Colin Casey

See it if you like to support one-acts, love seeing interesting technical effects onstage, or are looking for a low-stakes night of spooky stories.

Don't see it if you're looking for a fully developed work that will blow your mind or give you an entirely different perspective on theatre or horror.

See it if you love having a good time at the theatre, enjoy the pop-punk fury of the Go-Gos, and care deeply about LGBTQ+ representation

Don't see it if you don't care about any of the things mentioned above or think that shows have to be sad to be good.

Also As a non-cis, non-straight actor and theatre-goer, I can't even tell you how utterly healing Head Over Heels was to me!

Before I even get into the songs and the costumes and whatever else, I need to talk about how beautiful and refreshing it was to see so many queer folks onstage at a time, and how each of them got to tell their own stories without facing traumatic experiences or being killed off at the end. Or worse yet, not being able to express their queerness onstage. Not only is there a canon same-gender relationship, but there are people of multiple gender identities and they are all 100% accepted!

Anyways, back to the show itself.

The music was, of course, fantastic. Tom Kitt sure knows how to orchestrate a musical, and Michael Mayer really knows how to direct one. Jeff Whitty's words are hilarious and full of heart. The set design is bright and colorful, and each costume is incredibly unique. The ensemble costumes especially, since they allow for any gender presentation!... Read more Read less

See it if you have a love for drag culture, ancient Egypt, or fast-paced modern immersive musicals.

Don't see it if you aren't comfortable with more erotic dancing and costumes, or prefer to watch your shows instead of be in them.

Also First thing's first, the set and staging itself was fantastic. The palm leaves, the mobile stage, and the golden throne instantly let us know that this is a space to move around in.

The costumes were all fantastic, particularly those for Dusty and Cleopatra. The music was beautiful, even if some of the spoken word/rap sequences were a tad awkward.

Really, my only issue with the show was the lack of warning from the advertising. Nowhere did they mention loud bass and bright flashing lights, and there was no warning of how mature the audience was meant to be. If I had known these things, I might have skipped Cleopatra.... Read more Read less

See it if you hate whaling, love free beer, and don't mind getting in on the fun.

Don't see it if you need shows to have an actual plot rather than a message, or if you prefer a barrier between you and the performers.

Also Whales is a show that is pretty much impossible to describe, but I'm going to do my best. It is a punk rock variety hour based on Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" which uses drinking games, shadow puppets, and sketch comedy to protest the whaling industry, which is still just as grotesque as it was in the late 19th century. This show is not for the faint of heart. Located at the mainstage of an improv/comedy bar (The PIT), actors are clad in punk rock versions of old-timey sailor outfits. There is grog-a-plenty for willing volunteers of the S.S. PIT's crew (AKA: You sing, you play, you drink). I personally had a blast at Whales, and I'm definitely going to see it again, hopefully with a larger audience.... Read more Read less

See it if you understand the humor of Jerry Springer and know what kind of language is used on shows like that, or if you love funny, raunchy operas.

Don't see it if you prefer more traditional staging, don't want actors to sing everything, and aren't a fan of offensive language/humor.

See it if you love immersive theatre, different cultures, and innovative storytelling.

Don't see it if you can't follow stories about different cultures or don't like plays that have music and singing.

Also The Homecoming Queen was simply beautiful. The journey of a young woman rediscovering her culture after being apart from it for so long, and staying with her father through his final days is such a heart-warming. The set and staging were both incredibly well thought, with the 360 degree stage and a few surprises hidden in the floorboards. Every actor played their characters wonderfully. The music and singing were both sublime. Even though i had very little knowledge of Nigerian culture, the characters and the storytelling made it very easy to understand and follow. Props to the entire cast and creative crew!... Read more Read less

See it if you love raunchy, unapologetic comedies with a serious side, or just love Lesli Margherita.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy crude/sexual language, one-woman shows, or don't respect theatre royalty.

Also Wow. Just... wow. I very rarely give shows a perfect score, but there was nothing about "Who's Holiday" that I didn't immensely enjoy. The lighting was creative and beautiful, with the snowflakes and prison bars. The set was simple and charming, the warm cozy trailer contrasting the cold, icy hills outside. And of course, Lesli Margherita always knows how to make a stage hers. Every mark was hit with her lines, and it's impressive how well she did being the only character on stage.

Beyond Lesli, though, the story and rhymes by Matthew Lombardo were both incredibly entertaining and endearing. He seamlessly segued from comedy, to drama, to comedy again, all the way to a hopeful and optimistic ending. Good work, sir!

I urge everyone who loves quirky shows with a lot of character, the endlessly talented Lesli Margherita, or just plain old realistic comedy, to GO SEE THIS SHOW!! It's only on for a limited engagement, so be sure to book your seats fast!... Read more Read less

See it if You're a fan of the emerging fad that is three-dimensional theatre, and you don't mind a non-existent 4th wall.

Don't see it if If political plays, color/genderblind casting, or incredibly immersive theatre isn't your thing

Also I was extremely surprised at how much I enjoyed The Untold Yippie Project! I personally love plays about untold stories, and immersive, three dimensional theatre seems to be a rapidly emerging way of storytelling (see Great Comet or the new production of Sweeny Todd) and for good reason! The 4th wall simply doesn't exist in this show, and that makes the story about togetherness so much more poignant.

All of the actors were astounding. I can hardly pick a favorite. The leads didn't even seem like actors, and major kudos to the ensemble for being able to switch from one extreme character to the next. Being able to go from a Georgian Disney-loving mother to a radical Yippie is nothing sort of amazing.

In short, I feel lucky that I was able to see this great piece of theatre, and glad that I learned about that important chapter of our nation's history.... Read more Read less

See it if you are already an avid fan of Mozart and his works, and love seeing classics being adapted to tell more modern stories.

Don't see it if you aren't a fan of opera, don't speak Spanish (or dislike hearing it), or if you don't like modernizing classic works.

Also I did not expect to enjoy this so much! The music and story still keeps the original opera in heart and mind, and the setting brings it up to the present. The use of alternating English and Spanish sounded incredible, especially when Susana sang. I predict that even those who never heard the original will enjoy seeing how Figaro and his allies get out of their complicated web of tricks and lies. Also, Lil B-Man was BY FAR the best character in the show.... Read more Read less

See it if you're looking for something safe and don't mind a little repetition.

Don't see it if you want something edgy and new

See it if you want to see a charming romance story, along with political uprisings and war, or if you just saw the Les Mis movie and need a refresher.

Don't see it if you can't stand shows where they only sing, or want something more challenging and edgy.

See it if you're a die-hard South Park fan, and love satirical comedies that'll make you ask why we make fun of Mormons while we make fun of Mormons!

Don't see it if You don't find raunchy humor entertaining, or you're looking for a classic Broadway fairy-tale.

See it if you enjoy laugh-out-loud shows about the struggles of life after college and aren't afraid of a little challenge.

Don't see it if you have a problem with strong language or prefer happy fairy-tale musicals.

See it if you enjoy seeing disabled actors onstage or enjoy stories about family, disability, and addiction.

Don't see it if you have absolutely no knowledge of ASL or Deaf culture, or are triggered by graphic depictions of attempted suicide.

See it if you want a real, accurate look of the lives that the Union overlooked, black Union soldiers and women.

Don't see it if harsh language and realistic stage choreography make you uncomfortable.

Also Just a note, I'm talking about the production from the 2018 Fringe Festival.

Long Rail North was easily one of my favorite plays at the Fringe Festival this year. Not only was the acting fantastic from all company members, but the simple staging and brilliant choreography had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The relationship between Thomas and Molly was beautiful, and Thomas's character was extremely commendable. You just wanted to see him succeed eventually.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a scholarship kid, or know what it's like to feel as though nobody can ever understand you.

Don't see it if you don't like intense emotional scenes, or well-meaning characters saying less than progressive things.

Also I adore this show. Every single actor is splendid and plays their respective characters remarkably. Clarence's monologue about Christofer's grandmother was so beautiful, and the ending leaves a realistically bitter taste in your mouth, in the best way. It's certainly more of a conversation play than an action play, but the conversations in question are profound and unapologetic. There is grit, fluff, intensity, passion, and love on this stage.... Read more Read less

See it if you love stories with a realistic romance, warts and all, and are Deaf, or have a Deaf friend or relative, or are interested in Deaf issues.

Don't see it if you don't like not understanding when certain characters speak, or are not interested in the relationships between Deaf and Hearing persons.

See it if you have a love for Sondheim, excellent and innovative staging, and don't mind being in close proximity to the actors.

Don't see it if if you are faint of heart, don't like thrilling/shocking content, or need a comfortable distance between yourself and the performers.

See it if you enjoy hearing personal stories performed on stage, and love plays about love, family, and identity.

Don't see it if one-man shows bore you, or you don't like hearing about LGBTQIA+ issues.

See it if you are interested in the ever-growing fad of immersive/360 degree theatre, and like free alcohol with your show!

Don't see it if you aren't a fan of operas, or have difficulty following a plot that isn't explicitly spelled out.

Also Wow! I had a feeling that I would enjoy Whiskey Pants, but it has exceeded my expectations!

The first thing I noticed: The costumes. Each actor had their own unique look that spoke waves about their character. Charles looked like a (more) demented Willy Wonka. Patience's flowing white dress portrayed purity, with the red highlights reminding us that she's fallen victim to Williamsburg. And Abigail; Her muted purples and subtle pinks heavily contrasted the dark, intense blacks and reds the rest of the cast wore, which really made her character seem like the odd one out.

Next, the singing. Praise the glass, all members of the cast were phenomenal vocal powerhouses! The two that stood out for me were the actors who played Thomas and Patience (I saw the show on 10/8, but I lost my playbill so I forget the names of the actors who played that night. Those notes felt hard to hit!

The only part I didn't fully enjoy was the ending. Thomas's character turned "bad" far too abruptly.... Read more Read less

See it if you're ready to experience theatre in a whole new way, want to be feel like a part of the show, or just wanna see Josh Groban.

Don't see it if you're looking for a more traditional, quiet night at the theatre, or are bothered by spontaneous lighting.

Also I can't remember having so much fun at a show! The music was amazing and full of great in-jokes and fourth wall breaks. (I can't get the opening out of my head!) Both the main cast and ensemble were full of life, and worked very hard to make every audience member a part of the show (major kudos to the actor who thanked us for clapping during Balaga's song). The staging was set up like a real 19th century Russian nightclub, with magnificent Great Comet chandeliers and walkways for the ensemble musicians. I can't sing the main casts praises enough, but don't worry - they'll sing it better themselves, especially Lucas Steele. Paul Pinto as Balaga was by far my favorite performance of the night. Balaga sure is just for fun! Seriously, I don't think I can name a part of Great Comet that I didn't thoroughly enjoy. GO SEE THIS SHOW!... Read more Read less

See it if You're looking for an off the wall story, and don't mind a slow start.

Don't see it if You're impatient or don't think satanism/curse words are funny.

Also I had so much fun at this show. The beginning was a little slow, and Marty was a little too quiet at times, but the acting overall was pretty great. The Detective in particular never failed to make me laugh. Lulu was delightful, despite being a practicing satanist, and the writing montage was hilarious. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and playwright. Go see this show!... Read more Read less

See it if you can handle somewhat slow pacing and hard-hitting plot, characters, and conflicts.

Don't see it if you want to see something light or have no knowledge of Russian history.

Also Svetlyachki was easily one of my favorite shows at NYC Fringe. I left the theater exhausted from just watching it! The plot was very moving, even though it was a bit of a slow burn. The characters were very dynamic, especially Vishka and nobody had a two-dimensional backstory. I really hope to see Svetlyachki onstage again!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to be involved in the play, and love fourth-wall breaks.

Don't see it if you want to have a nice, calm time at the theater.

See it if You're a fan of off the wall acting by the incredible Alex Brightman, love seeing talented child actors, and have rock and roll in your soul

Don't see it if You're more of a classic Broadway viewer, and want a much slower paced journey and subtle acting.