Jodi 13

See it if See well acted ensemble piece about finding redemption thru sandwich prep, finding way through life after prison. Quick funny banter.

Don't see it if You don’t want to travel to NJ but the play is worth the trip. If you would be disturbed by hateful tattoos, specifically a swastika

Also The hate tattoos of one character are referenced in the dialogue, but the specific meanings of his tattoos are not. For me, I found the swastika particularly hard to see and contradictory on a character that did not appear hateful. Some theater goers may have issues with this unexpected visual.... Read more Read less

See it if Fan of Rent, to hear Rapp sing & tell story of Rent & J. Larson from his perspective, along with soul-baring telling of personal loss.

Don't see it if Not a fan of Rent or the music of Rent. Don’t like personal soul-baring retrospective story-telling. Can’t bear stories of loss of mother.

Also Great stage presentations of photos including old pix of Larson and cast of Rent.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a classic Sondheim musical with a great score and a great cast in an intimate off-broadway theater.

Don't see it if You are not a Sondheim fan, prefer bigger, splashier musicals in big theaters, you might get confused by the scenes in reverse order.

See it if you are interested in a play based on a real life connection between Warhol & Basquiat in 1980's NYC. Great acting performances

Don't see it if You are not interested in art, the artists, personalities Warhol & Basquiat, their meeting/relationship, the 1980's NYC art scene and events

Also Includes plot points of police brutality and racism affecting the protagonists during that time.... Read more Read less

See it if to see interesting play about experiences of Chinese immigrants to US during Chinese Exclusion Act, 2 great female characters,

Don't see it if Balances scenes of immigration interrogations w/ personal & family conversational dialogue. Would like to have seen more family interaction

See it if For a stark reminder that no matter how long Jews live in a place and think they belong, they/we are still the others/the Jews

Don't see it if You are anti-Semitic or holocaust denier, but maybe then you should. Can be hard to follow so many characters through time. U need a comedy

Also Using the provided family tree helped bring perspective of the relationships after the play. The playbill cast list also specifies each character’s identity.... Read more Read less

See it if to see classic musical using non-traditional casting women, trans, non-binary actors to play founding fathers. Interest in American history

Don't see it if You have no interest to learn about events of signing Declaration of Independence from a musical. Prefer traditional casting of male actors

See it if Great cast, interesting character driven plot and dialogue with family and racial themes, combines funny moments within serious storyline

Don't see it if You aren’t interested in contemporary drama dealing with themes of family and race, you are offended by sexual behavior onstage.

See it if U are a Fiddler fan - get a new perspective; classic show of family, love, faith, traditions kept and traditions broken, beautiful & joyous

Don't see it if You don’t care for the classic show, don’t like shows in other languages or to rely on supertitle translations, you prefer bigger production

Also Although I needed to read the translations to understand the dialogue, familiarity with the movie and previous productions of the show helped to lessen the reliance on the supertitles. Hearing it in Yiddish seemed to bring the characters more to life and enhanced the feelings brought about by their plight. Unfortunately in terms of anti-semitism, the show remains relevant and tragically prescient... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy non-stop humor, slapstick, w/ thin story serving to move along the comedy and silliness onstage. You want a fun, entertaining time

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy slapstick comedy, want musical or play with an actual character driven plot/story. If 2 hours of slapstick is too long for.

Also Although a lot of fun, it was a little too much of a good thing, could have been a little shorter to leave me wanting more.... Read more Read less

See it if Doyle directed musical, themes of love, art, friendship, guilt about sexual identity. You believe “you just have to love who you love.”

Don't see it if You prefer bigger & flashier productions; This is intimately staged. You have difficulty with LGBTQ themes. Otherwise, see it if you can.

Also I was lucky to win the TodayTix lottery. It can happen to you if you try.... Read more Read less

See it if Series of short plays relating events, memories & experiences from the year of covid. Explores events personal & shared, political & social.

Don't see it if You cannot relive turmoil experienced during covid. Plays touch on illness, loss, isolation, BLM protests of police killings. Too long 3+hrs

Also Very worthwhile to see and experience, short plays and songs with cast playing multiple roles, the playwright performing as herself. I was reminded of collective experiences that I had forgotten. I liked the intimacy of the Joe’s Pub theater setting. Many of the seats are wooden chairs and uncomfortable for such a long play. Nice to be able to have a drink/bite to eat.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see blossoming of young love/lust in the context of Nazi indoctrination and the seduction of fascism in pre WW2 Long Island

Don't see it if You want a more fully formed story that fulfills the promise of it’s topic. Based on a real camp, I hoped for more enlightenment & context.

Also During a talk back with the playwright and director after this early preview, it was stated this is a work in progress and many changes will be coming. Hopefully it will quicken the pace of the play and provide increased context and information about the various plot points of what was happening at this camp.... Read more Read less

See it if You would enjoy a fable-like story about a girl who rises from poverty using her story-telling skills, forming relationships as she evolves.

Don't see it if You don’t understand Spanish & don’t want to use electronic translation device. Use of device was awkward, diverting attention from stage.

Also The staff helped attach the device in front of the seat. Watching the translations on the device caused me to miss action, facial expressions, and visuals present on the stage during dialogue and story-telling. The device seemed to miss translation of some of the dialogue; audience would be laughing at times, and I was unsure of why. I did get most of what was going on and enjoyed the performance.... Read more Read less

See it if Intimate musical about teen in a dysfunctional family dealing w/ serious medical issue. Serious topics treated with humor. Victoria Clark!!

Don't see it if You prefer big flashy shows. You don’t like mixing of serious medical and family ithemes with sometimes goofy comic scenes, tho very funny.

Also I saw and enjoyed this off-Broadway. Seeing it again, this time on Broadway, my appreciation for its entertainment value has increased. I didn’t find the musical score more than okay. Performances were wonderful.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see the classic Shaw play updated and set in Harlem in the 1920’s Pleasant and entertaining theater experience

Don't see it if You don’t appreciate classic plays or modernized re-telling of classic plays, are not a fan of Shaw. The acting is uneven.

See it if To see moving & raw portrayal of people with physical disabilities building trusting relationships with caregivers who have their own issues

Don't see it if Depiction of people w/ disabilities too emotional or intense for you, though there are humorous interactions. You prefer a light comedy.

Also Beautiful portrayals of physically disabled characters by actors with similar disabilities.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy liberal leaning political comedy, enjoy stand-up comedy. Are fine with anti-Trump & anti-Republican jokes, fun night out.

Don't see it if You don’t like political humor, need a break from politics, are a Trump fan, prefer an actual play, don’t enjoy stand-up comedy shows

Also The comics were funny and each had their own shticks. Audience appeared to be ideologically similar and politically aware to “get” the jokes I was concerned it might be a night of continuous Trump bashing, however, there was plenty of humor directed at other relevant topics and issues.... Read more Read less

See it if To see new Arbery play, to see these actors in character driven play, quirky people talking about feelings, relationships & past experiences

Don't see it if If you want a cohesive plot driven play. Plot is thin with more talk than action. Don’t want to hear people talk about their feelings.

See it if You want an entertaining theater experience, you would be amused w/ contemporary rework of Hamlet as a queer back man inc. zany moments.

Don't see it if You don’t appreciate modern retelling of classic plays, you want to see a more serious play, and don’t like actors breaking 4th wall.

See it if Excellent performances in Pulitzer Prize winning play. Moving depiction of trauma induced by sexual assault/pedophilia/incest in a family.

Don't see it if If you cannot handle the topic of the grooming and sexual assault of child/teen by family member. Uncomfortable to watch as it should be.

Also Disturbing topic but very well done and interesting non-linear story using driving as a metaphor.... Read more Read less

See it if To see energetic, lavish show about Love, if you ❤️ the movie, enjoy hearing familiar songs and mashups used cleverly to establish plot.

Don't see it if Thin plot of boy/courtesan/Duke triangle close to but tweaked from the movie, if you prefer an original score/don’t like jukebox musicals

See it if You want to sit back and be entertained, you want to laugh

Don't see it if You are offended by making fun of religion, you are offended by raunchy situations and use of profanity esp. regarding religious themes.

Also I am not a South Park fan, and I found this show to be very funny and entertaining.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a play that explores themes of racism, love, historical laws against inter-racial relationships, that informs and makes you think.

Don't see it if You want a play that is light, funny, doesn’t require thought. You don’t want racial themes with historical basis.

See it if Fan of Makeba and her music, great jazz and African singing, more like a concert than play, incorporates flashbacks to her life experiences

Don't see it if Uninterested in life and music of Makeba, don’t like political activism themes, you want a linear story/plot, this is more like a concert

See it if You’re a theater fan who will “get” jokes about Bdwy musicals and Bdwy stars, you have ever stage-doored, enjoy quick, snappy dialogue,

Don't see it if You’re unfamiliar w/ or uninterested in the Bdwy or NY theater scene, bothered by gay themes, drag performances, unfamiliar w/ Idina Menzel.

See it if You want to see a one woman monologue, tour de force performance using minimal staging, movement, and props. Fan of James Joyce.

Don't see it if You don’t like one person steam of consciousness monologue performances. Sensual/sexual descriptions disturb you.

See it if you would like a play about dysfunctional family dealing w/ a health crisis needing family choices; family secrets; surprising plot twists

Don't see it if You don't care for dysfunctional family story dealing with serious issues, Story is somewhat cliched. Lots of arguing and accusations.

See it if you enjoy creative musicals that use humor to deal with serious/sad themes; fan of Sarah S. or Bebe N., enjoy funny musical numbers.

Don't see it if want musicals 2 b serious OR funny; don't like themes of chilldhood trauma & depression; raunchy language used by adults & kids disturbs u.

Also The child performances are great; the adults and kids use profanity and tell "dirty" jokes.... Read more Read less

See it if If you loved the movie (it is pretty faithful,) have good memories of bungalow colony summers, for very talented lead actress performance.

Don't see it if You want a more cohesive story-there is a lot going on. You want a more consistent score-some songs are great, some songs are just okay.

Also I really love the sets. Some beautiful stage scenery. Jackie Burns is excellent. The actress who plays the daughter has one breakout song showing off her talent.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a thoughtful and intense musical about a serious topic, be touched by the ultimately hopeful story and the memorable score.

Don't see it if you prefer to see a fluffy musical comedy, don't want to see a show dealing with teen angst, suicide, family issues, and life lessons.

See it if you enjoy farce and physical comedy, would like to laugh and enjoy a couple hours being entertained by very funny actresses in a funny play.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy farce, you are easily offended by profanity, "dirty" words, discussions of sexual acts played for laughs.

See it if If you want to see a musical about a dysfunctional family that combines humor and tragic themes, you are a fan of Victoia Clark-she's great!

Don't see it if You like musicals 2 b serious/tragic OR comedy; this one finds humor in serious themes. You can't accept plot of older actress as teen girl.

See it if You are a Sondheim fan & want to see one of his musicals done with excellent cast in intimate setting. You find this dark subject intriguing

Don't see it if You aren't a Sondheim fan, don't like dark historical pieces, don't want to see portrayal of assassinations or guns/gunshots on stage.

See it if You are interested in a musical based on old indie movie about immigration and personal relationships. Nice music. Fun drum performances.

Don't see it if You want a bigger, showy musical, you want musical comedy with a happy ending. Not interested in issue of immigration.

Also I remember the movie fondly and I believe this show stayed true to the original story.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a profound theater experience, first person telling of a horrific kidnapping/hostage experience as lip synced by aterrific actress.

Don't see it if You don't like one person plays, you want happy plays, you do not want to hear the first person recounting of a terrifying experience.

See it if are a fan of Wallace Shawn, his story-telling writing style, or of Lily Taylor. Like one-person political socio-economic themed monologues.

Don't see it if you want linear a story. This is non-linear and meandering. You don't like didactic writing, or are not a fan of Shawn's playwriting.

See it if You would like a 2-3 person play about relationships, immigration and dreams of the future. Minimalist set. Smart/interesting writing style

Don't see it if You want to see a funny/happy play. This play is intense. You don’t like intimate theater productions.

See it if Well acted story of 3 generations of women dealing w/ depression & suicide, experimental/intriguing staging of 3 stories told at once

Don't see it if Sad theme; you would be frustrated not hearing every word, unable to focus as 3 stories play out simultaneously; you want easier theatre

Also It started out confusing, but got used to the simultaneous dialogue, learned where to focus, could hear everyone, interesting to figure out the puzzle of who these women were and how they were connected. Worth the time and focus.... Read more Read less

See it if to see the Frankenstein story told in original/creative way, great performance esp. actress as creature/Dr. F., enjoy live atmospheric music

Don't see it if would not like intimate, minimalist staging w/ 2 actors. This is mostly performance art + monologues telling tale w/ some 2 actor dialogues

See it if To see a well written play that is touching & funny about the feelings & struggles of Palestinian people trying to fulfill a dream.

Don't see it if You don't like family dramas, don't want to hear from the perspective of Palestinian citizens,

Also I would like to see the play developed and given an actual run.

See it if you are a Busch fan, to see his new work, campy, purposely over the top acting, great cast, you enjoy great costumes, wigs & 30's movies

Don't see it if You are not a Busch fan, don't like drag performance, don't find camp funny or enjoyable, it's a little cliched, could be shortened

See it if you would enjoy learning about history of alcohol & drinking in a fun & informative way; to laugh, to try some new drinks, enjoy science

Don't see it if You want serious theater, don't enjoy campy musical entertainment, don't drink & no interest in learning the history & science of alcohol.

See it if To see well acted story dealing w moral complexities of guilt, truth, conscience, mob rule, gossip; great use of grand scale sets & staging

Don't see it if You want a more intimate piece; you don't want to think about issues of conscience and morality; you want a lighter story or fluff.

See it if you want to see an interesting, well written play dealing with themes of interracial couples, sex, and history of slavery; like plot twists.

Don't see it if you don't like plays dealing with racial themes, frank racial & sexual language, sexual scenes and imagery. Some slow & talky scenes.

See it if you are a fan of David Byrne/Talking Heads, hear great music in a concert-like, well choreographed theater piece, dance & bop in your seat.

Don't see it if You are not a fan of DB/TH or the music, you want a traditional play/musical with plot/story line, you don't want to hear his political view

See it if To see Peter Dinklage on stage, fine acting, talented cast, if you love the story, you are a fan of The National--the music is pretty.

Don't see it if you want a lighter play, you want classic/no music Cyrano with big nose, not a fan of Peter Dinklage, music is nice but not exceptional.

See it if To see well acted play, perspective of gay black men living with HIV, dealing with relationships & fears. Creative storytelling & staging.

Don't see it if you want light story, are averse to plays with gay & HIV themes, sexuality, raw language. You want linear story. Don't like 4th wall break.

Also Actors address and involve the audience, staging is surreal, play themes are intense, story can be didactic but I learned something.... Read more Read less

See it if Modern telling of the myth, intimate space, 4 performers tell, act, sing the tale. Clever narrative, use of classic & mostly original songs

Don't see it if You like larger, flashier shows, want classic telling of myths, do not like audience participation/sing-a-long, no interest in O & E story.

See it if To see a fine actors portraying artists responding in varied ways to rise of Hitler in 30's Germany, analogous to current political climate.

Don't see it if you don't like long talky plays, not interested in themes of Nazi rise, Fascism & Communism. You would rather escape politics for awhile.