Cliff 8097

See it if Realistic script of witness statements in the criminal action against the head of the mining company who disregarded Federal safety reqs

Don't see it if Leaves too much to the imagination. Barren set.Message that should be told, but needs more poetic license, to stray from the factual script.

See it if You want a light comedy faithful to the movie, even in casting. Buy a glass of wine at beginning: refills free during show!

Don't see it if You have impatience for a 2 hour plus play: definitely needs trimming.

See it if Very amusing 1-man show that modernizes Judaism and the 10 Commandments, with many hilarious moments

Don't see it if You are anti-semetic.

See it if If you like music that's fair-to-good, with a few interesting vignettes that try to create a story, see it.

Don't see it if Boring.

See it if MTC/City Cen production has elements of good Off Broadway show: decent acting, some humor, and nice set save an otherwise perplexing plot

Don't see it if Casting and actors produce a wasp bourgeoise, instead of scripted Jewish slumlord and his family.

Also I can't believe that the non-Jewish actors, utilizing non-Jewish accents, tone and inflection, satisfy the play-write: that is what is perplexing, not the plot.... Read more Read less

See it if You can handle a play about a pedophile who cons the audience into liking him, initially, just as the victims.

Don't see it if You want a light play that will not disturbingly, poignantly impact on you.

Also This is a subject that needs to be brought to the stage and peoples' consciousness. As entertaining yet disturbing as Jeff Daniels' "Blackbird". Great writing and acting: will appeal to a sophisticated audience, when those not so sophisticated should learn it's message and warnings, as well.... Read more Read less

See it if You'll learn or recall everything about Bess Myerson while enduring fallout effect she had on her daughter:Mommy Dearest without coat hanger

Don't see it if If you dont remember Burt Parks. If you want to see Bess Myerson on stage: regrettably, she is an actress off stage who speaks by phone

See it if Caffeinate yourself and become immersed in 3 hours of Shakespeare at its finest, in power hungry quest for royalty.

Don't see it if You have trouble with Shakespeare period writing, and if so, it will be a sign of the winter of your discontent.

See it if Musical w amazing script n score of "normal abnormal" family, punctuated by current opiate and me too issues confronted w brutal honesty.

Don't see it if You want a traditional, senseless musical with a simplistic "Happy, Happy Haopy Talk" and "Oh What a Beautiful Morning", with no reality.

Also I've seen a lot of theatre over the years, and place my bet on this one: Hamilton, move over.... Read more Read less

See it if This lively, at times hilarious while also empathetic and thought provoking, shows life's inter-relationships through great characters.

Don't see it if You have to concentrate, as there are layers developed in character relationships: it can be confusing with number of roles.

See it if Seen again after 10 year lapse, and just as absorbing and uniquely satirical as ever: Uganda depictions are at times uncomfortable.

Don't see it if You can't laugh at the fact that any religion is in part based on an illogical allegiance with doctrinaire dogma.

Also Scientific reality is that man created god and not vice versa: this message is delivered covertly in this satirical masterpiece. If there's a flaw, it is because of cultural insensitivity felt by many, with likely overt racism felt by some, both reasonable reactions, as would be the same to a Morman in the audience, without objectively realizing that whatever culture or socio-economic you may be in, the same hypocrisy exists when there's a belief in God knowing the science of evolution.... Read more Read less

See it if Actor's roles shift in intense show that grabs you immediately, and literally and figuratively doesn't let go until the surprising end.

Don't see it if You have fear of abduction or your children's safety.You want modicum of levity, which just isn't there.

See it if Brilliant interplay between 2 great actors with absorbing script and tragic, unpredictable ending.

Don't see it if You're bored by simple set,, no action, pure dialogue.

See it if You admire great writing and acting even if it's slow moving without set change.

Don't see it if You're an animal lover. Too long: needs trimming and intermission, best before mother arrives.

See it if You loved the movie which is miraculously followed, with Beetlejuice exceeding expectations but remainder of cast disappointing, as was scor

Don't see it if You want to humm any of the songs. You're sick of satanical musicals after Hadestown and Hercules.

See it if You grew up with Motown and want jukebox musical w subtle plot.

Don't see it if You know the Temps so well that find it sacrilegious for them to change cadence of practicality every song.

See it if Brings to poignant reality military PTSD with unexpected, somewhat forced, surprise connection from Vietnam to Afghan war, realistically don

Don't see it if You've had a depressing day and want to see a show for levity: this one stays mentally embedded well after curtain call.

See it if The unique family,biracial gay couple w artificially inseminated daughter w anger, raises marital and parenting issues relevant to anyone.

Don't see it if You do not want to be challenged; cannot accept gay intimacy, even though not offensive.

See it if The lead/writer suffers from cerebral palsy, and brilliantly presents an enlightening, 4th-wall-breaking insight into his life, and mind

Don't see it if You are not interested in Off, Off Broadway and aren't willing to take a chance to expand your perspective on theatre.

See it if You can handle 1 more vintage gay play after a season with The Boys in The Band and Angels in America: this is up there with Angels.

Don't see it if You've seen enough Broadway revivals of 30-40 year old Gay plays this year.

See it if You love a cappella singing, incredible percussive dancing and good acting yet one strains to understand dialogue and plot emerges too late.

Don't see it if You don't like straining to understand poor articulation with accents making it hard to follow lines

See it if Under-rated by Critics and should have won best revival Tony. Prof. Higgins=weak; Eliza and her dad=worth price of admission. Staging=A+

Don't see it if No negatives unless you're a prune and regret spending $ for a show. "Just U Wait Henry Higgins" as she peregrinates through the mansion=A+

See it if Straining credulity, this play is a must see not because it is convincing, but because it crawls into the mind of a 9/11 widow.

Don't see it if Even if you are insulted by conspiracy theorists, see it for the acting and great venue alone.

See it if You enjoy great acting and set in Victorian setting with feminist twist.

Don't see it if You want modernism. Directing was boring and rigid

See it if The best off-Broadeay Musical I've seen since Hamilton. Brilliant script/lyrics; great singing; lyrics define roles.

Don't see it if See it. Don't see if you're misogynistic.

See it if 3 scenes simultaneously on stage with, at times, synchronized script, unlike anything ever seen, which extraordinarily melds and complements

Don't see it if this is not a happy play: it is, however, a powerful message of depression and suicide running within a family over generations.

Also I was amazed by the acting and how the play was directed: the scenes are simultaneous; at times, while the dialogue is separate and distinct, at a significant point, instead of cross-talking, the actors portraying the same family members albeit at a different time frame with different manifestations of a mother and daughter's depression, speak synchronized, with the same lines spoken. This punctuates the psychological effect a mother has on her daughter who, on maturing, struggles with the same demons that lead both to suicide.... Read more Read less

See it if This is the type of show that would never play in Peoria, but you know it's ambitious and well-acted

Don't see it if If you can't take a one man show requiring one to psychoanalyze the actor

Also O.K.: the new "it" is here. Camcorders on stage. They kind of get it right with this show, only at times; they completely blow it with West Side Story; they nail it in BAM's Medea. See the show if for no other reason to compare it with evolving technology. It works only to get close ups of a good food's face emoting, not always visible beyond tow C, center.... Read more Read less

See it if A unique modernization of the well-known Greek tragedy with lead performances so amazing that they will be difficult to forget

Don't see it if First read Wikipedia about the story: if the concept of the mother's transition is bothersome, do not see the show.

Also One should see this show and then West Side Story, merely to realize how Medea captures the power of camcorder video backdrops, in enhancing the character development and indeed as part of the boys' roles, compared to the visual chaos of West Side Story: Medea captures the close ups to show the psychologically embattled mother; West Side Story forces the audience to watch giant videos as if they are in the last row of a rock concert, with the actors and some intrinsic sets so far upstage, that they look like miniatures, unless you watch them as enlarged on the screen.

Another unique aspect of this version of Medea, is that the childrens' persona is well-developed.

One wonders how the leads, incredible performances by Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrnes, who are actually married off stage, can look at each other after work and say, "how was your day"?... Read more Read less

See it if You want a clever musical without a formulaic plot, that warrants a revival.

Don't see it if If you've seen 1 too many musicals centering on an actress found by a Director with a love triangle. But, this show has an unpredictable end

Also Jerry Herman had the success of Mame and Hello Dolly in the 60's, with this show and other efforts flopping in the 70's; only to come back with La Cage aux Follies. This show centering on the silent film Director Max Sennet and starlet, Mable Norman, warrants a full-run Broadway production, beyond the brief "Encore" program.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a show that puts the painful realities of family separation into modern political perspective, pre-Trump. Unique direction.

Don't see it if You do not want to confront the dilemma we face on immigration policies.

Also This show reflects that even with DACA and Dreamers, inequities and unequal protection were still permeating our immigration policies, ending with the 2016 election; in and of itself it was disturbing, and the sequel from 2016 to date, if from the same writer, could be devastating. The deported mother is heard but not seen until a scene at the end, which leaves the audience uncertain as to the fate of 3 children whose only intent is to contribute to our Country and become productive citizens.... Read more Read less

See it if You can examine the psyche of the grieving mother, the officer who was afraid to respond, his Captain, and others in a poignant portrayal.

Don't see it if You feel that some subjects are too sensitive to dramatize, in this case, a school shooting.

See it if Plot very difficult to follow given multiple characters with bizarre folk lore story - born with a pig's tail- but sit back and enjoy spirit

Don't see it if Off Broadway with bare essentials, with winding story lines that may lose you, yet different, with an immensely charismatic cast.

See it if There is some brilliant writing, acting (rage monologue from a terminal hospital patient) in this hidden gem off, off Broadway, a must see

Don't see it if Needs some trimming, and rock band neighbor makes it difficult at times.

Also Anyone who loves theatre - - the methodology of acting and collaboration - - will appreciate what goes into this production, with intertwining characters that connect in 4 acts that are separate and appear otherwise to be unrelated. There is an "8 minute" monologue in a hospital waiting room that is priceless.... Read more Read less

See it if William's foray into comedy with development of classic woman lead role, in deep South, but infused with catholoc Sicilean heritage.

Don't see it if Critics complained that it is a failed comedy, and if you want levity, the laughs are few and far apart. Hindsight, read about play before.

Also Marissa Tomei is fantastic; Tony Award performance, of woman emotionally destroyed by husband's death, challenged by raising daughter on immigrating to Louisiana with deep routed Catholic principles, who pulls herself out of depression at end with brilliant message of hope from despair.... Read more Read less

See it if You can appreciate the creative genius in freestyle, improv rap, unpredictable and without a script or score.

Don't see it if You're expecting anything traditional, beyond a stage, lighting, sound system, and audience: from there it's a rap-session "Second City"

Also Hip hop on steroids: as creatively ingenious as a Coltrane tenor solo, without a score, which may have been the inspiration for its title. Performers who think and miraculously assimilate information, spun into a creative web, unlike most any musician can do, with exception of the late, John Hendricks.... Read more Read less

See it if If you're a devoted fan of Harvey Feinstein, you'll allow some flaws in his acting and respect his creative perspective.

Don't see it if I get it; I understand Bella's daughter inspired by Harvey's adaptation; but it's a he playing a legendary she. Just not fair.

Also Even if her performance was great, would you want Beyonce playing Barak? It can work with Shakespeare where history has morphed memory or there is no preserved image, but for those that remember Bella, a seasoned actress with Chutzpa, using Harvey's script, would have been more effective and credible.... Read more Read less

See it if True story about hard luck interpreter who is investigated and charged with disseminating government top secret papers.

Don't see it if Few are enamored with the FBI but this show makes 3 agents look totally stupid, which questions its objectivity.

See it if You are Jewish or want to appreciate enhancing known musical with its ethnic soul.

Don't see it if You get whiplash reading subtitles, dont want to enjoy the cadence of Yiddish or have no interest in dissecting and understanding the essenc

See it if You're into sophomoric drunkfest, after coming into Manhattan from a bridge or tunnel. Only redeeming quality is the venue, itself.

Don't see it if You want a modicum of substance to your evening: I don't even think designated actor was drunk; assuming this, the acting was o.k.

See it if You would like a bizarre, dark musical with great score, solid acting and a script written during a hallucinogenic trip.

Don't see it if Your musical acceptance can't exceed Rogers and Hart level.

See it if You want mundane, non-inspirng, safe night at Theatr e.Poorly acted but insipid script to work on,with subject that should've produced more

Don't see it if You can't appreciate the good with the mediocre in theatre and value both as a means if measuring the genre.

See it if Any Tracy Lent play is thought provoking and funny. Despicable lead male may provoke self-analysis for any mid-life single guy in audience.

Don't see it if Full nudity scenes titillating yet unnecessary for character development. 3 hour Play needs trimming.

Also Play's dialogue and cynical 1-liners keep audience alert and laughing,

while story line, more so in 2nd act, meanders often.... Read more Read less

See it if If you remember LBJ or not, the politics and protests of the 60's, and a flawed Pres. leading after JFK. Acting and script are superb.

Don't see it if You loved Nixon. Play needs 10-15 minutes cut from each act: runs 3 hours.

See it if You like great acting: The Green Book/Driving Miss Daisy, with a more substantive story line.

Don't see it if You're a snob and stick to inane Broadway musicals, without substance.

See it if Complements ugly Xmas sweaters with mindless, sophmoric entertainment: if they took acting lessons, they could be modern day Martin & Lewis

Don't see it if You have to pay full price: go to Radio City for an Xmas Show.

See it if Absorbing dark comedy with a twist on gay marriage

Don't see it if See it, unless you're homophobic, in which case, move to Utah.

See it if Insightful exploration of the mind of a dying woman and her alter ego keeps an otherwise immobile performance alive until it explodes at end

Don't see it if You get itchy and impatient as one's character slowly develops in front of you: be patient.

See it if You are touched by concept that first love may arise in one's golden years.

Don't see it if You need action and get ticked-off by senseless symbolism, here in the form of a cupid-like distraction who annoyingly appears and disappear

See it if See it, even if Rap is not your thing. He is brilliant.

Don't see it if Just see it: you'll never forget Baba and his impact.

See it if You enjoy great acting and insight into troubled child's escape from abusive home into transformation to a different person, to adulthood.

Don't see it if You want glitter in a set and need staging to be entertained; 1 man, center stage, that's it.