Cooper M

See it if U like the idea of an [actual] Musical Movie performed on stage or just enjoy old-fashioned musicals. Beth Malone DEF Drives The Show Home!

Don't see it if U have issues with old-fashioned Pre-1970 musicals or are a purist not wanting changes to the Original, created on Film, musical.

Also Beth Malone is DEF a talent not to reckoned with [The WHOLE is More Than the Sum of its parts]. She can do it all: Act, Sing, Dance & be Funny and I'll be looking forward to her next NY Gig, B'way or not! To follow that, this show was done in a small venue but the Production wasn't Small Potatoes. To be fair, there isn't a lot of room for choreography, 3 males in the chorus were more than adequately skilled triple threats but the entire chorus wouldn't have been able to dance the choreography of 7 Brides for 7 Brothers and that is OK. Overall, it's a talented company!

This show was produced to a high Off-Off B'way quality and w/a few more tweaks + changes [a la recent Oklahoma] it could grow toward a 1st-Class venue but there are still some gaping problems w/the book that can't yet be reconciled: I love the strength of feminism in the story, the slant on class & politics and the overwhelming positivity of "overcoming" but with all its audience-member perks, it is still quite flawed.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see an entirely different take on the Original.

Don't see it if You are a traditionalist who can't overlook the contemporary update to the story while using all the original dialogue.

Also My unique take after seeing the show would be to ask if the physical imperfections of this cast could be viewed as a commentary on the characters' appearance on the inside: For example, the slight body-frame of Judd doesn't jibe with how physically fit someone would need to be as the sole farmhand.

Also, I found the chemistry between Curly & Laurie to be non-existant... Yet, I can't fault Curly as Rebecca Naomi Jones as Laurie was practically emotion-less, dull-eyed & utterly boring,

If you go:

1) you WILL get a unique take on Laurie's internal struggle through the chaotic Dream Ballet,

2) along with a contrast to small-town middle-america with the variation of adding electic guitar in places to provide a strident modernity

3) make sure you take part of the chili and cornbread served on stage during the intermission as it totally adds to the flavor as you journey into the second act.... Read more Read less

See it if You like Backstage musicals which give you a look both On & Off stage or sometimes considered a show within a show.

Don't see it if You cannot allow yourself to believe that a man can't pass "herself" off as an unconventionally [un]attractive middle-aged woman. She can!

Also This doesn't completely follow the original film's plot as the convention of being a musical suits the idea of the backstage Broadway Show versus the movie's backstage soap opera set shenanigans. Both Michael & Dorothy give a Bravura performance as well as the fantastic best friend, roommate & maddeningly-idiotic character of the director: they are all talented except for the love interest "Juliet" being a complete bore. It is the only relationship without chemistry and it disappoints throughout the show as the centerpiece flaw!... Read more Read less

See it if You know someone involved in the production and you need to be a supportive family member or friend.

Don't see it if You know someone involved with the production and you can't keep a straight-face while telling them how wonderful it was... NOT!

Also As the play opens, an actor speaks into his phone, but a Fax would've would've delivered at least some feeling. EXCEPT 4 the Son & the Butler [House Mngr], none of the other performers should be acting in a professional production: The mother's reactions become extreme emotion frozen to her face until the next character finishes their lines. The daughter is shrilly, OTT & yelling at a 12 when she 1st enters, then, without any thought she raises it to an 18 [regular humans rarely hit an 11 ;-D]. The mother's/ex-wife's BF arrives at a absurdity level of 10 and then continues to surpass it Without Any Reality, and, most of this could have been avoided by an Experienced Director but this Dir. must believe that presentational acting can bear truth: NONE is gleaned from this trainwreck of a prod, poorly directed & dreadfully acted aside from the 2 mentions. It possibly could work as an all-out farce but DO NOT Expect a Coward or Wilde Drawing Room play. Two actors=8+6+the Set 7+∞0∞= Score 21... Read more Read less

See it if U love shows like a Vegas Spectacle merged with the insipidness of Rock of Ages, prefer style over substance & overpaying 4 pretty garbage.

Don't see it if U love classic or contemporary Broadway as an artform or believe this must be worth the hype due to ticket demand similar 2 Hamilton [NOT!].

Also All sparkle & Zero substance yet with your ability 2 sing along with popular songs, U might be convinced you're having a good time and you will likely leave hungry 4 something fulfilling which this is not!

All the performers were exceptionally talented, except one: the lovers had zero chemistry & Aaron Tveit whom I've enjoyed in works like B'ways Catch Me If You Can, was utterly bland without any ability 2 make Christian interesting nor had he ANY vocal nuance 2 bring the heart of the character 2 the songs. Karen Olivo has the range 4 both a classic & contemp B'way sound [Thankfully not nasal nor the Disney abboration i.e. Frozen] and she crosses over to pop quite successfully except in a FEW cases like Katy Perry's Firework lacked any variety past a harsh belt, etc. The supporting cast & ensemble helped keep it all afloat with Kudos to Ringmaster, Danny Burstein, whose character soared, along with the supporting talents of Ricky Rojas and Tam Mutu as the necessary Devil in Disguise.... Read more Read less

See it if You like contemporary adaptations that turn the style on its head... Not your father, grandfather or even your older brother's Vanya!

Don't see it if If you insist on staying true to every word of the original playwright: Either way, if U don't go, you're missing out on a funny play, dude!

Also I will say that you have to give it the benefit of the doubt in places, including the beautiful people not being as "gorgeous" in looks or persona and the always funny Austin Pendleton seems quite aged to be the Dad!... Read more Read less

See it if If you like any basic comedy or improv that doesn't have or need a reason for being or If you like being turned upside-down 4 the hell of it

Don't see it if U expect ANY payoff, U want any realistic dialogue or ONE reason why it's SO Repetitive: Lines are frequently regurgitated with Zero feeling

Also If I were to guess, I'd suspect this "play" was either developed through Improv or cobbled together with some good idea(s) that came while doing an improv.

There's a lack of feeling or subtext behind any/all of the lines and the only acting work that I can see, seems to be the actors Topping & Tailing each other's lines at a VERY speedy pace. Basically it seems like a 10th photocopy of a photocopy of a poor resolution Fax.

It was possibly fresh & fun in the Hollywood Fringe, but this present production seems like the actors got into the pattern of how they'd done the performance in the past and then did it on auto-pilot or even more likely, I was IN The Twilight Zone & it was a computer recreation of the original performance - allowing for an explanation of there being Zero timing.... Read more Read less

See it if You like street magic & the next-step original illusions as a one-man show (&audience participants) on a proscenium stage. 1hr 15min show.

Don't see it if If you want the showmanship of performers with large personalities.

Also There are some great illusions and many variations of the same style... A lot of people were amazed and stsyed to have their pictures taken with him. Nice guy, talented illusion creator who fooled Penn & Teller and is now performing in the theatre they started, Off-Broadway. I wish him the best and the chance to enhance his showmanship or find a partner/assistant who can add more dynamic power to the show.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy folk music, which in truth should already tell a story, and, enjoy live music performances: This is NOT a Musical in ANY sense.

Don't see it if U like ur musicals w/a proper book story & where the songs enhance the story by continuing when the emotion or concept needs more than words

Also Although the Bengsens have a unique way of telling the story of how they met, fell in love & got married in 3 weeks, this is more performance art than theatre... There's some fun to their style and good sounds in their voice/music, but it is not a Musical in any sense of the word: Someday Sondheim will have a worthy successor but Ben Brantley; this is nowhere near a passing 60% of his level of "Music & Lyrics By"!... Read more Read less

See it if You are enamored of a story of the journey of immigrants to succeed in Amerike told in a compilation of songs like a musical revue

Don't see it if You want a proper & compelling story like Indecent or a show like Folksbiene's previous jewel, The Golden Bride.

Also There is some great singing by many in the cast and they do as much with the material as they can, but there's not much to the structure or through-line of the show and I do not think it was worth my trip all the way downtown...
If you can combine it with a trip to the National Archives or want to visit exhibits at Jewish Heritage museum... Maybe⁉️... Read more Read less

See it if If u want 2 find out more about Zero Mostel + his ups & downs incl surviving being blacklisted from a guy who kinda embodies the star...

Don't see it if If you'd prefer to see a performer who is emotionally involved in his performance and not an actor running on Auto-Pilot...

Also It could have been great... somewhere in his previous 600+ performances, but he's so he's so comfortable with the script, he proved he could perform it in his sleep... And sometimes did!... Read more Read less

See it if You'd like an update on the Boy meets Girl storyline in the 21st Century, particularly via digital dating with a Cell Phone App to meet IRL!

Don't see it if The fumblings of Millenials who have zero motivation in life, will probably bore you to death.

See it if You like any kind of romantic story whether it is realistic or in this case absurd...

Don't see it if If you have a threshold above [sodium] saccharin stoylines that are artificially sweet... No matter how benign

See it if You like a unique & bizarre mish-mash of science of the mind mixed with original rap music

Don't see it if You want to sit in a comfortable chair, want a more theatrically staged show vs "cabaret"-style

See it if You like over-the-top campy theatre with an unrealistic plot that is heightened by absurdism of the highest order.

Don't see it if You want to see an evenly talented cast that can do justice to the play...

See it if You like unique variations on the style of musical theatre (i.e. A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder) w/talented Multi-Character performers

Don't see it if You need large cast musicals with dance numbers

See it if You like creative variations on the genre of musical theatre and you must see Josh Groban live

Don't see it if U loved the intimacy, creativity & interactive qualities of the pre-B'way cabaret w/food & drink in a tent & can't afford the B'way equivale

See it if You like well-written shows that took over 30 years to make it to mainstream Theatre like Broadway...

Don't see it if You prefer period shows actually existing in the time period they're set rather than glossing over it, w/an unrealistic flavor of the period

See it if U've never seen CIRQUE de SOLEIL & UR afraid U'll never get another chance. But U WILL So don't see it! Can't wait 2C Ruby Lewis' next show!

Don't see it if You care about wasting your time AND Money... Really! or U can manage to enjoy just the young romantic leads ONLY & not feel cheated!?!

See it if Want 2 see something out of the ordinary, Can appreciate that uniqueness &/or go with your mind open or Ur a fan of Musical Theatre History!

Don't see it if You find it impossible to watch Foreign movies with subtitles, are averse to shows that may challenge your understanding or are Xenophobic!

See it if You like presentational & minimalist theatre, intimate spaces as well as a unique melding/genre of "stage" performance.

Don't see it if You want MORE than a monologue/narrator telling a story underscored by indie music or prefer fully produced theatre with substance

See it if You have any idea what a backstage comedy or a show with an issue is... you can't go wrong becauseIt's a timeless Farce!

Don't see it if You need everything to be based in absolute reality and can't let yourself go into Over-the-top theatrical fun

See it if The epitome of spectacle & one of the original Pop-Operas... Plus no one but Andrew Lloyd Webber could steal this well from Puccini!

Don't see it if You can't bear Over-the-top entertainment!

See it if You're a fan of the old movie musicals, a dance show with a strong storyline or just being entertained from A to Z!

Don't see it if Only like straight plays cuz this is a hum-dinger of a musical!

See it if U want 2C a commanding performance by Adam Driver who's ever-present & dynamic: most actors would have difficulty grounding it in reality.

Don't see it if Don't see it if you can't allow yourself to mentally exist in this less-than-contemporary story...

See it if You like big, loud & colorful B'way shows. Liked the movie and don't mind some significant departures from original plot.

Don't see it if You LOVED the movie, Michael Keaton playing an actually DARK demon and the trip to the Underworld as written, Coach!

Also So many others have reviewed the show to great effect and therefore I missed must stick to my pros and cons. Overall it was a fun night of entertainment, but it completely goes off the rails in act 2: by the time we get to act 2, Lydia (Sophia Anne Caruso who's ultimately miscast or didn't fulfill her potential as seen in the audition process?), she is over-used as her vocal limitations (whiny nasality) become blinding & deafening, the trip to the underworld unsuccessfully changes focus to being part of Lydia's character's storyline [would've been better to cut The Underworld entirely! (^o^) and the wonderfully talented Alex Brightman either missed the darkly devilish side or performed it with BeetleJuice, the animated series as his inspiration!?

Overall, Leslie Kritzer, also plays a 2nd cartoon character in the underworld but to wonderful comic effect and rounds out her viewable talents in the show as overlooked for being award nomination worthy [wouldn't have won, this past season].... Read more Read less

See it if U've ever wanted 2 tour the writer's process &/or U enjoy intelligent writing that can provoke Ur own mental process (stoke Ur creativity?).

Don't see it if You want the grandiose with excessive sights & sound or need extravagant design to enjoy your theatrical experience.

Also This is not in the realm of what is typically expected from Adam Rapp. Also, it may be called The Sound Inside but this production has an affect on both light & sound. From the beginning, we start practically in the dark as both light & sound increase as the story comes into focus [almost like it is being remembered and written while we are watching]. This makes for both a complicated yet subtle story that you NEED to allow yourself to almost immediately get onboard to its style of story telling or get left behind (not literally).

The sets fade on & off the stage as they are necessary to the plot; otherwise, the stage is bare leaving you to focus on plots, subplots & possibility.

During the play, I enjoyed my own mental gymnastics as my mind expanded to the realm of its own need for storytelling, yet the eventual direction of Adam Rapp's play were along the unexpected path, proved superbly enjoyable including #FoodForThought both during the play and for discussion afterward! ~Coop... Read more Read less

See it if U like 2C something a bit different from all the average clutter: An "entertainment" that actually follows thru on its theme without regrets

Don't see it if You want a stage play with a standard throughline and a particular structure, etc.

Also This is a staged entertainment with an interactive element. It is supposedly based on the authors true experiences while experimenting with the dating website [also accessible via an app], OK Cupid. There are comedic, music & "dance" elements that are all used effectively but it is NOT a musical:
It has comedic sketches or scenes interspersed with audience participation improv and uses modern audio-visual technology as part of the set.

I don't want to give away any specifics but it is definitely well-produced and well-performed so if it sounds at all up your alley, then you will likely be satisfied!... Read more Read less

See it if You think reborn dolls are an interesting topic and want to see a well-produced show with talented actors in an overall entertaining prod.

Don't see it if Topics including loss of a child, drug abuse, mental illness or unresolved childhood trauma might keep you from going along for the ride.

Also To be fair, I considered giving it a higher score but most of the fault goes to the writer for building in an extra twist that almost knocks the entire story off-the-rails. The show is saved from failure: the lead actress playing Kelly (Rickards) gives a realistic, nuanced & snarky performance, her biz/life-partner Daizy is portrayed with off-beat & endearing care and the only short-coming is the 3rd wheel, a business-woman who is missing that killer instinct that made her want to go back to work instead of staying home with her child (the playwright has the character discuss all this but Triolo misses any of this character detail, which would have given the other actors a greater conflict to work against).

Over-all, I find the production & more-so the Soho Playhouse worthwhile.

Btw, the house is General Admission so I suggest getting there early so that you can be a little closer to the stage. The sightlines are all good but I prefer the intimacy of closeness with this production.... Read more Read less

See it if ONLY if you are a dire LaBute fan.

Don't see it if You like actors to make strong choices instead of being wishy-washy.

Also ********Spoilers-ish Below***************

1) Weird seeing a bland fan of Hitler, gush & occasionally make references that could have dark parallels to our own 45 that are NEVER connected.
2) Never cared for either of these Dating App losers. There's zero chemistry except that they tell each other they find the other attractive, then continue to spiral through uncomfortable topics - it's an unnecessary mess!
3) This woman must have never ever had a healthy relationship or is off her meds that she could so coldly tell this darkly ending story without any emotional highs or intensity. Might as well have been remembering it all after being woken up from sleeping while on Ambien.

Might've been saved if they had all been directed to be active vs passive & sedated.... Read more Read less

See it if You like sketch comedy, poking fun at musicals & their staging and are OK with cutesy songs. Then, you can have fun at this ~1hr ditty.

Don't see it if You want a serious & fully-staged musical, Memorable tunes, & a story/performances that will stay with you long after you leave theatre.

Also The cast work well together but it is still just a well-performed [for what is is] sketch-comedy musical with a very basic through-line: Life will be go on just the same whether you see it or not.... Read more Read less

See it if U can Turn-Off or Turn-Down your brain: Just let yourself enjoy this clichéd yet funny, OTT amalgam of many shows/movies we've all seen B4!

Don't see it if U insist on taking it apart 2 make sense of it all... It is a deeply-flawed piece of art but don't sweat the small-stuff & you'll have fun!

Also I don't want to knock you over the head with constantly reiterating my preface over-and-over, but this show isn't the ultimate Broadway musical & it's ALMOST too small for the venue but they fit a whole hell of a lot of one-liners, spunk & fun into this clichéd amalgam of elements from School of Rock, The Wedding Singer & so many non-musical screwball & puerile silver-age movies from Caddyshack to Karate Kid & to a bulk of 80s movies to Adam Sandler Movies, in general... Let yourself go and you can have an enjoyable evening!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see what amounts to Experimental Theatre with Good Singers & Actors

Don't see it if You want a developed story... This is disjointed and all over the place, even accounting for the Time Jumps from past to present day & back.

Also My first time and this new theatre space is worth a visit! If you go to other Off-off Broadway spaces then there's no need to be concerned about the distance of the venue, 2 Avenues West of the 50th St/8th Ave subway stop.

Pre-show: Instead of the very weirdly quiet "overheard" storytelling, the production should have musically prepared us for the strange opening: In the dark the cast starts warbling to music unintelligibly. Maybe it's specific to Persia or the period but I was lost. Then we have a Persian market seller who reminiscently of Fagan introduces us to the story!

I wonder if casting knew that 3 of their leads incl Mark Ruffalo's photo double, a young Harry Shearer (or his son) & Madeline Kahn's vocal double. It kept pulling me out of the story but those 3, the market seller & The Ensemble make this production palatable. Along with the musicians, the Fantastic sound design and an introduction to this new theater complex, should make it worth the trip... If you're curious!... Read more Read less

See it if You believe in theatrical penance: Do U deserve worthwhile theatre? No, seriously, "why'd you trust Bruce Willis"; I keep asking myself⁉️😢

Don't see it if You want to respect yourself in the morning⁉️

See it if U can enjoy epic adaptations w/a small cast of 12 (most play multiple roles) & is itself a variation of a bodice-ripper w/emotional effect.

Don't see it if If U've no imagination 2 take in expressive staging as U Need large casts & unimaginably large sets 2 tell U what U are seeing or feeling...

See it if Your need for a well-written script can out-weigh the equally under-played acting of the cast...

Don't see it if If you prefer being surprised / impressed by more than just one teen-aged character, actor.

Also It's a great script & well-produced by the roundabout, but I've seen great acting, previously, from 2 of the 3 lead actresses, and it seems that everyone in the cast was directed reduce the size of their performances DOWN to a similarly low level of under-acting/under-playing their roles; except for the teenage antagonist, everyone else's performance seem to blend into the backdrop.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of stellar updates to the music theatre canon: Great music, wonderful singing and equally top-notch acting & directing!

Don't see it if If you're afraid to get emotional or weepy in public; otherwise, walk, run, swim, fly or [figuratively] kill to get yourself a seat❗

See it if You know someone involved with the show & trying to be supportive

Don't see it if You want thoughtful entertainment

See it if You want to see one of the more unique musical productions on B'way or if you liked the movie... It's a dynamic adaptation

Don't see it if The movie is sacred to you and you can't accept an occasionally divergent path or the deletion of expected dialogue (otherwise, see it!)!

See it if You like rare but exquisite theatre styles (this is reminiscent of early 20th Century Yiddish Theatre) & brings you to a diff time & place

Don't see it if Don't care about understanding the artistic quality of a mistreated race of people where you can practically feel their pain/plight...

See it if You like something drawn outside the lines and gives you an enjoyment, yet one you didn't expect

Don't see it if You only like unanimous glowing reviews and prefer not to think fir yourself!?!

See it if you like Period British humour (see what I did there ;-) , a sense of farce and the physical comedy machinations of Kevin Kline

Don't see it if If the manners & language used by 1920s-1940s Upper-Class Britons don't float your comedy boat

See it if You enjoy a bit of "On the Razor's Edge" raunchy storytelling as well as ironically dramatic comedies

Don't see it if You're easily offended, prudish or only like clean-cut family fun!

See it if You enjoy Over-The-Top spooficals! A genre unto itself that is fun if you can let yourself go (to the extreme) & chill!

Don't see it if You have problems with a man cross-dressing a la' Hairspray or some campy OTT subject matter performed with aplomb... Let it go! and go! ;-D

See it if You enjoy plays with actors playing multiple, quick-changing characters & scenes give you a taste of a story & then return to it, later.

Don't see it if U R not at all curious about the brain, what happened 2 Einstein's or bothered by 1 character's accent BAD as Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins!

See it if You like Young, talented child actors keeping apace with stellar adults

Don't see it if You didn't like the movie ir don't like cute kids playing instruments

See it if Can bear the idea of a Sesame Street for adults... meaning some of the characters are puppets but all of the ideas are for adults.

Don't see it if You never liked stuffed animals or dolls

See it if You're interested in plays that are "current" in topic & use of technology or like unique storytelling...

Don't see it if You're easily affected by sadness or people who have trouble expressing any emotions.

See it if You're a fan of musicals, fantasy, great composers, growing the younger audience 4 theatre or introducing someone 2 theater 4 the 1st time!

Don't see it if You can't allow yourself to be transported to the Merry ol' Land Of Oz!