Brett 212

See it if You're a fan of Orwell, 1984, topical issues or edgy, inventive theatre.

Don't see it if You need a linear plot -like the book, it can be difficult to follow. There are loud noises (gunshots) & bright flashing lights throughout.

Also This is probably going to be one of those decisive shows that people love or hate. There are strong performances and the production is pretty stunning so even if you're having difficulty following along, you'll hopefully find something enjoyable.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in current social issues (such as gun control in this case), enjoy supporting small theatres and new works.

Don't see it if You're looking for a big production. It's a small theatre with a cast of two.

Also It's a bit cliched and stilted but the show is held together by strong performances.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of Paula Vogel, interested in LGBTQ themes, Jewish history and sophisticated writing or you enjoy real life dramatizations.

Don't see it if You need an intermission (110 minutes), you don't enjoy reading subtitles (which are crucial) or take issue with same sex themes and pda.

Also I enjoyed this play - but - it just didn't quite click for me. Frankly, I've seen stronger new plays this year on Broadway. And I think this play will struggle to find a wide audience, despite the glowing reviews.

Although the set is simple, the staging makes the most of the space. There are some beautifully created images that do resonate.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a fan of Christine or Patti and great singing.

Don't see it if The story is important to you. It's more of a platform for both singers.

Also Such huge stars! And those voices! They certainly make the most of the material!

And, that's where the issues lie. The story for War Paint is weak. There's such potential to explore women's roles in society and in the workplace but, no. They were merely female competitors. In fact the women don't actually meet until the final number, although they do sing duets throughout the show. It just feels like a missed opportunity to do something truly amazing on stage.

I will add that the set is remarkable.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy true stories, new plays that break ground, you are interested in the Oslo peace negations between the Palestinians & Isreal.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy long plays. It's three hours with one intermission.

Also I saw the show off Broadway and again on Broadway. It's well written and it deserved a bigger stage. The set is still pretty basic but it puts the attention on the excellent performances happening on stage.

(Strong Tony contender for Best New Play.)... Read more Read less

See it if You love Harvey. (And you should.)

Don't see it if You're homophobic or you want something with a fast moving plot.

Also A cast of three talented actors bring 'Gently Down the Stream' to life but I didn't find it wholly satisfying. It's not the fault of the cast but rather of the writing. It feels self indulgent and there are much stronger plays with gay themes. There are some amusing lines but when the main character is a curmudgeon and the supporting actor's character suffers from bipolar disorder, it needs to be hilarious. It wasn't. It's a bit of a downer.... Read more Read less

See it if You loved A Doll's House and you've indulged in the fantasy of what happened after the door slammed. It's a great cast too.

Don't see it if You're expecting a continuation. It's not. (But to try to do so would be so wrong.) this is an explanation of the characters 15 years later

Also Laurie Metcalf and Jayne Houdyshell bring their A game to the stage. (But they always do.) I'd be surprised if neither is nominated for a Tony Award...... Read more Read less

See it if your significant other wants you to do the taxes and you're absolutely desperate to get out of it for one more day, you procrastinator.

Don't see it if you're the significant other. Stay home and crack that whip! You're not missing anything.

Also Confusing, dystopian strange laws, a plot that goes around in a dizzying circle instead of moving forward... ugh, now I wish I had done the taxes.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a fan of Noël Coward, Kevin Kline and Broadway revivals.

Don't see it if You're not prepared to revisit a classic. It's a bit slow compared to new plays and it's very British humor.

Also There's some really solid performances happening on stage at the St James from the entire cast. Kevin Kline seemingly effortlessly fills Coward's morning slippers and really delivers.

The set is pretty gorgeous too.

Tip: Orchestra seats have leg room. Mezzanine and Balcony seatsdo not. The run time is 2 hours and 40 minutes. Be comfortable and get a seat downstairs, if you can. Also, the theatre can be a bit chilly.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of August Wilson, social and personal issues in the African American community and well written plays.

Don't see it if You enjoy a face paced plot, or a traditional story with an ending, for that matter.

Also I'm a fan of his work so I am delighted to see August Wilson's Jitney on Broadway - Finally. He's an important playwright and this play is too.

Typical of Wilson's plays, it focuses on the challenges of a father/son relationship. Jitney is a true slice of life play.

I must also add that this cast is amazing. What a performance.... Read more Read less

See it if You have children to take to the theatre.

Don't see it if You don't mind a lack of a storyline or your guests are over the age of 10. This show is very much for the little ones.

Also From an adult perspective, after years of this show running, the production feels a bit sad, like they stopped caring a while ago. Many of the bubble tricks I've seen performed in Central Park by buskers for free. But, a young child wouldn't see any of this and what kid wouldn't delight in gazillions of bubbles being blown in their face?? My 7 year old niece thought it was "pretty cool."... Read more Read less

See it if You love musicals! Brilliantly written with some seriously impressive performances; particularly from Ben Platt.

Don't see it if You want to see a show with tap dancing.

Also I loved this show (saw it three times already) and the cast album is set on repeat. Really, this is a gen of a show. Surely a big Tony Award contender.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in politics, the war in Iraq, Veterans and psychological probing.

Don't see it if you take issue with nudity, language and adult situations. This is definitely not a show for the little ones.

Also There is some powerful acting happening on the stage but I felt the play was held back from the writing. Some judicious cuts would really go a long way to lifting the play. It does drag on in some areas.... Read more Read less

See it if you just have to see what the hype is all about or you need a night of chuckles and smiles.

Don't see it if you enjoy a night of thought provoking theatre. It's enjoyable - on a level (and that's ok) - but it's not going to change anyone's life.

See it if you want to take your out-of-town family members to the theatre without provoking debates about politics and social issues.

Don't see it if you're expecting ground breaking work. It's entertainingly enjoyable but it's not pushing the boundaries of contemporary theatre.

See it if You're a fan of theatre and know of actor George Rose. Ed Dixon gives us insight of his illustrious career and his Capote-esque demise.

Don't see it if You're idea of a night of theatre must includes a big Broadway stage with lots of sets and costumes.

See it if You love Sweeney or you've never seen the show. This is a Broadway production in an off Broadway theatre, up close and personal.

Don't see it if You dislike the score.

Also I've seen so many productions of Sweeney over the years but this was by far my favorite. Impressive performances from the entire cast and imaginatively staged. See this show!... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of Arthur Miller, actors Tony Shalhoub, Danny Devito, Mark Ruffalo or Jessica Hecht.

Don't see it if You don't enjoy period pieces or Miller's writing.

See it if You love Bette, the Hello, Dolly! score and big Broadway musicals with lots of gorgeous sets, costumes and showstoppers.

Don't see it if If you don't like Bette. You won't enjoy it and the audience doesn't want you there either.

Also I booked the tickets the moment they went on sale back in September. As the ad says, 'Hello, Dolly!, Bette Midler. What else do you need to know?'

The audience was buzzing before the show and they were ready to leap into a standing ovation at first sight of Ms Midler. Rightly so, she and the cast give it there absolute all in this richly conceived revival. To watch the ensemble react to the crowd in itself was a delight.

And while Bette is sure to get the attention, props must be given to David Hyde Pierce who once again proves what a versatile actor he is (and for his tireless efforts to the theatre community.) He's a treasure.

It's a truly memorable night of theatre and if you can get tickets, see this show!... Read more Read less

See it if You're a fan of Laura Osnes, Corey Cott or big band music.

Don't see it if You want a really good story to go along with the singing and dancing. It's not very interesting.

Also I'm a fan of both Osnes and Cott and their voices don't disappoint. Beautiful set design and choreography.

My main issue with the show is the story. It feels like an old forgotten show but if it had been a revival, I'd be asking myself, 'why revive this show now?'

Is it must see? No, but there is some enjoyment to be had here.... Read more Read less

See it if You've never seen the play, you're a fan of Janney and/or Hickey, you enjoy witty humorous plays.

Don't see it if You prefer shows without homosexual themes, male nudity or a show that has an intermission. It's 90 min.

Also I enjoyed seeing this play again. I knew the jokes were coming and still I laughed, which speaks highly of the cast. Janney and Hickey are no strangers to comedy and they deliver in SDOS. Strong performance from Hawkins as well. So many great roles in this play. Beautiful set design.... Read more Read less

See it if You never saw the show. It's a big sweeping musical.

Don't see it if You've seen it before. There's nothing new happening on stage.

Also I saw the original run in my younger years and fell in love with the show. I bought the CDs and wore them out. I was sunlight & moonlight. So, I was excited to see the show again.

But after seeing the show again, I've found I've outgrown the show. My attitudes and ideas about the world has shifted and sadly it no longer speaks to the teenager inside me.

For me, a revival should have a reason for returning to the stage. It feels irrelevant in the world we're living in now and there's nothing new or innovative happening on stage. I'm guessing they've brought it back to Broadway so they can take the show on the road again but to my mind, it just serves as a reminder of what musicals were like back in the day and how much they've changed since then.... Read more Read less

See it if You loved the movie, Andy Karl or a musical with a great book.

Don't see it if you hated the movie.

Also Andy Karl is brilliant. It's hard to see anyone else in the role so catch the show whilst he's headlining.

I didn't expect to enjoy the music as much as I did. After all, it's a translation and these things don't always work well. It's a cast album I will own.

I also need to rave about the staging of this show. Amusing and imaginative. High marks.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a brilliant play masterfully acted by the entire cast.

Don't see it if I'm sorry but I can't think of a single reason not to see this show. Even the people who claim they don't like theatre will enjoy the show.

Also It's hard to believe that I saw the first preview performance of Little Foxes with Laura Limney in the role of Regina and Cynthia Nixon in the roll of Birdie. (They alternate these roles, Regina being the lead roll.) Flawless performances from the entire cast.

Don't let the fact that this is revival with two intermissions put you off. This play remains relevant, gripping and will leave you wanting more.

I plan to see it again so I can see Cynthia in the lead roll. It was a memorable night of theatre and the word that was buzzing around was "Perfect". I totally agree.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of Lloyd Webber, Glen Close or big Broadway musicals.

Don't see it if you want to hear a songbird on stage. Glen Close doesn't exactly have the voice for it.

Also That said, try leaving the theatre unconvinced that wasn't Norma Desmond herself on stage. Close gives a heck of a performance and her stage presence won't allow you to take your eyes off her.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Philippa. Her voice is stunning after all.

Don't see it if You like well conceived musicals with memorable music. You're unlikely to leave the show singing any of the songs.

Also I enjoyed the film and I really wanted to love the show. But I didn't. I was ready for romance with enchanting whimsy but I felt it lacked magic.

I wasn't crazy about the set, the score or the awkward translation...

I feel disloyal to Philippa leaving this review but there it is. With so many wonderful shows on Broadway this season, it just felt like, 'so what?'

It's only the third preview but I don't think the kind of changes that are needed could ever be accomplished by the time it opens. Disappointing.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in US politics & history. LMM has written a genius score and shows us the evolution of Broadway theatre.

Don't see it if you don't like rap, hip hop or R&B music.

Also Believe the hype. It's legit. I've seen this show three times now and I've memorized the OCR long ago. (And the Mixtape is brilliant too!)... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy probing plays that look at Jewish families and the role of women in society.

Don't see it if you don't want to sit through a long play.

Also I enjoyed If I Forget but I felt the play could do with some cuts as it drags a bit. And, while there's a lot think about here, the message is a bit blatant. There's some pretty provocative and uncomfortable subjects addressed in the play so it may be upsetting to those with strong personal and political opinions.... Read more Read less

See it if you have a heartbeat.

Don't see it if you don't have a heartbeat.

Also 9/11. Such a challenging subject. And, to write a musical with such a traumatic event successfully that still manages to make you smile, tap your feet and well up with tears is really something. Led by a true ensemble cast, the show id a celebration of the human condition and just the reminder the world needs right now. I loved it.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of James Cagney or love show stopping tap dancing. The story is told in a series of flashbacks through song and dance.

Don't see it if The objective is to gain deeper insight into JC's life. It's a charming story that sucks you into the fun w/ a smile but no revelations.

See it if you love a big Disney production. You've heard it's good - and it is. There's a reason it's still running and playing to sold out crowds!

Don't see it if You don't want to leave the theatre smiling and singing!

See it if you love New York and you can see beyond pizza rat & see the beauty of our random subway connections.

Don't see it if you hate a cappella music.

See it if you have to take a "friend" that you really don't like to the theatre.

Don't see it if you enjoy a play with a fluid, understandable plot and fully fleshed characters.

Also I want to support the theatre whenever it pushes in new directions but The Light Years misses the mark and drags on for far too long. There's a story to be told somewhere but it's all so muddled and disjointed that it's difficult to see.... Read more Read less