Gypsy 135

See it if You're up for an adventurous evening in the theater.

Don't see it if You can't handle self-reflection.

Also This was a bold production. Thought-provoking and smart and also slightly disturbing. A show about whiteness and what it means to be white and comment on other races. Without ruining the play, this work will definitely make you think and feel and rethink and assess how you feel. Highly recommend, especially for white audiences. Intelligently written, acted, directed, and designed.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy classical plays or are new to classical works.

Don't see it if you are extremely sensitive to visual violence. Nothing is particularly graphic, but you empathize with their pain as an audience member.

Also This production was so well done, I became captivated by the storytelling, devastated with every tragic loss, and conflicted when the characters were in turmoil. The actors skillfully played the poetry on their tongues, beautifully articulating powerful imagery in the text. But their acting choices (aided by the wonderful staging) were also nuanced and smart.
I love that this play about war, that's full of men, is directed by a woman. She nailed how using violence as a way of "resolving conflict" and "preventing tyranny" only creates more conflict and tyranny. This was depicted masterfully through the clever lighting choices, the choreographed and gestured fight scenes (which were surprisingly cringing--in a good way), and the sparse and falling set.
I highly recommend this play, even for those who've seen it many times before.... Read more Read less

See it if you're up for an avant-garde rendition of Macbeth.

Don't see it if you're in the mood for something more traditionally classical.

Also I think that Shakespeare works best when done with very little spectacle, leaving space for the audience to just enjoy hearing the play and the rich poetry. First Maria did just that by keeping the set up fairly simple, yet edgy and bold. I commend their bravery in choosing to use fabric covering bodies as a theme, and to work with these mystical, misshapen forms. Overall, it proved to be effectively creepy, but in some moments the music and the staging was distracting from the haunting nature of the fabric-beings.
Generally, the cast was made up of great classical actors who understand how to use the text and be truthful. Actors who played Banquo and Macduff gave particularly moving performances.
The lighting design and musical accompaniment were very effective in supporting the action, but not distracting from it.
Overall, it's an edgy interpretation, still hitting on the classic moments you're expecting to experience.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Shakespearean comedies, musical theater, and inclusiveness!

Don't see it if You're in the mood for a drama or something very serious.

Also This show was so much fun. Shaina Taub's hip-hop/R&B/musical theater score had all the riffs and soul one could ask for, and she had powerful voices to sing it. The play was tastefully cut down, and the direction kept it feeling light and funny.
I absolutely loved the integration of ASL into the actors' movements/blocking. It was done in such a smart way that it wasn't in our faces, but it was included at major plot point moments, as well as part of the songs.
It was delightful to see people in the ensemble who have picked themselves back up and started over smiling and dancing.
Plus, the pre-show where you can walk on stage and explore the village that is Illyria was fun. Have I said "fun" enough? This was such a fun show! The comedy was on point, but the music was sincere and soulful, which is a true Shakespearean combination.... Read more Read less

See it if You like a classic interpretation of Othello.

Don't see it if You don't like Othello. The play is very much still intact and problematic.

Also I think the team did their best with the material, but there are just two big character changes (one for Iago and one for Othello) that are so unjustified in the script and (no matter how hard they tried) unjustified on stage. The actors gave great performances (especially Corey Stoll, who played Iago). The director opted for a more traditional setting of Othello, placing it in the original time/place, which I think helped justify some aspects of the story (compared to more modern conceptual versions). The set was minimal, but he kept the action moving and motivated.... Read more Read less

See it if you like the cartoon of Spongebob Squarepants, or just physical comedy in general.

Don't see it if You don't like physical comedy (Marx Brothers, 3 Stooges, etc.).

Also Even though I was a huge fan of Spongebob as a kid, I was dubious that this production would be any good when I saw it was being made. I was very wrong. I can tell that the artists who created it (from the score being written by pop/rock legends to the actors to Tina Landau's direction) had a lot of fun making it, and that's what brings life to the production. Clever set and costume design, comedic timing to boot, and all the essences of the cartoon you would want. They really did the cartoon justice, but also made a hilarious, sweet musical about kindness and positivity and friendship. Ethan Slater, who plays Spongebob, is a true triple threat and pours every ounce of energy into that performance. I smiled throughout the entire show!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see one of the greatest American plays performed by phenomenal actors.

Don't see it if You physically have trouble sitting for 4 hours. It is a marathon of sorts, even though the play is very engaging.

Also I saw Part 2: Perestroika. An exquisite production. I've read the play but never seen it before. I loved how there was timed spectacle, but it didn't overwhelm us as an audience until the appropriate times. The acting and direction highlighted the brilliance of the text. At times I was a little confused because there was a great deal of magical realism, but managed to follow along and still be moved. This work is almost classical, it's so rich in language and epic in its content. And it truly embodies what it means to be human.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a fresh, modern, feminist, comedic translation of Life's a Dream.

Don't see it if you're not up for a fast-paced comedy.

Also The translation of this play is exquisite. Sharp, fun word play and comedic beats balancing out the heavy material beneath. The writing and directing are what made this play shine. They had clever ways of indicating setting and character. Done in the round, the play also spins around itself with overlapping plots. But I thought the writer and director handled it well, and the actors were good about indicating different characters through changes in physicality and voice.... Read more Read less

See it if you like anything by Lynn Nottage.

Don't see it if you're not a fan of magical realism.

Also A beautifully written play about capitalism, trade, greed, animal cruelty, and preservation. An all star creative team comes together to tell the story of an elephant that's murdered for its tusks. Versatile actors play many different characters that handle the tusks in their journey after Mlima's death. The play is done very simply (relying mostly on physicality, lighting, and costume to indicate character), but this moves our focus to the language, which is good because there's a lot to keep up with. It's a touching play that connects us with Mlima, empathizing with his story and what his life could have been.... Read more Read less

See it if you’re up for experimental theater.

Don't see it if you are sleepy. It’s a fast-paced show with a lot of text.

Also This play is metatheatrical, often commenting on its own form in tongue-in-cheek ways. It is definitely out of the box, inviting the audience on a wild and dream-like journey into the past. It starts out as a seemingly normal play about a gay couple, but about a third of the way through the actors play more roles than the characters we’ve been introduced to, specifically taking turns playing Georgette, the grandmother. Once we go on a journey into the 1950s with the other leading male, we somehow end up journeying into Georgette’s past as well. That’s when the play becomes hard to follow. The dialogue is so fast-paced and there is so much information to absorb, I felt that I missed some important plot points. But the actors are phenomenal and throw themselves into every odd character they portray. Also, kudos to the director for figuring out how to work the bodies in space, especially since they’re all flipping back and forth between characters.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to hear those grand old tunes.

Don't see it if you don't like revivals of old musicals because this is a direct copy of the original production.

Also I saw it with Bernadette Peters and Victor Garber, who were wonderful. Bernadette still sounds great, but to see her charming comedic timing live is a special experience. She's a legend for a reason and you can feel that in the theater. She knows the audience loves her, but doesn't take that for granted, still delivering a full performance. The ensemble and supporting actors are high energy and not only are they beautiful dancers, but hold the tight harmonies skillfully. What was fun for me in seeing a replica of the original production was recognizing that my grandmother and mother sat in the theater 50 years ago and saw the same show, which warmed my heart. The music and soaring voices are a classic musical theater experience and are worth making the trip for.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a drama based on a classic.

Don't see it if you don't like Liliom or the musical Carousel.

Also Generally, the play kept my attention and the actors were engaging and present (which is important in a small theater with few set pieces). The actress who plays Julie is especially talented. She is a brave and honest actor, and we believe that Julie is not only strong and self-sufficient, but also understanding and caring.
The writing is, for the most part, quite engaging, which can also be credited by the brilliance of the original play. However, we miss a couple of key moments, such as Julie deciding to like Jericho. If I had not known the plot, it would've been harder to accept that such a confident woman would take a quick liking to such an aggressive personality.
Sound, lighting, and set design were great, cleverly hinting at the boardwalk and carnival and photo studio locations.
Overall, it's a pretty good play with good (and excellent, for some) performances. I appreciated the ending epilogue about how women had to deal with domestic abuse back then.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see this famous play itself on stage.

Don't see it if you're looking for a show that will sweep you off your feet.

Also The show is beautifully directed and designed. No scene is stagnant. The staging reveals the layered interactions between the characters. The set, sound, lighting, and costume design are all beautifully done. They suggest reality while allowing us room for imagination and symbolism. The design elements transport us to the boxing ring, a park, a manager's office, and more locations using simple, suggestive elements. The red, blood-like paint on the walls foreshadows a dark future for the characters, and the broken warehouse windows make it feel like the whole play is in a boxing ring.
To my own surprise, I was unimpressed with the actors, with the exception of two. Standouts were Ron Shetler and Alex Montaldo, who kept me engaged in the play. Both gave honest and bold performances in challenging roles.
There's a reason this play has been revived so many times. Odets creates rich characters who struggle with toxic masculinity in their own ways. It was nice to hear/see his writing aloud.... Read more Read less

See it if You'd like a light-hearted show about brief moments in people's lives.

Don't see it if You're looking for a show with riveting dramatic tension or conflict.

Also I heard amazing reviews about this show, but it fell flat for me. Some scenes had smooth transitions into songs, but most came out of nowhere and did not need to be sung. This show might've functioned better as a play with music intertwined. On a positive note, the band music was phenomenal and it was fun to listen to them jam out on stage in between scenes. The direction and acting is top notch. Katrina Lenk, in particular, is magnetic and subtle and it's a joy to watch her act.... Read more Read less

See it if you are in the mood for a smart play with social commentary.

Don't see it if you can't handle long stretches of dialogue and few set pieces (which I enjoyed).

Also Brilliant production. The writing has overtly feminist tones and is wonderfully executed by the actors. Although the stage is bare except for the bright orange carpet, Sam Gold's directing keeps the action moving so we can see the relationships twisting and turning on stage. I was completely absorbed through the whole performance.... Read more Read less

See it if you like plays about family relationships, but with a positive spin.

Don't see it if you don't like theater that's a little unexpected.

Also Sarah Ruhl brings us a lovely play about siblings dealing with their father's mortality, as well as their own. Each of the 3 acts are very different, almost like different plays, but each engaging in their own unique ways. Acting, directing and design are all very well done.... Read more Read less

See it if You're looking for a light, operetta-like musical with a very feel-good message. See it if you're a Jenn Colella fan.

Don't see it if You'd like to see a musical with depth and real drama. The story doesn't contain much of the underlying pain and hardship of 9/11.

Also The direction, design, and actors are phenomenal. The music is fun to listen to, but you won't walk out of the theater singing any songs because a lot of the score sounds similar.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy thought-provoking theater/storytelling.

Don't see it if you're very sleepy. This play is quite wordy (incredibly interesting though!), so if you're not awake enough, you might miss out.

Also This play is deeply personal and therefore universal. It's refreshing to hear raw, truthful stories from women in Heidi's life, as well as her own stories. It was also resonant how unsafe women feel and all of the statistics to back up that seed of a feeling that follows women everywhere. Heidi tackles big subjects in this play, but it is so well-written with humor and well-constructed that she is easy to follow. She is an incredibly charismatic, yet vulnerable performer: I could listen to her tell stories for hours. I think men should see this play to experience a woman's perspective, and women should see this play to see their stories represented onstage, to give themselves a chance to feel validated and seen.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re up for a fun, classic rendition of Midsummer.

Don't see it if You hate Shakespearean plays.

Also I imagine this version was close to the way Shakespeare imagined it. The troupe had their work cut out for them by each playing 2-3 characters, and they all rose to the challenge, using their physicality and voice (and a little bit of costuming) to differentiate characters. This production nailed the joyful spirit and heartfelt tone of Shakespeare’s classic play. There was balance between the darkness of the forest’s secrets and the lightness of the misunderstandings that ensued.
The set is simple, yet effective, bringing us into the world of the forest, but letting the characters and the text fill the space. The staging & music kept the play’s momentum going during long stretches of text, filling them with story and tormented relationships.
It was nice to see such a diverse cast!
The only part I didn’t like was Bottom’s mask. I appreciated the nature-inspired design (and it’s a beautiful mask) but we lost the actress’s actions because the facial features weren't well-defined.... Read more Read less

See it if You are ready for a refreshing, feminist play. Like the character she plays, Janet McTeer is one of the best actors of our time.

Don't see it if You don't like plays about theater. But even then, go see this play because it's not really about theater. It's about life.

Also The playwright delivered a bold, unapologetic, smart, humorous, HONEST play about what it is like to be Sarah Berndhart, and really, what it's like to be a woman who reaches for equality. Some of the dialogue is repetitive, but I believe that is on purpose because Sarah has to keep explaining why she should be able to play Hamlet. Like any woman who speaks up in any situation in which she asks for the same respect as men, she is challenged again and again with silly, sexist questions. The writing and the acting were standout features of the play, but the direction and set design were also wonderful and tactfully executed. As I wrote above, Janet McTeer is an extraordinary actress and it is incredible to see her perform live. She is breathtakingly raw and real and powerful as Sarah. And as Hamlet.... Read more Read less

See it if you're up for a wild and strange story about a woman's breakup and ultimate mental breakdown.

Don't see it if you don't like one-woman shows. Although it's crafted well, if you're super tired and can't pay attention, you may not like it.

Also This play was intense. I went from liking the main character and empathizing with her to being off-put by some of the things she said, to being totally off-put by her actions. She morphs from this relatable aspirational music aficionado to a cold, very sexual, grotesque version of herself. Although the acting was wonderful, the play and direction did not make it clear how that leap happened. I left the theater feeling confused, and with lots of questions about her motives. The direction in the beginning of the play felt especially forced because there was too much movement. But as the play goes on, the action settles a little more and the text becomes clearer as well (the beginning is a lot of text to absorb right off the bat). Set and lighting design were clever and sufficient. Overall, I was engaged through the whole play (and never bored), and I understood most of the storyline until the end. I'd be curious to see what other people draw from it because I found the ending confusing.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy Shakespearean plays in the round for an evening of comedy and romance.

Don't see it if You don't like theater in the round or Shakespearean plays. Or if you don't like when there are cuts made to Shakespeare.

Also This was a very simple, but successful production of As You Like It with an all-female cast. The actors were high energy and the great direction kept the play always light with comedy and moving forward. They made big cuts to the script, but they served the story and streamlined the action. Jacques band was fun and folksy, like Mumford & Sons. Their pre-show music set the tone for the play and the music IN the play was a welcome and clever addition.
Set was super simple, but the action/comedy was engaging, so I didn't mind that there wasn't more. It was fun to see how the characters' dress and behaviors ranged from femme to butch on the actors' female/non-conforming bodies. It's refreshing not to see the same tired portrayals of female characters. Kudos to casting for such a diverse cast.

The only thing I didn't like were many improvised lines. They will always bring a laugh because it's funny to hear in contrast to archaic text. But it was done too often and ruined some comedic beats... Read more Read less

See it if You're looking for an escapist theater experience. This show is very fun to watch and honors the movie perfectly.

Don't see it if You don't like peppy musical comedies like Legally Blonde.

Also The choreography, which makes up 90% of the musical numbers, combined with Tina Fey's witty book and killer belting by the actors, makes for a very fun production. Was it the most profound theater-going experience I've had? No. But I smiled through the whole thing. The entire cast was amazing, but Taylor Louderman stuck out to me. She is a force of nature on stage: vocally and physically. She commands the room with a single movement.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy pop/rock musical theater and a good mother-daughter story.

Don't see it if You hate predictable storylines or characters.

Also The book of this musical was so strong, I thought it could've functioned as a play. While I really enjoyed the songs, several of them felt off in terms of placement and type of song. I think this musical has a lot of potential and with more workshopping could be a big success. The writers navigate the mother-daughter relationship and the mother's difficulties with immigration very well. The lead actresses (unsurprisingly) were phenomenal in giving us real, raw performances. The younger lead has an amazing voice and sounds perfect even whilst crying.
There were a couple of quirky numbers that felt out of place, but by themselves were enjoyable. Really great ensemble work. Strong voices and strong actors. Although I often wondered why certain choices were made, I was never bored. The directing and storyline kept me engaged.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a pretty good interpretation of Winter's Tale.

Don't see it if you have expectations for what it should be.

Also Winter's Tale is one of my favorite Shakespearean plays, so I was pleased by half of the play and disappointed by the rest. Some of the actors were phenomenal, especially those playing Paulina, Antigonus, Hermione, Autolycus, and Mopsa & Dorcas. I thought the actor playing Leontes was too small, as if acting for the screen instead of a large theater. The actor who played clown, as well, missed most of the comedic moments handed to him in the script, which was disappointing. Generally, I enjoyed the direction of the play, but I strongly disagree with the choice to make the bear a comedic moment. My friend who came with me didn't understand that Antigonus died because it was a funny fight. Comedy is inappropriate in a moment where a man tragically dies. We also need it to be serious in order to set up the Clown's retelling of the scene, which is comedic.
That aside, I loved the set design, which was very simple, but beautiful and served the play well. The large walls moving in was great.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy contemporary plays that reflect how we deal with the aftermath of trauma in a funny, yet serious, and therefore realistic, way.

Don't see it if you want to see very light subject matter.

Also Excellent writing, directing, and acting. The set built a two story set of apartments, which is cool and different in and of itself. Even though the plot is very simple, the dynamics between characters change, which creates engaging interactions. Dialogue, mimicking real life, ranges from the silly to the profound/poetic. I like that the playwright has a sense of humor, especially when talking about difficult subject matter, and her director and actors capture it well. Captivating theater worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy rock/pop contemporary musical theater and have ever felt alone in your life.

Don't see it if you are triggered by the topic of suicide, anxiety, or panic attacks.

Also A beautiful musical. The music made me tap my foot and jam out. But the lyrics pulled me into the story, into the characters and their struggles and their desires. The plot asks for the audience to bear with it a little bit, but the character of Evan Hansen is so anxious and awkward that he is endearing and I found myself on his side, rooting for him (which is the point, since he's the protagonist). We don't find out about Connor's story until later in the show, which I was curious about for most of it. Design was minimal to make space for the screens, which fit very well into the story. Otherwise, most of the stage was bare during scenes, but I found that I didn't mind since it focused my attention on that small area of the stage and on the actors. The direction skillfully told the story. Taylor, who played Evan, gave a soul-bearing performance, all while singing difficult songs. This show made me cry three times, it made me laugh, and it touched my heart. It's about kindness.... Read more Read less

See it if you're in the mood to see contemporary issues tackled in a thorough and meaningful way.

Don't see it if you want to see a comedy or light subject matter.

Also This play is riveting. The writing is rich and poetic, but also modern and smart and realistic. The characters feel like real people dealing with real problems. The play tackles difficult questions: what does it mean to express oneself and when does freedom of speech cross over into breaking the law? How does one find the courage to outright protest against their superiors? Against society? The set design is very simple (probably due to a small Off-Broadway budget and the small space), but this didn't bother me because the actors and text and staging kept my attention. Lighting design also helped to cue us into location.... Read more Read less

See it if you're in the mood for a smart, thought-provoking, dark comedy about women's rights and real feminism.

Don't see it if you're looking for a purely entertaining show/spectacle (although this is entertaining).

Also Robert O'Hara brings us a world where women have become extinct due to men's oppressive laws. In a not-so-unrealistic future, we go on a wild ride with these two "f***mates" who accidentally get pregnant (in this future, men have figured out how to have children), but abortion is considered murder. Without ruining the show, overall, it brilliantly and boldly satirizes the patriarchy we (women, in particular) are forced to deal with every day, and how men regulate others' bodies is unjust and punishing. The play explores how male-centered theology shapes our lives: our relationships, religion, and more. The set and lighting design give us just enough to make us feel stuck in this cold, metal world, and the actors/direction guide us through non-sensical situations. The satire is big, but not big enough to outrun the truth.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see 2.5 hours of Natasha lusting for Anatole. And if you don't care for dramatic action.

Don't see it if You want to spend that time doing something productive or enjoying yourself.

Also I was very turned off by this show. I could not even *guess* as to why they made the choices they did. It seemed like every decision was made on a whim, almost saying, "That sounds fun, let's do that!" with no dramaturgical reasoning behind it.
The actors performed excellently, given the material they had to work with. They also had beautiful voices.
Pierre (well acted by Josh Groban) has the most interesting storyline and the least stage time.
For some reason, the characters are written to describe what they or someone else is doing, while that actor is doing it in front of us, which I didn't understand. It was redundant.
Lastly, we knew there was a war "going on out there", and yet the whole musical was a party. I'm on board with the portrayal of indulgence and a good spectacle, but I couldn't feel the threat of the war, with the exception of the lobby bunker decorations. The musical seemed to strive to be a dramatic piece, but came up very short for me.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a Harry Potter fan, or even have just seen the movies. And if you like physical, satirical comedy.

Don't see it if you don't like Harry Potter.

Also An incredibly fun production! Even if you don't remember every little detail about the Harry Potter universe, the jokes will still land. The writing, acting, and directing are delightfully executed and perfectly play off of the Harry Potter storylines while still maintaining its own engaging plot and humor.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy dramas about deep, complex relationships.

Don't see it if you don't appreciate good theater!

Also I was entranced by the storytelling in this play. Based on a real writer and her relationship with her "student". The actors were very authentic on stage, and the writing is masterful. This is a small show that could be easily overlooked, but I'd say is an excellent play.... Read more Read less