Julian 8249

See it if you like Company XIV, aren't uncomfortable with burlesque style shows, or just want to have a good time

Don't see it if gender bending, scantily clad performers, or you are expecting the traditional Nutcracker

Also Company XIV never fails to put on a good show and the ambience is always top notch. I brought friends and told them nothing about what they were walking into and they loved it.... Read more Read less

See it if you like the music of Alanis Morissette, and/ or enjoy relevant formulaic musicals

Don't see it if you didn't like Rent or Dear Evan Hansen, don't care for the Jagged Little Pill album

Also I went in with low expectations, but this pleasantly entertained me. A few things struck me out of place and I felt could use tweaking. I went with a non theater friend and he enjoyed it. Singing was a bit uneven and the pace felt rushed at many points.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy plays that are outside the box and complex

Don't see it if critic bait and plays that are outrageous just to be outrageous entertain you

Also I enjoy complex and thought provoking pieces but this was too outside the box for me. The message and complexity is strong, but the presentation to me was sloppy. Had there been an intermission, I probably would have walked out... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Tina Turner, or are interested in her bio

Don't see it if you don't like Tina Turner, jukebox musicals are your thing, you are disinterested in Tina Turner bio

Also I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Felt a bit rushed with a lot of background but it finishes strong... Read more Read less

See it if You are open to an abstract production and are not afraid to interact

Don't see it if You want a direct performance or feel uncomfortable with participating

Also This is a very smart piece with a lot more potential. The beginning felt a bit clunky to me, but once it gained momentum I was very engaged. Ultimately, I left in good spirits and very reflective on today's social landscape.... Read more Read less

See it if You like rom coms, want to laugh, and enjoy queer theater.

Don't see it if Watching queer dating in modern times isn’t for you.

Also This show is funny, relevant, and relatable and I truly enjoyed it. My only comment is that a few lines felt a bit dated, And the scene of various “profiles” could have been condensed.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of Beetlejuice or just want to have a fun time.

Don't see it if You don't like the Beetlejuice plot, or typical musicals.

Also I enjoyed this show and would recommend you go see it. My one criticism is the score is very camp musical and I think it could have benefited from a few macabre/ dark songs.... Read more Read less

See it if You want an experience and enjoy Jazz

Don't see it if You are expecting typical theater, this is immersive and less structured

Also The music speaks for itself, it's a fun time

See it if You enjoy R&H hits and are looking for an experience like The Hall of Presidents

Don't see it if You would like a complex production, it's a bit lacking. Great concept but a bit hard to sit through.

See it if You enjoy campy dark comedies.

Don't see it if You want something of substance or you require some wit and intelligence to your humor.

Also My tolerance for humor is pretty flexible, but this show was not for me. The story is outlandish and the jokes a little too punchy. I made it 3/4 of the way and had to walk out. The majority of the audience seemed to enjoy it, so it clearly wasn't the show for me.... Read more Read less

See it if You like classic musicals performed by a stellar cast.

Don't see it if You prefer modern broadway musicals. The book is dated but the music, choreography, and cast are not to be missed.

See it if You want a fun, feel good, catchy musical.

Don't see it if You want something serious.

Also There is some fine tuning needed, but overall an enjoyable show with lots of potential. It’s a bit formulaic and at times feels very “Dear Evan Hansen”, but a lot more relatable.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a unique take on the retelling of Alice's Adventure or enjoy Duncan Sheik's musical style.

Don't see it if You don't like typical musicals or dislike the tale of Alice.

Also This musical has great potential (Cast, Costumes, Music, Staging), except the book. My theater going pal and I left scratching our heads trying figure out what we just saw. The story doesn't seem to go anywhere and you never really connect with any of the characters.... Read more Read less

See it if You want an escape room style show and don't mind small spaces.

Don't see it if You want something that doesn't require you to interact or you can't let yourself go and immerse into the experience.

Also I enjoyed the concept, and at times it was entertaining. I'm not sure how to describe this, it's not an escape room, and it's not quite immersive theater. The other "audience" members really make the experience, unfortunately during my visit, I found one of the other audience members a bit brash and bossy. It can feel tedious or chaotic at times. Overall, it's a fun time, just not overly memorable.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a talented cast perform a relevant play with great singing.

Don't see it if You are uncomfortable with a gay character and the experiences he would confront in high school.

Also This a great play at face value but at its core it’s a complex and smart piece that will make you think and move you.... Read more Read less

See it if You want something light, funny, with a great story and feel good ending

Don't see it if You want something serious

Also The first few minutes in, I was worried I made a mistake and was going to hate the show, but it grew on me and by the end I loved it. Smart, funny, and great book.... Read more Read less

See it if You are comfortable with immersive theater, nudity, sex, and the plot line of a gay male escort.

Don't see it if You don't like immersive theater, nudity, sex, or the plot line of a gay male escort.

Also There are some really poignant parts and then some melodramatic parts where it would lose me. A bit more editing would do this piece well, but overall well performed and definitely worth seeing, if the subject matter interests you.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy variety shows and are a fan of either Ruben or Clay

Don't see it if You can't handle over the top camp or have no idea who Clay or Ruben are.

Also I went into this show with an open mind and open heart, but I didn't even make it to the end. I'm hoping the show felt clunky because it was the first night and they are still fine tuning. It's a cute show but fell flat for me and felt amateur.... Read more Read less

See it if You have an open mind and are interested in extrasensory perception.

Don't see it if You don’t like one man shows or are not open minded.

Also David is a natural story teller and you could definitely feel all the exchange of energies in the room. As the ad for this production claims, this is more than a show, it’s an experience.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy dramatic plays about family and also have a compassion and interest in immigrant stories.

Don't see it if You can't empathize with the plights of immigrants and want something fun and easy.

Also This is a complex and beautiful play that really left me with an impact. A bit predictable but what a great story and performance.... Read more Read less

See it if You like Cher, Jukebox Musicals, Great Costumes, or just want to have a good time.

Don't see it if You don't like Cher or Jukebox Musical.

Also I walked in expecting the worst and was pleasantly pleased. Tons of glitz, glamour, Cher songs, and eye candy (both Male and Female). It's a fun show with great costumes, singing, and dancing, centered around Cher's life.... Read more Read less

See it if If you like YA musicals and something that isn’t totally polished but pretty much there.

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy children singing or coming of age themes.

Also I really hope this makes it on the big stage. The book gets a little weak near the end, and I felt the moment of resolve was abrupt. Nonetheless, what a great show and great performers.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to feel involved in the story unfolding around you and can keep up with several characters

Don't see it if You don't like immersive theater, want a linear story, and all the information up front.

Also Alison is a dynamic character and her thorough research is admirable and lends itself to a truly unique experience.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a fun night of theater with a great cast. Michael Urie is charming, hilarious, and makes the play.

Don't see it if You don’t like drag, complicated relationships, or stories about the complexities of love.

See it if You enjoy historical plays and won't get bored with the story of Joan of Arc. The acting is great and story modernized.

Don't see it if You don't like historic pieces. It can feel a bit boring, especially if you already know the history of Joan.

Also The acting in this was superb and I enjoyed the modernization of context. I was expecting a bit more content regarding the bond of mother and daughter, given the title, but that doesn't change that it's a great play. Some of the facts are questionable, but overall, worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see a talented cast, perform a weak book, with great pop style music

Don't see it if you want something of substance, the plot is laughable and the pace and mood is all over the place

Also I think there is a lot of potential here, the music and choreography are great. I could even envision this becoming a bigger production. Very talented and able cast. Maybe a little more character development would have helped but I couldn't connect or feel for any of the characters. Likewise, their character personas didn't really come through to me. The pace felt very uneven, transitions rushed. Despite all this, if you can forgive book, I recommend seeing it.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy T. Williams plays, Marissa Tomei, or slow burn dramas

Don't see it if you want something new or relevant, don't like Williams style, or aren't able to put your mindset in a different time

Also I enjoyed this show and the staging was impressive. It's the lighter of all the Williams play, but of course, filled with all that southern drama. Conflicted on the Italian accents, but easily overlooked.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a play that examines humanity and relationships and want to lose yourself in a great emotional story that resonates

Don't see it if you feel uncomfortable with queer relationships/issues, need complex staging, or can't sit an a theater for longer than 2 hours

Also There is something very special about this play. It really captures the emotions of humanity. I still crave more, time escaped me and 3 hours flew by. I prefer Part 1 to Part 2, but they are both well written and performed.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy puzzles and magic

Don't see it if you are looking for a large scale production, this is fun, smart, and intimate

Also This is a great night out! Is it something you've never seen before, maybe not, but David Kwong has created a fun and engaging time to enjoy and evening out... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy immersive theater and can think outside the box

Don't see it if You are looking for grounded story and singular story line or do not immersive theater.

Also I found this piece enjoyable, but definitely in need of edits. I think the main storyline is strong on it's own, but I understand that in order to incorporate the message of "water" it requires the other story lines. The actors all did a great job. Some of the rooms felt a bit amateur and there is no AC (which is fine for the upcoming fall but it was a bit hot on my visit).... Read more Read less

See it if You want to have a fun time and enjoy immersive theater.

Don't see it if You don't like immersive theater, pop culture, or standing for the duration of a show.

Also This show is a lot smarter than it leads on. It can get a bit campy at times, but overall, it is well worth the experience.... Read more Read less

See it if You like pop music, burlesque, opera, ballet, all mixed in one great show.

Don't see it if You prefer a linear cohesive show, are easily shy or offended by gender bending, or sexualizes performances.

Also I didn't know what to expect going into this performance, but I assumed something more predictable. Instead I was pleasantly blown away and I'm usually not easily impressed. Every performer is extremely talented. The acts felt innovative and there was never a point in the show that I was not fully entertained. You are missing out if you don't go see this!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy plays that explore the complexities of relationships.

Don't see it if You feel uncomfortable with the concept of BDSM

Also I enjoyed this play on the surface, however, felt it could have dug a little deeper. It was nice to see a non binary lead.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy tense dramas, looking into a complicated relationship.

Don't see it if Toxic masculinity makes you uncomfortable or want a lighthearted play.

Also I found this play to be very moving and well performed. The ending probably could use some edits but overall a play worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see an entertaining play about the goodness of people.

Don't see it if You want something fluffy, it's a bit of dark comedy. It moves a bit slow as well, you never really know where it's going.

Also Not what I expected, slightly out of the box, slightly absurd, but well done.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a well acted play that touches on bullying and toxic masculinity.

Don't see it if you aren't interested in a play that deals with parents discussing the conflict between their children.

Also This play was well acted and the story was interesting. Unfortunately, it felt very predictable and unoriginal. Nonetheless, the story is very absorbing and the cast does a great job of keeping you reeled in.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a fun musical that's well performed and has the touch of Sodenheim

Don't see it if You want a serious musical with big staging. This is fun and well performed.

Also I wasn't familiar with the Original and came into this with an open mind and thought it was great.... Read more Read less

See it if You like one man shows and are there for the cast, not the content.

Don't see it if You want staging or a unique story.

Also Both performers do brilliantly but the content just wasn't fascinating. I didn't connect to either character/ piece. I also found the stories, predictable and cliche'.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a well written and performed play that is relevant and moving.

Don't see it if You want a light play, this is a serious play.

See it if You are looking for an experience and not a theatrical production .

Don't see it if You don’t like, for lack of a better term, structured improv.

Also This “play” is entertaining and unique, but felt gimmicky for me. I think the guest actor can definitely sway a person to enjoy it more or less, but considering you don’t know who it is until you walk in, it’s a total gamble.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see great staging of a familiar story.

Don't see it if You are familiar with the story and don't want to see it again.

Also Great acting by entire cast and I appreciated the small tweaks to dialogue making it more modern.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy one man shows that are masterfully performed and carefully balances heavy and light

Don't see it if You don't like one man shows or want something fluffy

See it if You enjoy modern music and historical fiction dramas.

Don't see it if You don't like modern music.

Also I've seen this show 3 times over the years and no matter the change in cast, there is still such an energy and delight to this show.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy dramatic plays centered on a gay male relationship

Don't see it if You want some thing lighthearted or without depth.

Also This play wasn't what I expected but I still enjoyed it and the cast does a great job.... Read more Read less

See it if You don't take theater too seriously and/or care about the book, the music, or choreo but want a fun experience with a cool Kong puppet.

Don't see it if You want a refined and well created musical. This is fun and campy, but not ironically.

Also I tried my best to give this show a fair review. I saw this in previews and walked out at intermission. Saw it a second time sat through the whole thing (after opening night- family was in town and wanted to see it). They loved it, but they aren't theater people. The puppet and staging is impressive. But a cohesive and well put together show- it is not. Also, what's with the techno music during the Kong scenes? Should you go see it? Yes- if you want a fun night out with some cool staging and puppet. Just don't break the bank doing it and go in not expecting a serious musical.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy pop music,drag shows, and are looking to just have fun.

Don't see it if You are looking for a serious show, you don’t like drag shows, or pop music.

Also When I heard the team behind Donkey Show had worked on this production, I was excited for it. Unfortunately, it fell flat for numerous reasons. The space wasn’t very conducive for the show and it just felt like a typical drag show combined with a cruise ship show. The cast is all very talented and does the best with material given.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a funny play with depth, satires, or the works of Kurt V.

Don't see it if You are uncomfortable with the portrayal of toxic masculinity

Also This is a fun play that has some very funny moments.

See it if You like cabaret style performances, you feel drained from our current social/ political environment, you believe in the good of the world

Don't see it if You are closed minded and don’t enjoy cabaret style performances

Also Jomama is a born storyteller... and she is here to make the world a better place.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a memoir style play with flashbacks.

Don't see it if You don't like a family drama or plays where the same actor plays different stages in the characters life.

Also I enjoyed this play overall, but I wish they had made a deeper connection with the theory of physics .... Read more Read less