Cliff 8097

See it if You appreciate new, talented actors address the pressures, stigmas, prejudices, and obstacles facing Black women, in particular.

Don't see it if You require a defined story or plot: this is poetry in motion and a precursor to "Six" with a seven-women ensemble complementing each other.

See it if The best Off Broadway musical in years. Great story; Mexican inspired music; creative staging and dancing, timely and insightful.

Don't see it if You want to build walls instead of bridges.

See it if You're interested in Learning of true story and like ice skating

Don't see it if You want a polished production and dislike a 1 hour show

Also Use your imagination:ice stating over a simple wooden, prop-less stage. Two fine actors pull it off.... Read more Read less

See it if Well-acted, intriguing story, you accept visual shock

Don't see it if Overdosage of male nudity ain't your thing

Also There were really only 2-3 scenes where brief glimpse of male nudity contributed to the story line and the rest was overladen with shock value: kind of like The Naked Cowboy and Naked Men Singing on stage in a locker room setting. BTW: they confiscate your cell phone in a locked bag, so have fun at intermission twiddling your thumbs. And the Costume Designer thinks that baseball uniform pants should look like a Brooks Brothers' Seersucker Suit.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Nina Simone's Music, respect a strong acting role, with minimal script in-between songs

Don't see it if You are bothered by a limited set and week script to replicate time-frame and week story line

Also The entire show is staged for 2 Nina Simone concerts, first in Westbury N.Y. and years later at the Montreaux Jazz Fest. The lead, Laiona Mitchell, is very good: she actually sang in a broader range than the one-octave Simone, but had her facial expressions and mannerisms right on. Show's cheap production was its flaw: should have had multiple sets and actors but hey, its the New World Theatre, where ticket prices try to emulate Broadway, but production costs are akin to a Church-basement's neighborhood talent show.... Read more Read less

See it if Sara Jessica Parker is magnificent; Matthew Broderick shows some excitement beyond his normal stiff, deadpan performance; a must see.

Don't see it if Neil Simon's gem is flawed in that the 3 roles played by SJP are all somewhat ditzy women; would be different if written today.

Also But for the lead women roles being outdated, I would have scored this in the "90's". Look for Sarah Jessica Parker to walk away with a Tony, as well as the show for its revival. Her and Broderick's chemistry in their actual marriage actually invigorates his usually emotionless delivery as an actor. If they role-played at home in preparation for the show's production, it worked.... Read more Read less

See it if Incredible score, dancing, singing and talent abound in the Hip Hop operatic wonder

Don't see it if You're expecting a traditional musical

See it if Great acting and character development in a secondary Eugene O'Neill play

Don't see it if You have a drinking problem or want a light night at the theatre

Also An incredible cast, good set and great lighting resuscitates a somewhat boring Eugene O'Neill play: a must see for comparison with A Long Day's Journey... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy exploring relevant issue from all sides

Don't see it if If you are Islamaphoebic

See it if You think it's humor in itself just to mention sexual organs

Don't see it if You dont want to embarrass the actors

Also Totally ridiculous, nonsensical, embarrassing production for anyone to produce. It's only saving grace was a bit of amusing "past and future" audience proferred subjects, for the lovebirds to improvise on.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate effort and an ensemble of talented young actors with some humorous moments and clever lyrics

Don't see it if You're sick of seeing Off Broadway Musicals that will never get there

Also Lots of energy and some humorous moments and clever parody songs save this show from being an exercise in banal futility.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate an ambitious musical with a great score and book that's not all sunshine and lollipops

Don't see it if You are skittish about an Off Broadway musical without a budget to stage pizzazz

Also Great story of Ed Kleban, the lyricist for A Chorus Line, with vivid depiction of his talent and flaws.... Read more Read less

See it if You admire creative script with decent music, and want to excel at Trivia

Don't see it if You're expecting anything remotely traditional in a "musical"

Also Midway through the redundancy of this ambitious production, I was wondering what they had been smoking when they created this unusual musical focusing on the Soviet Union's pioneering space travel with canine astronauts, whimsicaly portrayed through monotonously wiggling stuffed Animas on stage. Truth be told, the majority of the audience gave a standing ovation leading me to reasses and come back to my same opinion. The historical references were well handled, yet i kept envisioning Cheech and Chong with guitars. I did learn more than absorbed through most productions, with thanks.... Read more Read less

See it if You liked Michael Jackson, his music, or want to learn more about him - Good Acting

Don't see it if You want the full MJ story

Also It's got the Jackson Five; the Jacksons (minus Janice); the adult Michael; dancing, staging, great singing and mind-blowing orchestration; it even has the demanding father in a great portrayal. But . . . Lynn Notage (the most prolific and one of the most impressive stage writers of our times) must have had her hands tied in writing the book, as you'll never see anything other than a remote reference to fake news' rumors, when it comes to pedophilia; McCauley, or the clear dark side of Michael. Needs some editing - - an embarrassing flashback to Fred Astaire, Bob Fosse and The Hines Brothers should be scrapped - - and makeup made MJ look too much like Little Richard, but all in all if you sit back and accept the fact that the Estate likely had content control, it's a fun night on Broadway.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate great acting and writing

Don't see it if It's not a traditional Broadway Musical - not dark, but somewhat discouraging

Also Sondheim's genius with a seamless gender-change for the lead role and great acting make this a "must see". Not every show can effectively cast Patti Lupone with the passage of time, but here she stops the show once again with her inebriated, "Here's to the Ladies", and Katrina Lenk is magnificent and flawless, on stage for almost the entire show. Add to this the need for everyone to view and appreciate what Sondheim gave us, with uncertainty if "Company" will be on Broadway again for years. See it, and see it now.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate fine acting even if in a simple, off-off-Broadway production

Don't see it if You disdain boxing or want a polished production

Also Great acting; small theatre; simple boxing ring as stage; no hoopla - - all translates into an ambitious, informative, superbly acted and well written play about the life of Sugar Ray Robinson, with focus on his fights with "the Raging Bull", Jake LaMotta. See it if for nothing more than to appreciate how dedication can transform a humble venue into stimulating theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if If you like decent hip hop on stage and think way outside of the box

Don't see it if You're expecting a smooth ride on stage

Also I tried; I really did; but I just couldn't make sense out of this play. I left the theatre recalling the same feelings had on seeing "Passover" a few months ago, this time punctuated by a round of Theatre of the Absurd. In all, it was one of the most confusing evenings of theatre I have had in years, and I can't wait to read the Times' review in hopes that it will explain what I sat through and prove me wrong, with a lack of sophistication on my part.... Read more Read less

See it if You don't need modern-day relevancy on stage and can appreciate a master musical in a flawless performance

Don't see it if You have zero tolerance for nostalgia and are totally ignorant

Also Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster may each carry-off Tony's for their performances and even if they don't, it will be years before you see chemistry matching theirs on Broadway. Add an impeccable supporting staff with brilliant choreography, lighting and decent sets (the lollipop-treed sets were my only criticism) and you have the finest authentic musical I've seen in years. Yes, reconstructing Oklahoma and video-enhancing West Side Story was interesting, but change for the sake of change in an effort to modernize a classical Musical is seldom an improvement, and just 5 minutes into the enthralling production of The Music Man, you'll agree with me. The audience came close to a standing ovation at times in the MIDDLE of a song ! Fantastic. Mask-up and see it, cause once it "opens', you'll never be able to get a ticket.... Read more Read less

See it if You like families disected on stage and appreciate great acting and strong playwriting

Don't see it if You want a tidy play less than 3 hours

Also This play needs more editting, as it is tedious at times and an 8:00 p.m. curtain with an 11:10 p.m. exit is trying on anyone wanting to return to theatre but challenged by social distancing during Covid. For theatre buffs, if you caught Tom Stoppard's last play, Leopoldstadt, in London, it is similar in content and focus: the travails of a French Jewish family over decades facing antisemitism from WW 2 to present. It is a "must" to read the author's program notes before the start. Needs to shorten some of the long rants and cut 1/2 hour.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate a lead actress who can transcend a cliched storyline, giving a Tony-deserving performance

Don't see it if You prefer dialogue over sung-lines, and are sensitive to elements of racism and antisemitism.

Also It is somewhat difficult to review a show which has climactic, back-to-back dialogue between a young Jewish boy growing-up in early-60's Atlanta (Tony Kushner, auto-biographical), frustratingly threatening his family's "maid", that "Lyndon Johnson is going to drop a bomb on all Negroes" with the retort "Hell is where all Jews go when they die." The storyline - - ridiculously compromised by a singing washing machine and dryer, nonetheless who were talented - - is riddled with antisemitic depictions, and subtle racism, given that it takes place in Atlanta during turbulent years where more overt hatred existed. Way too many lines delivered with music than warranted, especially given the subject matter.... Read more Read less

See it if You're open to a creative, completely unconventional musical, that succeeds in delivering a different experience

Don't see it if You have no clue as to, or condemn the use of hallucigenic drugs

Also One of the most creative musicals that have graced Broadway in years, with incredible lyrics, singing, staging and lighting, combining into an enjoyable romp based on the unconventional story line of Claire Booth Luce, Cary Grant and Aldous Huxley - - each of who used LSD, in part before Timothy Leary advocated its use - - coming together for a fictional "trip" at a seaside home. Akin to Fun House, Passing Strange Dear Evan Hanson and Hamilton you'll leave the show realizing you've experienced a bold, new musical production. "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" re-defined. Without inhaling anything, you leave in an altered state of consciousness from the production alone. An ocean near-drowning scene is miraculously staged. See it . . .... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate great acting

Don't see it if You have difficulty with quick scene and character switches

Also Although the show had great acting - - and is worth the price of admission alone with Eddie Falco's death-bed monologue - - I found it to be confusing in its quick character and time-frame switches, which manipulate the audience. It's as if you miss the essence of a scene, in trying to catch-up with the actors' switching characters and times, and when you ultimately catch-up, they switch on you again.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see the most creative Broadway show you'll ever see

Don't see it if You cringe at hip-hop, rap, and beat boxing, and have no sense of adventure

Also Imagine improv, a la "Second City", combined with hip hop, rap, beat boxing, where there is no script and the performance changes nightly, fueled by a symbiotic audience participation, with exuberant fans clearly stimulating these talented performers' creative, spontaneous, lyrics. I originally saw this in the Village, off-off-Broadway -- ironically with Lynn Manuel Miranda making a guest appearance -- and was skeptical that it would work in a larger, Broadway venue but it does. Many in the audience were repeat-attendees, and for good reason. Even if in doubt, try it; you'll like it.... Read more Read less

See it if You would like to sit ringside atca SuperBowl half-time show, and appreciate great singing

Don't see it if You are expecting to take away any memorable songs or valued story

Also O.K., truth be told, other than realizing that the casting is meaningful for young girls' self-awareness and confidence, as evident from an audience peppered with pre-pubescents, I found the show disappointing. You take-away 1-2 minutes of historical facts, conveyed through introducing the 6 wives, and from there it is a hectic array of 6 talented women combining all of the entertaining aspects you'd find in a pop concert with no context, character development, story line, or set-changes.... Read more Read less

See it if You like talented kids, a somewhat dark-musical, and Diana Ross

Don't see it if You have seen 1 too many Broadway shows about kids "coming out"

Also This clever musical, with a cast of absorbing, talented kids, is somewhat "cliched" but has the same qualities that made "Dear Evan Hanson" a hit, and is one of the better off-Broadway musicals over recent years.... Read more Read less

See it if You like meaningful, dark musicals

Don't see it if You support Trump's immigration policies

Also While critics found this show to be "dated", I disagree and feel that it was absorbing; the score complemented the script and developed each actor's role; and that with a few minor "tweaks" "The Visitor" has all of the makings to go to Broadway. The same unjust immigration and deportation policies from a decade ago, still apply and are poignantly illustrated. The percussive music beautifully punctuates the pain and injustice.... Read more Read less

See it if Excellent acting in 1-man show

Don't see it if You want a huge production with large cast and set changes

Also With a great Blues guitar as the sole accompaniment, this one man shows deftly traces the playwright's/actor's childhood growth with his voice changes and mannerisms to portray those who brought him up. Multi-talented writing and performance.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see incredible acting without a spoken word in a unique context

Don't see it if You don't like a "dark" show with haunting impact

Also This is a 1-woman show with exception of a cameo appearance when a bed is made where the lead lip synchs with impeccable accuracy, the recorded words of the playwrite's mother who was kidnapped and held hostage by one of her Hospital patients, lived homeless, amidst other life issues, in part with an incredulous edge. The acting alone in this unusual context warrants seeing the play.... Read more Read less

See it if You relish ANY Broadway production and welcome intellectually challenging storyline

Don't see it if You cringe by overuse of the "N" word

Also The show tests the audience's perception as it metaphorically traces through the Black experience through a demanding and often confusing dialog between two street-smart men. The acting is superb, but throughout the play and at its conclusion, there's general confusion in the audience as to the twist and turns and storyline in the script.... Read more Read less

See it if You are hungering for ANY live theatre, with dialog

Don't see it if You loathe mediocre acting and script

Also Basic interesting context of following anguished physician through a malpractice suit , partnership and personal problems is mangled by Jack's poor acting and ridiculous script, including a slapstick Judge and courtroom scenes.... Read more Read less

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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