MJRL

See it if You don’t want to miss an ambitious restaging of a Sondheim classic

Don't see it if You are not a fan of Sondheim, or the way his musicals can be more cerebral and less plot focused.

See it if you want the chance to see this many Broadway legends together on stage in a brilliant production.

Don't see it if you were expecting them to fully stage the show during the transfer, or if you need to see a show that is fully realized plot wise as well.

Also The show transfers just as beautifully, if not more so. All of the cast changes are wonderful, and perhaps even better. Brian D'Arcy James and Philippa Soo are wonderful.

The direction of the prince's still gets me laughing and is just as hilarious, and I am so excited getting to see Joshua Henry in the Role.

All of the costumes have been elevated for the Broadway production, and its wonderful getting to see the true star of the production again, Milky White.... Read more Read less

See it if you win the lottery. Free is free. Danai Gurira is masterful and is the ONLY reason to see this production

Don't see it if you would be bothered by the butchery of Shakespeare's text, bizarre direction choices, and anachronism

Also The entire production was undermined in the first ten seconds when the director decided to have Henry VI's murder by Richard reenacted on stage, and the prop dagger kept squeaking and rattling over and over directly into a body mic.

What I enjoyed about this production was Danai Gurira. They were clearly having a LOT of fun, and so I had fun watching them., and listening to them and the text. It is unfortunate that not many people were on par with them, and that the production itself did not stand up.

I did not know I could see a professional production of Shakespeare in which actors could butcher the text. It was so bland.

There was no build-up to the climax of the play. As each friend abandons Richard, his madness should intensify, building to nightmare and the battle, but there was absolutely none of that. And there was no battle. I see a Shakespeare history...and I would like to see a battle, but what we got was some weird waving of swords around. to bass... Read more Read less

See it if you love the music, love sondheim, want to see great performances.

Don't see it if you need a complex, fully thought out arc of a show, need to follow one thread.

See it if You are a fan of Alex Lawther, his Hamlet was BRILLIANT and by far the best thing about this production. Great understanding of the text

Don't see it if If you cannot sit through a 4 hour production of Hamlet, go see Fat Ham instead for a more concise,&better directed and designed production.

Also It has been less than a week and I am already editing my review in light of somehow seeing a more infuriating production of Shakespeare in the city. While I really do not understand the director's choices, and I feel like this play was an Ivo Van Hove knock-off, nor do I like much of the design elements in this play (definitely the WORST interpretation of the ghost I have ever seen), I am grateful for the acting, and the clear, masterful understanding of Shakespeare's words that most all of the actors had of this piece.

Alex Lawther truly gave one of my favorite performances by a Hamlet. There were some brilliant blocking choices, and if you are a fan of Shakespeare I would say, go and see it for his performance.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a masterful interpretation of Hamlet told by a Black queer perspective

Don't see it if you don’t like reinterpretation of Shakespeare, plays that break the fourth wall.

See it if You love beautiful singing, fantastic character work by two women playing all roles, a folk tale

Don't see it if You are expecting a full score or orchestra. You don’t like a capella musicals that use looping, untraditional narrative

See it if you like to see brilliant burlesque and circus acts told through the narrative of Adam and Eve and the 7 deadly sins

Don't see it if You don’t like nudity, or raunchy provocative performances that are definitely 21+, hate frankincense, and are looking for a play.

See it if you enjoy baseball, and want to see a play that includes someone talking about their love of baseball.

Don't see it if you can't stand baseball, you don't like plays that involve direct address/break the fourth wall, you don't like more serious topics/ nudity

See it if you like to be baffled, to think, and are able to interpret a more absurd style theatrical piece.

Don't see it if you need to see a show that lays everything out for you. That has a narrative plot. If you need a story to be literal.

See it if You love the film, want an evening of entertainment without having to think a lot about the material. Want to have a good time.

Don't see it if You hate the film. You don’t like musicals for pure fun.

Also I had an absolute blast seeing this musical. I think that there are some pieces that you can go see just for fun, and this is it. I went in thinking the doc really should be played by Roger Bart, and it was! The role is perfect for him.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a masterful performance by the two leads, Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga.

Don't see it if You hate non traditional staging, or if you expect Elizabethan Shakespeare.

Also The first thing I loved about this production is the ‘non hah’ interpretation of the witches.

While I don’t think that all of the new direction choices worked out, I really really enjoyed what I was seeing.

Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga were fully committed to this production; and they should absolutely be the reason that you see this play. They were in a league of their own, that unfortunately wasn’t matched by the ensemble of the play. It was like they were in a production of Macbeth, because they completely sold this barebones production, and they made me love it, but everyone else fell flat and I felt like they weren’t in Shakespeare.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a musical that is one you know will change the art form. You like powerful performances, & non traditional storytelling

Don't see it if You can’t handle tough/dark material presented on stage. You don’t like nonlinear musicals. You need a conclusive ending.

Also Wow. There was so much in this musical that I could relate to, it really hit home.

The only thing that I will say is that it was really hard to understand the lyrics in some group numbers.... Read more Read less

See it if You like history, and like the actors in the piece

Don't see it if You hate Hamilton, hate sung through musicals, you can’t handle a lot of information delivered at once by a lot of characters.

Also It’s unfortunate that this play will be compared to Hamilton non stop. While I really enjoyed the musical, and think that Grace McLean absolutely steals the show, the staging was boring and uninspiring. It’s also unfortunate that all of the best songs we’re breakaway moments from individual characters. The main character was not particularly sympathetic, though she became much more likeable in the second act. They lost it a bit at the end, with costumes being way too on the nose, and unecessary and it’s also hard not to compare it to Hamilton once again.

I will say definitely see this production for the star studded and talented cast that really win you over in their breakout moments.... Read more Read less

See it if You like thinking critically about what you’re seeing.

Don't see it if You don’t like absurd style, non realistic plays or participation. Plays that don’t function around plot but rather character/theme/trope.

Also I almost wish each of the three sections could be their own play, particularly the first and the third. There was more that I wanted to know, to see played out, because I feel some elements were rushed.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a brilliant turn by Hugh Jackman and a masterful performance, and brilliant dancing on his part.

Don't see it if You want plot, an actual ending, complex themes or a musical that has been updated.

Also While I truly wish they had given this the same treatment that “My Fair Lady” received, you can’t help but be blown away by Jackman’s performance. His dancing is fantastic. I just wish the ending of the musical held up, and I wish that the character of Marian held up for Sutton so that she could be of equal importance to the role of Harold Hill.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a master class in character study as 5 actors portray multiple real life people, speaking their actual words

Don't see it if you don't like monologues, you can't follow one actor playing multiple real people, you don't like violence

See it if You can handle an intense one woman performance as she inhabits a real person reflecting on her most traumatic experience.

Don't see it if You can’t handle a sensitive topics such as mental health, violence, domestic abuse, rape, death told through the words of a survivor.

See it if you want to see a master class in acting. If you want to see three brilliant British actors portray multiple characters throughout history.

Don't see it if you don't like narrative plays, or if you are looking for action. Don't see it if you have a short attention span.

See it if You want to see small town politics at work in a one room drama. You want to see a master playwright in his own play.

Don't see it if You don’t like political dramas, or plays that reference tough historical matters. You need a play with a lot of action.

See it if You want to see a haunting tale told in an atmospheric location, brilliant acting, and you like scary stories.

Don't see it if You don’t like jump scares, ghost stories, easily predictable plots, low budget sets for a high price ticket, uncomfortable chairs.

See it if You want to see a standout performance by Rose Byrne, as she continues to lose control over her life.

Don't see it if You don’t like modern adaptations, Ivo Van Hove type camera projections on stage, family dramas dealing with mental illness, violence.

See it if you want to see a play that has been perfectly cast, with each actor shining in their role. A hilarious family drama that really resonates.

Don't see it if you don't like dark comedies, intense family dramas, or don't like August Osage County.

See it if You want to see a master performance by Ruth Negga

Don't see it if you can’t stand overly produced works. An over abundance of lighting, and sound effects, and transitional moments after EVERY scene change.

Also A BRILLIANT performance by Ruth Negga,she was utterly believable, but unfortunately the show dragged. The pacing was so slow, and the violence was hard to believe. The show suffers from too much design.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a modern reinterpretation of a classic, brilliant acting, hilarious feminist reading of the material.

Don't see it if You don’t like feminist reinterpretations of classic novels, that sometimes go too far and hit you over the head with the material.

Also I really really enjoyed the first act. But I ended up felt like I was being hit over the head by the feminist material in the second act. We get it. At that point it went too far and took me out of the play every single time they had to make a point about one of the character’s agency.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to be pleasantly surprised by the depth of emoji emotions, and some clever lines, and catchy songs.

Don't see it if You hate emojis, pop culture, bathroom humor, or expect a a show with fully drawn out characters.

See it if You want a teen show done right. Brilliant singing, an amazing ensemble,

Don't see it if You don’t like coming of age tales, the 80s, the young boy falling for the troubled teen girl trope, multiple plot points that go nowhere.

Also From the inventive opening moment of the show, I knew that I would have a great night, and that I would love the show. I was right. If you love the film, you will love the musical version.

While there are definitely moments that are rough, like plot points that go absolutely nowhere. Eamon and his dad? The bully possibly being gay? These are intriguing and are seemingly dropped for the standard plot of boy trying to get edgy troubled girl.

I saw the first preview and I can’t wait to go back later in the run when the full set is in, and the show settles in.... Read more Read less

See it if You love burlesque, extremely talented, over the top, highly skilled, raunchy performances, beautiful singing, and tricks you’ve never seen.

Don't see it if You expect anything close to the nutcracker, or any nutcracker appearance. You like narrative.

Also I was extremely disappointed in this production as a multiple time viewer of Queen of Hearts, and as a Nutcracker fan. There was absolutely no narrative, and they just jumped into “candyland” which seemed to be the extremely thin thread holding this overly long piece together.

There were some MAGNIFICENT ACTS THAT BLEW MY MIND (looking at you Static Trap). But why does the contortionist get two songs, and is the cigarette a requirement? It made zero sense in this production.

The ending was not at all earned because the nutcracker had zero presence in the show, and Clara was pretty useless throughout.

I cringed every time the magician came on stage. I was appalled at the material written for him to introduce the women.... Read more Read less

See it if Powerful storytelling that still resonates today, truth, women connecting on stage.

Don't see it if You don’t like non traditional, non linear, poems, stories, chants, not catching every word. Can’t deal with intense sexual/violence. Slow.

See it if You want to see Kushner’s first play redone, brilliant acting, obvious parallels of Hitler’s rise to Trump’s America.

Don't see it if You can’t sit through a 3 hour play, can’t stand constant interruptions of action by incidental observational characters.

Also High themes and smart writing are par for the course for a Kushner play. To borrow a phrase said by one of the characters, the edits made to the play as the playwright tries to make the play work make it grandiose. Not only does it not work, but it just beats the audience over the head with the theme, and it’s call to action over and over. They could easily cut one third of the play, and pick up the pacing to make it half an hour shorter.... Read more Read less

See it if you love the stars, want to see a brilliantly acted piece where every silence matters, and don’t mind a plot in reverse.

Don't see it if You don’t like non traditional plays, or the weakest scenes being at the end, or minimalist sets, or paying attention to what’s not said.

See it if you want to see brilliant casting in a cult classic.

Don't see it if You don’t like humorous murder, the inability to understand all of the words, or complicated endings.

See it if You like plays that make you wonder what is happening, make you uncomfortable, have frank discussion about race, relationships, & sex.

Don't see it if violent and/or sexual situations will trigger, you are looking for a family friendly show

Also This show takes an extremely out there premise, and really delves into the ingrained feelings that people have in interracial relationships, and the sexual dynamics between partners. It’s intention is to provoke. It makes you think, and is supposed to bring you out of your comfort zone. Absolutely go see this for the masterful acting.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see masterfully acted monologues, and have a thoughtful night at the theatre.

Don't see it if You don’t like monologue plays, quiet moments, introspection, sensitive topics dealing with life, and death, children, and parents.

See it if You want to see brilliant performers improvising rap based on audience suggestions in a high energy, fun evening that can’t be replicated.

Don't see it if You don’t like rap, unscripted shows highly based on audience suggestions, or if you want a traditional musical experience.

See it if You are in the mood for a quirky, all over the place, story about Lautrec’s life told in a really fun space.

Don't see it if You will be offended by terrible French accents, want a traditional narrative of H. De T. Lautrec’s life.

See it if You want to learn about our constitution, and how it fails in the protection of women, in a thought provoking, hilarious, truthful play

Don't see it if You want a traditional, lighthearted play that doesn’t break the 4th wall.

See it if You want pure entertainment, love masterful production values, can focus on projection and the puppet. Go see it for the puppet.

Don't see it if You want a musical that has memorable music, you can’t handle animal cruelty, or loud noises.

Also I honestly was purely entertained by this, and loved it. I went for the puppet, and got what I wanted. It was worth it for the masterful, lifelike manipulation of the King. Go see this for that, and the projections. I honestly focused on the brilliant projections on the sea, and didn’t allow myself to think about the less than stellar music. This was worth it for King’s entrance, and any time he wasn’t on stage.... Read more Read less

See it if Immersive, non traditionally staged, double cast, heavily integrated with song and dance production of a Shakespeare classic appeals to you.

Don't see it if You expect a traditional production of Shakespeare, and don’t want to have your view blocked, or have to turn to see the actors around you.

See it if You want to see a masterful modern adaptation of Medea that is almost too relevant to our modern times. Brilliant acting that tears at heart

Don't see it if You don’t like Medea, non traditional storytelling, breaking the fourth wall, use of multiple languages, are SPOILER triggered by rape.

See it if You are a fan of Adam Driver. He steals the show.

Don't see it if You want a fast paced, dramatic, action driven, night at the theatre.

Also The first scene’s exposition nearly killed me. I was so bored. The most interesting part of this play was Adam Driver, and he should be the deciding factor on whether one should see the show or not.... Read more Read less

See it if you have ever read the monologues, this is the best you will ever see them performed. If you want an affirmation of life.

Don't see it if you don't like monologues, nontraditional, nonlinear shows, dealing with death, folk/song.

See it if You love Carol King and want to learn about her life. Want an entertaining, light, night at the theatre.

Don't see it if You expect anything other than a typical jukebox musical that blasts through snippets of songs written.

See it if You want an entertaining, big Broadway/Disney night at the theatre, with kids. It is a perfectly fine adaptation of the film.

Don't see it if You expect a thought provoking, experimental, kids free, night at the theatre

See it if You want to see a brilliantly performed Arthur Miller classic, that delves into complex human behavior.

Don't see it if The everyday seems boring to you. If you don’t like period dramas.

See it if You’re a fan of ‘The Great Comet,’ nontraditional storytelling, Greek myths, thought provoking slightly cerebral completely sung-thro score.

Don't see it if you want a simple, non complex story that wraps up neatly. A traditional big broadway musical.

See it if You want a nice, light, entertaining night at the theatre with some serious themes.

Don't see it if You are looking for a provoking, experimental, thought inspiring night at the theatre.

See it if You are fascinated with the creation of the tabloid and insight into a powerful man, and want to see some powerful brilliant acting.

Don't see it if You don’t like flashy plays, heavy use of herbal cigarettes, no interest in the press.

See it if You like abstract musicals, nontraditional styling, can focus on the music and not the plot.

Don't see it if Like traditional, PLOT DRIVEN, shows that make sense, tidy up neatly at the end or Big, flashy musical numbers.

Also I love Grace McLean, and I love her music. I had such high expectations about this show. The music was gorgeous. It was introspective, but I was expecting more traditional storytelling about the life of Hildegard von Bingen and I just sat through this musical confused. The ending was abrupt, baffling, as we had no context to what was happening in the world. Sometimes the looping/beat boxing felt out of place, and the actual libretto/text felt out of place. I wish she had more time to write this musical because it seems like there wasn’t enough time to investigate all the themes that she wanted to.... Read more Read less