Jessie Jaimes

See it if you are a fan of Bob Dylan's music, want to hear amazing vocalists, like serious plots, and enjoy large ensemble casts.

Don't see it if you struggle following many characters at once or want them to be well-developed. (TW: mental illness, rape, racism, suicide, gunshots)

Also The large ensemble cast was both a blessing and a curse for this show. On one hand, it enabled a lot of extremely talented actors and singers to get their time in the spotlight — their voices were the absolute highlight of this production. On the other hand, however, the large cast meant that individual plotlines felt rushed and characters were severely underdeveloped. The story would've been better served if it focused on a smaller cast of characters that were fleshed out more fully.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy slice-of-life plays with exaggerated and fantastical moments, LOTS of comedy, and flashes of heart.

Don't see it if you want to see something flashy or aren't looking for a message about the prison system in your comedy. (TW: sexual harassment)

See it if you enjoy classic radio plays or are interested in seeing how they're made. Seeing how certain foley effects are done is the coolest part.

Don't see it if you're looking for something flashy or fast-paced. Both stories are slow, the stage is bare, and actors read directly from scripts.

See it if you are looking for a dark comedy that touches on serious themes like school shootings and misogyny. Reminiscent of "The Office".

Don't see it if you aren't interested in a slice-of-life story of university politics or want something wholly lighthearted. (TW: gunshots, shouting)

Also As someone who works in a university office and does yearly active shooter training, this show tickled my funny bone in more ways than one — while still being serious about the topic when it counts.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of the 2001 movie, as the plot is the same but the soundtrack is fresh — or if you are looking for a wild visual spectacle.

Don't see it if you don't like jukebox musicals, modern pop soundtracks in historical settings, or love triangle plots. (TW: haze effects, flashing lights.)

See it if you enjoy jukebox musicals w/ a bunch of loose vignettes (à la Smokey Joe's Cafe) or want to see 5 talented actors sing their hearts out.

Don't see it if you want something with a solid plot or aren't a fan of Harlem Renaissance jazz/blues/swing. (TW: prop cigarette smoke)

See it if farces are up your alley (Noises Off, ...Being Earnest), you like shows that happen in real-time, or enjoy actors playing many silly roles.

Don't see it if you want a family-friendly comedy, aren't a fan of sex jokes, or are looking for a long-form plot. TW: smoke effects, actors shouting.

See it if you enjoy murder mysteries, are looking for a quirky twist on a classic Christmas tale, or want to take the family to a fun holiday show.

Don't see it if you want side-splitting comedy or something 100% serious—this lands in the middle; or don't enjoy actors playing multiple roles. TW: smoke.

Also Drew McVety (Sherlock Holmes) is the clear star of the show. Each time he went on a deductive-reasoning ramble, I was truly captivated. His intensity is absolutely perfect for this role, and he manages to never come across as cartoonish — which is a great grounding force when he is placed beside the more goofy characters. Aside from that, the whole cast seems to be having a ball on stage. The script is very self-aware as to how silly the whole concept is, and the show never takes itself *too* seriously. It perfectly toes the line and is overall a delightful experience.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see some A-list actors performing a silly, lighthearted show with a strong community theatre vibe.

Don't see it if you are looking for something with a big-budget "showstopper" feel or can't stand listening to continuous rhyming couplets.

See it if you like Alanis Morissette's music, enjoy high-tech sets and artsy choreography, or are looking for a show with (many) moving messages.

Don't see it if you don't like shows with political messaging or want a perfect ending. TW: flashing lights, unaccepting LGBT+ parents, addiction, and rape.

See it if you are looking for a one-woman show with a strong and solid performance and enjoy slow, non-linear storytelling.

Don't see it if you're uninterested in seeing something that has an almost exclusive message of "you are a terrible person for participating in capitalism."

See it if you are looking for a feel-good, relatable comedy where a family drives one another crazy but, at the end of the day, is full of love.

Don't see it if you can't handle funerals or religion (esp. relating to LGBT+ relationships), don't like shows in the round, or want humor without clichés.

Also The eulogies were quite touching and heartfelt — as someone who recently lost their grandfather, I was tearing up a bit at the things being said. The way everyone speaks about Grandpa B is what breathes life and soul into an otherwise straightforward comedy.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of the original production or are looking for a campy musical you have yet to see – or just want to have a fun night out.

Don't see it if you are looking for a brand new adaptation or a ditzy Ellen Greene-esque Audrey performance. TW: abusive relationships, flashing lights.

Also I saw this production with Jeremy Jordan (Seymour), Tammy Blanchard (Audrey), and Christian Borle (Orin & Others).... Read more Read less

See it if you are looking for biting social commentary about the relationship between Black Americans and the police.

Don't see it if you don't want to see a show tackling systemic racism, white supremacy, and police brutality, or can't handle frequent usage of the n-word.

See it if you are looking for a rockin' night with songs you can jam out to. Singing is phenomenal, dancing is energetic, and the atmosphere is fun!

Don't see it if you don't like jukebox musicals, '80s music, sexual themes, or drug references. Bright lights, fog machines, and fake cigarettes are used.

See it if you are a fan of horror, like simple sets/costumes, and want to support a new theatre company.

Don't see it if you expect a masterpiece or something wholly original. Avoid if you are triggered by abusive relationships or don't like loud screams.

Also This show had a lot of potential, but ended up falling flat in a couple of ways. The dialogue was clever, poetic, and engaging for a short story, but many lines were unnatural sounding when spoken aloud by the cast. Many characters had long-winded exposition dumps, rather than employing "show don't tell,"— especially in the first act show, "It Told Me To." I feel as though a lot more could be done with lighting, silence, and subtle audio cues to amp up the fear than their usage of blood and screams ever could. The second act show, "The Woods Listen," was far more engaging than the first act. I feel as though if it were expanded into its own full show, it would do very well! No unnecessary set changes, simple but effective costumes, and effective acting and direction made it stand out. Overall, "The Monsters You Meet in the Dark" was a good effort for Human Pincushion Productions' first show – I'll keep them on my radar in the future to see how they develop and grow!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a Frankenstein adaptation that focuses for a long time on creation myth parallels and is a bit avant-garde in its writing.

Don't see it if you are not familiar with the original Mary Shelley Novel, do not like experimental theatre, or want complex staging with a large cast.

Also I think there was a lot of potential for a good show here, which is probably why I felt so disappointed as I left the theatre. I have been to other "classic horror" shows before with only two actors that were pulled off brilliantly (Soho Playhouse's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde comes to mind). However, the pacing of this show was nothing short of uncomfortable. The first quarter of this 80-minute production consisted of pantomime and grunts — the rest of the show was unfortunately rushed due to this "evolutionary" fixation. A positive: I think the integration of music was clever. However, I feel as though the musician should not have been involved in the plot. Having him hop in and out of the story was confusing — either have him be a character(s) or don't. (Ex: Having both actors play Dr. Frankenstein was hard to adjust to.) Overall, it felt more pretentious than clever. There's potential for something brilliant here, but as it stands, it is not friendly to a wider audience.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see strong actors give a performance that is equal parts funny and hauntingly resonant.

Don't see it if you don't want to see a feminist take on the classic tale, or if you are sensitive to flashing lights or light artificial fog.

See it if you are looking for a really fun time. The show has catchy tunes, an amazing cast, and lots of Tim Burton creep and charm.

Don't see it if you are looking for something family-friendly. There is a lot of dark and adult humor in this show.

See it if you enjoy WSS but won't be mad at choreo changes, or if you would like a live-filming of the actors projected on the stage in real-time.

Don't see it if you don't want changes from the original show or don't like discussions of gangs or police brutality. TW for gunshots, racism, and assault.

See it if you want to see a dramatized version of the Salem witch trials, enjoy intense plots, and want to go out for a long night of theatre.

Don't see it if you don't want to see something 3+ hours long, the talk of religion/witchcraft/the devil bothers you, or you are looking for a big-budget.

See it if you want to see a raunchy variety show full of talent and wonder, or like vignettes strewn together to tell a VERY loose story.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy (near) nudity, circus stunts, or want original music. Avoid if you have breathing problems or sensory issues.

Also Coming off the tails of their production of Queen of Hearts, I found the Nutcracker Rouge to be less entertaining. I'm a sucker for Alice in Wonderland, as well as shows with a follow-able plot, so I am a tad biased in that regard. But while this show was incredible, it lacked the cohesion that I loved in the last production. I had a hard time telling what scenes from the Nutcracker were supposed to be happening, save for when the emcee made it obvious. Overall, still a magnificently entertaining evening that I would recommend to anyone interested.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in a true story about two strong, independent women, or want to see a compelling performance from two talented actresses.

Don't see it if the discussion of race, religion, politics, or Nazis make you uncomfortable, or if you want something more extravagant than black box.

See it if you enjoy being a semi-part of the show or want to see a creative take on the art world through the lens of Alice in Wonderland.

Don't see it if you want a big-budget show, aren't okay with LGBT relationships, or want to see something lighthearted and family-friendly.

Also The gallery it's held in is positively incredible! Worth the trip to LIC for the art alone!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a raunchy variety show full of talent and wonder, or like vignettes strewn together to tell a loose story.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy (near) nudity, political statements, or want original music. Avoid if you have breathing problems or sensory issues.

See it if you are a fan of the original musical and would like to see it in a new context, enjoy simple staging, or like shows driven by culture.

Don't see it if you are not familiar enough with the show to not need the supertitles/don't feel like reading them for a majority of the show.

See it if you want comedic commentary on crooked televangelists and the hypocrisy that is posed by widespread, monetized religion.

Don't see it if you don't like shows poking fun at religious beliefs, or don't want your views about God, religion, etc. challenged.

See it if you enjoy the reversal of gender roles, want a diverse cast, and like having the actors incorporating the aisles and seating into the show.

Don't see it if you do not enjoy child actors or do not want to see an LGBT representation of a classic work. Warning for flashing lights at the beginning.

Also I feel as though some things worked phenomenally well in this show, whereas other things came across a bit more jarring. The number one confusing thing to me was the wedding dance, where modern music suddenly began playing. There was no indication that this show was supposed to be set in modern times, so it felt as though it came out of nowhere. The best part of the show by far is the opening, where the whole seating area is used to immerse the audience into the storm at sea -- it was wonderfully executed.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of the Temptations, Motown music, or jukebox musicals in general, like precise choreography, or extremely talented vocalists.

Don't see it if you are looking for something new/groundbreaking. At the end of the day, it is a biographical jukebox musical like many others out today.

See it if you enjoy mythic tales based on the stories of old, clever usage of sets and blacklights, or intense acting that draws you into the story.

Don't see it if you do not enjoy small black box productions or would like to see a big-budget show. May be confusing if you don't know Greek mythology.

See it if you like cleverly-written, catchy musical numbers and simple, straightforward plots that are poking fun at the daily lives of PAs.

Don't see it if you want to see something with fancy sets, costumes, and choreography or would like to see a show that has a satisfying ending.

Also This show was, quite honestly, one of the best I've seen from a small production in a while. However, the ending absolutely tanked my score for it. After the final number, I sat in my seat for a good few minutes, assuming it was the intermission. It was only when I double-checked my Playbill that I realized it was, in fact, only one act. Yes - many shows can be effective in one act. This show, though, was not. It certainly needed a second act in order to feel complete and satisfying. There were multiple plot threads set up that never reached conclusions, and the show literally ends as 3 of the characters are all roped into the 4th's secret scheme for personal success. If you want to know where that scheme goes and if any of the characters will achieve their goals, you'll be sorely disappointed. That being said, the actors gave their absolute all and shined on stage with what they were given. Overall, the show was extremely entertaining, but felt unfinished.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Greek mythology, like creative staging, enjoy opera-style shows, and like brassy, soulful music.

Don't see it if you would rather avoid shows making political statements about capitalism.

Also I would just like to note that the song "Why We Build the Wall" was written by Anaïs Mitchell in 2010 and was not meant as a direct criticism of Donald Trump's policies, despite it being particularly haunting today.... Read more Read less

See it if you like cleverly minimal casting and set usage, like dark comedy, or enjoy the intimate feel of black box theatre.

Don't see it if you want to see flashy sets and costumes or large casts. There are bright lights and dense fog, so don't see if those cause discomfort.

See it if you are a fan of the original book as the play holds close to the plot. Also if you like shows that have both quiet and intense moments.

Don't see it if slurs, racial tensions, and sex crimes make you uncomfortable. Also if you aren't interested in shows with a political undercurrent.

See it if you enjoy Shakespearian plays, shows done in-the-round, and simple staging.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy productions where classic roles are gender-swapped or want to see something flashy.

Also I saw the production with a male Ophelia and female Hamlet and it was absolutely phenomenal. I highly recommend seeing the show this way if you have the opportunity to do so.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy shows that have relatable characters in unique situations, "supervillain" plots, or ensemble dance numbers.

Don't see it if you don't like innuendo, teen dramedy, sci-fi, or you are incredibly attached to the original score and will not appreciate lyrical edits.

Also The biggest changes from the original show that I noticed were to "Pitiful Children," which now focuses mostly on Christine, and "Upgrade," which broadens the scope from just Christine, Jake, Jeremy, and Brooke to all of the characters in the show. There were a couple more minor dialogue and lyric changes here and there, but those were not nearly as noticeable. The addition of "Loser Geek Whatever" was definitely welcome and was quite well recieved by the audience as a whole.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy the original storyline of Pretty Woman, don't mind a bit of raunchy humor, and like romantic comedies.

Don't see it if you want something super family-friendly or are not one for romances. TW: There's a brief scene depicting the lead-up to sexual violence

See it if you enjoy creative sets and costumes as well as the retelling of folklore.

Don't see it if you want elaborate sets or costumes. Also if you are not a fan of love stories.

See it if you enjoy Shakespeare or drunken shenanigans. It's a fun night filled with unpredictable hilarity and booze - a must see!

Don't see it if you prefer serious performances, elaborate costumes, and fancy sets. Avoid completely if you don't like being a part of the show.

Also Went for my 21st birthday, and it was definitely a memorable night!

See it if you enjoy creative sets and costumes, like intense acting, or want to see a show with themes that still resonate with the audience today

Don't see it if you cannot handle discussions of sex, sexuality, terminal illness, or death.

Also I saw both Part 1 (1:00 p.m.) and Part 2 (7:00 p.m.) on the same day.

See it if you want to see an extremely relatable and emotional show that will hit home.

Don't see it if you cannot handle the topic of teen suicide.

Also I saw this production with the role of Connor Murphy played by Ben Levi Ross.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoyed the original TV show, enjoy flashy sets and costumes, or want to enjoy laugh-filled, family-friendly entertainment.

Don't see it if you want a more serious theatre experience.

Also I saw this production with the roles usually played by Brandon Espinoza played by Alex Gibson.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of the original movie, like raunchy humor, or want to see something funny with an uplifting ending.

Don't see it if if you want to see something complex and subtle, or you are put off by sexual humor or stereotype jokes.

Also I saw this production with the role of Janis Sarkisian played by Tee Boyich.... Read more Read less

See it if you prefer story over flashy visuals, enjoy seeing the band on stage, and like "classic showtunes".

Don't see it if you would like to see something visually dazzling or don't enjoy mentions of violence.

See it if you like historical fiction, enjoy grand scenes and elaborate costumes, and enjoy romance.

Don't see it if you would like to see a show grounded in historical fact, or prefer physical setpieces as most of the sets are on screens.

See it if you want a good laugh about relationship drama and married life.

Don't see it if you enjoy linear plotlines, deep plots, and complex humor.

See it if you like elaborate sets, rock music, child actors, and the original School of Rock movie.

Don't see it if you don't like child actors, you want a deep and thought-provoking script, or don't enjoy rock music.

Also All of the children play their own instruments and absolutely OWN them. Kudos to these talented little rockers!... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in true accounts/historical pieces, enjoy ensemble soundtracks, and like actors playing multiple roles.

Don't see it if you want elaborate sets and costumes, prefer solos over ensembles, like actors playing one role only, or don't like historical accounts.

See it if you enjoyed Henrik Ibsen's classic, have strong feminist opinions, or like updated takes on old works.

Don't see it if you want an extravagant performance, elaborate sets, or an easygoing theatre experience.

See it if you enjoy smashing gender stereotypes, catchy Cyndi Lauper music, and shows that get the audience amped up.

Don't see it if you don't like shows that explore drag and the LGBT+ community or painfully fake British accents.