Bud 8034

See it if Enjoy bold one man shows

Don't see it if No reason.

Also The visuals, direction, setting, music and lighting were excellent. A haunting image of the man slowly walking toward the audience while reciting lines with lights and music at the end is a tableau I'll soon not forget.

Points off because I couldn't keep up with what the poem was about, or what was going on. But I was never disinterested as the other elements of the production were top notch. And the use of props, one to make a human like figure with a chair, camera and hat, was terrific. Go.... Read more Read less

See it if In search of a feel good show

Don't see it if No reason not to

Also Great, professional production. Perhaps a tad bit too long. Great escapism. Go!

PS, to the older blonde lady on her cell phone (texting, checking emails, using flashlight to read playbill), and then caught an attitude when the gentleman behind you asked you to put it away, if you are reading this know that you were incredibly rude to many theatergoers and should be ashamed of yourself!... Read more Read less

See it if looking for a curve ball of a show.

Don't see it if looking for a traditional play

Also I left the show disappointed but the more I think about it, the more I liked it. I believe I went in with the wrong expectations. It's not a traditional play. It's not something you would normally see at CSC. It's a strange two hander on the story of Frankenstein with one of the actors using instruments to add effect to the long, ample monologues performed by the other actor who portrays both Frankenstein and the Creature. Some of these monologues had keen observations on loneliness.

If looking for traditional telling of Frankenstein, don't go. If open to a more experimental take on the story, give it a shot.... Read more Read less

See it if you need to see every addition into the new "post apocalyptic" genre that young playwrights love to set their pieces in.

Don't see it if you are neither willing to stretch your imagination nor allow gaps in logic to the story.

Also An inconsistent tone really hurts the piece. It begins with a couple (no chemistry btwn actors) living in squalid conditions who pin their hopes for a better future on a nationwide contest. There is no hint of absurdism set in the beginning so later in the play when the sense of established reality is broken with an all knowing Announcer (excellent, best part of production) who can choose the president, a character has a finger gun that can kill people, speeches breaking the 4th wall, among other things, it veers into an absurd farce and is neither that funny nor enlightening. Pass.... Read more Read less

See it if Technically sound production. "Safe" writing.

Don't see it if Looking for suspense or twists or turns.

Also The first and last scenes are excellent. Set, costume, and lighting terrific. One of the best prop guns I've seen. Too much sitting for my taste in terms of direction. The middle moves slow because the supporting characters are not interconnected and the rising action (if any) is slow to the climax. Like a thunderstorm in the beginning that never turns into a hurricane but rather loses momentum and turns into a light rain.

Also, the 2nd scene stretches credulity. Would a wife (only miscast in an otherwise strong ensemble) of a school police officer with 11 killed on his watch really be looking at retirement options in a chipper mood the in next day??? No.... Read more Read less

See it if Looking for a "downtown" type play. 2 hours no intermission. Has 4 female monologues that give each actor a chance to shine.

Don't see it if There are flaws but none big enough not to support this group of young earnest professionals

Also The writing is the strongest and weakest part of the play. Some scenes catch fire and others drag. It's a dialogue heavy show so it's easy to miss things and the lingo and "woke" lectures are trite.

Not sure if it was writing or the acting to fault but there was ZERO chemistry between Ari and Phoebe. Didn't believe either was attracted to the other. That said, the acting overall was solid. The character Nina is written to be so unlikeable yet the challenging task for the actor of winning over the audience is done so at the climax with an emotionally charged performance. Lisa Ramirez, who plays Teri, nearly steals the show as she puts on a master class in comedic timing in every scene she is in. Actors playing Clare and Mexico are also strong.

Direction, lighting, video design are all sharp.

A long video montage of the rehearsal process during a scene change is a waste of audiences time. Voiceover during acid trip is bizarre. Can't actors say lines? Kerouac's burn burn used no credt?... Read more Read less

See it if want to see a great show. One of the best sets and lighting design I've seen all season

Don't see it if No reason not to

Also All around excellent production. It's funny, dramatic, dark, light, turns unexpectedly, and makes ballsy choices with lighting and sound. No fat. Would see it again.... Read more Read less

See it if Looking for a Broadway show that neither plays it safe nor panders to tourists.

Don't see it if Have to sit in mezzanine. Some actors had trouble projecting.

Also A refreshing play on Broadway as it challenges the audience to engage. After most Broadway shows, I leave thinking that was nice / boring / a vehicle for a celebrity to be seen, and then never think about it again. This play will leave you "ruminating" long after. And perhaps require a second viewing to solidify your opinions.... Read more Read less

See it if Tired of mediocre theater and need to see a production that does not lag

Don't see it if Looking for a comedy.

Also Excellent set! Great staging, writing and acting as well. Felt like the tension could have been drawn out a little longer during climax. Concluded a lil quickly. Go see!

PS, poster design is awful. Doesn't do justice for the well done production.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy family tragicomedies. ***address given on receipt is wrong. It's not 505 1/2 Waverly Ave. It's 18 Putnam Ave***

Don't see it if looking for a show with good production value, script with no fat. hour 45 min w/ no intermission

Also The acting in this production is what raises the bar of this play to a watchable level, with standout Jehan O. Young portraying Linus, the Mary Tyrone-esque matriarch of the family, who gives one of the most natural, nuanced performances I've seen all season.

The script is in need of cuts. Jokes are often repeated. Past discussions / arguments are retold / rehad w/ new characters. It drags yet the liveliness of the ensemble keeps it afloat. However, there is not much the cast can do with the glaringly poor production value. Aside from the climax and scene changes, the lighting doesn't change (no reflection of time of day or mood of scene), the set is lacking and doesn't make you feel like you are at Cape Cod or any beach town for that matter. Perhaps they have budget constraints but simple things like put down a tarp with a few bags of sand on top and at least you have some semblance of a beach. Or a flag with a fan blowing on it to give effect of wind. Something that shows effort...... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy straight dramas

Don't see it if Looking for a play with excitement or twists

Also This play is a slow burner that culminates to an interesting climax yet doesn't have the guts to go further in the writing to create something memorable for the audience. I found the acting to be uneven, though the mom and GF brother standout. Not great, not bad. A "meh" of a play and production due to the safety of the writing in terms of what the characters could do in the given set up.... Read more Read less

See it if Looking for a show that doesn't deal with gender / identity politics like so much of the stuff being put up these days.

Don't see it if Need a show where the action is present.

Also The actors do a fine job, and the play really works in the flashbacks scenes, and as much as I wanted to like it, HOWEVER, the writing is the biggest weakness. So much of the story being told is about characters we never see or meet and it's all in the past and the action on stage is not present for the most part (aside from the couple flashback scenes) so the audience never fully engages emotionally with what's being presented on stage. It's like hearing a story, which is fine, but it's passive, not active. Audience can sit back and be spoon fed instead of actively engaging with the actors as the story unfolds. Rule of thumb, audiences don't care about characters we never see or meet. Lastly, the set had too much clutter. Great effort by the actors and nice hospitality from the guy running the front desk.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a night of stand up.

Don't see it if Sex talk, though never obscene or gratuitous, makes you uncomfortable.

Also Novak is like Amy Schumer except actually funny and not gross for gross sake. Note it's not 70 minutes of straight talk of oral sex. Rather it's a coming of age story and her relationship to the oral deed that is told with wit, humor, and literary appreciation. If you have only ever been the recepient of the deed you will still find the piece funny.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy multidisciplinary story telling.

Don't see it if Looking for traditional theatre piece / straight story telling.

Also I enjoy multidisciplinary story telling, and this piece would fit in at the HERE theater in SoHo where I catch similar shows. This piece uses acting, dancing, kung fu, music, lighting, sound effects, and video to tell a story that is impossible to follow yet still captures your attention. The actors (all talented) orate passages from the Talmud and Bible and describe a man that is put in perilous conditions on his journey through the centuries (maybe?). Who knows, but never the less, I was never bored as the direction is stellar!(clean and quick), lighting and music is engaging, and other art forms get you hooked in to whatever the heck is going on onstage. Might be better to have a few beers or smoke a lil something something before hand lol and revel in the sensory overload with a perplexing story. Thumbs up!

Sidebar: Great space too. Apparently they won an Obie award this year. Would go back.... Read more Read less

See it if You like mature content and can stay engaged for 75 minutes.

Don't see it if Allergic to fog machines. Not appropriate for young kids / teens. (lots of crude sex talk)

Also 1st) it's general seating so get there a bit early if you can

A one woman show with impressive staging and lighting and sound effects. Milly Thomas, star and writer, effortlessly switches back and forth between characters in her dead characters life as she revisits the past and what happened in the future without her around.

One weakness could be that the main character doesnt delve deep enough into her own illness and focuses on the other characters in her life. And another weakness is that some of the crude "jokes" that no one laughs at and are just awkward for everyone that could be cut. (e.g. staring at ones private part from a certain angle) And I love Apatow films and am no prude. It's just too much.... Read more Read less

See it if you have a friend in the show and want to support but even that is pushing it

Don't see it if you have literally anything better to do, like having your wisdom teeth pulled.

Also Show started 30 minutes late. Hank H. Kim, the producer /playwright / star (never a good sign for a good show) hired a photographer who TOOK A PHOTO EVERY 5 SECONDS FOR THE ENTIRE PLAY. MOVING SIDE TO SIDE IN FRONT OF THE 1ST ROW. STICKING HIS DSLR IN FRONT OF AN OLD LADY'S FACE @ 1 point. I was in the 4th row and could hear the shutters. Why didn't Kim stop the play? SO DISTRACTING!!! Take staged photos after dress rehearsal!
Writing: like the verbal diarrhea of a schizophrenic who spent 6 months locked away reading sci-fi books and not structure of story telling
Set: Inane. During scene change, actors randomly turn over a small painting at the back of the set as if that's supposed to signify anything to the audience.
Direction: negligent. Literally stand and talk and before the scene ends, have one character move two feet.
Acting: Bad save for Lily Narnbonne (Cassie) who had to pretend she was in love with an actor old enough to be her dad.
Ending: Ludicrous. No emotional impact... Read more Read less

See it if You an enjoy an overall sharp production. Kevin Isolated, who plays Vanya, especially good.

Don't see it if Looking for something that is emotionally engaging

Also A very professional production. Directing, lighting, acting, set, and writing were all Grade A. However, there were no moments of being blown away or leaving an indelible imprint on the audience member.... Read more Read less

See it if audience members who are or know people pursuing an acting career will be able to relate.

Don't see it if bare bones theater is not your jam.

Also 3rd Larry Philips (the guy reminds me of Billy Crystal) show for me. His best and bravest performance yet. However the cast is glaringly uneven in its talent / commitment. Phillips and Joshua Torgerson, who plays Seth, outshine the others in the cast so much that you wish they both had more to play off of. Direction, lighting, set are nothing noteworthy. Writing is sharp. No fat. Funny and turns dramatic. Recommend!... Read more Read less

See it if The actress who plays the mom is excellent. Direction and set/lighting also well done.

Don't see it if An hour 40 minutes is too long to go without an intermission

Also Too many scene changes results in the audience never settling in with the characters. The disjointing nature of this results in the audience viewing the piece from a distance and never fully engaging emotionally as a lot of time is spent figuring out what's going on in the new scene. The play really works at the end when there is a continuous 20 minutes of drama. Could really work well if cut fat (reading of the letters), streamline it (less scene changes), and make the brother a fully developed character (comes off as one noted).... Read more Read less

See it if you like 2 handers.

Don't see it if sex is a turn off

Also Not sure the two actors had chemistry but they shone individually. The set sucked.... Read more Read less

See it if you like theater that tries to be edgy.

Don't see it if violence turns you off.

Also The actors try but don't really click. Audience didn't believe it. Script needs work.... Read more Read less

See it if you like meaningless theater.

Don't see it if you like plays that have actual plot and action and character development.

Also The actors and director do what they can. They stage design is the highlight. The fault is in the writing. No plot. Having realistic dialogue doesn't equate to meaningful. Skip!... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of comedy

Don't see it if raunchy material is a turn off.

Also Saw this last night. The house was packed and loving it. The characters and the situations are outlandish yet rooted in reality. The ensemble cast is terrific with Shea and Davey being the standouts. Direction is sharp and never lulls. Set design draws you in. See it!... Read more Read less

See it if looking for a "nice" night at the theater. Amusing at times. Introspective at others.

Don't see it if Looking for an emotionally engaging, challenging show.

See it if Enjoy the works of Mastrosimone, who often explores the psycho-sexual dynamics between men and women from broken backgrounds.

Don't see it if Looking for a family show / light fare.

Also The writing soars above this production. Aside from the actor playing the officer (who effectivly portrays one of the most awful human beings I've seen put up on stage), the rest of cast (no chemistry between two lovers plus "theatrical" / uneven choices),lighting, sound, and direction all seamingley flail and drown in this complex work written by a talented playwright who deserves more recognition. I would like to see a different production of this play that can hit the beats and create the tension / horror that is so smartly constructed in the script.... Read more Read less

See it if Enjoy multimedia performances

Don't see it if Looking for a straight play.

Also Preface this with I enjoy multimedia performances. This production has interesting visuals and sound that enhances an interesting one person monologue, however, I was never completely absorbed into the story. Perhaps because there is a net between the audience and stage, perhaps the visuals and sound never go big, perhaps the seating arrangement was not conducive to it. I didn't not like this piece, I just didn't get absorbed into it as I was hoping I would.... Read more Read less

See it if cant think of anything.

Don't see it if you need to pay.

Also My least favorite of Hunter's plays. Where as his other plays draw the audience into the play through the characters and story with poignancy, humor, and a sense of urgency /stakes, GC kept me out (there are literally physical barriers with columns that destroy site lines, just awful) as this story meanders pointlessly from scene to scene. Hunter throws a lot of things at the wall (mental illness, city dissolution, racism, cancer, long lost love, mines closure) and nothing really sticks. He then uses a cheap trick at the end to pull on the audiences heart strings but it is never earned. I left feeling that Hunter had a quota to fill and wrote this uninspired piece to satisfy his agent or whoever.... Read more Read less

See it if you need to see every show

Don't see it if looking for a show with that requires an audience goer to be engaged and also stimulated either emotionally or intelligently.

Also A fluffy dramedy with melodramatic turns by several actors (lots of covering eyes with arms while "weeping"). The start and stop of new scenes and the slow pacing never gets the tension built so by the time we eventually get to the main conflict between the two brothers, the audience is merely rooting for the scene to be over so we can leave. Cant think of one notable thing in this production. Though the naturalness and great timing of actor playing the supporting character Kevin should be mentioned. Pass.... Read more Read less

See it if you've heard the name Horton Foote and want to see a production of his.

Don't see it if Expecting an engaging 2 acts of theater. (1st act 1 hour 10 min. 15 min intermission. 2nd act is 45 mins)

Also How did this win the Pulitzer for Drama in 1995? It's slow, conventional, and ends inconclusively. The production felt very "safe" in its choices. The actress playing the matriarch, Lily Dale, was the highlight and without her the production would be painful as opposed to just barely treading above water for the audience.

Costumes were excellent.

Can't help but compare lead male character, Will Kidder, to Willy Loman, in which you conclude the latter was the better written one.

Pass!... Read more Read less

See it if Looking for an overall professional production

Don't see it if Looking for a production that is even toned and or one that rings true to the paranoia / frightening aspects of the play

Also If you saw the recent Broadway production, one can't help but compare. That one, and perhaps in part because of its production value, created a palpable sense of fear for the audience and for the fate of John Proctor that is sorely missing in this one. If you prefer a production that strikes this chord, you will be disappointed, if not, then you will enjoy. Part of the reason I felt this way: tonal shifts from comedic to dramatic to back. The second half is brightly lit. And the actor who plays Danforth is anything but intimidating for the audience or John Proctor. They cast an actor who is old, looks feeble, and plays it with a head down / eyes up trying to register creepy / (menacing?) and it doesn't land. John + Elizabeth Proctor and Rev Hale are standouts.... Read more Read less

See it if No reason. Other than the lighting, set design and music, it's an atrocious, absurd drek.

Don't see it if You value you your time, money, and faith in the theater.

Also An attempt at dark comedy that falls flat. The relationships are not believable. Ok, suspend the believability for sec, the jokes are not funny. Ok also suspend the need for "comedy" for a sec, the dark ruminations on life and love with too many monologues to the audience are trite and unoriginal. Just when can get worse, in comes a cringe worthy masturbation scene. Almost wonder if piece was written while author was on drugs. A show that's hard to explain what you just saw.

Ps. Ran one hour and 53 minutes. No intermission. Pass!... Read more Read less

See it if Drawing a blank... Perhaps if interested in music composition and or jazz but even then it's slow.

Don't see it if Looking for a show with stakes, clear characters, cogent set ups, and defined relationships.

Also The good: the lighting design and sound design are stellar. Direction is also strong and the set does an effective job.

Needs work: The two leads struggled at times. A lot of pushing and emoting and slamming of fists on tables and yelling with no under current of emotion. Lot of little sparks that didn't lead to a fire (no oxygen in the room as the audience was silent for most of the play.) I think biggest flaw is that the main character is written to be so unlikeable, and a most unfortunate monologue (misinformed rant) that receives a weak counter argument from younger brother. Pass!... Read more Read less

See it if Go! A bold / daring script with a production that pulls it off.

Don't see it if Can't think of anything.

Also A coming of age story about one man's struggle with alcoholism that is both entertaining and poignant. The lead actor is terrific. It takes a few minutes to settle into the shows style (breaking forth wall in narration style, sound effects), however, you quickly get sucked into the world and the characters presented.... Read more Read less

See it if Witness incredible talent across the board in terms of performance, costume, set design, lighting + sound, direction and customer service.

Don't see it if Can't think of anything. Maybe allergic fog machines.

Also Go see it. You will be talking / thinking about it long afterwords. As good as anything I've seen. There's dancing, singing, hijinks and more. All in a let loose / forget the world and it's troubles for 2.5 hours, kind of way. You will feel sad to leave and be back into reality after the show is done.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of multidisciplinary story telling.

Don't see it if Prefer a traditional play.

Also This production fires on all cylinders and it's a pity it doesn't have a longer run and a larger media presence as this is quintessential "downtown" theater that any New Yorker with a creative sensibility would be thrilled to have witnessed.

Lighting, music, sound, visuals / films, set, directing, story, and acting are all excellent. I read the bios of all involved and they are clearly well studied, experienced and gifted at their individual crafts. Erika Latta, who plays Lulu, gives one of the best monologues I've seen all year. Bravo to all involved.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy multidisciplinary story telling and "downtown" type theater

Don't see it if Looking for traditional theater and story telling.

Also Acting: B
Cellist: A
Lighting: C
Dancing: B
Set: D

Two actors (both capable), interpret poems from the Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska through acting and dance.

Poems are thought provoking at times, absurd at others. Piece starts off slow but slowly gets better and better. Engaging but left me unexcited.... Read more Read less

See it if you like sharp productions.

Don't see it if Young men playing 9 year olds is too far of a stretch of the imagination.

Also Lighting: Stellar
Directing: Clean and focused.
Acting: Strong performances, (at times hammy) from a young cast, with standout Cody Robinson (DAVID) who delivers a moving monologue at the end.

The production did everything right but I neither felt connected to the characters nor cared for them and I left the show wondering why as all the parts of the production were solid. And I grew up in the suburbs where friends would meet at a playground... Worth seeing. Quality show.... Read more Read less

See it if You are in the mood to let loose and have a good time.

Don't see it if I can't think of one.

Also You may not like musicals, you may not be gay, you may not know pop culture, but the pure joy coming from the singers and dancers from doing what they love to do leaves the diverse audience with a smile on their face for an hour and 30 minutes. Awesome sound system, really cool lighting and I was particularly impressed with the video montages. If you are on the fence, I'd say step out of your comfort zone and go!... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of comedy, period.

Don't see it if looking for something PG rated. Get triggered by identity politics.

Also This is a bold NYC debut from a British comic who has a bright future ahead of him. The show incorporates audience participation, freestyle rapping, poetry, musings on current hot topics. Plus cats! Audience ate it up. Great date night show. Recommend.... Read more Read less

See it if You can sit through bad theater and chalk it up to a learning experience as to why things don't work and what to avoid.

Don't see it if You're looking for an enjoyable time at the theater.

Also Aside from the uneven acting (to put it nicely), the play itself doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it supposed to be a comedy (as advertised)? If so, the situations and jokes are neither set up nor delivered. Or is it supposed to be a drama? The tension / relationships neither builds nor does the audience feel / care for the characters. Either way it is a complete mess of a show. Only thing that kept audience attention was to see if the bride's breasts would fall out of her loose fitted bra. LoL. Pass!... Read more Read less

See it if Never seen the play and can get a cheap / free ticket.

Don't see it if Expecting a professional production with actors who are engaged emotionally with the text. (actor who plays the Matriarch is the exception

Also Actors dropped lines and could not pick up cues. The background music would go from loud to quiet to loud then cut off for no apparent reason. Lighting cues would be off. Two actors did a scene in the dark by the bar and after the scene was over then the spotlight came up on an empty bar. Other examples of lighting errors not be mentioned. A random projection screen in the background that serves no purpose. Started flashing HDMI at one point. Allows 5 or 6 audience seats to be on the stage for no reason (just a distraction). The wardrobe goes from period to contemporary (see Polo shirts). The main exit stage left is established as a bathroom in the beginning and then used as the main entrance to the apartment and then near the end, actors walk on stage "through a wall" right by the kitchen next to the door (who directed this?) Bad for even "community" theater standards.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy intimacy, mystery, and well done sets with attention detail

Don't see it if afraid of being alone

Also The dancers (actors) do a good job, but after awhile the dance routines become a bit monotonous. You basically get shuffled into room after room every 5-10 minutes. Each room has old books and letters and photos that you can look at. After a minute or two, a dancer comes in and dances / does a monologue. And then you are led to another room for another dance.... Read more Read less

See it if Because of Adam Driver and the roommate

Don't see it if Because of Keri Russell (soooo bad) and the rich guy actor (bad, but not as bad as Russell)

See it if You like dark comedies and sharp acting.

Don't see it if You like serious plays

Also Was pleasantly surprised I stumbled upon another Larry Phillips play by accident. Both I've seen have been outstanding. A big theater needs to give the man a residency now.... Read more Read less

See it if you hate yourself

Don't see it if you love yourself

Also Completely dated and a "safe" production. Why not go bold and attempt to make it contemporary? Predictable, dated, boring, a real snooze fest. No emotional impact either. What's the point of putting this show on?... Read more Read less