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See it if Want a family drama set in the 1950s with unresolved issues.

Don't see it if Are looking for a show with a quick pace or a riveting story.

See it if You want a modern take on a classic and are looking for new songs.

Don't see it if Are a purist. Second act has been considerably changed.

Also Really couldn’t get into this one. Love the classic but felt this show was a bit lackluster and the themes of today were forced in and didn’t fit. The cast is great but overall the show felt forgettable.... Read more Read less

See it if You love the productions of Ivan Van Hove and are looking for a fresh modern take on a classic with a young cast.

Don't see it if Are a purist and need elaborate sets. Very modern take.

See it if Want to learn more about the Cambodian genocide and one particular story set to nostalgic music before its troubled era.

Don't see it if Don’t like stories about genocide or communism but highly recommended.

Also Someone on social media had recommended the show and I honestly had no clue what it would be about when I walked in. I thought it would be a musical but it’s much more than that. While there is music during the show, it is used to enhance more of a play then folded in with the story. We jump from 2008 to 1970 to learn about a group of friends in a band and their story after Khmer Rouge basically takes away their youth and life. It’s a story of survival and the perseverance of the human spirit. It shows some though choices we have to make. It’s relevant to today’s period where we are constantly on the verge of war or persecution among those who cannot defend themselves. High recommended even though it may be intense and painful to watch. Cast is talented and the writing is impeccable.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to learn more about how a tiny Canadian town welcomed those flights grounded post 9/11

Don't see it if You are easily triggered by anything concerning 9/11

Also This show was uplifting and extremely interesting. I wouldn't say it is anything spectacular or something that if I had missed I would have been terribly upset about. I think personally I just found it difficult because of the subject matter. As a New Yorker 9/11 is burned into my memory and anything can trigger the feelings felt during that day or the months and year after. This show is good because it shows human relationships and how people come together during tough times. I do recommend it but it can be tough or make you cry.... Read more Read less

See it if Like old school comedies about mistaken identities

Don't see it if Are looking for anything modern

See it if You like improv or freestyle rapping based on audience participation. Are you looking for a funny night? Then go.

Don't see it if You need plot or a story.

See it if You are looking for a play to make you think and conversation starter.

Don't see it if If you're uncomfortable with America's past. Beware some triggering scenes especially in the beginning and end of the play.

See it if You want to learn more about the birth of The Sun and the early days of Rupert Murdoch.

Don't see it if You get bored easily. The play jumps from time-to-time and some of the characters may seem abrasive.

See it if Love the classic and wouldn't mind a modern take on it.

Don't see it if You want a 100% faithful adaptation to the movie.

See it if Have seen the classic movie and are looking for a funny take on The Taming of the Shrew

Don't see it if Don't like Cole Porter or long shows. This however was a great revival.

See it if Want to see what the hype is about or like a regurgitation of the movie with bad acting and mediocre songs.

Don't see it if Want to be wowed.

Also Disappointed. I only watched it to see how it would be as remakes like this are mostly a miss. Adam Pascal (temporary) is not meant for this type of musical. His raspy voice doesn’t jive with the music. Samantha Banks has a great voice but the acting here was atrocious. The chemistry non existent and the only part that made me not want to walk out was when they go to see the opera and La Traviata is being sung.... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for an engaging drama set during the Irish troubles.

Don't see it if Highly recommended but if you aren't looking for a drama set during the Irish trouble you might want to check something else out.

See it if You want to see amazing puppetry mixed with new technology and great set design. The technical aspects are great.

Don't see it if Want a good story or music. The plot holes and the uneven pace are infuriating. I wasn’t sold and a technical marvel is not enough to save.

See it if Want a play about a small group of "rebels" fighting for their beliefs and against war.

Don't see it if Don't want to see another piece about the Vietnam war.

See it if You love Carole King and are looking to know more about her career.

Don't see it if Don’t like the music of Carole King or musicals like the Jersey boys.

See it if You love the original production or movie and are a big fan of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Are looking for a story of redemption/second chances.

Don't see it if Are expecting a fully flushed plot or likeabe characters. Want more than one beautiful song to pull you in.

Also I saw the movie Carousel years ago but had never seen a live production. I tried to watch the lincoln center production recording but turned it off after 5 min. There's something about Carousel that turns me off. Bily Bigelow as a character is problematic, I do not understand him and I do not feel sorry for him and I think that's where the issue lies. Also how these two characters get together and their complicated and off relationship. I saw this as a teenager and now as a full adult woman in the year 2018 I find it antiquated. It's one of those that doesn't stand the test of time. Also, the music doesn't provoke any feelings. There might be one song I like. The characters feel one dimensional. This production cast is stellar and the singing is superb but I only went to see the show because of comp tickets. The set design is gorgeous. But even those two things could not rescue this show for me. Just like Cats it's something I don't enjoy and find overrated.... Read more Read less

See it if You like popular songs and an awarding winning cast. You want to hear some movie songs.

Don't see it if Want a movie replica. You will not get one.

Also Let me start by saying that the stage for this production is amazingly beautiful and words cannot do it justice. I traveled to Boston to watch the show from NYC. I absolutely love the movie and I tried to keep the two apart but at certain moments I could not. The cast is talented but I think Aaron (Christian) and Karen (Satine) lack chemistry. The music arrangements are lacking depth and emotion. I do not buy Christian and Satine being in love. The show while fun and funny and entertaining, it’s not Moulin Rouge. I did enjoy the diversity of the cast and representation. I think the show was way too changed and suffers because of it. The Duke is ruthless instead of slimy. Songs are removed and I think that’s do to licensing but that’s sad. Tango of Roxanne got changed and two particular songs that help you relate to Satine are completely removed. I am glad I got to see the production and hope there are improvements before broadway but I’m torn.... Read more Read less

See it if You have kiddos and are high. This is a sugar coated take on the classic.

Don't see it if If you love spongebob and are looking for a fun energetic musical.

Also I think this show has potential and the cast is superbly talented. I just think it's a miss and is geared too much toward kids. It missed the essence of what makes spongebob special.... Read more Read less

See it if You like hip hop, history, and a few good laughs. If you want an entertaining take on the contributions of Alexander Hamilton.

Don't see it if Don't like hip hop and are looking for a brief show.

Also My review is for the London production of Hamilton. The cast was superbly talented and in my opinion better than what I have seen (online) of the NYC cast. The first half of the show moves along and is quite engaging it did have me wonder when intermission was happening. The second part is good as well but overall I thought the show was quite lengthy and could've benefitted if a few songs were taken out. King George coming in is pretty hilarious. The show is great but those would be my critiques of it.... Read more Read less

See it if You like Tom Stoppard or Tom Hollander and are looking for an intelligent laugh. Also, if you lean​ towards all things literary.

Don't see it if Don't enjoy humor that requires knowledge of popular authors, some European history, or British humor.

Also The first half was a bit longer than expected, I would say an hour or ten or fifteen minutes, give or take. I think it's pretty standard for Stoppard. This is the 3rd production at Roundabout that I have seen. I was a bit lost in the beginning as I couldn't understand some of the references made. Also, when Tom plays older Henry Carr the dialogue was hard to hear and I think I wasn't laughing as much as the rest of the audience. I think it was beneficial to read the pamphlet that roundabout provided with playbill on what exactly is going on. If you read the play even better. I definitely enjoyed and laughed at the second act more than the first. There was some impromptu singing. I think if you like The Importance of Being Earnest and the characters themselves being travesties of real-life people you will enjoy the show.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Jimmy Buffett and want to be laying on an island enjoying the breeze. You enjoy Mamma Mia or Across the Universe.

Don't see it if You are looking for an amazing musical. Talented cast but you have to really thoroughly enjoy Buffet to really enjoy this musical.

Also The show is good and enjoyable but nothing amazing if not monotone. I think you really need to be a Buffett fan. Paul Alexander Nolan is amazing. This is the 3rd Broadway show I have seen him in and he is super talented. Great voice and stage presence. The rest of the cast is talented as well but the plot is pretty blah. If you enjoy puns and a bit of humor then go see it but don't expect spectacular. The end number of the show is fun and the post-show​ performance.... Read more Read less

See it if You like your rock mixed with occasional classical music. You enjoy a live orchestra and an ensemble of singers.

Don't see it if Are expecting a masterful mixing of classic+rock as well as rockstar style singing. Are expecting a traditional Broadway musical.

Also The show is ambitious with what it's trying to do however the song selection leaves much to be desired. Some of the singing cast stands out and the violinist was superb. They had a lot of sound issues tonight. The choice of music is all over the place. Some opera mixed with some rock but the melodies do not align. The cover of Nessun Dorma was butchered. Schindler's them was masterfully played by the violinist (some sound issues) but then all of sudden you get this rock just cutting it and it makes no sense. The show felt disjointed. Great idea, poor execution​.... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for a story similar to the original mermaid, a fun and engaging musical with a 360 experience.

Don't see it if Don't like a poor woman getting the short end of the stick and sacrificing herself for love.

Also I wasn't really into seeing this and someone brought me to it and I was pleasantly surprised. Give it a chance. Just wonderfully acted and performed. Really engaging. Can't believe I had decided not to see it then changed my mind.... Read more Read less

See it if Are looking for a poignant show about belonging and what to know how a small little lie can change so much.

Don't see it if Must see but if you have an issue with suicide and teenage anxiety it may not be for you.

See it if You want to see a story about immigration and DACA and how it impacts one family through the years.

Don't see it if Don’t want to see a story about immigration.

See it if Are looking for a poignant play about African American experiences during the war.

Don't see it if Are not a fan of war dramas or plays.

See it if Love Bob Dylan music and don’t need a plot

Don't see it if Don’t like Bob Dylan and need a plot with closure. The show has several disjointed stories.

See it if You liked the original movie and want to hear some Duncan Sheik music

Don't see it if Don’t like the music or Duncan Sheik

See it if You love the movie and want to relive a telling in theater format.

Don't see it if If you want 100% replica of the movie or amazing singing.

See it if You would really like to see Peter Dinklage on stage in a singing role. It is a musical (surprisingly).

Don't see it if Need more than a few pop-like songs and are looking for a play. Nothing groundbreaking is happening.

Also I walked in expecting a play. My mistake. Peter is a great actor and there are a few zingers that are funny in Act 1. The piece is decent but there's nothing that particularly stands out. Not the music. Not the staging. Not costume design. Did I expect more from an off-broadway production? Maybe. I think there was a gem waiting to happen somewhere but it falls short overall. If you can catch it with lotto tickets it doesn't make for a bad night but I would not pay full price for the production or expect to be blown away.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see great actors acting but don't need great writing.

Don't see it if You need story to be cohesive and need good writing.

See it if You like the writing of Tennessee Williams and Marisa Tomei.

Don't see it if Don't enjoy the writing of Tennessee Williams.

See it if You love Miller's work and a great cast of actors.

Don't see it if Aren't a fan of period pieces or pieces that critique war.

See it if You love the original movie and are looking for a new take for the stage that still remain true to the story. The set design is great.

Don't see it if Can't seem to let it go that this is a kid show. The use of staging and technology works really well.

See it if Enjoy seeing stories about Irish lives during it's fight for independence.

Don't see it if Don't enjoy Irish humor or not that familiar with history.

See it if Are looking for short vignettes that speak about current issues including race, immigration, and gay rights.

Don't see it if You are looking for one concise story or one plot.

See it if Love the original story and want a new perspective on it. This sticks pretty close to classic with some choice edits.

Don't see it if Are not bothered by kids being portrayed by adult and the story being told from memory.

See it if Want a good laugh and don't mind the long run time.

Don't see it if 1. Don't understand a Yorkshire accent. 2. Want a show with some substance. 3. Need a very deep plot.

See it if You'd like to see an experimental take of a classic musical. You enjoy smaller venues with a diverse cast and are not looking for A+ singing

Don't see it if You like your classic musicals unaltered.

See it if You are looking for some great dancing numbers and a musical classic.

Don't see it if Are expecting some amazing singing. The music drowned the singers even though their voices were good.

See it if You like Idina Menzel and want a play about complicated family relationships.

Don't see it if Don’t like spoiled or shallow characters

See it if You like dramas that make you think

Don't see it if You can’t sit still for an hour or more without intermission

See it if You are looking for something different. While this is considered a musical the singing is brief. There is gorgeous music playing, however.

Don't see it if If you are looking for fully belted songs or a standard musical.

Also I was pleasantly surprised about this musical. I know it is based on a 2007 movie that I haven't seen but it just makes for a great night of theater. The score is beautiful and the dialogue funny. You have this one day that is not that significant and somewhere in the middle of a dessert an Egyptian band (who is lost) gets to interact with a Jewish community. It's just superb storytelling that is quiet but impactful and can easily fly under the radar. The beautiful Egyptian music between scenes just helps elevate the standard if not familiar human interactions. Highly recommended.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a play that reveals what people with disabilities face in this world with actual deaf actors in the part.

Don't see it if Don't want a real drama and are bothered by subtitles on top of the screen. There is a lot of ASL.

See it if You want to gasp for air and have chills. Are looking for a powerful and eye-opening​ theatre experience.

Don't see it if Aren't in the mood for a gut-wrenching drama and don't enjoy human suffering and someone unraveling. The play is 100 mins, no intermission.

Also I only went to the show to watch Billie Piper. I wasn't too familiar with the play but had read the synopsis briefly. The stage is in the middle of the armory is surrounded by glass (audience on both sides) which I didn't figure out until the end. At first, I found the music quite jarring but I think it served its purpose. It helped build momentum as each scene or part was shown and the scenery changed. The audience is in total darkness aside from choral music playing and the lights abruptly go on and they are super bright. We see this couple who is doing well and are at a professional peak. The woman (Her or Billie) happy with her professional career and life yearns for something she hasn't before, a child. We then follow her journey from a wish to obsession, to absolute and complete unraveling. As Her, spins out of control, I felt every emotion this character experiences. Billie brings you along and makes you gasp for air. Heartbreaking and gut-wrenching. We are our worst enemy.... Read more Read less

See it if You love the classic musical and are familiar with the content. Lauren Ambrose has a good voice but was missing the stage presence.

Don't see it if You are looking for a new take of the musical. Felt exactly like the movie but I haven’t seen other adaptations.

Also I enjoyed the musical but that’s because my fair lady has some lovely songs even though it’s not one of my favorite musicals. Lauren Ambrose can sing the songs but she doesn’t have the stage presence and doesn’t feel like a convincing enough Eliza. It felt like her American accent broke through a few times but it’s hard to go from Cockney to a lady without your real accent coming through. Harry Hadden-Patton is a good professor Higgins but his accent helps his cause. I enjoyed the show but I wasn’t blown away. The period costumes were grand but the production itself is subpar. Also, this theater has a lot of blind spots if you sit on the side as the stage swivels a lot.... Read more Read less

See it if Liked Heathers or Bring it on (musical) and want a modern take of a cult classic.

Don't see it if You love the movie. Story is modernized and a shell of its former self.

Also Disappointed. If you love the original movie you will be let down. While the cast is very talented some of the numbers felt shrill and forced. There’s definitely an updated look and feel but also the humor was updated for today’s audience. The jokes are there and they are funny. If it had been a stand alone musical (not mean girls) and maybe a good half hour shorter it would be good but I don’t think I can recommend. Gave me a high school musical vibe. I honestly couldn’t wait for it to be over.... Read more Read less

See it if Go if you want to know how stage slaps, punches, hair pulling, and sword fighting is done. It's all about choreography​ and it's just fun.

Don't see it if Don't go if you don't want the "magic" of stage combat to be spoiled.

See it if You love the movie musical, Bernadette Peters, and a classic musical that can make you laugh out loud the whole time. Not to miss.

Don't see it if Don't like musicals.