MsF

See it if you'd see any Tony Kushner play; like to discuss serious plays w/ interesting ideas & performances; enjoy works that feel "in progress."

Don't see it if you need to care about characters; you like a plot with focus & action. Even if you don't like Trump, you're tired of diatribes.

See it if you love slapstick, especially theater-related. It has lots of scenery-related & sight-gags; a bit predictable. Good performances, timing.

Don't see it if you've seen "Noises Off," which treated the same subject with more intelligence and creativity. You don't like slapstick.

See it if You' enjoy seeing fun antics inside the world of small theater, and to laugh out loud at very good performances from a tight ensemble.

Don't see it if You want powerful, dramatic theater. This show is delightful singing, dancing and comedy - a fun diversion.

Also This company did an amazing job with the material, especially in a small space. What was a surprise was the foreshadowing of "Noises Off," especially in the really tight timing of the second act. As good as many a Broadway show.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy witty lyrics, good melodies and amazing performances, choreography and timing. You miss seeing Cole Porter.

Don't see it if You want very modern (it's a bit dated); hate musicals; don't like literate lyrics. You can't tolerate 1-2 slow spots in a fine production

Also Kelli O'Hara is luminous and very funny, as well as in good voice (as usual). Though Will Chase is very good, his performance is eclipsed by the amazing Corbin Bleu (besides charisma, he's an amazing actor, singer, dancer), O'Hara and Stephanie Styles (who comes into her own in the 2nd act). Show stoppers "I Hate Men," "Too Darn Hot" and "Brush up your Shakespeare." A few slow spots are minor in such a delightful, fun production.... Read more Read less

See it if you're ok with a mediocre show with 3 excellent leads; if you love good special effects; if your kids loved the movie and want lots more.

Don't see it if you need a plot that makes sense to adults, a show that proceeds from one development to another sensibly; you want good music.

Also If sitting towards the front orchestra, beware:@ the end, they dump buckets of tissue paper "snow" on the audience. Spent 20 minutes in the restroom with others brushing off our clothing. Still finding remnants in my apt.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like get insight into Hellman's early roots, as well as into the era of strikes & union conflicts with bosses; plus those of classes.

Don't see it if you want a play with a clear purpose: this one has 2 plots that don't quite merge.

Also This is like 2 separate plays, 1 about personal relationships within a family, another about labor-boss conflicts. They almost, but not quite come together at the end. Performances and content are intense and engrossing, despite flaws in the plot and writing. It was interesting to sense Dashiell Hammett's (Hellman's famous crime-writer lover) influence, like the stereotypical strike breakers. An interesting and moving evening.... Read more Read less

See it if You're not easily offended and can take attempts to shock the audience with a grain of salt and enjoy some very creative writing, staging.

Don't see it if If you're easily offended, especially by religious parody, sarcasm and obscene language and these prevent your seeing beyond them..

Also I didn't expect to like this show; went out of curiosity. Once I got past the writers' obvious attempts to be shocking, I found the show loads of fun and, to my surprise, enjoyed the undercurrent of optimism and naivete underneath -- almost as if the writers were teenagers throwing out everything they could to shock folks, and doing it partly to hide their own vulnerability. Try to learn a bit about the Mormon religion before you go -- not essential, but it helps.... Read more Read less

See it if Sad it's billed as a "gay show:" offers moving, funny revelations about relationships: romantic, parent-child, friends.

Don't see it if You can't transcend homophobic stereotypes to see underlying universal humanity . A bit long, but worthwhile.

See it if you haven't seen the movie &/or read the book. The story, characters are memorable, w/excellent performances. Intelligent, thought-provoking

Don't see it if you don't like serious, disturbing drama. If the movie/book made major impressions on you; these will be hard for the play to displace.

See it if you're a teen; haven't seen much theater; want a show you can relate to. Most performances are good and some funny 1-liners.

Don't see it if you see a lot of theater, the plot's predictable and the show feels like a so-so teen movie, with some good 1-liners, Good sets, costumes.

See it if you want to see Arthur Miller's 2nd best play, and the one most relevant to our times.

Don't see it if If you don't like serious plays with powerful messages.

Also I thought the film used at the opening was superfluous, and didn't like the conversion of this 3-act play to 2 acts. Annette Bening gave a brooding performance that could have been more subtle, but was effective, as was Tracy Letts'. Benjamin Walker was exceptional. I wish a more perfect production of this play could be on Broadway, instead of a limited run, so more could see it. Still, it's a powerful, worthwhile way to spend an evening at the theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you're eager to see Janet McTeer live; know and like Hamlet and Cyrano de Bergerac. If so, some of this play might appeal to you.

Don't see it if you want good writing, acting, or a good idea well-executed. If you value your time (2-1/2 hrs which should have been 90 mins max).

Also A big disappointment, since I'm a fan of Janet McTeer's work. The use of direct quotes from Shakespeare and Rostand made it clear how lacking the writing of this play is, though there was value in reviewing the great works. I was especially hoping for a portrayal of Bernhardt that captured some of her charisma, but alas, McTeer didn't (though her delivery of some of the Shakespeare was good).... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy comedy with good writing, that's not all scatological (several lines will make you laugh whenever you think of them).

Don't see it if you don't like British humor, or want heavy drama, or prefer musicals.

Also This was really fun, with fine performances and a few fun plot twists. I really didn't know what to expect and it exceeded my expectations; a memorable evening.... Read more Read less

See it if If you love Bob Dylan's music, and don't care about characters or plot. The performances, harmonies and arrangements are fine.

Don't see it if you need to get to know & care about characters (there are too many, and you don't), or one where the songs heighten action.

Also This proves that building a show around songs doesn't work unless it's a cabaret format. The music didn't heighten/enlighten the plot, and mostly didn't help you know the characters. Some dialog was confusing, or seemed like "red herrings" to make you think something else would happen than did. So sad because the cast was so talented, and the playwright has done good work before; I think he bit off more than he could chew. Choreography was nothing special.... Read more Read less

See it if An avid T. Williams fan, I've seen S&S several x before. CSC's 2 leads were exceptional, and I think truer to the play than others or film.

Don't see it if You don't like Tennessee Williams. Otherwise, go.