C1986

See it if You're interested in future/dystopian stories; you want to see nuanced and affecting performances (even by non-humans)

Don't see it if You don't like robots? Only complaint was that it could have been trimmed down a little, but really enjoyed it.

See it if Themes of acceptance & the struggle to find it resonate with you; you're a Michael Urie/Mercedes Ruehl fan; you want to laugh and cry!

Don't see it if You can tell it was condensed, but I wish they had cut some of the lines about Arnold's size/looks (N/A for Urie). David is miscast.

See it if You want to see very detailed, riveting performances; you appreciate everyday, relatable stories with a side of quirk

Don't see it if Watching someone descend into dementia is too close to home for you

See it if You want an uplifting story with heart; you like inventive/minimalist staging; you appreciate strong ensemble shows (rather than star turns)

Don't see it if You roll your eyes at writing and performances that are very earnest; you expect spectacle and lots of showstopping numbers

See it if You want to see Shakespeare made fresh and accessible without dumbing it down; acting master class from Oscar Isaac in an intimate setting

Don't see it if You can't sit through almost 4 hours of Shakespeare; you don't like experimental staging

Also I've never been so engaged by a production of Hamlet! Everything is so clear and the cast is phenomenal. Some odd directorial choices don't quite land, but for the most part it's brilliantly done!... Read more Read less

See it if You like Bruce Norris's style of writing; you want something that will twist your brain into knots with an interesting concept; great cast

Don't see it if You're not into magical realism; you expect it to be as good as Norris's other works; you don't like "talky" plays (lots of philosophizing)

Also I'm a Bruce Norris fan but it's starting to feel like every one of his plays features the exact same middle-aged-straight-white-male-selfish-opinionated character. Getting a bit repetitive! He falls into the same trap here as in The Qualms where sometimes hammering home an idea or point of view takes over the action, so it feels a bit drawn out at times. There are lots of good things here, but it could use some culling.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a real tour de force - inventive writing, stellar acting, minimal set; you're interested in gender and marriage in society

Don't see it if You're looking for something romantic to see w your significant other; you expect language like the original (this is contemporary)

Also You don't need to intimately know A Doll's House to enjoy this play, although I'm sure the more you know it the more you'll get out of this. I hadn't read it since college, and my friend just read a summary on Cliff's Notes, and we both really enjoyed it.... Read more Read less

See it if You'd be interested in a realistic play about the issues facing people with disabilities and those who care for them + stellar performances

Don't see it if You expect the ending to be perfectly tied up; you're squeamish about nudity on stage

See it if you are interested in the impact theater has on society and vice versa; you like true historical stories that are still relevant today

Don't see it if you're not into theater that gets very meta; you need focused stories (this bounces forward in time a lot and can get a little confusing)

Also Avoid buying seats in the rear balcony - there is text projected into the rear wall of the stage, and it's impossible to see if you're sitting too high up. You miss dates, locations, names, and translated lines/lyrics.... Read more Read less

See it if You like modern, inter-family drama and plays that question religious issues from multiple perspectives

Don't see it if You are looking for something fun and light; you would be bothered a 2nd act that is weaker/less clear than the 1st

See it if You're looking for something cute and quirky that will leave you feeling upbeat

Don't see it if You're expecting it to be as masterful as the movie; you want to leave humming the songs

Also It has some delightful moments, but Phillipa Soo misses here - while she sounds and looks amazing, there is so much more that can be done with this role. Music is forgettable, although the arrangements of the ensemble numbers are very nice in the moment. Some fun/clever staging. All in all, it's uneven, and there are some unnecessary bits that could be cut.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy realistic family dramas (with a good dose of comedy); you appreciate smart dialogue and detailed character work

Don't see it if You want lots of action or grand scale; you are uninterested in religious themes; you're tired of family squabbles on stage

See it if You like big, sweeping stories; you appreciate high production value

Don't see it if 80s power musicals aren't your thing; you want something light

Also The leads are terrific, especially the Engineer and the woman who plays Kim - what a voice!... Read more Read less

See it if You love Gloria Estefan's music; you want to leave your cares at the door and have a good time

Don't see it if You aren't into jukebox musicals; you want depth of character and plot

Also It's super fun, although predictable. Like other "bio-pic" type shows, time moves so quickly that it's tough to draw a detailed portrait of the subject, and to become emotionally invested when the show tries to tug at your heartstrings. All in all, though, it's great fun and the female lead is very talented.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy solo pieces; you like immersive/interactive experiences; you like experimental theater

Don't see it if You hate performance art; you need plot; you aren't physically able to sit on a box and shift around as needed

Also Delightful show - don't come expecting standard structure. It feels more like performance art than a play. Lots of fun surprises, and you are allowed to move around and rifle through the set. The design is very detailed and impressive. You're up close and personal with your fellow audience members - it really feels like a communal experience. There's some gentle audience participation - everyone was very game for it!... Read more Read less

See it if You like shows that play with time; you enjoy plays about contemporary life; you played the Oregon Trail computer game

Don't see it if You're not interested in stories about young women; you're expecting something grand in scope; you need high stakes

Also This play employs two parallel story lines - I thought one was significantly stronger than the other. All in all, though, a thoughtful small-scale play. Nice performances.... Read more Read less

See it if You like checking out new musicals; you want something light, fluffy, straightforward, and fun; you enjoy theater inside jokes

Don't see it if You don't like bawdy humor; you want a show that will make you think or emote; you prefer nuance and naturalism

Also It's a strong production and there are a couple of good numbers, but the show is just not my kind of humor, unfortunately. I felt like it was straining a bit too hard. The audience as a whole was LOVING it, though, which was nice to see.... Read more Read less

See it if you would enjoy a fun but off-beat new musical with catchy songs, a lot of heart, beautiful staging, and a super-talented cast

Don't see it if you need a linear story line; you're sick of the cliche of a mismatched group of teens coming together

Also This is a very entertaining show, but sometimes it feels like it's trying too hard, both with humor and with tugging at heartstrings. If you can forgive that (and somewhat cliched characters), you will enjoy this quirky little musical.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a fan of Adam Bock and/or David Hyde Pierce (he's phenomenal in this), you like to be challenged as a theatergoer

Don't see it if You need traditional structure; you need clear resolution; you have a hard time with themes related to death

Also Initially this play left me scratching my head a bit, but the more I think about it the more interesting it becomes. Go in with an open mind and go along with the unexpected places it takes you.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Hamilton and are a theater buff; you are down for an evening of pure silliness

Don't see it if You haven't seen any major shows lately - if you're not familiar with the current NYC theater scene, a lot will go over your head

Also The numbers are very hit-or-miss; some are hilarious, while others just feel like filler. Really talented cast of young performers.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to be moved by some insanely amazing vocals/performances; you like stripped down stagings of musicals (works so well here)

Don't see it if You're looking for something light, fluffy, or grand in scale

See it if You love the actors (great cast); you enjoy checking out different translations and interpretations of Chekhov

Don't see it if You will be frustrated by the inconsistency of the "world" of the play and performances; you prefer traditional translations/staging/sets

Also There are some strong performances and funny and poignant moments, but it seems that this production has a bit of an identity crisis. Cherry Orchard is my favorite Chekhov play, so I was excited to see it, but it didn't quite meet expectations.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a one-of-a-kind sensory experience; you like one-man shows; you're interested in the intersections between theater and tech

Don't see it if You need visual stimulation to enjoy a play; you have a short attention span (it goes on a little too long); you have hearing/ear issues

Also I was really into it for the first three quarters of the show - the last bit lost me a little. Overall, though, a great experience!... Read more Read less

See it if You're an Annie Baker fan and like ultra realism and beautifully detailed ensemble work

Don't see it if You need heavily plot-driven stories or are uninterested in stories about adolescent girls

Also I didn't want it to end! The actors and the wonderfully drawn characters were so compelling, I wanted to spend more time with them.... Read more Read less

See it if You're looking for delicious comedy, clever staging, and a fantastic leading performance

Don't see it if You're looking for something complex or topical

Also I saw it without ever seeing the movie and really, really enjoyed it!

See it if You love Kathleen Chalfant - she is always a joy in any role

Don't see it if You will disappointed by a concept that is interesting in theory but doesn't work in execution.

See it if You like the novel and want to see it come to life in an incredibly effective staging

Don't see it if You can't handle the sight of blood, violent torture, or intense strobe lights; you want something uplifting/straightforward

See it if You're a Sondheim fan who hasn't seen the show / want to check it off your Sondheim list; great cast; you're interested in American history

Don't see it if You're expecting Sondheim's greatest work; you need a linear storyline; you want strong or intricate staging

See it if You want to see a classic brought to vibrant life and performed beautifully by an excellent cast in a fun, dynamic staging

Don't see it if You're not into old-fashioned musicals. It's definitely dated material, but is masterfully done for what it is.

Also Saw it with Donna Murphy and she was fabulous. Worth seeing it with her (and easier to get a ticket!). It's a sumptuous production and nostalgic in the best way. From ensemble to leads, the whole cast is phenomenal.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Sondheim and want to hear one of his scores lushly sung and performed by a very talented cast

Don't see it if You don't like stripped down staging- while I usually love John Doyle's work, some of it was a little too minimalistic and thus unclear

See it if You like plays about recent historical events; you are a fan of JT Rodgers' writing; you prefer headier fare over lots of intricate staging

Don't see it if You'd rather sit back and just be entertained - there's a lot of information to keep track of, and you need to really focus

See it if You like shows that manage to be both hilarious and incredibly impactful; you're in the mood for something very unique with a great cast

Don't see it if You're turned off by campiness used to depict serious topics (but I think this was very effective); you can't laugh about the Iraq war

See it if You love the show and want to see the latest take on it; you're a fan of Jake G or Annaleigh Ashford - they're both great here!

Don't see it if You don't like Sondheim or you're too married to the memory of the original performances

See it if You like topical plays that shed a light on how today's political landscape came to be; you're a Lynn Nottage fan

Don't see it if You're looking for escapism or lighter fare; you can't handle violence onstage; you need characters you care about

See it if You are a Sally Field fan and want to see her take on an iconic role.

Don't see it if You love the play and will be bothered by directorial and casting choices that have little to do with, or are contradictory to, the text.

Also I thought Sam Gold would be the perfect director for The Glass Menagerie based on his beautiful work with Annie Baker plays (and much more). Somehow, though, he managed to make it nonsensical. There's some very odd direction (looks like an attempt at Ivo van Hove), and distractingly inconsistent acting. My heart usually breaks when I see this play...but I didn't really feel anything this time around.... Read more Read less

See it if You like to untangle plays in which the meaning is not obvious; you are driven by interesting design and lighting

Don't see it if You need compelling plot or clear concept to keep you going for two hours without intermission

Also Some interesting components here, but it needs a lot more work to make it coherent - I saw it during early previews so hopefully it's only up from here.... Read more Read less

See it if You like stripped down and/or creative re-stagings; you love Sweeney Todd & want to see a fresh take on it; you want to see great performers

Don't see it if You hate Sondheim or if you can't bear to hear Sweeney Todd's score without a full orchestra and chorus; you dislike dark material

Also Loved it!!! Brilliant setting, performances, and staging. Minor note - I suggest sitting in the raked area rather than the benches - while the benches are close to the action, you end up swiveling around/craning your neck to see a lot.... Read more Read less

See it if You like intimate, minimalist, sung-through musicals; you want to hear some lovely voices sing a lush new score

Don't see it if You're expecting something large-scale; you want something uplifting; you need to care about the characters to enjoy a show

Also The female lead is dynamic and phenomenal in her many roles, while the male lead is quite stiff. The writing for his character is undefined and uninteresting, making it difficult to become emotionally invested. Both sing beautifully, though. Some of the numbers/characters are extraneous, and I was confused about what era it was supposed to take place in, but there are lovely moments and the music is very nice.... Read more Read less

See it if You love the Harry Potter books and films; you're up for an evening of pure silliness and laughter; you appreciate brisk, creative direction

Don't see it if You're unfamiliar with the Harry Potter universe - you won't get it! or if you're looking for serious drama

Also Great, versatile cast and strong, resourceful production. The more intimately you know Harry Potter, the more you'll get out of it. Come ready to laugh and enjoy!... Read more Read less

See it if You're a fan of the actors- terrific performances; you like Annie Baker-style slow burn; you enjoy existential fare; you love dogs onstage

Don't see it if You prefer plot-driven plays; you're expecting something on the same level as LeFranc's THE BIG MEAL; 3-hour plays aren't your thing

Also Even in the playwright's note in the program, he says he's not sure why the play exists. There are some good elements throughout, but the whole is less than the sum of its parts.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a Jonathan Larson fan; you like small-scale, intimate musicals

Don't see it if You're expecting something as epic or as masterful as Rent

Also A fun, ultimately moving show, especially considering Jonathan Larson's life. Some of the casting is odd, but everyone sounds great and the band is terrific. Would have benefited from an even more intimate space.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see some amazing performances; you enjoy naturalistic, of-the-times, slice-of-life family comedic drama (with a twist)

Don't see it if You are looking for escapism; you're expecting big payoff at the end

Also There's so much hype around this show - it's a solid, smart, relatable play but I didn't find it as life-changing as people make it out to be. Definitely worth seeing - just set your expectations!... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for a fun score and dynamic performances with a lot of heart

Don't see it if You need depth of character or plot

See it if You like off-beat musicals with terrific, creative direction and strong choreography; you liked the Roald Dahl book

Don't see it if You want to leave humming the songs; you'd be frustrated by poor sound design/diction of (otherwise talented) kids - hard to make out lyrics

See it if You're in the mood for a good laugh; you love musicals (it's a traditionally structured show with edgy content); you like South Park

Don't see it if You are easily offended

Also While I really enjoyed BoM, I think the hype did it a bit of a disservice - I didn't find it to be as mind-blowing as people make it out to be. Just set your expectations and you'll have a great time!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to be moved, entertained, and learn something all at the same time - whether you're a theater buff or a first-time theatergoer

Don't see it if You dislike or can't keep up with the pace of rap/hip hop

Also I was skeptical before I saw it due to the hype, but my expectations were exceeded. The whole thing is brilliantly conceived and executed: from the lyrics, to the music, to the book/structure, to the design elements, to the direction/choreography, to the performances. Makes you excited for the direction in which musical theater is headed. I've been listening to the soundtrack for a year now and it still hasn't gotten old. SEE IT (if you can get tickets)!... Read more Read less

See it if You like fresh takes on classics; you appreciate clever staging

Don't see it if You don't like Jane Austen; you prefer traditional interpretations of classic works; you need naturalistic acting

See it if You love the actors; you enjoy nontraditional musicals

Don't see it if You need clearly defined structure/genre; you have a short attention span

Also There's a great musical buried in here somewhere...could use some trimming/restructuring. It's very apparent that it's two separate musicals strung together - would have benefited from more streamlining. First act feels bloated, while the second act packs a very moving emotional punch. Fabulous performances.... Read more Read less