meccentric

See it if you’re willing to do work and are willing to give up narrative ease for a vicarious experience.

Don't see it if you’re sleepy. If you're going to immediately assume monotone delivery isn't intentional or is "bad acting."

Also at the precise moment that I thought “I don’t know if this is working” it started working. And really working. This is the strongest acting ensemble of the year. About a dozen really fierce, dazzlingly committed, yet elegant acting highlights.... Read more Read less

See it if you’d like to see the theatrical baby of What the Constitution Means to Me and Hundred Days.

Don't see it if you must have theatrical conventions.

See it if you love and expect realism and respectability.

Don't see it if you’re looking for something more than old-people-have-sex-too the sitcom.

Also it’s a shame talents like Michael Urie and Ashley Park can’t be fully showcased here. Characters are all entirely one-dimensional.... Read more Read less

See it if you like the total reframing of classical archetypes/don’t take things too seriously/you enjoyed what Simon Stone did with Yerma.

Don't see it if you know how this ends and can’t bear to see it.

Also this worked even better than Yerma for me. Yerma’s staging was more grand, perhaps making it more of "an event," but this script did a better job of reframing and modernizing its central character (Medea) as an archetype. Cannavale was reliably strong, but Byrne was a total revelation. The event of the season so far, for me.... Read more Read less

See it if you like skillfully written, plot-driven drama.

Don't see it if you can’t stand the conventional, formulaic, and/or predictable.

Also dynamite, unforgettable performance by Edmund Donovan.

See it if you’re in the area and able to rush.

Don't see it if no reason not to.

Also in New York City, it’s extremely rare for acting to be a noticeable detractor, but here it is. Dialect work and acting in general feels labored and under-rehearsed aside from Martin and Lachanze. Warchus’s staging is so terrific that it still manages to be a memorable and magical outing.... Read more Read less

See it if you like The Crucible and enjoy a happy medium between fresh and traditional.

Don't see it if you can’t sit through a three hour play.

Also I love the aesthetic of the on stage chairs (which I was so privileged to sit in), but bring a cushion.

There are a couple acting and directing missteps, but the hits hit so hard that I'm sure I'll only remember the positive. The on stage action was engaging throughout.... Read more Read less

See it if you’re open to see any adaptation of this classic/want to see Dinklage live.

Don't see it if you have high standards for new musicals.

Also Dinklage is an excellent actor, competent singer. The underscoring for the book scenes is quite effective. The music otherwise feels unnecessary.... Read more Read less

See it if late 00’s sitcoms are where you live.

Don't see it if you’re hoping for something sharp.

Also there’s a fascinating and illuminating commentary on the incompatibility of capitalism and art (albeit a toxic artist) in here but it’s hiding underneath an over-directed, indicative, and "palatable" production that strangled the life out of its playwright and cast almost the same way that Rodriguez’s character does to Esparza’s. And lets not even mention the magical race trope at play here.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in experiencing foreign culture via theatre. If you’re interested in pure theatre as artistic expression.

Don't see it if you are particularly sensitive and/or triggered by hyper realistic depictions of sexual violence.

Also I wept throughout this piece, sometimes inexplicably. The acting across the board had a magic quality to it; it was effortless, but also an astonishing feat to witness.

The staging was entrancing. Its use of multimedia never feels like a gimmick. The viewpoints-esque movement breaks were starkly different from the narrative, but their emotive quality was completely sound, thematically. The aesthetics of this production are as equally cathartic as the narrative. This is a real privilege to behold and if you're at all interested, I highly recommend it.... Read more Read less

See it if you cannot get enough of John Doyle’s organic staging.

Don't see it if you, like me, have seen dozens of productions of this text and want to see something daring and fresh.

See it if you love old-fashioned super roles for actresses.

Don't see it if you are a plot person, not a theme person.

Also while the young lovers are painfully underwhelming, Tomei is dynamic and luminous. Her performance keeps the evening clipping along and never loses touch with the audience.... Read more Read less

See it if you're East Asian.

Don't see it if you're the worst.

Also I'm East Asian and I wish it were better.

There's a lot of potential here and quite a few individual moments that are brilliant, but as a whole, something about this doesn't quite connect. The majority of the satire worked for me, it was when Hwang's book became overtly heartfelt that I felt a disconnect.

Quibbles aside, seeing the all-Asian ensemble enter dancing, backed by a 21 piece orchestra brought me to tears. Seeing them perform in white-face (though they seemed to perform black-stereotypes at certain moments which is...whew) felt right. I'm so very happy this show exists and will likely see it again since Ricamora was out. Billy Bustamante was splendid though.... Read more Read less

See it if educational theater and real-life political intrigue is of interest to you.

Don't see it if narrative drama is a necessity.

Also powerhouse performance from Emily Davis. Should be nominated for awards.... Read more Read less

See it if you love literature, love plays, are a writer, like Mary Louise Parker, are an adult.

Don't see it if you can only secure rear mezzanine seats and you are 7 feet tall.

See it if you have any interest in theater practice or expanding your mind’s vision of what theater can be.

Don't see it if you’re willfully ignorant.

Also Dionysus, Brecht, Shakespeare, and Olivier are smiling on this one.

A NOTE IF YOU'RE ATTENDING: a "proper" curtain call occurs after the initial "bow." Don't bother wearing yourself out with clapping as the cast exits the space. They have made their playing space sacred and yes, they must exit that way; no need to get impatient with your western eyes. And please don't leave during the curtain call. This will all make sense once you're there. Enjoy!... Read more Read less

See it if you like plays about the human experience.

Don't see it if you can't sit through a three hour play or can't stomach graphic, unfettered nudity. Or, if you cannot follow an unsympathetic protagonist.

Also everything about this worked for me. Yes, our protagonist is terrible, but I don't think Letts is letting him off the hook at all, he's constantly indicting him. I do understand that walking around in his shoes for three hours is quite uncomfortable and I don't begrudge anyone who couldn't bear it.... Read more Read less

See it if you love Joshua Henry vocals like I do.

Don't see it if you’re looking for something logical and plot driven.

Also the narrative is an absolute mess, major plot points are unintentionally funny, characters are barely even archetypes, not even remotely human.

Henry, of course, is more than worth the cost of admission. That he doesn’t have multiple Tony Awards to his name is astonishing. In fact, if someone offered me a free ticket, I could be persuaded to see this again with the mindset that I'm at a Joshua Henry concert.... Read more Read less

See it if you’re dying to see the complete cycle.

Don't see it if you struggle with patience.

Also I come to this having enjoyed Sojourners and loved Her Portmanteau. I was invested in Abasiama and Disciple as characters and yet, I found both of these plays unforgivably tedious. The first 30 minutes of runboyrun are essentially silent housekeeping and only the last 15 minutes held my interest. In Old Age could’ve been 30 minutes.... Read more Read less

See it if you can.

Don't see it if would you honestly pass this up if you had the chance?

Also I heard “it felt like a community theatre production” numerous times as I walked out of the Delacorte. Newsflash to you all: it is. And honestly, that's its biggest strength.

Unfortunately, the new material is impotent, forgettable fluff.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy solo shows.

Don't see it if you're prude.

Also West End production, Wyndham's Theatre, August 2019.

See it if a live production of Coriolanus is on your bucket list.

Don't see it if you're not into theater, especially Shakespeare.

Also Kate Burton drags this across the finish line. Sullivan attempts to let this direct itself, when this text begs for a deep dive when it's in front of a contemporary audience.... Read more Read less

See it if you are okay with heavy themes of LGBT justice.

Don't see it if you’re sick of the “consequences” of homosexuality on stage and in media.

Also the opposing forces in this story are boldly drawn as irreparably good and evil. That’s not to say that this kind of Christianity isn’t ever-present in Uganda and throughout the world, but I imagine (and felt, sitting among them) many New York audiences are looking for a narrative more advanced and nuanced than “gay is okay” vs. "kill them" illustrated with unbearable trauma and irrational characters.

All that aside, this is a solid and moving play. Strong moments of levity, good dialogue, and Blankson-Wood is terrific.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy solo shows.

Don't see it if you don’t enjoy solo shows.

Also the script doesn’t hit its stride until a little past the halfway point, but Cale’s youthful earnestness sells it and guides it to a devastating climax that will invariably produce tears for anyone with a heart.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a person living in the United States.

Don't see it if you are completely opposed to tearing down theatrical conventions to prove a point.

Also this is the first time I've left the theater physically shaken. I was trembling, chills throughout my entire body, long after I had left the theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you like classic music theatre.

Don't see it if you will be outraged at book revisions.

Also David Aron Damane as JJ is the standout. He has a remarkable baritone.

See it if you are open to a thematic destructuring of the classic.

Don't see it if you’re unwilling to engage with silence and minimalism.

Also Rob Morrison’s on stage scoring was brilliant. Stephanie Berry also gives one of the season’s best performances. It’s a shame this isn’t playing on a college campus where it would be embraced. My matinee audience mostly refused to engage.... Read more Read less

See it if you have an open mind. Are a patron of theatre with an ‘re.’

Don't see it if you are a prude, stubborn, and pessimistic traditionalist.

Also police brutality and 21st century tribalism are the star here and it works seamlessly. Bleak staging is wonderfully fresh and effective. Choreography is modern and dazzling. Powell's acting through song is astonishing.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see this rarely produced text and a terrific Kathryn Hunter performance.

Don't see it if you typically find Shakespeare difficult.

See it if you love Hnath and/or would like to see something suspenseful.

Don't see it if you don't like to be startled.

See it if you’re troubled by the question “what is an appropriate way to tell a specifically black story?”

Don't see it if you are unreasonably frightened by the bucking of theatrical conventions

See it if six hours of the subject matter has you intrigued.

Don't see it if you've set out to hate it. No need to spend six hours watching something you've already made your mind up about.

Also The Inheritance is far from perfect. In fact it's far from even deserving its whispered comparisons to Angels in America.

Kushner's Fantasia on Gay Themes it is not. What it is, is a deeply flawed, but earnest character study. It is not a generation-defining, important work, but it is a uniquely personal and vulnerable work. It doesn't need to be nearly as long (and self-referential) as it is to address the social themes it sets out to address, but none of the time spent developing the principle characters is wasted and the unanimous sniffling of the audience is evidence; even if there's some manipulation at play. Script aside, Daldry's direction is dazzling and consistently elevates the material.

Even if one (for good reason) doesn't like this play, sitting amongst an audience of New Yorkers, many (seemed to be the majority at my performance) over the age of 60, through the Part 1 finale is a sacred experience. One of the more sacred of my life.... Read more Read less

See it if you like the film or spectacle musicianship.

Don't see it if you are hoping for something deeply complex or moving.

See it if you’re invested in Edouard Leon.

Don't see it if you don’t like a break in theatrical conventions.

Also after learning of this companion piece to History of Violence’s existence, I had to see it immediately. While it filled in many gaps and I find the author very interesting, it’s not nearly as exciting as a piece of theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy the Bard. Pretty simple.

Don't see it if you...don’t like the Bard.

See it if you are okay with non-narrative, thematically tied vignettes.

Don't see it if you must see narrative.

Also it would be a shame to miss your opportunity to hear Sasha Allen's world class (hell, universe class) voice in such a small space.... Read more Read less

See it if you are intrigued by the dark and kooky premise.

Don't see it if you'd be triggered by an abortion on stage. Not to be messed around with.

Also a period piece set in 2008 made me feel older than I cared to, but the political metaphor therein was rad.... Read more Read less

See it if you like big ideas, philosophy, theater at its Greek-est.

Don't see it if you can’t stay engaged in a plotless, intense character study.

Also having grown up in an extremely religious household and attending a religious university, this was unbearably close to home. Brilliant, heavy writing; spectacular acting.... Read more Read less

See it if you love Borle and/or Groff and are fine with paying exorbitant fare for the most ordinary of stagings.

Don't see it if you feel that the problematic racial dynamics of this material has to be addressed.

Also I realized mid-way through that I'd rather see a production that takes more risks with less-skilled performers than this all-star cast in the safest possible staging. Still a lovely night out though.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see a short play with some social themes of multi-cam, sitcom quality.

Don't see it if you want a robust and extremely deep examination of interracial, queer families in American suburbs.

Also the script needed much more workshopping. One character pays another to use a work bathroom to collect their feces...something they certainly could've done at home. One character pays another character for "lessons" that entail listening to Lauryn Hill on shared headphones as if the internet doesn't exist.

Contrivances aside, it was watchable and entertaining the whole way through. Some of the cultural references (Annie Hall) are quite witty. Particularly endearing performances from Crystal Finn and Javier Munoz.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy powerhouse acting/haven’t seen any other Zeller plays.

Don't see it if you didn’t enjoy The Father or The Mother.

Also Pryce is magnificent; Tony-worthy work. An actress of Atkins' caliber and prestige deserves a better showcase. The play is shockingly similar to The Father, it’s just slightly more digestible. In any case, it’s a privilege to see two British treasures in New York City.... Read more Read less

See it if you strongly believe in freedom of expression, audience accountability and enjoy skilled solo performance.

Don't see it if you have any sensitivity depictions to suicide, self-harm, or sexual violence.

Also this could've been improved upon with a less tentative audience. I can imagine that putting this material up in front of American audiences may not have been as smooth as the creatives anticipated. Still, it's an impressive showcase of a remarkable actor-writer who I'm sure we'll be seeing more of.... Read more Read less

See it if you like kitschy musicals.

Don't see it if you're hoping for something profound.

Also this is the kind of show that's best performed by a group of your friends in a rented basement in a college town.

Jay Armstrong Johnson manages to entirely steal the show and just about justify the cost of admission.... Read more Read less

See it if you like to laugh/like intelligent conversation.

Don't see it if you are an anti-vaxer.

Also the intricacy of the foundation Gadsby builds in order to end the show with dozens of call-backs is absolutely astounding.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Pinter or any of the cast involved.

Don't see it if you don't like to engage.

Also deliciously acted and staged with Muji-level aesthetically pleasing minimalism.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy acting with a capital a.

Don't see it if you're not interested in a wordy story about a family fortune.

Also West End production, Picadilly Theatre, August 2019.

See it if you're into supporting a freshman playwright/or are interested in a young millenial story about faith/shame.

Don't see it if you're a snob.

Also one performer was so out of touch with the energy of the room, they nearly dragged the show down to the point of no return. They were playing to the back row of Carnegie Hall when the tiny venue appears to have less than 100 seats.

Collette Astle's appearance a little past the half-way point breathes life onto the stage and completely salvages the outing.

This is a nice first script. It's very short and seems to intentionally leave major narrative tent-poles open-ended. This could have been just a first act. I didn't need concrete narrative answers, but I would be interested to know more about certain characters' respective backgrounds. The dialogue is solid, but it needs a lot more biography.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a big fan of Feiffer's writing and/or extremely absurdist work.

Don't see it if you're easily annoyed.

Also I really have no idea what Feiffer was getting at here but the cast was committed and there were several really good laughs.... Read more Read less

See it if your absolute favorite celebrity is stunt cast into it.

Don't see it if you have the opportunity to see any other show.

See it if you are interested in a new frontier in musical theatre form, queer representation, black representation, or autobiographical work.

Don't see it if you’re a prude or your empathy is off.