Bumple

See it if This is such a FUN romp of a show! And a breath of fresh air in a sea of revivals and non-original content currently offered in NYC.

Don't see it if you expect "deep" socially provocative messages and theme. This is like a cross between Mel Brooks and Cole Porter a la KISS ME KATE fun.

See it if you love watching skilled actors flex their chops.

Don't see it if you're expecting to feel for the characters. Aside from marveling in the nuanced performances, this was a "yawner" for me.

See it if you're a Lanford Wilson fan. Honestly, it's worth seeing for the performances--specifically Adam Driver and Brandon Uranowitz.

Don't see it if it's worth seeing for Adam Driver's performance but I couldn't help feel that his performance was hampered with Kerri Russell as Anna.

Also She turned in a "serviceable" performance and is easy to watch; however, it never felt like she fully inhabited the character.
Regardless, it was a delight to hear Lanford Wilson's words again!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to laugh out loud and be entertained. It’s a masterfully crafted musical adaptation of the film.

Don't see it if It’s delightful and refreshing to see a show not resting on a well known film title.

See it if you've got kids who read the book. To me this is like the SPONGE BOB SQUARE PANTS for Gen Z's sans the cartoon.

Don't see it if you're expecting it to live up to the hype. To me this is a really good kids show. Cute story, decent songs with excellent staging.

Also I gave this a 76 (one more than SPONGE BOB) because it does an excellent job of presenting the story, but I now understand why many adults seem to hate it. It doesn't deserve the wrath that some have bestowed upon it. I believe the anger is misplaced frustration with what commercial theater (Broadway) is becoming. In an atmosphere, where we are flooded with: film, popular cartoon, kid book titles, jukebox musicals and revivals can we really expect this NOT to be a hit? It's refreshing that kids are relating to it and did so on a grass roots level--elevating an underdog to star status. At least there's an authenticity about the way it arrived on Broadway although it's disappointing that it's being held up as the next "big thing".... Read more Read less

See it if You want to watch Debra Jo Rupp flex her expert acting muscles. She infuses the role with nuance and pathos. She’s worth the ticket price.

Don't see it if You’re expecting major revelations on the topic of religious takes on gay marriage. It feels a little “been there done that”.

See it if you think you know the history of Gloria Steinem's accomplishments. This show shines a light on the inner workings of her mind.

Don't see it if you dislike being a "part" of the action. The key to enjoying this play is opening your heart to fellow audience members as it unfolds.

See it if you love traditional choral music and enjoy a cerebral evening out.

Don't see it if you're expecting a traditional Christmas show.

Also Despite the beauty & goodness behind the Christmas Truce of 1914 there's a decided darkness to this show that sticks with you. Not for the faint of heart, but very well done.... Read more Read less

See it if I wouldn't recommend it. It lacks a clear point of view and was all over the place.

Don't see it if I cannot recommend it.

See it if you're a Lonergan fan. This play is precisely executed by a crackerjack cast and led by an amazing Elaine May.

Don't see it if See it. While it's devastating, watching this family grapple with "losing" their matriarch has a poignancy not often seen on stage.

See it if you can get an inexpensive ticket. It's ALL about the ape and the puppet masters are brilliant in action. The ape is magnificent.

Don't see it if you care about plot, story and/or music. I really wanted to like this but the show felt like an excuse to build and maneuver a giant ape.

Also The only reason I didn't rate it lower than "so-so" is due to the APE. The technical aspects of this show (and ONLY the tech aspects) including: projections, lighting, set and sound prevented me from giving it a score of zero. Bravo to the designers and crew, but ultimately the spectacle isn't worth spending more than $40 for a seat as you must endure a lot of stage time without Kong.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy the classics and theater history. Theresa Rebeck masterfully breathes life into the divine Sarah with stunning clarity.

Don't see it if you're expecting this to show "kooky" Sarah who sleeps in a coffin.

Also I loved this show. Theresa Rebeck captures how theater artists tick with each other in the collaborative process with all of its excitement, messiness and cerebral passion. Janet McTeer is a worthy vessel who brings life to Sarah Bernhardt for a 21st century audience.... Read more Read less

See it if you love FIDDLER. This is a well-executed version with Yiddish lending a unique layer to the show's roots. Strong performances throughout.

Don't see it if you've seen enough of FIDDLER and you're looking for flashy production values.

Also There's a beauty in this production's simplicity.

See it if you're able to enjoy it independent of the hype surrounding it. A feather in the American musical theater canon.

Don't see it if you're annoyed by the hype surrounding it!

Also The show checked every box on my list of what makes me love musical theater, save one. With its clear message, lively characters and resonant story it moved and inspired me. And, while the score was excellent and melodic, I hoped for a single song that stuck with me like a Gershwin tune that would have scored Hamilton at 100 for me.... Read more Read less

See it if you can get a reasonably priced seat and feel the need to see Parsons and the rest on stage.

Don't see it if you're expecting this groundbreaking play from 1968 to be anything more than a throwback serving up sufficient performances.

See it if you're a Tom Stoppard fan. This production is well-done and tackles huge ideas that resonate given today's social and political climate.

Don't see it if you want to leave your brain at the door. The first act clocks in at 1.5hours. It's like a good book in that it takes time to get into.

See it if you're a Jimmy Buffet fan. This is a fun, fluffy show.

Don't see it if you expect the story or the music to blow you away.

See it if you like Amy Shumer. It's a great opportunity to see her in action--she's excellent.

Don't see it if you're expecting more than a light romp or a show in the caliber of Martin's "Picasso at the Lapin Agile"

See it if you're a David Yazbek devotee. The music is wonderful and this is a solidly written, directed and acted show.

Don't see it if There's no reason not to see it, as it's a solid piece of theater. However, it's subtle in its appeal.

Also As I exited the theater, I overheard a young couple discussing the show. He remarked, "Objectively speaking that was a good show. It just wasn't MY thing.".... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy thought provoking, moving theater with a universal relatable story. Think "Arthur Miller meets Edward Albee" but set in Texas.

Don't see it if you've forgotten to bring your Kleenex.

See it if you're a Nicky Silver fan.

Don't see it if you're a Nicky Silver fan who expects it to play out like other Nicky Silver plays. The show is inconsistent as to what it wishes to be.

See it if you've never seen Fiddler on Broadway.

Don't see it if you've seen Fiddler on Broadway.

See it if you enjoy original musicals and are a musical theater fan who loves to be entertained.

Don't see it if you expect that it's going to be anything more than a really fun romp in the theater.

See it if you haven't seen Cynthia Erivo perform. She's a powerhouse performer.

Don't see it if you become easily annoyed with actors not enunciating. Although a powerhouse performer, Ms. Erivo spoken lines are often unintelligible.

See it if you enjoy an extravaganza. The show is beautiful, with strong staging and voices. Alexandra Billings(Madame Morrible) is amazing.

Don't see it if it's worth seeing although I believe it could stand to lose about 30 minutes from its running time.

Also The dance interludes are lovely, but do little to advance the story or the plot.... Read more Read less

See it if The set alone is worth the price of admission. That and Christian Dante White's performance of ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE.

Don't see it if you're a MY FAIR LADY purist. While it hits all the marks, it never fully soars. The character of Henry Higgins feels watered down.

Also While, I understand WHY the changes were demanded with regards to Eliza's ultimate decision to walk away--part of the fun of Higgins is that he manages to charm, yet Eliza holds all the cards. This is a theatrical production after all, and I choose to believe that after the curtain falls, Higgins is a changed man and it's all due to Eliza's power.... Read more Read less

See it if you can get an inexpensive ticket. The production values and the performances are good.

Don't see it if you are fed up with well-known film titles being made into musicals.

Also This show is the perfect example of why every film should NOT be made into a musical. The production team did their best to capture the charm of the film; however, the subtlety that supported the movie performances doesn't translate to the stage.... Read more Read less

See it if You love the movie and want to remember “when”.

Don't see it if You haven’t seen the film. The show rests on the movie filling in character and story.

See it if you want to support original musicals.

Don't see it if you're expecting a fully baked show. This felt like a work in progress with cuts and vital tweaks required.

Also The story & characters meander without a clear point of view and, while much of the music is lovely, it's repetitive in both lyric and style.... Read more Read less

See it if for Beth Leavel's performance. She elevates the material.

Don't see it if you're expecting to be wowed. While it's "cute", the characters never move beyond 2-dimensions and the songs are forgettable.

See it if this is a great opportunity to see Fierstein's writing on stage. Well executed and genuinely funny and touching.

Don't see it if while Michael Urie was excellent, I didn't buy him as the character of Arnold, through no fault of his own.

Also I was excited to see Torch Song, having never seen Trilogy or any form of the script. Essentially I went in with zero pre-conceived notions of what to expect. But, Michael Urie is so completely physically opposite from what is described in Fierstein's text, I felt like I was expected to agree to a false premise from the start. He was excellent, but it just never fully jelled and I couldn't help but wonder what impact a character actor with all the "quirks" would have had being cast as Arnold. As it is, the show felt flat.... Read more Read less

See it if you were a member of the debate team OR enjoy lively banter.

Don't see it if you're expecting a traditional play with plot, story and vividly drawn characters.

Also I enjoyed this on the level that it was a lively debate, but the plot and story felt half-baked. So, while it got my wheels turning, it failed to engage me beyond an intellectual debate level.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to support new musicals. It's cute.

Don't see it if it's worth seeing, just by virtue of supporting original material of which there's NOTHING out there.

Also I wanted to love this, but it took way to long to get to the conceit and the heart of the show. And while it was harmlessly enjoyable, I cannot say that it was memorable.... Read more Read less

See it if you want an enjoyable evening at the theater. A sleeper in my opinion (no pun intended) as it had me truly rooting for the protagonist.

Don't see it if I think it's well worth seeing. Great characters, well-directed and executed by an expert cast.

Also The show is NOT about snooker--you don't need to know anything about the game. It IS about the power of the human spirit wrapped up in a fun and enjoyable package. Fun, fun, FUN!!!... Read more Read less

See it if you're looking for a fun evening with clever choreography and a heart warming message.

Don't see it if you expect to leave the theater humming the tunes.

See it if This show was clever in its structure and conceit. I give it big props for its execution.

Don't see it if you're expecting to be blown away by the protagonist and his journey. While it's well done, I didn't care about him.

See it if you're a Jeff Daniels fan.

Don't see it if you dislike disturbing subject matter.

Also I wanted more texture from Michelle William's performance. I felt she was just a step away from hitting it from all cylinders, but she never quite found the right pitch between love and hate for her abuser.... Read more Read less

See it if you're looking for a fun and bright romp with an excellent leading cast and fantastic ensemble.

Don't see it if you're expecting more than a well-executed cute concept.

Also I loved the idea of merging heightened language and theme with pop culture sights and sounds. However, I left the theater feeling disappointed. The show felt like an overall pandering of sorts and I couldn't help but feel that I'd witnessed a show that was losing its resonance as soon as the audience walked out of the lobby.... Read more Read less

See it if you're not a fan of Jukebox musicals--this is NOT a jukebox musical in that it delves into the Brill Building history beyond Carole King.

Don't see it if you dislike the music of Goffin & King and Mann & Weil

See it if you enjoy emotionally moving musicals with a strong story and cast.

Don't see it if you arrive without Kleenex.

See it if You enjoyed A BRONX TALE the film.

Don't see it if You're expecting to be blown away by the music and lyrics.

See it if you like a chamber piece.

Don't see it if you expect a fully-formed and engaging story and expect the acting to blow you away. It felt completely underdeveloped.

See it if you've always wanted to see what tremendous production values can bring to children's theater.

Don't see it if you don't care to see what tremendous production values can bring to children's theater.

See it if you're looking for a communal-type of theater-going experience. See it to support original new musicals.

Don't see it if you're expecting a traditional musical theater experience.

See it if you're a William Finn fan and want to see an excellent production of FALSETTOS.

Don't see it if you're expecting a "reinvention" of FALSETTOS.

See it if you like to watch a "slice of life" with witty, smart writing and excellent acting.

Don't see it if you're expecting the play to blow your mind with huge concepts.

See it if you're a Sara Bareilles fan.

Don't see it if you expect to care about the characters or walk away humming any of the tunes.

See it if you enjoy the best of what Broadway has to offer

Don't see it if you hate Gershwin. But, you might want to consider therapy if you dislike Gershwin.