Donald F

See it if You don’t want to think too much. Everything is spelled out in ALL CAPS. That said, it’s an enjoyable, if sometimes melodramatic, 90 minutes

Don't see it if You are looking for an intense, thought-provoking indictment of US immigration policy.

See it if You are a fan of vintage musicals remounted as they should be, yet fresh, fun and still relevant.

Don't see it if Big flashy production values, unnecessary, enormous video projections and reimaginings are your thing. Thankfully, this ain’t that.

Also The entire cast are all wonderful and perfectly suited to their roles.
Mildly distracting, but in a very appealing way, Mr. Damane’s physicality and beautiful voice are the stuff of matinee idols.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a slow churn to a conclusion that is anything but inevitable.

Don't see it if You’re easily bored. Unfortunately, Mr. Munoz’ estimable talent and charm cannot sustain the weight of this eulogistic blather.

See it if You enjoy unusual adaptations of classics.

Don't see it if You expect a traditional presentation with a monster.

See it if You enjoy modern adaptations of the mythological canon.

Don't see it if You are triggered by stories of mental illness, abandonment, unspeakable cruelty

Also The production is almost boring and a tad cliché in its simplicity. But it creates a space for some masterful acting by all. Rose Byrne is loathsome and heartbreaking. Bobby Cannavale is aging gracefully, gorgeously and will be one of the great theater actors of his generation.... Read more Read less

See it if You can sit through a post-mortem what if dealing in suicidal ideation and action.

Don't see it if A not-so-negative look at suicide is a discomfort for you.

Also The writer-actor here is morbidly witty and wicked, but in need of a dramaturg. A very compelling solo piece that is enlightening, funny and heartbreaking all at once. Brava, Milly!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a well-written perspective on dysfunctional, but deeply loving latchkey kids.

Don't see it if Abandonment is a trigger.

Also So smart and funny! Story unfolds at exactly the right pace. Never dull or uninteresting. Still in previews, both child and adult actors are learning beautiful dialog. Once they settle in, this is a gem not to be missed!... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of silly, absurd comedy set to a great score, performed by people who seem to be having fun!

Don't see it if Traditional musical comedy is what you’re expecting. This is not that. If you can’t laugh and enjoy collateral #metoo humor, stay home.

Also Great show! Terrific cast. Annie Golden is wonderful! Given the small size of the theatre, the lighting and effects are a bit jarring and one of the main characters has a tendency to produce excessive saliva while singing.
Advice if you are seated in the first two rows: bring sunglasses and a couple of paper towels.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy choreography and nonsensical dialogue.

Don't see it if You expect to understand the point of Kafka’s treatise, or this production, until the very end.

See it if You enjoy your Chekhov with chuckles!

Don't see it if You don’t like works that spin or satirize the classics.

Also A sharp, often raunchy retelling of arguably Chekhov’s best play.
Still in previews, it is a bit uneven at times. But there is plenty to enjoy! Everyone seems to have found their place, save Ako as Anfisa—which is uncomfortable to watch at times. Sas Goldberg and Chris Perfetti are on fire!... Read more Read less

See it if You are versed in the story of Hildegard von Bingen or interested in early Christianity, mysticism, etc.

Don't see it if You expect a traditional musical format with a light, happy story.

Also Gorgeous music, superb singers.
I just didn’t find the story, as I understood it, compelling.... Read more Read less

See it if Exploring the collateral damage of a violent act, eventual healing and rebuilding of lives, where the survivor and perpetrator are secondary

Don't see it if Stories of sexual abuse are triggering, particularly when seen through eyes of those who bear guilt and shame without having harmed anyone

Also Really different, for me, perspective on the long term damage of sexual assault. Kathryn Erbe does a stellar job. Some of the scenes with her friend/mentor Joey seemed forced, contrived. But overall a script with very real, honest portrayals.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy historical matter presented in an anecdotal, funny, and likely fictionalized way.

Don't see it if Raunchy sex jokes or racial epithets make you uncomfortable.

Also This is a delightful thumbnail sketch of an important figure in African-American, women’s, and sports history.
Directed by Pam McKinnon, there’s room for more of Toni and less of the men around her.
The dance sequence, well-choreographed, felt a bit redundant coming so soon on the heels (pun intended) of the much-lauded dance interludes of Choir Boy at MTC.... Read more Read less

See it if Beautiful story, great adaptation, wonderful score.

Don't see it if There’s no reason not to see this. It’s still in previews, a bit rough, but nothing that can’t be fixed.

See it if You want to see Stuhlbarg on stage.

Don't see it if Excessive jocular homoeroticism will make you uncomfortable. Long, talky shows with not much forward movement make you snooze.

Also There’s just not a lot to this. It’s very thin—story and production value. I didn’t hate it, but there really was not a lot to like. Stuhlbarg plays a lot older than he is, which was distracting. Tom Nelis and Robert Joy are oddly present. Austin Smith and Teagle Bougere breathe a LOT of life into this dull march.
The rest of the cast is serviceable, though David Aaron Baker needs too learn modulation and stop screaming.
It was interesting to read the set information sheets handed out after the performance.... Read more Read less

See it if You are an Adam Driver fan. He’s big, handsome and chews the scenery at every turn. The play itself is also quite good.

Don't see it if Period pieces about self-absorbed NYers annoy you.

Also Brandon Uranowicz and Keri Russell are delightful. Unfortunately I sometimes felt they were in a different play than Driver.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy overwrought acting and terrible direction.

Don't see it if You’re expecting to see a work performed in a setting and appointed appropriate to its time. This is “updated” without discernible reason

See it if You are interested in biographical drama, particularly as it relates to historical disasters.

Don't see it if You expect a typical dysfunctional family drama. Narrative in style, this epic will likely bore you.

Also A masterpiece of storytelling in an unaffected, almost blase, way. Beautifully staged. See this. Historically important. Theatrically significant. And thrilling in its very unique way!... Read more Read less

See it if You believe we are all responsible for each other, believe that faith can be healing,

Don't see it if Physical and mental abuse are triggers.

Also As engaging and wonderfully written as this is, I question why the preacher is just a voice unseen with such lengthy monologues. Distracting. I also would love to have seen age appropriate individuals play the children. Still, a lovely piece with a much-needed message in the dreadful times we live in.... Read more Read less

See it if You understand the time and context in which this was written.

Don't see it if You want a light, funny musical.

Also A beautifully sung, minimally staged operetta, very relevant to today. Sally Ann Triplett and Tony Yazbeck continue to find their way. Rema Webb seems most comfortable in this milieu and gives a gorgeous, haunting ballad a breathtaking turn.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in watching Gyllenhaal and Sturridge prattle on.

Don't see it if Monologues about the vagaries of life and death are not your thing.

Also I know that this is a hot ticket right now. I myself was very eager to see it. I left empty, unmoved and bored. Never have I witnessed a more undeserved standing ovation, complete with bravos. 🙄... Read more Read less

See it if You like topical humor,

Don't see it if You’re incapable of accepting love in all forms.

Also This show is a blast! Without question, the hardest working ensemble on Bway today!... Read more Read less

See it if You like socially relevant work presented in unusual, line-blurring fashion,

Don't see it if Slavery makes you uncomfortable. Then again, it should. If it does, all the more reason to be here.

Also This is a very profound, disturbing piece. The acting is superb as is the writing. Do NOT be put off by the idea of sitting, watching and listening for 3 hours. It absolutely flies by! I was sad to see it end. And honestly felt a bit cheated by the ending. Still, one of the best plays this or any other season.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see Will Swenson’s great legs!

Don't see it if You are looking for an intelligent, entertaining play. The set is fun!

See it if You enjoy absurdist comedy; stories about imperfect people, bad choices and unfortunate circumstance.

Don't see it if You are expecting a linear tale. It most definitely is not that.

Also Overall it’s a fun, relevant story that suffers from a bit of overreaching, and underediting. It happily strays a bit with a gorgeous. melodic, soulful dance interlude complete with a stunning vocalist reminiscent of Betty Carter. Still in previews it has several moments that, edited judiciously, could present a beautiful, resonant work.... Read more Read less

See it if It is ever remounted here in NY or elsewhere. It’s a beautifully written work of love, family and loss.

Don't see it if Cursing bothers you. There’s a fair amount, all in love.

Also Great ensemble! I’m always amazed at the beautifully detailed sets designed for such a tiny space.... Read more Read less

See it if You can enjoy an almost completely fictitious, often very amusing, take on the real life story of Cambodia and the Pol Pot regime.

Don't see it if Loud music sung in a foreign language, with no supertitles available, or really corny SE Asian character portrayals bother you.

Also This is a wonderfully entertaining, sad, scary, sweet story set to a terrific score. Francis Jue and Joe Ngo both bring a great deal of charm, as the two principals.
I would have liked translations of the songs sung not in English, and though I really enjoyed the music, was happy that I availed myself of the earplugs provided. I sat very close and would not have been comfortable without them.
That said, GO SEE THIS SHOW!!!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy beautiful music, kitsch costumes and sets and a lighthearted look at infidelity.

Don't see it if You’re a curmudgeon about marital fidelity.

Also GREAT score!!! Suzanne Vega does a fine job as do all. But, Ana Nogueira? Luminous.... Read more Read less

See it if ...you enjoy solo performance. Mr .Damiano writes and gives life to four very different, resonant, fully-formed individuals. Beautiful.

Don't see it if You are looking for a big show. This is a simple, stunning work where listening is of utmost importance.

Also If you’ve made it this far, I haven’t seen work of this caliber since Daphne Rubin-Vega shattered minds with “Empanada Loca”. This really should not be missed!... Read more Read less

See it if You aren’t expecting much. You won’t be disappointed.

Don't see it if You’re hoping for a funny, tuneful sendup of Macbeth.

Also It’s just not good. Dull, dated and too long.

See it if You like comedic vignettes with a common theme.

Don't see it if The #metoo movement has got you down.

Also Loved the first two scenes—-sharp, relevant, funny. The remaining portion of the piece falls flat quickly, is incomprehensible by comparison to the earlier work. So, unfortunately, for me, the play fell apart and became uninteresting.
Somehow, Adina Verson shines throughout. I hope Ms. Backhaus and company continue developing this. It has potential to be much better than its current form.... Read more Read less

See it if You can wade through Irish accents, masterful to mediocre, and find the wry, off-the-cuff humor often lost in trying to understand.

Don't see it if Monologues are not your thing.

Also It’s a lovely play about family, love, loss and moving on. The least interesting of the three women, Amber, also has the most to say. Unfortunately. as the opening monologue of the play, she almost loses the audience by being loquacious and, the actress, at times, barely audible.
Brenda Meaney has a breathtakingly beautiful moment on her first date with an unlikely suitor.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see adults behaving like children

Don't see it if You expect a smart, sensitive portrayal of gender identity issues in childhood.

Also Somewhere, there’s a smart, funny, sensitive play here. Right now it’s too long with too much going on to make much sense.
The choice to use adults rather than actual children here adds to the overall amateurish feel of the production.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in a very different view of being an immigrant pursuing the “American Dream”.

Don't see it if You cannot understand and respect cultural mores.

Also Overall it’s a wonderful production, though some of the writing feels forced, uneven.... Read more Read less

See it if You are willing to sit through two acts of a meandering story that, in the end, is uninteresting.

Don't see it if You want an engaging, well-written, interesting story on love in all its forms.

See it if You are interested in autobiographical work of battling one’s inner demons and external negative life forces, beautifully sung,.

Don't see it if You are squeamish or easily triggered. There’s a lot of material here some may find offensive.

Also This is really extraordinary. Raw, unflinching, hilariously funny, unbearably sad. Though written by and as a black gay man struggling with gender and body issues, it is truly a universal story about being perceived as other, less than, unworthy, and still loving oneself and life.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy high comedy, whipsmart dialogue.

Don't see it if Sex jokes bother you.

Also So glad I saw this on its final day at MCC. Hands down it is one of the smartest, funniest, loving odes to women of color. This deserves a longer life than its short run at MCC.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy angst-ridden two-handers. These people are hellaciously horrible to one another. Deservedly so. Perversely, I wanted them to marry

Don't see it if You’ve wondered if your therapist talks about you to family and friends. This will confirm your fear in the most disturbing way

Also It’s just not a great play. The characters are one-dimensional and it’s a boring story.... Read more Read less

See it if Definitely one of McNally’s best. Still surprisingly resonant many years later—-despite some dated. references.

Don't see it if Nudity and simulated intercourse, cursing bother you.

Also Audra and Michael are wonderful and seem to really enjoy working together. The set, for me, was a disappointment—-even at the end. Minor quibble in an otherwise remarkable, but sparsely attended, production.... Read more Read less

See it if You like musical theater performance. You are aware how our reliance on technology distances us from one another.

Don't see it if If you measure your self-worth by your numbers online. You know who you are. I needn’t explain.

Also Beautifully written, incorporating many musical styles. Bytes of hope and heartbreak, sung by Kuhoo Verma’s Velma and Alex Gibson’s Henry will elicit rueful laughter. We are them.
The sequence devoted to “Little God” felt off-kilter, maybe intentionally, from the rest of the piece. Still, enlightening.
There are some weak moments easily strengthened. Overall, an extraordinary work that one shouldn’t miss.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a Mad Ones fan, for sure. Peeps in market research will likely find it funny as well.

Don't see it if Talk vs. action isn’t your thing. It’s a very sedentary piece with a lot to say if you listen well.

See it if You are interested in Murdoch and the politics of newspapering.

Don't see it if Success at any cost, moral decay, fake news are troubling.

Also While not as dazzled as I thought, I found this intriguing in form and content. Carvel and Miller are terrific but so is the entire ensemble, notably Tara Summer’s.
Terrific set. The musical interludes were appropriately distracting and quite funny... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy stories of bad choices by damaged individuals and those who love them.

Don't see it if Nudity and graphic sexual content upset you.

Also Clearly autobiographical, Feffer has a keen wit and unsurpassed ear for extraordinary word and deed in the most mundane settings. She’s also a hell of an actress! Hamish Linklater is spot on as the affair that should never have happened but you can’t imagine living without. He actually had me squirming both in sexual attraction and abject horror.
Don’t miss this!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see 3 terrific actors and an admirable doppelgänger 4th, having a ball onstage together! The writing is so, so good! GO SEE THIS

Don't see it if You’re still smarting from Hillary’s defeat or if you believe the Clintons sanctified rather than sanctimonious.

See it if You are into the O’Casey series at Irish Rep. this is 2 of 3 works.

Don't see it if Family drama, particularly Irish drama, and historical theatre is not your thing.

Also Fine cast, though Ms. Plunkett is difficult to hear throughout. Nicely appointed set, period costumes.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy new ways of telling old stories.

Don't see it if Lesbianism, infidelity and cul de sac living are concepts not to be made fun of.

Also Great cast. But Ms. Skraastad (sp?) as Pam Annunziata beats every RHONJ, past and present. She doesn’t have to flip tables. She has a mouth and a brain... Read more Read less

See it if You understand Yiddish or know Fiddler enough not to need to.

Don't see it if You want a big, splashy musical.

Also It’s a lovely, simple production with some great voices. Jackie Hoffman is miscast and looks bored.... Read more Read less

See it if You like slasher pics, a lot of adolescent humor, a terrific score sung by great voices and one of the best sets I’ve ever seen!

Don't see it if Tenn angst and silliness is not your idea of relevant theatre.

Also I’d have given this a 100, save for the unfortunate tech mishap that briefly stopped the show. This is a fun, funny concept, terrific music and a cast of very talented young women (and man). GO TIGERS!!!... Read more Read less

See it if You like a light touch on a very relevant story about love in all of its forms

Don't see it if Your moral code leaves no room for people who aren’t just like you.

Also The sets impressed the hell out of me. No designer has ever made better use of the very limited space of Stage 1 at NYCC! Ms.Rupp is charming, vulnerable and a woman of conviction. She really shines! I’d have been happy if she spent the 90 minutes alone, talking, while baking a cake. See this. It’s really quite wonderful!... Read more Read less

See it if You like two-handers full of great writing, resonant characters, and if you believe that love really can conquer all.

Don't see it if Prolonged exposition of sexual abuse is upsetting