Moose Murders

See it if you want lovely small-scale musical w/ compelling book; evokes NEXT TO NORMAL in many ways. Beautiful score, great performances all around.

Don't see it if you want big, flashy musical. Here, music & acting tell absorbing tale of amnesiac WWI soldier & solving a mystery across generations.

See it if u want 1 LONG poem (evokes FOR COLORED GIRLS) re: a town's revival & then responsibility for selling its soul. Boring. Intriguing end, tho.

Don't see it if you want clear narrative thread, or don't appreciate poetry. One actor does multiple roles in epic-like (& somewhat rambling) storytelling.

See it if you're passionate about the tale - & can tolerate an ambitious attempt to pare it down to a 2-actor piece. Creative uses of music & staging.

Don't see it if you want something highly engaging. This is slow & often quite boring. A fairly long 80-minute slog with moments of interest and clarity.

See it if you are fan of cast who act well in VERY WEAK show - or want to see Suzanne Vega in unique role. Slow/boring intermission-less 2 hours.

Don't see it if you want memorable music - or score that adds to story. Songs could disappear without any loss. Play tries homage to 1960s film, but fails.

Also THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER, particularly given composer (Sheik), Lyricist (Green), and others on creative team. What were they thinking?... Read more Read less

See it if you want *brilliantly-staged* play evocative of Ibsen's ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE. Serious, heavy-handed look at truth/responsibility in society.

Don't see it if you want something light; this is grim (but gripping) tale of taking responsibility for mistakes which lead to tragedy. Masterful staging.

See it if you're a fan of Yeston's music, or even if you don't know his work. A fun, classy revue - elegantly staged w/great voices doing great songs.

Don't see it if you want a story told or plot-driven piece. MUSICAL BANQUET, allowing you to sample clever, warm, funny, terrific songs - classily sung.

See it if Sadly, an inchoate mess: Imagine Stoppard intellectual history text infused w/ Michael Moore views then put thru a blender --> dialogue mush

Don't see it if Muddled & rambling. Some good performances (esp. Urie) can't save this long, meandering, political piece. Too long for far too little.

See it if you want quite interesting premise (looking back on intersections of policy, power, & gender) in prepping Pres. Carter's "malaise" speech.

Don't see it if you want strong execution of fascinating history moment. Awkwardly directed/staged, with hit-or-miss performances. Makes for slow 1hr,50min.

See it if you want theme-park-style spectacle - like KING KONG only better (and lots longer). This is triumph of special effects over story-telling.

Don't see it if you want compelling theater. Great technical stagecraft impresses, but story is chaotic, convoluted, and careens among episodic adventures.

Also While not necessary to know "Harry Potter" books/films, audience members who knew the details cheered and gasped at certain names/episodes that weren't known by the uninitiated.... Read more Read less

See it if you want charming musical of 1920s UK women finding meaning of life/love via holiday in Italy. Score beautifully serves story & characters.

Don't see it if you want modern tale or style. This is old-fashioned & sweet: a small show w/ big heart. Acting is quite good; singing could be better.

Also Note: Longer than its posted 2-hrs; runs 2 hours, 40 minutes.

See it if you want GREAT writing/acting/staging in powerful, emotional, & sweeping play re: gay men's lives. Sumptuous theatrical banquet. GO SEE IT!

Don't see it if you can't do a 2-part, 7-hour MASTERPIECE. Investment of time (& money) - but absolutely worth it! By far, GREATEST PLAY OF LAST DECADE.

Also Not hyperbole to say that ANY THEATER LOVER *MUST SEE* THIS PLAY. Experience superb writing and a flawless ensemble.... Read more Read less

See it if you want thoughtful, serious, literary-style, 2-person play about life, loneliness, & literature. GREAT acting, powerful script & staging.

Don't see it if you want spectacle or big events. This is a quietly absorbing tale of a lonely professor of creative writing and her quirky student.

See it if you want intelligent, witty play re: themes of power, responsibility, mentorship, & legacy - thru story of Caesar meets Cleopatra. Timely.

Don't see it if you want something experimental or edgy. This is classic, literate, relevant theater. Neglected gem. Braxton performance esp. noteworthy.

See it if you want cute musical satire based on MACBETH set in fast-food joint in 1970s small town PA. 1 or 2 very good songs. Good, earnest acting.

Don't see it if you want great score. This is, unfortunately, mostly indifferent/forgettable music (w/1 or 2 exceptions). Cute, but cliched/predictable.

See it if you want 2 plays in 1: (1) a satire about competitive mothering at toddler day care, and (2) a dystopian apocalypse brutality. Very bizarre.

Don't see it if you want thoughtful theater. Despite very good acting, the writing sinks this painfully pathological tale which morphs into war & chaos.

See it if you want MESMERIZING entertainment by a superb mentalist/magician. Not a play or musical - and not ordinary B'way fare - but truly engaging.

Don't see it if you want story, music, or dance - or more than an impressive one-man show. A master entertainer, even skeptics will be stunned and amused.

Also Hard to rate this show. It's wonderful and entertaining, but decidedly tough to compare it to Broadway's roster of plays and musicals. But, as sheer entertainment, it's hard to beat.... Read more Read less

See it if you're patient with unpleasant characters talking pointlessly (& endlessly) - interspersed w/inexplicable dancing to loud pop. LONG 105 min.

Don't see it if you want thoughtful theater. Tries to be LaBute or Lonergan - but is instead poorly staged, banal conversation among emerging young adults.

See it if you want to be drawn in to a show's story and emotions. This FIDDLER powerfully tells its tale, with *SUPERB* staging and performances.

Don't see it if you're not willing to read super-titles or experience how transposing this show to Yiddish adds dimension and nuance to story & characters.

See it if you want sweet off-Bway musical by hardworking, talented cast with good voices. Clever and simple sets, visually appealing.

Don't see it if Anodyne music; occasionally clever lyrics. Show TOO LONG: should be 60-75min show - NOT 2hrs20min. Painfully over-amplified & sharp.

Also Over-amplification had audience members putting fingers in ears - and does real disservice to singers.... Read more Read less

See it if you want wonderfully staged Shakespeare comedy set in contemporary black America. Funny, entertaining. Great acting, esp. Brooks & Coleman.

Don't see it if you don't want Shakespeare's original text, albeit made accessible by great performances/staging. A trifle long at times, but quite good.

See it if you want BRILLIANT NEW TAKE on a classic musical. Staying within book and score, this production evokes darker (more realistic) themes.

Don't see it if you want conventional. Emotionally resonant, gritty, with, as such, greater heart ... this is not for all. Dream ballet, sadly, a waste.

See it if you want to experience an IMPORTANT THEATRICAL VOICE exploring key themes in identity, sexuality, family, & career. Superb performances!

Don't see it if you're not prepared for sexually frank dialogue, music, & action re: the life of a gay black man dealing with homophobia and body shame.

Also Show could be tighter (family sections and gospel church sequence run long) ... but it's compelling music, strong storytelling, and seven extraordinary performers depicting the inner life and exterior activity of a young gay black man struggling to find his way (and worth) in musical theater and in life. A SHOW WORTH SEEING.... Read more Read less

See it if you want very funny play that tackles serious topics of climate, relationships, and power. Humorous re-takes of film are very engaging.

Don't see it if you want pure comedy or pure drama. This blends both quite well, although the relationship sections can drag a bit.

See it if you like intense, serious drama. Looks at male-female relationship, love, war, fidelity, death. Great acting.

Don't see it if you want something fast-paced. This is deliberate (a bit slow occasionally) storytelling. Need to let the plot points unfold.

See it if you want superb performances (esp. Benning & Walker) and production of powerful Miller play about patriotism, profit, & honor during WWII.

Don't see it if you want something new or edgy. Miller's play builds on conventional "types" & story unfolds in strong yet expected fashion. Still gripping.

See it if you want wry, funny look at intense & cut-throat family dynamics (a la AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY or THE LYONS). Strong performances all around.

Don't see it if you want clear, sharp comedy. Play unfortunately also tries to be intellectual, but sadly misses the mark. Academic ramblings undermine.

Also Could be a pointed, funny comedy - by removing 45 minutes of pseudo-intellectual meandering and focus on dissecting dynamics of quirky, off-beat family under stress.... Read more Read less

See it if you like naturalistic plays like SWEAT about lives of urban working poor facing mounting challenges. Compellingly written, great acting.

Don't see it if you want big or flashy. While tale can be somewhat predictable, its 16yo protagonist and family draw audience in to their lives & struggles.

See it if you want intelligent theater exploring serious themes (responsibility of artists, priorities for being human). Beautifully written/staged.

Don't see it if you want something flashy. Thoughtful & nicely presenting Chekhov & Tolstoy using short stories (now plays) to grapple w/important issues.

Also Lovely 90 minutes of theater.

See it if you want wry, VERY FUNNY play like well-written episode of TV's "Everybody Loves Raymond." Aging parents divorce; adult kids overwrought.

Don't see it if you want deep or profound. This is great acting with excellent comic timing (esp. Michael Urie) - in a fairly predictable sitcom-like plot.

Also Act II is overly long (by about 20-25 minutes).

See it if you love WSS & want to see it in any form. Strong performances by Powell & Pimentel as Tony & Maria. Deservedly classic score & book.

Don't see it if you want strong production of WSS: this is oddly & confusingly staged. Continuous video projections distracting - leaving stage often empty.

Also Sadly disappointing production. Problem is not reinvention, but simply weak and confusing direction & staging. Sometimes video depicts action on stage; other times, it's different from what's on stage. Entire scenes essentially staged "backstage" and projected by video - sort of an evening at the movies.
Choreography isn't so much new as almost irrelevant to story-telling here; does dance here illuminate characters or aid in plot? No, not really.
Most characters seem interchangeable; it's often hard even to discern who's a Jet and who's a Shark.
Trimmed WSS to 1hr45mins works nicely; even though some may object to omission of "I Feel Pretty," the show's narrative structure holds together well in condensed form. And since this production's choreography is unremarkable, the omission of key dance sequences (e.g., "Somewhere") doesn't feel problematic.... Read more Read less

See it if you want GREAT STORYTELLING via sweeping music & compelling staging. Excellent performances (esp. Pfeiffer & Gotay).

Don't see it if you don't want to see a now-classic musical wonderfully staged in streamlined style. Sung-through & powerfully presented.

See it if you want very good acting (esp. Judith Ivey & Edmund Donovan) - and want a VERY BLEAK and LONG soap opera-like tale in small Idaho towns.

Don't see it if you want to smile. This is a dreary/bleak story & sudsy storytelling. Mundanely-staged; columns block many views. Good acting can't rescue.

Also Audience members departed at both intermissions - voting with their feet.... Read more Read less

See it if you liked THE GABRIELS. Similarly set in a Rhinebeck kitchen, now with extended family of dancers gently confronting matriarch's mortality.

Don't see it if you want spectacle. This is a NATURALISTIC, quiet drama - beautifully realized without fireworks. Family dynamics, transitions, food.

Also Don't need to know or love dance, but for those who aren't dance fans, the dance segments can seem a little long/slow.... Read more Read less

See it if you want thoughtfully staged & evocative poetry about lives/loves of African-American women. Covers familiar ground since 1970s premiere.

Don't see it if you want a narrative or linear story. Perhaps 20% is compelling tales; the rest is more inchoate performance art. Strong acting & singing.

See it if you want heartfelt, 2-person, sung-thru chamber musical. Resonant, emotional tale of 2 gens of African-Americans in south in 60s and today.

Don't see it if you want spectacle. This is bare-bones set; story told by two GREAT performers and 7-piece orchestra. Low-key musical tells powerful tale.

See it if you want theater that reaches for big/complex issues - even if it doesn't quite reach them all. Fascinating & provocative. Worth seeing.

Don't see it if you want the easily palatable. Comedically/musically/smartly wrestles w/race, identity, patriotism, democracy, power - sometimes awkwardly.

Also AMBITIOUS WRITING & IDEAS SHOULD BE SEEN/EXPERIENCED ... even if they don't always succeed. Hwang and Tesori present audience with challenges in making sense of - and laughing at - U.S. politics, foreign policy, representation of Asians and Asian-Americans on stage, & conundrums of democracy. And all of this is imbued with wittily incorporated musical scenes evocative of many classic musicals. Go and experience this show which wrestles with demons of politics, representation, and theatrical convention.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see BRILLIANT & POWERFUL USE OF THEATER to illuminate issues of power, conscience, & law. Fascinating concept; great acting.

Don't see it if you're not interested in politics, policy, whistleblower issues. Taut and gripping 75 minutes with 4 impressive actors on a bare-bones set.

See it if you want STRONG ACTING in an otherwise WEAK PLAY. Intentionally confusing/disjointed tale (Pinteresque attempt?) not saved by performances.

Don't see it if you want compelling tale. Bleak story of dementia & loss, moves slowly through fragmented memories. Interesting ideas, but long 80 minutes.

See it if you want brilliantly-conceived, creatively-staged musical about a man wrongly convicted. SUPERB ensemble singing/performances. GREAT SCORE.

Don't see it if you want lighthearted tale or lush sets. This is serious story, w/bare-but-evocative staging & powerful choreography to indie-pop score.

Also Work needed on sound quality to ensure lyrics clearly heard -- essential for a sung-through show.... Read more Read less

See it if you want FUNNY and PROVOCATIVE exploration of race, gender, sexuality, sex, and power in relationships. SUPERB direction & acting by all 8.

Don't see it if you're uncomfortable w/intense & sexually explicit - & racial/racist - situations. Lots of laughs, but alongside raunchy yet potent themes.

See it if you want to learn about LBJ's presidency in 3 hrs. Strong performances (esp. Cox), but densely-packed drama tries to do too much. Too long.

Don't see it if no interest in 1960s US politics/history. Compelling, but undermined by length/scope. Tries for KING LEAR, but is History Channel instead.

See it if you loved Disney movie & want to evoke memories. Otherwise, this is mediocre staging with 1-2 strong performances (e.g., Bart, Rodriguez).

Don't see it if you want great musical theater. This is mediocre story-telling, cluttered staging, with a few good songs. Clearly for diehard fans of movie.

See it if you want dialogue-driven drama re marital infidelity & friendships. No real sets or costumes: focus is words, characters, relationships.

Don't see it if you're not prepared to listen & look. Spare staging (excellent use of turntable) forces focus on what characters say & how they stand/move.

See it if you want intense, well-acted tale of gay men dealing with religious fundamentalist homophobia, this time in Uganda. Impt. issue, good drama.

Don't see it if you want nuance: the good and bad sides are powerfully and clearly drawn. Cliched? Church hymns droned on; play could benefit from a trim.

See it if you want one-man show with POWERFUL STORYTELLING re: dramatic & traumatic childhood events in working class UK. Great tale, powerfully told.

Don't see it if you want spectacle. Cale re-creates all family members as if a fully populated stage. Music unfortunately unmemorable; doesn't add much.

See it if you enjoy plays speculating about interactions among politicals/royals, such as HILLARY & CLINTON, or TV's "The Crown." Good performances.

Don't see it if you want revelation. Depictions of Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth felt true to expectations, albeit well-played. Long speeches, at times.

See it if Intelligently-written piece evokes late 80s. Director Mayer brings out comedy aspects of play, but defuses its underlying power/intensity.

Don't see it if Limited heat or passion - relying instead on scene-chewing dramatics instead of real connection among characters. Witty dialogue entertains.

See it if you want a laugh-out-loud FUNNY musical that pays homage to music and humor that evokes "Your Show of Shows" and similar 1930s-1950s charm.

Don't see it if you want something new/edgy. This is charming, funny, nostalgic -- but not avant-garde. Act II evokes riotously funny PLAY THAT GOES WRONG.

See it if you want inventively-staged, poetic-style musical with bluesy/jazzy/rock score telling intertwined Greek myths re love, marriage, & climate.

Don't see it if you're not willing to indulge poetic-type storytelling, or want/expect a more conventional B'way musical.

See it if you want clever, thoughtful, funny, engaging play (mostly a one-woman show) re: constitution, reproductive rights, & gender-based violence.

Don't see it if you want structured plot. This feels more like well-written stream-of-consciousness style reflections on life, family, and powerful women.