely and miserable.

See it if You live for heartbreak and the romance of disaster.

Don't see it if You don't like to be reminded of your own mortality and regrets.

See it if You love cheeky humor about aging divas!

Don't see it if You hate to laugh.

See it if You appreciate insightful one woman shows about a personal journey.

Don't see it if You prefer ensemble theater with fluffy content.

See it if You love folky musicals with non-linear plot lines.

Don't see it if You prefer classic musicals with linear plots

See it if you are interested in strained mother-daughter relationships

Don't see it if you dislike one-person shows or abstract story-telling

See it if You need a hood cry

Don't see it if You hate sappy, feel-good dramas

See it if You enjoy family based dramas

Don't see it if You are sensitive to loud noises or don’t like straight plays

See it if You like one-person shows with deep personal messages

Don't see it if You’re looking for a feel-good fluff piece

See it if You want a free shot of whiskey and enjoy Sondheimesque harmonies and playful interaction with actors

Don't see it if You aren’t looking for a traditional musical setting. Or care about understanding all the words.

See it if You love pared down versions of classic theater.

Don't see it if You like more literal scenic interpretations.

See it if You appreciate a show that has laughter, heart ache, and everything in between.

Don't see it if You prefer dry conversational straight plays.

See it if You love dramatic epics that will have you crying almost immediately.

Don't see it if You'd rather remain numb to the universal truths of the human experience.

See it if You just want to see Danny Devito, Mark Ruffalo, and Tony Shalhoub perform live.

Don't see it if You want to see a piece of theater that was directed well.

See it if You want to be whisked away to an enchanted land of magic and music!

Don't see it if You hate magic and wonder.

See it if You enjoy family based tragi-comedies that have been done time and time again.

Don't see it if You've already seen a good family based tragi-comedy.

See it if You enjoy having long boring conversations.

Don't see it if you value your time.