Cheryl 6244

See it if You want to thrill to an ensemble that's brilliant in every way. You can be transported by a powerful story.

Don't see it if You only like musicals. You think that the injustices of democracy are history.

See it if You want to keep up with theatrical developments in tech (new approach to staging a classic). You appreciate any iteration of WSS.

Don't see it if You object to "messing" with a much loved show. You are easily distracted by multimedia storytelling. Maria will always be Natalie Wood.

Also Some of Van Hove's innovations in staging did not work for me and some of the old songs did not seem to fit (Officer Krupke) or have much resonance in new contexts but, overall, I found the use of video projection more enhancing than distracting.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in portrayals of historically significant women. Relish witty dialog

Don't see it if You prefer lavish productions. You think men are unnecessarily bashed. You know nothing about the history of science.

Also Marie's self-pity and anguish over lost loves and systemic persecution was somewhat overwhelming at times but Herther's no nonsense responses snapped the audience out of it throughout the play.... Read more Read less

See it if You can handle having your mores challenged, are willing (if white) to explore your racial prejudices and preconceptions...and simulated sex

Don't see it if You are squeamish about onstage nudity, have no understanding of psychobabble and prefer elaborately staged musicals/

Also A very challenging play to watch I found the ending very confusing and am still trying to think it through.... Read more Read less

See it if You like one-woman shows...and psychological drama.

Don't see it if You enjoy elaborate productions, intricate plots and character interactions

Also I kept thinking about Proof of Love after the performance and think that it could be beautifully developed into a three-character POV drama.... Read more Read less

See it if You adore Taylor Mac and believe that anything he's created is worth participating in. You admire the comedic performances of the stars.

Don't see it if You don't appreciate bathroom humor or cannot handle sexual references on stage. You have never heard of or seen Shakespeare.

See it if You crave free, decent chili and cornbread served at intermission and want to experience quirky staging and some good singing.

Don't see it if You loved the movie. You want a coherent narrative. You get emotionally involved in solid musicals. You're afraid of the dark.

Also Rebecca Jones as Laurey had a beautiful voice but no chemistry with anybody else in the cast--including her Aunt Eller. The only well-formed, somewhat credible character was Ado Annie. The dramatic ending made no sense.The modern dance dream sequence--clearly indicated by smoke and lighting--was overlong and nonsensical.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a woman. You're a man trying to understand women. You have engaged in political debate or struggle.

Don't see it if You have no interest in progressive politics and no patience with protesters of any stripe. Or maybe you should....

See it if Stockard Channing and Hugh Dancy can do no wrong. If you enjoy watching them, this is for you...although neither has to stretch.

Don't see it if You want gripping drama or hilarious comedy as you follow plot. Demand rich character development and characters you can identify with.

Also For me, this play teetered on the edge of gripping. I needed to know more about the characters to care about them.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy magic shows. You've never considered going to a magic show. You maintain a sense of childish wonder.

Don't see it if You are a connoisseur of magic shows and illusionists. You demand rapid-fire tricks and extreme polish.

See it if You appreciate good acting by men you know from other performances. You are comfortable watching friendships dissolve and egos clash.

Don't see it if You're homophobic--or uncomfortable with homosexual interplay.You like distinctly happy endings. You prefer musicals over drama.

See it if If you love happy endings ...don't demand consistency (some hanging threads in story).or star power..like music used thematically...

Don't see it if You are uncomfortable in funky theaters, want intense social commentary, enjoy brilliant staging

Also Saw this on the first night of previews and heard an apologetic introduction from the company's creative management. Most of the cast needed to project more (with Youngblood and Tupelo being exceptions) especially in he beginning when the audience needed to sort out relationships and back stories. Scene shifts were too long and awkward...but this will probably be corrected in a few performances. The actress who played Char was quite strong and engaging.... Read more Read less

See it if You need another reason to doubt the efficacy of mental health "solutions" in the US. You enjoy serious drama about societal issues.

Don't see it if You are seeking frothy entertainment or only go to musicals.

See it if You want to be intellectually challenged, you feel the fast flight of time acutely, you sometimes live in memories, you are age-aware

Don't see it if You want happy endings and mortality assails you. Musicals are your thing. You don't go to the theater to think.

See it if You love elaborately staged musicals with star power.

Don't see it if You insist on intellectual content and deep meanings

See it if You love Russian literature. You want to see a tour de force solo performance with the emphasis on physicality. You don't have to spend much

Don't see it if Maybe it's me...but I realized that I have no appreciation for Gogol. The madman was in action from start to finish and really gave it his

Also all...but I just didn't get it or find it in any way entertaining.

See it if You loved "Come From Away" and want a similar "heartfeel." You enjoy music that's integral to & advahces the actio

Don't see it if There's no romance in your soul. You oppose the belief that people from different cultures can find common ground.

See it if You love Janney or Guare and never saw it before

Don't see it if Seeing it once was enough...

See it if You need a jolt.You're aware of the seemingly insurmountable divisions within our nation. You appreciate challenging theater.

Don't see it if You only appreciate linear plot lines and cannot gloss over some contradictory actions. You only like flashy productions.

See it if You're a nostalgic Boomer. You're in the mood for light and cute. You loved 70s fashion. You still do a lot of pot.

Don't see it if You do not want to hear sexual talk or see onstage nudity. You have disdain for the West Coast cultural input of the 70s.You offend easily.

See it if You like historical drama and/or biopics, support women's empowerment, appreciate political themes.

Don't see it if You prefer musicals and elaborate productions.

Also Somewhat contrived intersection of stories of two Jewish female athletes competing as Hitler rose in power.... Read more Read less

See it if You're a Rita Rudner fan; you need a break from serious drama and you're willing to indulge yourself with a night of laughs.

Don't see it if You only like depth and drama and demand polished performance and excellent singing.

Also Predictable but hilarious...a rough-edged charmer.

See it if You must see every interpretation of Little Women offered. You follow Kate Hamill. You have nothing better to do and score cheap tickets.

Don't see it if You have high production standards. Little Women is a sacred text of your youth. There's something you want to stream when you have time.

Also I was so disappointed having seen other Hamill work. Her Meg and the minor parts played by Ellen Harvey were decent...all other performances ranged from mediocre to horrendous. Hopefully, the preview period will yield positive change. This play just didn't "gel" for me.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy fast-moving, witty repartee among brilliant performers. You supported Hillary and loved A Doll's House 2.

Don't see it if You only go to musicals. You're a Republican.

See it if An amuse bouche. Corny and cute. Perfect to dispel doldrums or take a break from serious drama.

Don't see it if Frothiness does not appeal and you're searching for the meaning of life and the nuance of romance.

See it if You liked Cher at any stage of her career, you're into rock, you need a break from thoughtful dramas on stage or on film.

Don't see it if You don't like Cher's music or are not interested in celebrity stories. You seek meaningful entertainment.

Also A perfect centerpiece for a girls' night out!

See it if Vintage bizarro Vonnegut! If you've enjoyed his writing and can handle chaos and misogyny onstage you'll love this.

Don't see it if You demand plot linearity and logical character development.

See it if You enjoy early rock and roll belted out by great singers. Certain songs like Stand By Me or I'm a Woman compel you to sing along or dance.

Don't see it if You only go to the theatre for grand production numbers or deep societal insight.

Also This well-staged and well-paced review is pure nostalgia and refreshing entertainment.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a liberal seeking an analogy to current political constipation and regression in civil rights. You admire everything by Gurney.

Don't see it if You are only entertained by polished productions featuring superb acting and lack generosity in your theater-going

See it if You are passionate about a cause, you enjoy political diatribes and one-person shows, you are still questioning your humanitarian stance

Don't see it if You demand a plot with a well-defined problem and solution.You like elaborate productions and prefer musicals over drama

See it if You enjoy Ives's unique sense of humor. You know the French play being parodied. You like madcap comedy. You need an entertainment lift.

Don't see it if You're into elaborately staged musicals. You don't enjoy wordplay. You want to take away a moral lesson from every play you see.

See it if You enjoy hearing class showtunes brilliantly sung. You can handle some inconsistencies in plot development.

Don't see it if You never liked Carousel. You're not moved whenever you hear "You'll Never Walk Alone."

Also A couple of drawbacks: I didn't feel any chemistry between Julie Jordan and Billy Bigelow which detracted from the experience. Also, Billy had on the same costume throughout the play which didn't help the viewer get a sense of time's passage.... Read more Read less

See it if If you enjoy meeting somewhat quirky but seemingly intelligent characters. You like inventive lighting and staging created on a budget.

Don't see it if You only enjoy elaborately staged musicals. You get frustrated if all the story lines don't get neatly knotted at the end of a play.

Also Really enjoyed the repartee. Sensed the underlying influence of the plot of Collected Stories. Liked the character development which was not so extensive as to forbid my imagination creating their backstories and futures.... Read more Read less

See it if You are intrigued by the complexity of modern relationships. You don't mind visiting quirky, hole-in-the-wall theaters.

Don't see it if You're into fantasy and elaborate staging and costumes. You only like musicals.

See it if You're a devotee of "American Greed" You think that Michael Milliken got a bum rap. You enjoy snappy dialogue among financiers.

Don't see it if You regularly snoozed during finance classes in grad school and your eyes glaze over when your broker starts explaining market moves to you.

See it if You always wondered how Nora did on her own! You went on or supported The Woman's March. You enjoy snappy repartee.

Don't see it if You're a misogynist. You can't stand speechifying dialogue. You think laughter degrades Ibsen's legacy.

See it if You need a break from serious drama and want to giggle and you remember (and liked) Lollipop and Leader of the Pack

Don't see it if You think theater should be provocative, deep, innovative, and/or thought-provoking