CAROL H 612680

See it if you like Shaw and enjoy a slightly changed version. Different setting, same story. Still very enjoyable. Great acting.

Don't see it if you don't like Shaw, or you like Shaw so much that you need to see it exactly how he wrote it.

Also I honestly don't get the negativity regarding this play. It's not perfect but it's still very good and worth seeing... Read more Read less

See it if you want an enlightening view of how handicaps effect individuals as well as the people who love & care for them. Intense. 2 hrs flew by.

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with watching in detail how the disabled are cared for. Hard to watch but a learning experience.

Also I did not see any racial relevance; the casting of black and Hispanic actors is just choosing the best person for the part. I found this to be more about class divides and how those with money hold all the cards, even if they are severely disabled.... Read more Read less

See it if you can ignore the flaws and appreciate some great performances. Incredible voices. Still a work in progress but I enjoyed it.

Don't see it if you need something polished and perfected. There is a lot of goodness in this show but it made professional performances seem amateurish

See it if you want a show about science that doesn't take itself too seriously but at the same time, contemplates the big questions of life.

Don't see it if you don't like to joke about physics.

See it if you enjoy story telling though dramatic song. Incredibly talented cast of 2 draw you in with beautiful voices and emotional performances.

Don't see it if you need a clear plot with full understanding of all the interconnections. I found it to be disjointed but enjoyed the music anyway.

See it if you want an easy to watch comedy that is mostly funny, occasionally hysterical but also sometimes a little slow. Overall a fun evening.

Don't see it if you prefer a musical or drama.

Also Nixon and Kissinger were a riot!

See it if you enjoy a young Nazi soldier's speech about why he adores Hitler & think a multiple murderer deserves our pity because he has a girlfriend

Don't see it if you oppose the glorification of genocide.

See it if you want to delve deeply into a heart wrenching family situation. Moving and powerful, goes right to the heart.

Don't see it if you want a happy play to lift your spirits. This isn't it.

Also Near the end, after a very climactic scene, the audience applauded, thinking the play had just ended. It should have ended there. While the several scenes that followed may have tied up some loose ends, they were unnecessary and anticlimactic. Better to end on an emotionally shattering but completely satisfying note.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a mildly interesting show with good actors but a script that did not seem to have a clear path. Too many long monologues.

Don't see it if you want a show that has some degree of suspense or at least a definitive plot with an outcome you care about.

See it if You are interested in a deeply moving story based on a wonderful book. Slow In spots but overall engrossing and emotional

Don't see it if You don’t like sad stories about sensitive topics.

See it if You can enjoy great performances despite sad subject matter. This was a big show stunted by a small stage. Needs polish but still great.

Don't see it if You want a fairy tale filled with happy feel good numbers where you can bring the kids.

See it if You enjoy haunting shows about people in terrible family situations.

Don't see it if You don’t like shows about abusive mothers. Bernarda makes mommy dearest look like a sweetheart.

See it if you enjoy great songs, cute concepts, intriguing story and a talented cast.

Don't see it if you don't like fantasies, musicals or enjoyable shows.

See it if You like Shakespeare and want a refreshing version that doesn’t mess with the original too much.

Don't see it if You are not already familiar with the basic story line. This version is a bit more difficult to follow than other versions.

See it if You enjoy a great old play that has been brought to modern audiences; still relevant. Amazing set design and great costumes. Talented cast.

Don't see it if You don’t like shows set 100 years ago. Or you prefer musicals.

See it if You want to see Chekov in a way you’ve never seen him before. Barishnikov is a gem.

Don't see it if You don’t like when a classic is reinvented even if the new version is more entertaining.

See it if you want to ponder deep stuff such as the meaning of life. Well crafted with a subtle message told thru conversation at a dinner party.

Don't see it if you want something light and easy to understand. Forces the audience to confront hard questions if they can look beneath the surface.

Also I did not know what to expect when I entered the theater. Based on previous reviews, I thought it would be filled with pointless conversation and no plot. I did not find this to be the case. Not at all. There is so much there that may not be obvious if the play is just watched for pure entertainment. It is entertaining with sparks of genuine humor but the soul of this play is much deeper. A rare intellectual piece.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a fresh take on a Russian classic that is more entertaining than the original. Small cast does a great job playing multiple roles

Don't see it if you require lavish sets and large musical numbers. This has pleasant but quiet songs with no dancing.

See it if you want to see a "circle of life" play. Messing does a great job acting as a woman of many ages. Play's message could have been clearer.

Don't see it if you are easily confused when actors play many roles. Or, you don't like to have to think to get the play's message.

See it if you like a taut family drama with plenty of twists and turns to keep you riveted.

Don't see it if you don't like plays about families.

Also I don't understand the use of Yiddish words that are mispronounced and used inappropriately. Why do this? There is nothing Jewish about this family.... Read more Read less

See it if Iegal dramas are your thing. Main plot was riveting but secondary plots were not interesting. I did learn about Chinese culture/language.

Don't see it if You prefer plays that are consistent in plot rather than vacillating between the interesting and the superfluous.

Also I enjoyed most of this play though I have yet to understand why they had to (spoiler) make the sister a prostitute just because she made a poor choice in choosing her major in college. Also the play has several scenes discussing family members that are not fully explained and even worse, totally irrelevant.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a truly amazing production as only Lincoln Center can do. A bit weird but very enjoyable. Incredible staging and acting.

Don't see it if you want a straight forward plot without any symbolism or allegory.

Also If you have studied Wilder, you won't have trouble following the events. But those who are not as well versed might have trouble understanding the nuances.... Read more Read less

See it if you like musical reimaginings of the classics. Fun and amusing with upbeat musical numbers and a great cast.

Don't see it if you don't like anyone playing with classic literature or you prefer serious drama to musical comedy..

Also If you enjoyed "Desperate Measures" and "Romeo and Bernadette," this company has done it again with a retelling of the Odyssey. Was lots of fun but not as good as the other two mentioned here.... Read more Read less

See it if you want an engrossing view of methods of a a pedophile & the multi-layered reaction of his victim as she matures. Wonderful performances.

Don't see it if you feel uncomfortable around sensitive topics like familial pedophilia or you just prefer music to drama.

See it if you like cirque de Soleil type performances. Not a musical, not a play. Lovely for what it was, impressive contortionists and acrobats.

Don't see it if you are bringing a child; they would be bored silly. Show does not convey the essence of the book.

Also The narrator was very annoying. She had a thick French accent that required subtitles so that she could be understood. I understand that the book was originally written in French, but I have no doubt that the vast majority of the audience read it in English. To me, she came across as pretentious.... Read more Read less

See it if you want an in depth character study and layered plot presented by a very talented (mostly) cast.

Don't see it if you want a musical or comedy.

See it if you enjoy great song and dance numbers, high energy, fabulous cast. Mostly fun and lighthearted, interspersed with emotion. Wonderful show!

Don't see it if you don't like musicals or shows about dreamers.

Also The only real criticism I have is the title. When I got the tickets, my theater companion said he thought it was a show about coffee. Bottom line: great show, dumb title.... Read more Read less

See it if you like having a script read to you rather than watch a real play with characters, costumes, props and scenery.

Don't see it if you need to have a clear distinction between characters. Performer did not use enough differences to tell one character from another.

Also I have seen some excellent performances where the actor was able to clearly represent different characters by changing his voice, dialect, affectations and mannerisms. The actor here did very little to help the audience know which character was speaking.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a play that brings up many important concepts but never fully resolves most of them. Some great performances, others, not so much.

Don't see it if you want resolution and greater understanding of issues brought up in a play.

See it if You like incredible singing and dancing performed by an amazingly talented cast. One show stopper after another.

Don't see it if You need a plot that ties everything together. There were some loose ends but I still loved this show. Also, a few too many slow numbers

See it if You want a good show that is more concert than play

Don't see it if You don’t like the music of Nina Simone

See it if you want to sit back and forget your troubles while you go to a wedding and have a good laugh.

Don't see it if you want something deep or meaningful.

See it if you can enjoy great performances without having any clue about the point of the play.

Don't see it if you want a plot that makes sense, one that holds together into a cohesive, logical progression of events.

See it if you want a well performed play about class struggles, social obligation and a view of marriage from a hundred years ago, but still relevant.

Don't see it if you want a modern story or have difficulty understanding unusual dialects.

See it if you want a stripped down version of the space race told though comedic song. Somewhat goofy, but fun. Great use of props.

Don't see it if you want a lavish musical. This is two guys, albeit very talented, having a very good time and letting us watch.

See it if you want to delve into the harsh reality of global antisemitism, both current and throughout history. Root causes are explored and exposed.

Don't see it if you are antisemitic and don't want to face the harsh realities of your bigotry and senseless hatred.

Also The best line in the play (I am paraphrasing): "They give us hatred, persecution, destruction, torture, and death, but in return we give them Einstein, Freud, Chagall, etc." Finally a play brave enough to put down the abhorrent alt-right, along with the brutal BDS movement as well. A monumental piece of theatre that should be seen by anyone who considers themselves enlightened in our crazy hate-filled world, to understand the motivations of those who are just trying to survive in the face of bias and groundless hate. There are so many who seek to destroy a kind, intelligent and generous nation with lies based on twisted logic, and this play exposes their cruelty and deceitful intentions.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a very enjoyable but confused mashup of pathos mixed with humor. Imagine Dickens meets the Marx brothers.

Don't see it if you need a big theater with extravagant numbers.

Also This theater did an amazing job with a tiny stage. Exceptional talent and impressive set effects. A fun show that pleases despite its flaws.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to feel the pain, fear, suffering of a cancer patient as she navigates through chemo. Emotional performances, talented cast.

Don't see it if the subject of cancer upsets you.

Also I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the actors in this small theater.
Robin, you were great!... Read more Read less

See it if you want a layered drama with realistic characters, peppered with humor. Phylicia Rashad was exceptional. Interesting perspective well done

Don't see it if you don't like plays about the common man or woman and don't care about societal issues

See it if you like interesting characters, clever dialog, amusing metaphors and a surprising resolution at the end.

Don't see it if you can't understand that a sandwich may not always be just a sandwich.

See it if you want a show that pretends to be improv, but really isn't. Stale jokes about old politics.

Don't see it if you want something new, relevant. Only half the audience laughed. Since it was a 9pm show, that half probably had drinks before the show.

Also This is the same old thing we've seen before, usually way off Broadway. Some cutesy lyrics, mostly written and rehearsed before, with just a few new words or lines so they can pretend they just thought up the whole thing on the spot. This show had spots of hilarity interspersed with old jokes. High energy from the cast to try to get laughs and reactions despite blah material.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Bob Dylan's music and would like to hear it reimagined beautifully. Loved every minute.

Don't see it if you don't like Bob Dylan or you need the song lyrics to directly relate to the plot.

Also This is less a musical than it is a play with amazing music. The songs, however entertaining, have very little to do with the plot. It did not make it less enjoyable as far as I'm concerned.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy eye dazzling effects and top notch singing and dancing. Finally, something new! Highly enjoyable.

Don't see it if you need a strong plot to enjoy entertainment. The plot is peculiar and pointless, but the amazing performances more than make up for it.

Also Just when I thought I had seen just about every concept on Broadway, I was pleasantly surprised with this show. The creators have obviously been thinking outside the box - way outside. Despite the fact that I enjoyed this show immensely, I think the theater should be putting out a notice that they are not promoting the use of LSD.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a musical about immigration that is lively and humorous despite the serious subject.

Don't see it if you don't musicals

See it if you want a bit of lighthearted fun. Very enjoyable.

Don't see it if you want a drama or musical.

See it if you want an old fashioned British farce with a modern flair. Very funny with pockets of hilarity. Thoroughly entertaining.

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

Also Excellent cast, all playing multiple roles. Features one of the best choreographed slapstick scenes I've seen in a long time.... Read more Read less

See it if you want some light, fluffy fun to take your mind off your troubles. No need to think too hard, just sit back and enjoy.

Don't see it if you need your shows to have deep, important meaning.

See it if you enjoy a lighthearted, fun, upbeat musical where you can bring the kids, but you'll enjoy it without them

Don't see it if you don't like Disney or prefer more adult material.

See it if you want to see a show that is non stop energy with wonderful performances form beginning to end.

Don't see it if you want to miss a great show