apfel und honig

See it if You enjoy classical style linier stories with minimal staging. You are interested in the juxtaposition of the lives of the rich and poor.

Don't see it if You like a modern story or upbeat message in your theatre.

See it if you want to see something new, refreshing, and poignant in an upbeat and engaging concert-cross-play

Don't see it if you don't like modern music, death as a topic is a bit too close for comfort right now

Also While it could be called a musical, it's really more of a concert-cross-play. The show is highly engaging and intriguing, sung very well, and the backing music is excellent. The show is only an hour, which goes by quickly, and the singer and musicians keep pace with each other well. Would recommend to anyone looking for something fresh, exciting, touching, and unique.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy history (or don't), you like retrospective shows, you enjoy music from 1949-1969, you want to understand your grand/parents more

Don't see it if you have strong politics about history

Also An energetic romp through 20 years of world history told through three people's eyes. While not a musical, it's got music in it that matches the year, so the (hi)story takes on a different feel every few minutes. Rick Miller is highly energetic and keeps the story rolling for both acts without dropping a beat.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy vaudeville-esque kitch productions that is full of laughs and over the top characters.

Don't see it if You expect you period drama to be all period and no drama.

See it if you enjoy stories about the life of a character, clever takes on identity and the concept of multiple lives, or light-hearted stories

Don't see it if you only enjoy gritty theatre, have trouble following actors chaning characters/genders/ethnicities from scene-to-scene

Also The story stitches together the many lives/paths of the central character tht could have been. The story is linear in plot, but changes characters as the protagonist ages.

Staging of the show is very clever and marks the passing of time in the characters' lives well. The sets move with each scene change, bringing different moods to each scene and making it easy to follow the progression.
Everything comes together in the final scenes where all characters are onstage as one.... Read more Read less

See it if you like funny but true-to-life stories, stories about relatiomships, masterful characterization

Don't see it if mature content or stories about addiction/alcoholism bother you

Also Staging was very good, props were uesd well and didn't distract
Characterization of multiple characters was extremely well-done - both supporting cast memebers play upwards of 5 different characters but at no time is it confusing.

It's a very emotional and honest play about addiction and recovery and an interesting peek into what that means, not just in being addicted, but how it changes and challenges relationships.... Read more Read less

See it if if you enjoy fun, quirky premises, you want to release your inner geek, you're a Game of Throne fan

Don't see it if you have no sense of imagination

Also Great acting and staging! Actors had to switch between 2-3 different versions of themselves throughout the show, which was done extremely well by everyone. The actors also do a fantastic job of moving between more comic moments and more sombre ones and transitioning to new scenes and settings.
While the description makes the show sound quite light, the plot does address some slightly darker aspects of life. The show is oveall quite funny and well-balanced; pacing is similarly also very good.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy witty, very dark comedy, challenging ideas,

Don't see it if you're easily disturbed you're sensitive to strobe lighting and/or light fog

Also A show not for the faint of heart when discussing the aftermath of suicide. The show is incredibly well performed, written, and staged in a space that is both cold and sterile while bringing the sincerity and warmth that it is to be human to the stage.
High compliments to Milly Thomas (actress and writer) and Sara Joyce (director) on this work.
The work itself is challenging and thoughtfully done, and introduces an interesting perspective to those affected by suicide, either by losing someone or feeling suicidal themselves.
Not recommended for younger audiences as there is a fair amount of sexual imagery in the show.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy strong writing, dynamic staging, relevant subject matter, or Richard Wright's work

Don't see it if you don't like to blur the boundary between theatre and reality

Also An extremely strong production in staging, acting, directing, and lighting and a faithful adaptation from the book. The actors truly commit to the scene and dynamism of the play. It is a very physical staging with little relief for the actors: quick-paced, emotional, and drives forward heavily and steadily for the full 90 minutes.
The characterization of the narrator is done extremely well, which presents the internal struggle of Bigger in a raw and engaging way. High compliments to Jason Bowen and Galen Ryan Kane!

Ps No need to have read the book to understand the play.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy fringe shows, supporting shows early in their run, enjoy quirky shows

Don't see it if you're easily confused, you only like polished shows

See it if you enjoy radical feminist, socialist, or emerging playwright pieces, you've seen Girls and you like it or you don't like

Don't see it if if you absolutely loathe Millenials, liberal thinkers, or quirky staging

Also Collective Noun is an early piece in the playwright's career. The script itself is packed with a lot of information - not all of it relevant to the plotline, but it is there out of neccessity. At times, the dialog can be overwhelming in its content, which works at times and becomes cluttered at others. The overall plot arc sufferes as a result of all of the monologues as it isn't clear until very late in the play what is and is not important to the plotline. Ultimately, a lot of the early rants overshadow the argument which linchpins the story.
That acting was fairly strong, although some actors could carry themselves with more confidence to match their characters' outgoing personalities.
The staging was interesting - a mix of theatre in the round and a procenium stage. It works for the show, although some may not want to be so close to the action. No audience participation is required.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy quick-witted theatre, enjoy comedy, or are perhaps a former thespian.

Don't see it if you really can't stand un-air conditioned spaces or need your theatre to be done in 2 hours or less

Also A well-written and paced play with spot-on acting with broad audience appeal.
The chorus leader is engaging and funny, often appealing to the audience (no participation required). As the leader of the story, he brings the plot along easily and the actors play off each other very well from scene to scene. There is no lull in the plot or acting.
The script makes use of both some traditions of Greek theatre and some more modern conventions which lends itself well to a modern audience who may or may not be overly familiar with Greek traditions.
The staging was done well, especially for this being in a smaller theatre. While the space is physically small, the actors and staging don't feel cramped to look at and the central piece (table/grave/et al) works well for staging multiple scenes. It would be nice to see this in a larger space (and deservedly so).

The play is approx 2.5 hours with an intermission, so it is recommended you come prepared for a warm space in the summer.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested and/or want to understand more about mental health, or were once a teenager/young adult

Don't see it if you're not interest in mental or were never a teenager/young adult. You're easily put off by less-than-broadway theatres.

Also The play is an interesting telling of experiences with mental health throughout the protagonist's life. The flashbacks are insightful and interesting additions to the primary plot. The writing is well-paced and largely linear. The storytelling benefits from the self-reflective nature of the various "versions" of the protagonist.
While the writing is quite realistic, the actors could use some additional rehearsal time. The play is only staged once per month so all of the versions of the protagonist are a bit disjointed with one another. The ensemble cast could also benefit from additional rehearsal to gain better flow with the writing and each other.
The writing clearly has talent for storytelling, especially on difficult topics. I would see other plays by the same playwright in the future.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy political history/politics or dry British wit

Don't see it if you dislike whirlwind tour of complex history, you know literally nothing about British politics or the 70-90s of politics

Also A very dry-witted show with a whirlwind of British political history at the forefront. The acting was good, although the humor didn't always resonate with the audience here in NY. Slightly more context might be helpful for some seemingly lesser-known events in history (cf the Brighton bombing).
Staging was excellent. The design itself is witty and supported the show seamlessly.
The accents and voicing were also inconsistent at times. Some actors had a good grip on their accent but it was a mismatch with their elder counterpart which was a bit jarring in reconciling the two stages of life. Act II the accents were more aligned.... Read more Read less

See it if a show dedicated to its craft with engaging storytelling. a behind-the-scenes view with all live puppetry/sound/music/video

Don't see it if you're expecting a grand stage broadway show or you're a stickler for classical theatre

See it if you'd like to see some top-notch production values, good acting, a good laugh and a new point of view.

Don't see it if you only like really meaty, deep scripts and aren't interested in hearing another opinion/POV

See it if you're interested in something fresh and curious. it's an ambitious script that dragged a little but was still interesting

Don't see it if you've no interest in other cultures, have no patience for hippies, or have a short attention span.

See it if You're interested in seeing a classic for pushing the subject matter boundaries of theatre; want to see things from a different perspective

Don't see it if The signing isn't always 100% translated which add dynamic to the play but could make you crazy if you're a control freak. Ages 12+

See it if you want something a bit different, not a typical feel-good story, told in a clever and fun way.

Don't see it if all you want is a Broadway musical with glitter.

Also Great show for any age. Very enlightening about human relationships and how we treat difference in broader society and as individuals. A funny play, very poignantly written and performed in an intimate venue which lends itself well to the play and the characters' particularities.

Cast, music, and staging was excellent.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy introspective stories, you've always wondered what happens to the daughters of pagent winners

Don't see it if you like fast-paced shows, one-woman shows are not your thing

Also An interesting story about the daughter of a pagent winner.
Not especially fast-paced but covers the entire life of the daughter and her relationships with various people in her life, particularly her mother.
Transitions, staging, and lighting were all quite good and the writing has some quite funny moments in it, but also poignant. The story itself is quite amazing, but some tightening of the script could help.... Read more Read less

See it if you like fashion, music, & entertainment from the 60-70s. No need to see the film/read the book firs

Don't see it if A bit long for a one act (1h45) but it flies by. There is some audience participation, if you're terrified, sit in the back.

Also A great one act show with an excellent cast, great costuming, and top-notch music! Acting was spot-on and characterization flowed easily. Costuming and set were great, very much of 1969. Not sure if the music is original or not, but it was excellent with a full band on stage bringing everything together.

It's a mature theme, so those under 18 or with a more conservative preference for theatre should perhaps miss this one.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy relevant, quirky shows, new plays,

Don't see it if you have strict views on abortion, you've never changed your mind

Also This is great one act play that explores some polarizing ideas in a unique way. The actors do a good job of handling the flow fo text and changes from speking to themselves/the audience and each other. Overall, a thoughtfully told and well-written play.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy theatre of the mid 50s, understated plots/characters/exchanges, or you've seen and enjoyed the other plays in the series

Don't see it if you need fast and obvious plotlines, nuances of language are lost on you,

Also The last play in the series by Horton Foote concludes the tale of a family in Texas in the 50s. While written many years ago (1994, I believe), the play does have relevant tunes to the modern day with fear of the other', trust and mistrust of strangers, and accepting the truth even if it's difficult to admit.
The play is in two acts and keeps pace well. Most actors have got their character to a T (special kudos to Kristine Nielsen and Aidan Quinn)... Read more Read less

See it if history, identity, culture, or fame are themes that interest you

Don't see it if you can't use your imagination/need a ton of scenery and props

Also An interesting play about the 1936 Olympics. Don't be turned off if sports are not your thing, there is enough context to make clear what you need to know.
The show digs deeply into identity and what that means when you have one person being relied upon to represent many - and unwillingly so. Very good portrayals of various characters as well as the portagonists. THe theatre limited the set to a degree and more invention could have been used in set design, but it did make best use of the space available.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy mid-century art, live music, photography, or vicarious peeks into 1960's New York arts culture

Don't see it if you need short and snappy theatre (it's 2.5 hours with intermission), you like plot-driven or linear shows, or you hate jazz

Also An interesting story straight from the archives of 1960's New York, complete with live jazz and grotty Lower East Side accommodations.
The live band is top-notch and worth going for alone.
The play is equally driven by plot and by character portrayal. While the plot isn't linear, the topsy-turvyness of it works well with the mixed up goings-on of the artistic community.

Not advised for younger audiences (language and acknowledgment of the existence of sex between consenting adults... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy British works, modern topics, coming-of-age tales, social issues

Don't see it if you're sensitive to childhood trauma and/or mature topics

Also A fun but also sombre play that revisits a harrowing event from David's childhood.
It starts off in rollicking good fun, setting the scene of the dynamic between the young boys, and then takes a darker turn at its height.
A very impressive set and lighting for a small place and the actors bring the story to life extremely well.... Read more Read less

See it if you like seeing talented people perform, stellar shows, cats, and wholly entertaining works

Don't see it if you don't like to have fun or laugh.

Also A superbly entertaining show that appeals to a broad audience - as there are suggestions thrown in from the audience, it is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure show on the freestyle rap front.

Chris is a talented and hilarious wordsmith whose one-hour show goes by faster than you want. Would definitely recommend and take friends to this again.

Loved Colonel Widdershins' role in the show. The Colonel plays an integral part of this show, bringing together the one-hour performance as a sweeping success. He and Chris are a dynamic duo unlike anything else.

Note: Although there is audience participation, it isn't necessary to participate yourself - it's just more fun if you do.... Read more Read less

See it if you like unique stories, enjoy one-man shows, enjoy dark humor, enjoy stories set in the New York area

Don't see it if you're really squeamish (no blood, but it's 14A), you don't like small theatres, or have accessibility needs (no elevator)

Also A very well acted production of a unique story about a white boy on Riker's Island. Connor Chase Stewart does an extremely good job of carrying momentum throughout the 1.5 hr show and switching characters quickly and accurately.
The writing and direction could be a bit tighter in areas, but was still enjoyable throughout. A costume change as he transitions would benefit with the switch from happy-go-lucky NJ kid to inmate.
The messages behind the play are well-delivered without being belabored. A very well done show, although to be clear, it isn't 100% one-man; the performance is bookended with Richard Roy (playwright and actor) but the vast majority of the 1.5hr play is done (extremely well) by Connor Chase Stewart.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Shakespeare (obviously), don't mind Shakespeare abridged, you enjoy great acting and more modern takes on (very) old plays

Don't see it if Shakespeare abirdged just won't do, you don't like staging updates to old texts

Also A very well done take on Measure for Measure. Great acting, staging, and costumes really make this show shine. At 90 mins (no intermission), you don't really notice the plot flying by until the end. There is no need to look up the plot in advance - it's very clear from the staging and text what's going on.
The energy in the show is very dynamic so the show is quite engaging and well-paced.
It opens with some modern-sounding news casts and these interludes come and go throughout. Their relevancy is clear, although they were more districting from the issues playing out between the actors than supportive of bringing the play's relevancy forward.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy early 20th century drama, great acting, or slightly darker family drama (although not family-friendly)

Don't see it if you have trouble with Irish accents or need your theatre to be uplifting

Also The story is focused on the relationships of three people - two in particular - to each other, which is the crux of the whole play. This is not a funny or happy-go-lucky piece, but a rather unexpected one where the drama builds carefully.
The staging and acting are fantastic. Both actors and set work together seamlessly to create an environment that is a quiet Irish farm. The drama is more unconventional and somewhat surprising. A good night at the theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if you like historical theatre, enjoy plots based on fables, or enjoy Steinbeck

Don't see it if you only watch uplifting theatre

Also Staging was excellent and acting was crisp and well-rehearsed. It's a well-paced play amd the actors don't miss a beat. While the theatre is more on the initmate/theatre-in-the-round style, the sound, lighting, and staging are very effective.
The play runs on similar themes in Grapes of Wrath, altough tells more cautionary tale set in a time impovrished beyond reognition by today's standards. It reflects on human nature to be kind in desperate times (and, spoliler altert: go awry). The show is sometimes painful to watch, knowing what awaits the characters and the end trails off somewhat loosely - not unlike the fate of many people living in the Dust Bowl. A top notch production.... Read more Read less

See it if you like plays about human relationships, a bit of banter, and don't mind the fourth wall crashing down.

Don't see it if you're a Chekov purist or your life actually sucks,

Also A fun update on an old play, doesn't matter if you've seen or read the original Uncle Vanya or not, this play hits the spot. A great retelling of a classic with some dark humor along with some lighter jokes.
The staging is great and complements the text well. From the very front row the lights can be a bit bright at times, although this effect may be dampened if you're sitting nearer the back.
The actors for this show are talented at coming in and out of character as the play demands and not losing the energy between moments. Their characterisation is very believable and absorbing.
Highly recommend.... Read more Read less

See it if you like audience participation, theeatre in the round/intimate setting, you like poignant comedy

Don't see it if you don't like audiance participation, struggle deeply with Scottish accents (!)

Also A poignant comedy set in the schoolyard at an all-boys school in Scotland. The actors in Square Go are fantastic - their physicality is perfect for their characters' age and, for one actor, the multiple characters he plays.
The play is well-paced for it's hour-long runtime, and manages some quite complex and relevant themes in an entertaining way. Well very staged in blocking, scene transitions, and lighting. The actors handle these changes so precisely you have no question if there is a change in setting or time.
The play is insightful about the schoolyard generally and is relevant for all audiences.

Note: There is strong language used in this play (not excessive, very much in line with Scottish dialect)... Read more Read less

See it if social issues interest you, you enjoy contemporary theatre, and enjoy comedy/witty shows

Don't see it if you're after a high-action, quick-paced show, or prefere your comedies dark

See it if you like something different, enjoy gothic stories, and have an interest in literature

Don't see it if you're easily bored by a podcast/audiobooks, or can't visualise spoken word productions

See it if you like new/raw theatre or works-in-progress and enjoy a bit of a puzzle-piece plotline

Don't see it if you need everything chronological or expect a polished performance

See it if you're open-minded and like a laugh. See if if you like an edgy subject matter (FYI there's no real nudity)

Don't see it if Not recommended for those who are seriously conservative or those put off by the theatre being a bit of a hole in the wall.

See it if you want a thoughtful and provocative show with incredibly talented actors. Action is close-up (no audience participation)

Don't see it if you need to know all of the answers to all of the questions in a play You're very squeamish (it lasts 5 mins max and you can look away)