Eric 628061

See it if You love Sondheim; are a fan of Lupine or Lenk; want to see a fun and updated remake of a great Sondheim show.

Don't see it if You don’t like Sondheim, prefer “traditional” musicals.

See it if you’re a Sondheim fan or want to see a great cast perform on of his edgier works.

Don't see it if you don’t like gunshots, violence or rather dark subject matter.

Also I thought the production was a bit cluttered, having all the actors march about the rather small stage, and lacked the cohesiveness of a tighter production. It was also a bit much to sit through at 1 he. 45 minutes without an intermission. Excellent cast though, all Broadway caliber.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a great comedic ensemble of wonderful actors performing a hilarious Ben Jonson comedy set in plague-ridden London.

Don't see it if you don't like farces, even if wonderfully acted and staged, e.g. you don't like "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

Also This wonderfully acted, directed and staged adaptation of Ben Jonson's comedy set in Elizabethan London far exceeded my expectations. The actors/actresses--each and every one--delivered wonderful comedic performances; hard to recall such a great ensemble. The adaptation didn't abandon the plague-ridden Elizabethan London setting, but was fresh and funny for a modern audience (favorite line, in response to a sneeze: "I've been leeched!"). Direction, staging, set and costumes are all wonderful in this delightful Red Bull presentation. This brought to mind one of my favorite comedies, "Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum". Though the actors here are less known (for now), the delivered wonderful comedic performances. If you need a good laugh these days, this is a must-see!... Read more Read less

See it if …you would enjoy a lively 80 minutes (no intermission) of ebullient, escapist entertainment featuring an upbeat pop score and great singing.

Don't see it if ..you don’t enjoy pop or would like a more traditional musical or perfer a more “serious “ treatment of historical events.

Also After being starved for Broadway entertainment during the pandemic, this show was an ebullient and delightful experience. The Six Wives we’re all excellent—great singing, clever lyrics and great costumes. A fun and delightful 80 minutes!... Read more Read less

See it if You would enjoy a very talented cast singing and acting a fun and light-hearted Shakespeare comedy with many delightful musical interludes.

Don't see it if You desire a more polished (I.e. fancier costumes and sets) production.

Also Really a delightful production. By all means go for the pre-show musical performance by these likable and talented actor/musicians.... Read more Read less

See it if You love musicals and would like to see an excellent production With a great cast in a more intimate Off-Broadway venue.

Don't see it if You don’t like musicals or prefer more modern ones: this (even with “new” script, is a bit corny and dated.

Also Beth Malone was excellent as Molly. The production was great, and dance numbers/chore really impressive on this smaller-than-Broadway stage. Even though the script is “new”, it seemed very much like the original in most ways (or at least the movie version), and was a bit corny and dated. But the cast, direction and staging are all great; so overall it was a charming and entertaining production.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see this classic musical with an amazing score performed live on the Broadway stage.

Don't see it if You are wedded to the original production; wouldn’t like a mixed media production with a lot of live video projected onto a giant screen.

Also Overall, pretty good. Actors playing Maria (Shereen Pimentel) and Tony (Isaac Powell) were standout. And of course one of the best scores of any musical (hail Bernstein!). But one really annoying/distracting thing about this production: use of steadycam to project giant image of dance scenes—and scenes in drug store and garment factory, (which were only partially visible to audience otherwise) onto giant screen covering entire wall behind stage. Took away from excellent choreography, as one’s eyes were continually focusing back and forth between live action and video projection. Also, worthy to note: Amar Ramasar (Bernardo) was previously booted from position as Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet for some alleged sexual harassment (sharing nude photos of other dancers I think); so a group of protesters outside theatre. Btw, he was just so-so in role.... Read more Read less

See it if If you enjoy off-beat Britcom humor, like Monty Python.

Don't see it if Don’t like farce/off-beat Brit-Com humor.

Also Not for everyone: I loved (as did many in the packed (although small) house; my wife, not a fan of Pythonesque humor, did not. For me, a hilarious farce; thought the cast were all excellent. No disputing taste: this is a show you are likely to love or hate, depending on your taste.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in Yiddish theatre, or theatre history; you’re interested in seeing a restoration of a classic Yiddish comedy/melodrama.

Don't see it if You don’t like subtitles; don’t like operetta; prefer modern theatre.

Also This recreation of the first Yiddish Theatre production in America is a delightful journey to the past and the time of our grandparents. The plot is clichéed and corny, as one would expect; but the music is delightful, and the talented cast a pleasure to watch.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy humorous story-telling in a one-man show format; you don’t mind mildly raunchy humor.

Don't see it if You don’t like one-man shows or “dick” jokes.

See it if your an Iconic fan/liked Be More Chill or B'way Bounty Hunter; are a fan of 60's girl group music, you enjoyed Hairspray or The Prom.

Don't see it if You don't like LGTBQ-friendly themes; you don't shows like Hairspray or The Prom.

Also Another delightful Iconis production. A fun homage to 60's girl group music set in a '60s juvie hall, the cast is delightful, the score fun and refreshing, and the theme very heart-warming and uplifting. Good, corny fun--wonderfully executed.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in Russian history/literature; would like to see some good acting in a small but intellectual piece.

Don't see it if You want a plot driven play or don't have a lot of patience for a rather slow production.

Also A recording of Mayakovsky reading his poetry is available online. This production portrayed him largely as a whining, gambling, alcoholic kvetch, and showed little of his charisma or public appeal. This is a sloooow, but thoughtful piece: it was engrossing, but could have been much better.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Peter Dinklage, and want to see his excellent performance along with a great cast including Jasmine Cephas Jones and Ritchie Coster

Don't see it if You don't like plays with music (this is sort of a musical but not really) or enjoy bigger, more lavish productions.

Also Okay, so Dinklage's voice is not the greatest--but I enjoyed his pleasant bass voice, and really enjoyed the Hamilton-style rap in Act I. The staging and choreography are great, the cast, including Jasmine Cephas Jones (Hamilton) and Ritchie Coster (marvelous in the tv show "Happy") were all great, and the story was engaging and fun.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to spend a delightful evening watching a great cast in a light-hearted, hilariously funny and entertaining musical.

Don't see it if You are in the mood for something serious; don't like a campy plot or absurdist humor.

Also If you loved Be More Chill, this is even better. Iconis shows he's more than a one-hit wonder. There are two alternating female leads: in the performance we attended we saw Anne L. Nathan in a wonderfully funny and entertaining performance as a Broadway actress "of a certain age" turned bounty hunter, reminding me of Bette Midler in her best days. The laughs were non-stop. This show appealed to young and old alike. Delightfully refreshing!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see this venerable classic reinterpreted (yet with original script completely intact) in a darker yet completely relevant way.

Don't see it if You don’t want to see a more spare, modern and dark production of this American classic that seems completely fresh and relevant.

Also This production, more spare (11 in cast; 8 in orchestra) has been given new life and resonance, reflecting some of the darker elements of today’s America. The staging, acting and singing were amazing; and this show delivers an emotional impact I have not experienced since Angels in America. If you want a fresh take on this American classic which will seems completely fresh, relevant and riveting, don’t miss this show.... Read more Read less

See it if You like musicals and don’t mind a somewhat amateurish production.

Don't see it if You want to see a polished, well-executed production.

Also The lead actress was pretty good. The guy playing the multiple male parts was not. The sound was terrible, with lots of audio feedback. The lighting was also not good.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see an excellent cast in a well-staged revival of a historic and interesting work; you like Brechtian theatre.

Don't see it if you don't like sung-through plays; don't want to see very polemic and political theatre.

Also First produced in 1937, this Blitzstein sung-through play is agitprop theatre, and the plot and dialogue can be obvious and unsubtle. There are some beautiful songs here though, and this production is wonderfully directed by John Doyle in this minimalist yet very intimate production, featuring an excellent cast, including the wonderful Lara Pulver and Tony Yazbeck. It's not only a fascinating piece of theatrical history, surprisingly relevant once again in the Trump era; but the score is beautiful and has some very moving and wonderful songs.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re in town from Topeka and want to see a Broadway musical and aren’t picky. No don’t! See most anything else!

Don't see it if You want to avoid a cringeworthy script, mostly forgettable songs and a badly-directed (in Previews) show. I loved the movie; hated this.

Also We bought tickets because we really liked Santino Fontana in Cinderella and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. He had his moments, but his performance was very uneven. Sarah Stiles, Lilli Cooper and Andy Grotelueschen were good, but couldn’t save this mess. The plot switch from a soap opera to a play made no sense whatsoever and strained credulity. The music, with the exception of two potentially good songs, was forgettable at best; but memorable for how jarring and banal it largely was. The theme of gender reversal is a tricky one in this era. The treatment here was as awkward as Biden’s recent joke, and showed a clueless approach, and lacking in the humor needed to support it. Tootsie’s character declares “being a woman is no job for a man!” In the modern day, where gender fluidity and choice are viable opt, why can’t it be? But this shaky vehicle is the wrong one to deal with this subject. The movie worked. This was a fail.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Fiddler and you would like to see this moving, intimate and well-staged and acted Yiddish version

Don't see it if You don’t like subtitles and don’t speak Yiddish.

Also This moving and “haimish” Joel Grey production in the “mother tongue “ of our Ashkenazi grandparents and forebears is a must-see for lovers of Fiddler. Smaller and more intimate than the Broadway production it is, in its way, even more moving. Bring your hanky!... Read more Read less

See it if you like Cole Porter and or Kelli O'Hara, or want to see a wonderful production of this classic musical

Don't see it if you don't like musicals--although I can't imagine anyone not liking this one!

Also Kelli O'Hara and the rest of the cast are all in top form in this wonderful revival of KMK. The Dancing is great. The production seems fresh and contemporary.... Read more Read less

See it if you’d enjoy an intelligent, sensitive and entertaining play with music with an excellent cast exploring the life of Judy Holiday.

Don't see it if you’re not interested in a bio of Judy Holiday; or don’t like smaller shows on a small set.

Also Broadway veterans Andréa Burns, Mark Lotito, Andrea Bianci and Mark Spivey (all but Burns play multiple roles) were all excellent in this small but witty, touching and informative bio of Judy Holiday. The story was absorbing and the 90 minute production was engaging and interesting.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a huge fan of the Fleabag show on Amazon and don’t mind seeing the one woman show on which it was based.

Don't see it if you don’t like solo shows; don’t enjoy some raunchy material; or have seen Fleabag and don’t want to see a lot of the same material.

Also We are huge fans of the show on Amazon Prime, and found this disappointing. It’s a repetition of a lot of the same material; not surprising, really, as this Edinburgh Fringe Festival hit is the show on which it was based. But it’s not nearly as funny or entertaining in one person form, and seems both rushed as Waller-Bridge speaks rather quickly to cover all in 65 minutes; and also feels slow in places. It also lacks the sexiness of the tv show.... Read more Read less

See it if You like John Laroquette or the plays of John Guare.

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy the absurd; or prefer more traditional theatre.

Also Funny, and at times entertaining, but at other times slow going. Laroquette was good as the lead, but the writing is a bit pretentious at times (is Guare putting himself on par with Checkov); and I found the two children characters highly annoying.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a moving and entertaining musical performed by an excellent cast.

Don't see it if you prefer a more traditional musical; you are easily upset by a show centering around a teen suicide.

See it if you want to see the Broadway incarnation of a refreshing, upbeat and hilarious musical with a great cast and a fun score.

Don't see it if you don't like musicals with a contemporary score or wouldn't enjoy a funny musical about teen angst.

Also Be More Chill, a musical about a nerdy high-school student who ingests a quantum computer in the form of a pill to enable him to "be more chill" had a sold-out run off-Broadway, and became a cult classic with a huge youth following. It's even better in its Broadway incarnation, with largely the same cast but upgraded and marvelous costumes and sets. This is a wonderfully funny musical with lots of laughs, great songs and an energetic and endearing cast. Note: after seeing this show I saw "Dear Evan Hansen" next. My wife and I both enjoyed BMC even more than Evan Hansen; I thought the music was much better as well. If you're choosing between the two, see this one!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a great cast in a refreshing, up-beat contemporary musical that became a cult classic in its off-Broadway run.

Don't see it if you don't like musicals with a contemporary score or prefer more "traditional" musicals.

Also Be More Chill, a musical about a nerdy high-school student who ingests a quantum computer in the form of a pill to enable him to "be more chill" had a sold-out run off-Broadway, and became a cult classic with a huge youth following. It's even better in its Broadway incarnation, with largely the same cast but upgraded and marvelous costumes and sets. This is a wonderfully funny musical with lots of laughs, great songs and an energetic and endearing cast.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy intelligent politica/social humor; you're a fan of Colin Quinn.

Don't see it if you don't like political humor or one-man shows.

See it if You want to see a work in progress having the makings of a fun and funny musical. Great songs, endearing cast, but short run time.

Don't see it if You want to see a more polished, full length musical; or the topic of suicide upsets you.

See it if you love a good, funny, upbeat musical comedy with social relevance, a good book and an excellent cast.

Don't see it if you are homophobic.

Also An endearing and delightful musical: funny, excellent cast, good songs and some great dance numbers. Sure to make you leave the theatre with a smile!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy opera or like Wagner and are interested in an amusing and well-acted play centered on the Wagners’ anti-Semitism and Parsifal.

Don't see it if You’re not interested in Wagner, opera or a humorous treatment of anti-Semitism; or want more action than talk.

Also A witty, interesting and well-staged production with an excellent cast.... Read more Read less

See it if you would enjoy a truly fun and "feel good" musical based on true life events in the aftermath of 9/11.

Don't see it if you were so traumatized by the 9/11 events that you are unable to watch a show which will bring back the memories.

Also This was a delightful night at the theatre: heartwarming, both poignant and funny; with delightful staging, a very entertaining (but not overly memorable) score and lyrics and an endearing cast. It was a truly "feel good" experience, illustrating the good in people emerging from tragic events.... Read more Read less

See it if ...you enjoy a classic musical featuring great singing and excellent dance.

Don't see it if ...you wouldn't enjoy a dated and muddled storyline; want something more modern or upbeat.

Also The cast features some truly excellent singers in Renee Fleming, Linday Mendez and Joshua Henry. The choreography and dancing are excellent. The plot, however, is dated, muddled and cliche; Henry's acting doesn't match his singing; and the second act seemed to drag. It's worth going for the singing and dance, but this musical is very dated and the acting and plot more operatic than Broadway.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to enjoy a truly great theater-at-its-best experience: a phenomenal and riveting play, great cast, wonderful staging. Transporting

Don't see it if You don’t have 8 hours (the time flies by: not one minute of it slow).

Also Great theatre is a transporting experience. This work of genius stayed with me between parts 1 and 2, and continues to thrill me a day later. This is one of the greatest theatrical experiences I’ve ever had...or hope to have. Although it debuted in 1991, the story seems even more resonant today; and not only Nathan Lane, but the entire cast, delivers some of the best and most memorable and moving performances I’ve ever seen. I laughed and cried; a day later, I’m still doing both. This play is a true work of genius; and this wonderful production fully does it justice. No matter if you are gay or straight or in between; old or young; Black, White or other, this play will move you, uplift you and transport you with its humanity and brilliance. Theatre at its best and high.... Read more Read less

See it if you are easily amused.

Don't see it if you are expecting political satire in the style of SNL/Alec Baldwin; are a Trump supporter, bless your heart...meant in the Southern sense:)

Also Truly disappointing. Trump's own utterances provide so much fodder for laughs (and tears), yet this show, lasting 90 minutes without intermission, was sadly devoid of laughs. A few chuckles throughout the audience, but much more a sad reminder of America's current plight than a refreshing satire. The campy, over-the-top portrayal of Baron was tasteless, and the portrayal of Melania one-dimensional and another missed opportunity; one of many in this sadly disappointing show.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see an excellent cast in a potentially very good musical with an excellent score.

Don't see it if you'd like to steer clear of Israeli-Palestinian politics or 9-11; would like a more coherent story line.

Also The score was excellent and the cast very good as well. The major problem is with the story line, which is a bit muddled, contrived and undeveloped. There's a good musical in here somewhere. It just needs more work.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to enjoy this classic and delightful Lerner and Lowe musical, wonderfully performed with great sets and beautiful costumes.

Don't see it if you prefer the modern to traditional musicals; or if you find the old classics out-dated.

Also This is a DELIGHTFUL production: beautifully staged, wonderfully acted and sung, performed by a full orchestra; the ending slightly updated in a way I found very satisfying, having cringed a bit recently watching the Harrison-Hepburn movie. Lauren Abrose has a wonderful voice and seemed like a more genuine Eliza than Hepburn; Harry Hadden-Paton was excellent as Prof. Higgins, and Norbert Leo Butz wonderfully entertaining as Alfred Doolittle. Dame Diana Rigg and Alan Corduner were spot-on as Mrs. Higgins and Pickering. The two hour first act flew by; and the cast received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the second. I was expecting to be a bit disappointed by this production, as the original was hard to match, but was found this to be a great production in all respects.... Read more Read less

See it if If you don’t mind seeing an enthusiastic cast in a somewhat entertaining but clichéed musical.

Don't see it if You prefer to see a more polished production.

Also We had enough after first act and left at intermission. Cast had some good singers but problems staying in tune. Plot is a bit dated (as opposed to the original Lysistrata) and filled with stereotypes.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy the expressiveness of the Yiddish language; you enjoy dark existentialist humor.

Don't see it if You don’t like subtitles; are offended by raunchy language, bawdy humor and simulated sex; don’t like dark humor.

Also This was an interesting production of an intriguing play by a small but talented three-person cast. It’s dark existentialist humor reminded me of a Yiddish Beckett. The play is rather dark and depressing, however, and about 20 minutes too long.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd enjoy Richard Thomas' brilliant score in this irreverent and socially relevant opera/musical performed by a wonderful cast.

Don't see it if you don't like profanity (and there is ample in this work) or are easily offended by social/religious satire.

Also Is it opera? Musical? Either way, Richard Thomas' work is as hilarious, brilliant and entertaining--and perhaps even more relevant-- in this wonderfully adapted and staged for New Group's off-Broadway production as when I first saw it at the National Theatre in London. Featuring a cast of terrific Broadway and ready-for-Broadway singers and talented operatic voices in the raunchy and socially relevant performance filled with laughs and social satire, this is one of the best off-Broadway productions I've ever seen.... Read more Read less

See it if you would like to see an excellent cast in a funny and delightfully entertaining production of some of Chekhov's short stories.

Don't see it if you don't like Russian theatre/would prefer a more traditional story line.

Also This was a delightful production: light and funny--at times (such as the dentist sketch) laugh-out-loud. The cast were excellent actors and singers; the direction excellent. A very entertaining production.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of Haley Mills; want to see an all-female cast hash out some deep issues in a frothy comedy that never delves too deeply.

Don't see it if you enjoy more cerebral humor or a deeper treatment of the personal issues faced by the characters.

Also The characters in the play are dealing with difficult personal issues: divorce, loss of a child, mental illness. Yet the treatment never delves beyond the superficial; that which one would expect from a sitcom. Director Amanda Bearse acted in and directed "Married with Children"--it shows. This play could have been so much better--and even more funny--if she and the writer had gone deeper than the sit-com approach employed here. The first act was excruciatingly slow. One hoped for better in Act 2, but the resolution was muddy, confusing and disappointing.... Read more Read less

See it if you love great acapella singing, witty political and social satire and bawdy humor.

Don't see it if you are homophobic, would not enjoy watching a fun, witty drag ensemble with great voices signing parodies of holiday classics.

Also A fun evening of side-splitting laughter and great acapella singing brought to us by this bawdy, hilarious, sharp-witted and very talented troupe, the Kinsey Six.... Read more Read less

See it if you love a truly funny musical comedy performed by an excellent cast in a more intimate setting. Laugh-out-loud funny.

Don't see it if you don't like musical comedy or are homophobic.

Also What a delightful production! An excellent performance of a very entertaining, laugh-out-loud musical comedy. I really didn't expect such a fun, engaging performance; but this Gallery Players production was truly excellent. The cast were all wonderful, and the singing and staging were excellent. Most definitely worth the trip to Park Slope!... Read more Read less

See it if You'd enjoy a raunchy and irreverent musical (performed by a likable talented cast) skewer the Book of Genesis in a profanity laced show.

Don't see it if You are offended by profanity (there is lots here) and/or very raunchy satire of God and religion. You dislike "South Park" type humor.

Also God is an angry and vengeful psychopath in this very raunchy and irreverent--and at the same time fairly literal (wherein lies its cleverness) send-up of the Book of Genesis. Writer/director Jay Winston Gill leads the cast as a profanity-spewing , cane-thumping Supreme Being who is disgusted by his ultimate creation of humanity and dispenses his wrath freely throughout this somewhat-funny and very-off-color musical with a fun and enjoyable score and a number of well-performed songs by this likable and talented cast. But while sometimes funny (e.g. the running Jesus Christ reference), its humor is a bit too obvious and not witty enough to support the constant profanity and raunch. In other words, if you're expecting "Book of Mormon", Life of Brian" or "South Park" quality, "Stuff" falls short. But it's clever, the score is enjoyable and the cast very talented. If you love a good laugh at the expense of God or organized religion, you might enjoy this.... Read more Read less

See it if If you'd enjoy a small yet talented cast perform a somewhat clever, light musical satire based on the sayings of Ben Franklin.

Don't see it if You prefer traditional musicals with a full cast; prefer a plot to a series of interrelated vignettes; are looking for a polished production

Also This production was enjoyable but unpolished, and became a bit tiresome as we followed a $100 bill in the persona of a proverb-quoting Benjamin Franklin pass from person to person in a series of inter-related vignettes. The small cast was earnest and talented and the singing was pretty good--particularly the female lead. But even at 90 minutes (with no intermission) the show began to drag after awhile. If you're not expecting polish or perfection it was a fun evening.... Read more Read less

See it if You'd enjoy a musical about the Jewish immigrant experience; if you enjoy Yiddish music and culture; are interested in a piece of NY history

Don't see it if You don't like subtitles: this musical is in Yiddish with English and Russian subtitles.

Also This is an excellent, delightful production. I laughed and cried--it was truly a faithful recounting of the experience of my grandparents arrival in America but, more broadly, a celebration of how immigrants have assimilated and made NY and the US great. Very relevant in this Trump era. Also very nostalgic: some of the songs were ones I heard growing up as the grandson of Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants. Singing and staging were wonderful, as was the entire cast. A wonderful surprise.... Read more Read less

See it if You love great singing and would enjoy a delightful, but less than perfect, musical tall tale of the adventures of an irrepressible woman.

Don't see it if You don't like farce or musicals or expect a perfect production.

Also The singing by all was great, the musical very well staged. The score was wonderful. This farcical tall tale was a bit reminiscent of Candide and Pippin. It could have been edited down a bit: the first act was overly long; but overall a fun and delightful evening.... Read more Read less

See it if If you want to see an excellent cast in an edgy dark comedy postulating the origin of the Iraq war.

Don't see it if You don't like political humor/satire or prefer a more traditional musical.

Also The cast was excellent in this clever and absorbing political satire speculating on how and why the US entered the Iraq war. Set is minimal, and songs not very memorable, but dialogue was intriguing and thought-provoking. If you're into politics this is an excellent choice.... Read more Read less

See it if you love Noel Coward and/or Kevin Kline; or are nostalgic for drawing room comedy.

Don't see it if you're not a fan of Noel Coward or Kevin Kline; you prefer something more contemporary and modern.

Also Kevin Kline and the two female leads playing his wife and secretary are excellent. But unless you are fan of Noel Coward or nostalgic for the era of drawing room comedy you are likely to find this production disappointing. The play was slow (particularly the first act) and dated; the humor smile-inducing but not laugh provoking. Unlike Wilde, Coward's plays don't seem to stand the test of time, but seem more relics of a bygone age. The set and costumes were well done. But if it were not for Kevin Kline's presence there would be little reason to see this show.... Read more Read less