chris_

See it if you enjoy small plays about family dynamics.

Don't see it if you want a clear narrative arc. This is a character study.

Also I thought the play was quite enjoyable. All three leads were fantastic. It portrays family dynamics and includes projections of the actual photographer's work. The projections were well done and made the action on stage more clear. There isn't really a storyline but rather a a series of conversations between an adult son and his retirement age parents. It delves into the reality behind the "America Dream" of the 50s and 60s as viewed after-the-fact in the 80s.

The play is a tight 1h45m with no intermission. It held my attention throughout. It is good and worth a view but I wouldn't call it amazing.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoyed Rent and want to hear some of the back story.

Don't see it if you've never seen Rent or don't like one man shows.

Also Rapp tells the story of the early days of Rent as well as the tragic early loss of Larson and his mother. Rapp is still an excellent singer and does renditions of most of the bigger numbers from Rent as well as some other songs he wrote. If you even have a passing knowledge of Rent you'll probably find the show interesting. If you loved Rent, then it is a must see.

His story sticks to events of the mid to later 90s, nothing after. It is clearly a work of love, but I couldn't help feeling at times that given all the time that has passed, there may have been some other things to say about how those characters shaped what came later. While I personally wasn't as affected by his story, there were plenty of people around me wiping tears away. It is a bittersweet story.

The band was great and Rapp's voice still sounds just like the Mark on the OBC recording. If you are Rent fan, don't pass this up!... Read more Read less

See it if you want big budget spectacle with a well known story.

Don't see it if you want anything beyond the (probably) well known story.

Also The big spectacle cannot be denied. The music is good and all the performances were professional if not inspired. The show is very well done but despite all the moving parts, felt stale. The magic carpet ride sure was cool though.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy small, dialog driven, two-handed plays.

Don't see it if you need action or want something big.

Also The two actors, who are both great, take turns telling the story of a later middle aged couple who over the course of a weekend wedding go through some soul-searching.

The two characters never speak to each other. They describe events, including some back story, and nothing is really shown. However, it is still an engaging work. The actors imbue their characters with down-to-earth Irish folksy charm. While the story is straightforward enough, I was surprised by the ending. It wasn't a twist, just not where I thought things were going.

The set is well done, though a peculiar choice. It is set up to look like a run down street corner and even includes a relatively full sized street light. However, not much of the action occurs there, so I'm not sure why they went to the trouble. Otherwise there are a couple stools and a chair. The lighting was effective.

The only critique, and it was their first night, was the staff moving around in the back of the theater was distracting at times.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see two great actors do good impersonations.

Don't see it if you want a show with a clearly defined plot.

Also Both leads are great and bring considerable energy to their parts. The show clocks in at 2 hours, which felt long, especially during act one. The first act shows the meeting of the two artists. The second act shows them near the end of their collaboration. There isn't really much plot, but rather, two long conversations. It is a decent character study, though, I feel like it could be tightened up a bit and focused in more. I'm not entirely sure what the point is.

There is a house dj playing 80s music before the show and during intermission. I liked this, though the music was loud. Gave the show a party/club vibe, but that conflicted with the actual performances, which take place in the studios.

The set was fine but nothing special.

Overall, the show is good but not great.... Read more Read less

See it if you very well written plays about hard topics. This is not an easy watch, but it is fantastic.

Don't see it if you are triggered by frank discussions of sex crimes.

Also This is a riveting play. The entire cast is great and it is so well written. They manage to find humor in a play that is about sex crimes, not in a way that makes light of the topic, but in a way that is human. This is not a show for the easily triggered, but if you like plays that challenge your thinking, this is the one to see while you can.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a fine production of a classic.

Don't see it if no reason

Also Saw it on the final day, so this review is just for posterity. The production was fantastic and the cast all great. The set design was large scale considering it was a limited run. There were a few mic issues but otherwise things were polished and high quality.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a rich, but sad, musical with a great cast.

Don't see it if the reverse chronology will confuse you.

Also This show is amazing. I find it hard to fathom how it was a flop the first time around. It is intricate with a nontraditional plot. It is a tragedy in reverse. I'm glad it is transferring to Broadway so I can see it a second time. I went in knowing basically nothing and was hooked. The music is distinctively Sondheim and the cast phenomenal. The intimate setting was amazing but I think it would also work in Broadway house, though not a huge one.... Read more Read less

See it if you like a play with modern themes and great acting.

Don't see it if you want escapist works - this play has a message.

Also The play is thought provoking, well acted, and relevant. It is also surprisingly often humorous. Pops is instantly a likable, curmudgeonly, character surrounded by flawed yet very human side characters who all have an agenda. I can easily see why the work won a Pulitzer. It is great. Clocking in at just over two hours, it held my attention the entire time. The actors are all amazing, particularly Stephen McKinley Henderson, in the role of pops, who carries the show.

This play is a fantastic example of how you can have social commentary and also be thoroughly entertaining.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy over the top parody.

Don't see it if you want anything remotely serious or a big production.

Also This has to be the hardest working cast. They jump between roles frequently, running off and on stage with tons of costume changes. The whole thing is presented in the round in a church basement. They make the stage work well with their low budget production. There are plenty of good laughs and the music was surprisingly good. The cast for the most part are good singers as well.

The whole thing is over the top goofy and thoroughly enjoyable. Just beware, the stated run time is not accurate. Between a late start and an extended intermission, it let out 2h30 after beginning.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to get into the holiday spirit with a big production

Don't see it if Tourist and little kid shenanigans will bother you.

Also The show truly is spectacular. The stage does crazy things and there are plenty of big dance numbers. The downside is the show of course is full of tourists and little kids. I've never seen so many people getting up and down in the middle of a performance or just talking. But, if you want to get in the holiday spirit, nothing beats it.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy avant garde musicals.

Don't see it if a portrayal a disturbed protagonist will bother you.

Also [Review from Sept 2022] The show was both unique and a musical, so that alone makes it worth the ticket. However, this is a show about mentally troubled youth who does terrible things. But, it is an engaging production. For its uniqueness alone, see it, should it ever come back.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy modern musicals.

Don't see it if flawed main characters or suicide will trigger you.

Also [Review from August pre-closing] The main character is not a good person, though you are encouraged to root for them through out. However, the story, while a little farfetched, is relatable for those of us who can remember our angsty teenage years. The music is amazing and the cast great.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a touching story told in an interesting way.

Don't see it if you will get confused by cast members playing multiple roles.

Also [Review from August - missed posting and now the show is close :( ]

I can see why this show ran for as long as it did, though at first I didn't think I'd like it. The story is heartfelt and well done. The music is catchy and folksy. The cast does an amazing job jumping into and out of different characters.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy slapstick style physical comedy.

Don't see it if you want a serious show.

Also The stage is the star, though the cast does a fantastic job too :). The physical comedy is amazing. Don't expect anything other than the goofy fun it is, and it is an amazing show!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to get in the holiday spirit with a warmly sung and spoken story.

Don't see it if you want a big production.

Also This is a charming little production. It is six performers on a stage nicely decorated with Christmas trees singing their way through the story. It is a mix of new and classic carols. It is about 80 minutes long but well worth it.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy classic Broadway

Don't see it if you are looking for something fresh.

Also I saw the production with understudies for both leads. Julie Benko was amazing. The show is classic with good music and great dancing. It isn't a fresh take or anything, but it is a quality production.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a more authentic take on the classic.

Don't see it if you don't want to read subtitles.

Also Fiddler is one of my favorite shows of all time and this is a great version. The acting, staging, singing, and orchestra are all amazing. The Yiddish makes the show feel more authentic. Now, I know the story and music well, so I can't say how I'd feel if I was watching the show fresh. However, this is an amazing version that is well worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy sprawling plays about a serious subject.

Don't see it if you don't want hear about the holocaust or antisemitism.

Also The work is grand in scale spanning over a multiple generations of an extended family. It is hard to keep track of who is related to who, but ultimately it doesn't matter. The point is made even if you don't quite keep up. The actors are all great and the set design goes for realism and succeeds. There is an important message conveyed, though it is not obvious till the end quite what it is. Don't go in expecting light theater. It is heavy and fairly bleak.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Neil Diamond.

Don't see it if you want something original.

Also For what this show is - a biopic jukebox musical - it is done well. The issue is, if you've seen any show like this before, there is a "been there, done that" feeling all throughout. The device of having the older Neil onstage with therapist through most of the show was, I guess, a little unique. But, other than Neil Diamond feels lonely much of the time, there isn't much dramatic depth.

The music is great, of course, and Swenson sounds remarkably like Diamond. He is a great singer, but a little stiff during the acting parts. Much of the emotional weight is carried by older Neil and Jacoby does a fantastic job when the script gives him the chance. The rest of the cast is great.

Go in understanding that you're seeing a show that is definitely pandering to a certain audience type (heck, they do two renditions of Sweet Caroline) and take it for what it is, and you'll have fun.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy old-timey feeling big musical comedies with lots of dancing.

Don't see it if you tired of repetition.

Also This show feels old fashioned with a modern message. There is plenty of big Broadway style dance numbers to a jazzy score. The cast is all fantastic. The story is amusing and often funny. The only tick against is the score often feels repetitive. With just a few exceptions, most of the songs are generic and forgetable. Go see this if you like old school big Broadway. It is a lot of fun!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see great acting from star Audra McDonald.

Don't see it if you are triggered by racism, death, or want anything more than a big narrated monologue.

Also I wanted to like this show. The story could have been done much more engagingly. Audra McDonald is great and basically carries the show. While there are four other actors, they don't have many lines at all. The show is basically a big narration of some horrific events.

Clocking in at just 75 minutes (actually probably more like 70 with the late start), the show did manage to drag, but still end abruptly. The problem is, the big events are just talked about through narration and not shown. And some of the events described seem to happen out of nowhere.

The set is surrealist with bookshelves floating everywhere. I'm not sure what the point of that was. (I don't want to do spoilers, but I do see the relevance, but... just not a choice I think was needed).

Overall, I think this is a missed opportunity for good telling of a tragic story. See this just for the Audra McDonald. Nothing else is worth the Broadway price tag.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy big, polished, productions with well known music and good singing.

Don't see it if you dislike jukebox musicals or want something deep.

Also This show tries very hard to be entertaining and, well, succeeds. The story is thin with a predictable ending. The music is well known but mostly fit in with the story. The singing and dancing are top notch. It is a modern take on an old fashioned big Broadway production. Thoroughly entertaining but won't challenge you or make you think much. "Popcorn" fun!... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy the holiday classic presented with great effects and props.

Don't see it if you want a big production. The set is grand but it is a one man show.

Also Mays acts for 90 minutes straight essentially narrating the classic text and assuming all the different characters along the way. The special effects, projections, and changing set make it work and are the real co-star. Much of the work is dimly lit, but it is a ghost story after all. Mays is great. The story is not changed so don't expect a new take on the classic tale. It is entertaining in its spectacle.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Gloria Estefan's music.

Don't see it if you want a story with dramatic depth.

Also The music is classic, jukebox style rendition of GE's music. The singing from the leads is mostly good, though not fantastic. There were some mic issues it seemed with some of the performers that made them sound tinny at times.

The story itself is just ok. It seemed to be a reach to get some dramatic climax. The grand finale didn't get the audience moving, though to be fair, the crowd was older at the Sunday afternoon matinee I attended. Things just fell flat.... Read more Read less

See it if you want good old fashioned feel good musical with a great cast and spectacular music.

Don't see it if no reason

Also Wow! This show is so much fun. The cast is great and the leads all sing so well. The music is great. The story is sweet and fun. It is a brisk 2h20m without a dull moment. The larger off broadway setting is perfect. I'm sad to learn it is closing soon. See it while you can!... Read more Read less

See it if you like well sung but modestly staged shows with fantastic music.

Don't see it if you are triggered by antisemitism or want a happy play.

Also The cast is fabulous. The show is just so well sung. The music is crafted exquisitely. Due to the limited run, the staging is understandably limited. The show is an absorbing but sad story. There isn't any point that was slow. The whole thing is just great.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to hear one man's recollections of significant events from his past, both happy and sad.

Don't see it if you want a well formed story. This is a series of vignettes.

Also Gabriel Byrne is open and honest and a great story teller. This play is a series of about 8 vignettes over the course of his life, from childhood to more recent, though he is not often super specific with when what he describes takes place. The stories are not directly related other than perhaps thematically when he tries to bring them all together as "ghosts" within himself.

Byrne is a solid story teller and commands the stage through the 2h15m run time. As others have noted, the large space isn't ideal for a play such as this. And, on the night I saw it, I'd bet the theater was about about 50% capacity, if that. I had great seats which I felt made it easier to connect. If I was further away, I'm not sure I'd have enjoyed it as much as I did.

I do think this would be better if he'd cut 15 to 30 minutes and do away with the intermission. Overall, if you are a fan of his work or you like one man shows, this is a solid option. However, if you don't or aren't, it may be a little slow.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy witty fast moving plays.

Don't see it if you are bothered by nudity or racial slurs.

Also I remember seeing the play when it was first out in 2002 and it felt much more shocking back then. I don't remember it being quite so funny. The play sure has plenty of amusing dialog. The story makes sense in the moment, but in retrospect, some of the parts don't quite add up. It is entertaining and the leads are great. I did get the feeling I was watching Mitchell from Modern Family frequently when Jesse Tyler Ferguson was on stage as his character in Take Me Out is similar and the comedic style he brings is nearly identical. He is hilarious however. If you don't think through the plot points too closely, I think this is a good play and it is entertaining.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy thoughtful, well acted musicals presented on an intimate stage.

Don't see it if you need a full set for your shows.

Also This is a lovely show! The music is heavily influenced by Irish folk music and performed well. All of the cast act and sing well. It is performed on a small stage and you are very close to the action. The actual orchestra is just a handful of musicians but quite a few of the cast carry around instruments and play on stage. There isn't much to the set, but that didn't detract at all from the good story and great music.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy small scale shows that make you think

Don't see it if You want a big production

Also The show is just two actors who are both great. The story is natural and doesn't have easy answers. It is not heavy handed. The set design is unique and gives a nice sense of place. St pretty much exactly 90 minutes the show moves along with out losing steam.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy KPOP style music with excellent dancing.

Don't see it if you need your musicals to have a good story.

Also The music and dancing are fire. The book is simplistic and soapy. The staging is immersive and the unique layout venue is well utilized. The concert portions of the show are fabulous. When it is just talking, it is amateurish. It feels like this should have spent a little more time in development to get the book as good as the music and choreography.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Ethridge's music or just like to hear about the life of a celebrity.

Don't see it if you can't sit still for 3 hours or are bothered by a little self indulgence.

Also I walked in to the show not being able to name a single ME song. Still can't, but wow, her music is great. I did recognize some of the songs and there are a few covers, but most of the music played was new to me. She tells her story from birth to now with songs interspersed. The show has a 3+ hour run time and could use a little trimming, but it was a great evening of entertainment.

The stage is basically empty save for a piano. They have great lighting and projecting that when Etheridge starts up a song really fill the space. The projections are pics from the past as well as some trippy animations. It really works.

Etheridge's music is the highlight though. Even though most is done just with her and her 12-string, it is full and wonderful.

The big critique, aside from the run time, is that some of what she says is a little self congratulatory imo. The audience seemed to be mostly super fans who ate it up though. There was great energy from the crowd.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy off kilter family drama that is also quite funny with quirky music.

Don't see it if you are bothered by profanity.

Also I was pleasantly surprised by how funny this show is. All of the performers are top notch. The music is good, if mostly forgettable. The story is touching and uplifting. It is paced well with a unique story line. The set is good but nothing all that special. I really enjoyed it! I strongly recommend this show.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy small plays that are well acted.

Don't see it if you are triggered by discussions of sexual abuse, mental illness, or injury.

Also This is an amazing little play. There are just two performers, a father and son (though they don't play father and son in the show) who are both great. The story is interesting and tragic. The set is beautiful and brings you into the show. The lighting design spot on. The show is just over 1.5 hours and moves along well. No lulls.

I highly recommend this one!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see unique projections.

Don't see it if you want your plays to have structure.

Also The technical aspects are about the only saving grace for this one with the projections being the highlight. The acting is good, given the material. But the story is just one note struck over and over. I thought this would be more deeply thought out, but ultimately it is an interesting idea blown up into 100 minutes of playwright excess. I'm really not sure what the point was in all the madness.... Read more Read less

See it if you like irreverent humor.

Don't see it if you don't like irreverent humor.

Also I was not expecting to like this show nearly as much as I did. It is hilarious and has some great songs. There is plenty of spectacle and the story is amusing. The cast is topnotch. It is escapist fun at its best.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a truly unique Broadway musical.

Don't see it if you get triggered easily or don't like stories that are non-linear.

Also The score and singing are just amazing. The story is profound though not easy to follow. Where most Broadway shows feel corporate, this one does not. It is fantastically unique.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Broadway spectacle with a decent, but not special, story.

Don't see it if you want an original work or don't like jukebox style shows.

Also The show is entertaining and fun but not profound or moving. The music is now slightly dated - this is the problem with a score that is mostly newish pop songs at the time of writing. A few years later it seems old already. The acting and singing are competent if not amazing. Don't go in expecting much and you'll have fun.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy old school Broadway spectacle.

Don't see it if you want something new.

Also This is a classic. I saw it as a kid in the 90s and again just recently. As far as I can remember, not much has changed. It is an institution that is sadly soon gone.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Greek mythology and/or a southern infused jazzy score.

Don't see it if you like character motivations to make sense.

Also It retells the classic myth, but the story just confused me in person. It was only after the fact when I read about it that things made sense. I recommend brushing up on the underlying stories before seeing the show.

EDIT: I saw the show a second time and now knowing the story it makes much more sense and is more enjoyable. I strongly recommend brushing up on the myths before viewing. The music is phenomenal.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy hard hitting, dialog driven plays.

Don't see it if you want something happy, action packed, or more than two actors talking.

Also The acting is phenomenal and the direction adequate. The set design is nothing special but gets the job done. The story is thought provoking and unique.

The first act was a little slow but mostly held my attention. The second act sizzles.

This is a first rate character study performed by two amazing leads. See it if you want to be challenged.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy classic theater with slight updates.

Don't see it if you don't like a play with a lot of talking and not much action.

Also I've never seen the original, but this version supposedly updates it by a few decades. I assume those updates are contained largely in references to places but am not sure.

I saw it on the second night of previews. The cast is great and the action flowed well. It ran about 1 hour 45 minutes with no intermission. I think it could have been tightened up a bit, but largely it kept my attention throughout.

The entire work takes place in a single location, the office/study of one of the main characters. The set design was very well done with plenty of detail. The costuming and other technical aspects were spot on.

I recommend this for folks who enjoy old time plays.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a classic show with a big name.

Don't see it if the cost will bother you.

Also This show is the classic revival with nothing new but it is done very well. Jackman and Foster are fantastic and you are without a doubt paying for the names. But, it is worth it. The show is delightful and entertaining.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a good rock score with a few memorable songs and an energetic cast.

Don't see it if you want a deep musical. This is pretty superficial and just fun.

Also Saw it on the second day of previews. The show is energetic with a mix of new songs and some recognizable rock tunes. All the leads have great voices and the orchestrations are good. I have not seen the movie, but the story flows well enough. The first act is perhaps a little slow but the second act is great. The curtain call was fun and the ending nice, though perhaps a little unearned. The cast seemed to be having plenty of fun on stage.

Overall, this is a fun show with not tons to say, but entertaining nonetheless. Good music, great singing, and a fine story.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to support small theater companies.

Don't see it if you want well formed characters or a story that is fleshed out.

Also I wanted to like it because the story sounded interesting. However, the play just didn't work. There is some clever dialog and amusing sections, but over all, the story is nonsense. There is a lot of set up to the first big act, and then a flurry of things happen with little logic. Characters aren't developed beyond stereotypes.

I would skip this one.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy superbly written drama and outstanding acting

Don't see it if it the three hour run time is too much or if you will be bothered by a poor directorial choice in a key scene.

Also The show was nearly flawless till one of the final scenes. It is an exquisitely written and well acted play. Even though it is 60+ years old, the writing is relevant and poignant. The actors are all top notch and give stunning performances.

My main quibble is a heavy handed directorial choice during one of the climactic scenes. At a point where a main character is struggling with a decision that should have been heartbreaking for the audience to watch, the director has the actors break the 4th wall and speak at the audience rather than to each other. I assume the actors are delivering the lines as originally written, but rather than the dialog being natural, it is presented in a way that is intended to make the largely white audience feel bad about being white. After 2.5 hours of watching these characters struggle, in a scene that should have really landed the trauma of their lives, we are pulled out and made very aware that we are watching a play.

The play is great otherwise.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy indie rock and nontraditional theater.

Don't see it if you are looking for a traditional musical. This is a staged rock concert.

Also The show is just delightful. The music is fantastic and the singing is amazing. All the performers are super talented and the story, while dark, is absorbing.

This isn't a traditional musical. It is more telling a story through indie rock. There is some choreography and staging, but mostly the performers recount the story between songs.

The show is a breezy hour, 15, and it really kept my attention throughout. There were many catchy songs that I was humming walking home. I highly recommend this if you enjoy indie rock.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy updated versions of classics.

Don't see it if you'll be bothered by the casting.

Also The orchestrations have been updated and of course there is the re-gendered cast. If that will bother you, definitely don't bother. However, if it won't, the show is great. The updates don't change the great original songs, and if anything, they help with the message the director is going for. The cast is just amazing and all have great voices.

As noted by some others, there are parts that drag. But the original version has that issue too. It is more talk-y than most modern musicals. But, I don't see how that could be removed without losing something.

I went in a little skeptical that it would be overly woke, and I was pleasantly surprised by how affecting the changes are.... Read more Read less

See it if you like small plays without clean answers.

Don't see it if you are disturbed by explicit portrayals of handicap.

Also I'm still thinking about what the meaning of the work is, and that's a good thing. It is a well acted, well staged, show about material that is not comfortable. There are scenes that some may find uncomfortable.... Read more Read less