Carol loves NYC

See it if You want to see a musical that’s not great but about current social issues with songs you might know

Don't see it if You want to be engrossed and moved; you expect it to be good.

Also So very disappointing in so many ways. The book is awful. Some strong vocals but not consistent even within songs.
Also this was a preview BUT It was very sloppy. Spotlights going on for no reason. Sound was awful at times. Talking in lighting booth or somewhere.... Read more Read less

See it if You love the big shows. See it even if you disliked the movie.

Don't see it if You want an intimate show

Also Hard working cast.Danny was out when I saw it. Some miscasting and some slow parts. So much fun for the most part. Not typical theatre... Read more Read less

See it if You like the music and you can wait patiently in between a weird plot for the next number.

Don't see it if You’re not in the above category.

Also Singing, musicians and dancing were great. The rest was meh.

See it if You like the play and are familiar with the plot.

Don't see it if You have a hard time paying attention to Shakespeare or you’re looking for something fun and light.

Also Hard to sit through. The plot is complicated, and add to that the accents, gender bending casting, and a hearing impaired actor and his sidekick who is also the interpreter which add complexity and makes it more challenging to follow. The score by Glass is beautiful and adds to the drama.... Read more Read less

See it if You like one woman shows and you like real life, contemporary stories.

Don't see it if You’re not interested in relationships and you are not a sympathetic person.

Also Conflicted about this one. One thing that bothered me from the start - why didn’t she go home as soon as she got her daughter’s shocking bloodcurdling scream phone call? I felt detached from her at that point. Felt she abandoned her kids. The police are at her house. They are taking dad. The kids are scared. She calls family members to fetch them? I mean - if you don’t go home for that -what would you turn around for?... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of classic American drama. You won’t be disappointed

Don't see it if You want to see something funny and light.

Also I loved this interpretation of Miller’s great play. I was completely absorbed in the action - even knowing “what happens.”... Read more Read less

See it if You’re in the mood for something completely different and you want to see great acting and an incredibly interesting set.

Don't see it if You have a hard time following fast, slick dialogue. You lack a sense of humor. Not for kids.

Also I’d read up a bit before you go so you understand the context. It helped me. Acting was so good. I’m glad I sat in orchestra. The set was so interesting to see from that vantage.... Read more Read less

See it if See it if you’re interested in the subject, want to learn about it, and are ready for your thinking to be challenged.

Don't see it if You don’t want to see a play that deals with The Constitution and/or you don’t want to have to think.

Also It’s a little “messy” in the beginning but tightens up as it moves along.... Read more Read less

See it if You like fun,loud, high energy musicals focused on high school teens

Don't see it if You want a quiet show and/or mature themes or are struggling in high school - the “how to cope” message is confusing and maybe not helpful.

Also This was a high energy show. Very well cast. Will Roland shone. Everyone was strong! The audience was electric. Great to see young theater-goers having fun. Loved that there was music during intermission. Why don’t all musicals do this? Conflicted about the “message” the plot presents. Maybe I’m just old.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a great performance by Rupp. The plot is weak and meanders in areas but she really delivers.

Don't see it if You’re not interested in plot themes about lesbians, religion, sexuality... among themes. You don’t like an intimate theater setting.

Also I really enjoyed Rupp’s performance. Pleasant surprise. I felt the role of Macy was portrayed as a little aggressive which was distracting to me. I couldn’t see why she and Jen were together - I didn’t feel the love. The sets were great. Loved all the cakes.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in or open to learning about black/gay/homophobia themes; you appreciate a capella music.

Don't see it if If don’t care about black/gay/homophobia issues; you want to see an uplifting and funny play

Also Beautifully acted. Johnson and Pope were not on; understudies Burke and Caesar were terrific and worked well together. The play felt incomplete but I did learn a lot and I was totally immersed. The music was moving. The production felt like a play with music vs a musical.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in women’s topics and in the power of Gloria Steinem.

Don't see it if ...you’re not.

Also Great venue. Very intimate. Creative. Did a great job tying in real news clips and media footage with the live action. Interesting facts and anecdotes coupled with the energy of the cast, especially Lahti,make you feel are living through the events as they unfold... Read more Read less

See it if You love Elaine May. She does a nice job.

Don't see it if you want something fun or light; or if you are expecting something compelling.

Also I wanted to like this. It was just pointless. It’s vessel to showcase Elaine May acting as an elderly person with advancing senility. That’s it. Also it bothered me to hear people laughing at her dialogue — it’s sad! it’s not funny, and that point seems to get lost.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re interested in the story of Joan of Arc seen from a different perspective. You like up close theater.

Don't see it if The topic is not intriguing or if you want to see something funny.

Also Acting was excellent and sometimes riveting. Play was slow at times thus my lower score... Read more Read less

See it if You like theater that deals with relevant topics from varied viewpoints. The plot unfolds with emotional performances by the cast.

Don't see it if You are intolerant to racial issues (even though maybe you should see this!) and/or want to see a fun play.

Also Great acting. Great plot. Thought provoking plot - sad, but true.

See it if You want to experience a beautifully written, produced, acted and sung snapshot of life during the Depression.

Don't see it if You want to see something light.

Also Wow this was an exquisite production. Dylan’s music provides a backdrop yet takes center stage. The story is sad yet produced with much poignancy. The song choices are wonderful; performances are so moving. I feel very lucky to have seen this. Bravo to all involved.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re from New Jersey and have fond memories of growing up. And you like rock music.

Don't see it if You are expecting something deep or want to see great theater. It’s just ok.

Also This show tries hard. The Do Over theme is well played out. However some of it is cringe worthy. The dialogue written for the teenage band member is awful. That actor deserves better. Mary lu is miscast. She can’t sing and her number could have been a hit.... Read more Read less

See it if You like musicals and are interested in the themes of immigration/deportation.

Don't see it if You’re not patient, because the show is weak in some spots.

Also Female leads are strong and their voices shine. The plot has highs and lows. The lows are pretty low and so therefore the material is inconsistent throughout. But overall it’s interesting and thought provoking. And that’s why I go to the Public.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in issues related to disability or inclusion of people with disabilities

Don't see it if A LOT of dialogue and the use of sign language, captioning, and a somewhat confusing message isn’t how you want to spend almost three hours

See it if you really, really, really like Donna Summer and her life story

Don't see it if you are expecting a Donna Summer concert or a happy disco 80's show. stay away if you are not interested in her life story

Also Saw on first night of previews. The cast - 3 female leads especially - was strong. The plot was not and the weird staging did not help further the plot. The theater lit up when there were hit songs and glitter but otherwise it was kind of dull. Donna's story deserves to be told and I hope this show gets tweaked a lot (especially act 1) so it gets staying power. People I spoke with outside of the theater were also disappointed...... Read more Read less

See it if You’re into politics.

Don't see it if You need a break from politics.

Also The acting is good. Ambitious script could be edited. Author did lots of research. Lots of set changes gets annoying.... Read more Read less

See it if you like history and/or music. The acting is terrific and the opera singer superb. It's like nothing I've seen before.

Don't see it if you are not interested in the topic or in the genre of music.

See it if The story intrigues you.

Don't see it if You saw the original - you will be disappointed.

Also Spoiler alert

Owen seems so bored. He's onstage almost entire show. Butterfly isn't beautiful so gender bending is not intriguing. Rest of cast is just meh.... Read more Read less

See it if You like high energy fun shows like School of Rock or Legally Blond.

Don't see it if You want something mature. It's purely fun.

Also Saw in previews. Thought lead who played Cady had great voice but lacked stage prescence. All performers had strong voices. Feel like they can trim some parts and cut a couple of numbers. It's cute. Lots of laughs but some cliche stuff. Bright colorful sets add to the mood.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in investing, money, corruption and you have a long attention span

Don't see it if You have trouble following a play with many characters and motives.

See it if You are looking for a fun night with many laughs and can afford the ticket

Don't see it if You offended by the f-word. You prefer scripted shows.

See it if You like Letts.

Don't see it if You don’t want to see a long play whose lead character is not likable - clothed or unclothed.

Also The cast was fine. But the play fell short.

See it if You want to be entertained. Sarah Stiles and Santino Fontana and Andy Grotelueschen give excellent performances. The cast delivers!!

Don't see it if You want to see something serious or if you don’t like the premise of the script.

Also Some of the ballads bored me. So I felt it was uneven. But when it was good it was very good.... Read more Read less

See it if You like the actors.

Don't see it if You’re not a fan of Adam Driver

Also This didn’t come together for me. Three of the four actors seemed disconnected (Brandon was not guilty of this) and there was a lack of chemistry between the leads. Driver was on overdrive. Russell was weak in comparison.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re in the mood to think

Don't see it if You want something light and easy to digest

See it if You’re interested in the news media

Don't see it if You have a hard time following fast paced shows with actors speaking in accents.

Also The play was presented in an interesting way. I felt the actors were hard to understand at times. I liked the cast.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re interested in the subjects

Don't see it if You are expecting to see extraordinary performances or learn anything new. The play takes place in an alternate universe. I’m not kidding.

See it if You’re in the mood for something non-traditional.

Don't see it if You want a typical musical and you don’t like theater that is thought-provoking.

Also I’ll try to describe it by saying it’s like a mash-up of Rent/JC Superstar/Great Comet/ Band’s Visit. Strong cast but felt lack of emotional connection between some cast members. Some moments are beautiful and some are riveting.... Read more Read less

See it if You like musicals and are in the mood for something peppy.

Don't see it if You don’t have a sense of humor.

Also This was a fun show with a hard working cast. The theater is small and I was in the muddle orchestra and at times it was hard to understand the words to the songs. There’s a lot going on. But the plot is fun and it is very clever. See it. You’ll have fun.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re a fan of the actors and want to see them perform sad and intimate monologues.

Don't see it if You want to have fun.

Also The acting was good but the plots didn’t offer enough for me.

See it if You are over 55 feeling nostalgic and you want to see a musical and cher is appealing to you and your expectations are low

Don't see it if You really like cher. You’ll be disappointed.

Also tonight’s show lacked pizazz. The lead was the standby. Lacked stage presence. Sections were corny. The cast worked hard and Cher’s music wove well into the story of her life as portrayed. But I would recommend instead to listen to her music and see her movies and read about her life. This was a dud.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a great performance by Cranston; you are interested in the medium and the message

Don't see it if You don’t like frenetic plays.

Also Cranston is in the zone. He outperforms the rest of the cast. The staging is interesting and that is good and bad. There was often too much going on (like loud background music or off-stage action projected on screens) which made it hard to hear or follow. If you’re in the balcony you really have to pay attention to the screens vs the stage in several scenes. This play is very relevant given current issues with media, politics and power.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of the novel or are interested in the topic. See it if you like longer plays

Don't see it if You can’t sit through almost theee hours of a serious play.

Also Saw first night of previews. Second act wasn’t as strong as first. I sat in rear balcony and it’s hard to see action on front of stage. I think I would have liked to see it from a better vantage point.
Also there were way too many cell phones beeping or ringing!... Read more Read less

See it if You like stories about complex relationships, you have a sense of humor, you are empathetic to lgbt issues, and you love theater.

Don't see it if You are not described above.

Also First night of previews and everything just clicked. I loved the interesting staging. The actors seemed real and I didn’t want it to end. Felt that the actor who played the son seemed a little old for the role and that was a distraction for me.... Read more Read less

See it if You are open minded and liberal.

Don't see it if You’re not open minded and liberal.

Also It’s a fun show but not for everyone. It’s not your typical jukebox. It’s weird and fantastical and the cast is talented.... Read more Read less

See it if if you’re a fan of the play and you’re in the front few rows

Don't see it if If you’re not in the category above

Also I left after the first act. The theater swallowed the voices of the actors. People were lined up at intermission getting listening devices. Others (even in orchestra back) were complaining about not being able to hear the actors. I was told “they are working on this.” I don’t have a hearing problem and go to the theater almost weekly. Never encountered anything like this before. I hope they can fix it.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of Albee and/or you want to see some great acting

Don't see it if You’re not interested in plots about getting older, females, life, regrets...

See it if You love the art & craft of theater and you are in the mood for an introspective spiritual, political, social commentary.

Don't see it if You want something light.

Also Well cast. The acting is exquisite. Garfield and McArdle are superb. The excellent sets and costume designs add much to the mood and complete the experience. This is theatre with a capital T. Polish up the Tony.... Read more Read less

See it if You like classical music and classic rock. It's not a Broadway show. It's a show on Broadway - literally.

Don't see it if You want to see a traditional musical or if you don’t like classical music and classic rock. Also don’t see it if you’re a Broadway snob.

Also Lots of hard working performers. There are elements I liked more than others and some artistic decisions I didn’t love but overall I liked it a lot and I just surrendered to it. I’m sure Broadway critics will say it’s cruise ship or campy. They and we are protective of the Broadway space. Just go see it and have fun. Life’s too short.... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for a good musical to see. It has a bit of everything. It's in the round, it's colorful, clever, creative

Don't see it if you don't like fantasy or myth or stories or fables

Also This was a show with a lot of heart although I felt something was missing. I wasn't drawn in as much as I wanted to be. maybe because I wasn't seated close enough? the voices were great but the lead male love interest was weak. Ti-moun was excellent. You have to really pay attention to the characters and the roles they play... Read more Read less

See it if you like Bruce and you are a liberal; you like the complexity in his lyrics and his stories; you don't mind paying a high price

Don't see it if You are expecting BBRRRUUUCCEEE. This is a mostly quiet and poignant show. If you lean conservative you might get turned off.

Also This is a one of a kind experience but it is pricey. It is not a concert and the audience is mostly quiet. Bruce leaves it all out there. I think it is overpriced but I guess that is demand.... Read more Read less

See it if You like Saturday night live sketches after weekend update.

Don't see it if You don't have a sense of humor or don't want to pay for 90 minutes of a comedic and weird show

Also Cast was good. Look like they have fun acting. The play is just missing something. It's funny but doesn't quite fit together. I mean it's funny and absurd and there is some meaning behind the plot but hmm it's not a home run.... Read more Read less

See it if You can go with the flow and hear many life stories

Don't see it if You like traditional plays. You are not introspective.

See it if You appreciate beautiful, complex music scores and singing and orchestrations.

Don't see it if You're looking for a typical Broadway musical and score and toe tapping songs.