See it if you want to see a classic text treated like a new work with technical brilliance and verve
Don't see it if you're precious about the way people handle "the cannon"
See it if you absolutely must see every production of Assassins regardless of location or physical production quality
Don't see it if you expect a well-staged, designed, or acted production
Also The Secret Theatre is not a difficult space to work in. It's a standar... Read more Read less
See it if you're tired of the usual ho-hum tragedy and want to see something....different. It has some truly fascinating performances.
Don't see it if you're set on seeing MACBETH. This is decidedly its own entirely new piece.
Also Is this camp? Is this a misguided drama that just fell off the rails i... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy the grotesque, Python-esque vaudeville, and enjoy absurdity with a little bit of bite.
Don't see it if you dislike absurdism, bodily fluids, and can't laugh in the face of abject horror.
See it if you want to see an entirely new version of Sondheim's second most troubled work, you want to study the way an institution destroys art.
Don't see it if you expect it to be a vibrant bold production full of wit and vigor in the vein of their prior Into the Woods
Also Merrily We Roll Along has a terrific score, it has an engaging plot, t... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see a genuinely riveting production of King Lear that is both beautiful to look at and to hear.
Don't see it if you dislike classical texts, sitting for long durations, or have pretentious "ideas" about what Shakespeare "should" be.
Also The first act is indeed 2 hours long, but it hurtles by like a fiery t... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy having your senses assaulted and utterly overwhelmed and desire a show with something worth chewing on
Don't see it if You dislike audience interaction, overtly aggressive staging, or bad Kate Hepburn impressions
Also Network is a masterclass in design and composition. Everything works i... Read more Read less
See it if you REALLY like The Go-Gos, want to turn off your brain, have generally low expectations, want topical content for its own sake
Don't see it if you require something beyond the bare minimum from a show's book, concept, and scenic design. You aren't too hot on The Go-Gos.
Also I kept watching it because it kept happening. That's the best that can... Read more Read less
See it if you love Brecht, John Doyle's signature style, relevant political work, or Raul Esparza.
Don't see it if you have difficulty with Brechtian theatre, you want escapist entertainment, or Doyle drags you down.
Also I want to love this play, as well as Brecht in general, more than I ac... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy meta-theatrical storytelling, poor theatre-esque design, and non conventional staging/seating arrangements
Don't see it if you dislike non-proscenium spaces, meta-theatrical conventions, or sound demons
See it if you enjoy subtle performances and skillfully crafted monologues full of truthful nihilism, self-deprecation, and malaise
Don't see it if you dislike solo performances or require a strong narrative/visual element in a show
See it if you enjoy being enveloped by a truly "complete" show, enjoy intimate connection, and rapturous screams, shouts, and forlorn toots.
Don't see it if you dislike immersive environments and non-traditional scores
Also A tight, remarkable new piece with a kickass cast. The connection that... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy intellectually and physically engaging with theatre that asks you to make distinct choices.
Don't see it if You dislike overly political shows, or material that forces you to physically engage with it.
Also I thoroughly expected to hate this show. It didn't sound appealing. It... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy hybrid concert/musical pieces like Hedwig and Hundred Days, you want to support art made by PoC (HINT: YOU SHOULD)
Don't see it if you have a narrow view of what musical theatre/theatre is/could be.
Also The text is dramaturgically tight, profoundly captivating, and perform... Read more Read less
See it if you're easily entertained and will gobble up any old Disney-style princess yarn with a nice score.
Don't see it if you expect some modicum of polish on the book, some effort in the scenic/projection design, and actually want something nice to look at.
Also The score, as expected, is beautiful (with a handful of newer numbers ... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy standard table-drama fare with an absurdist "twist" and are easily taken in by "shocking" revelations.
Don't see it if you hate table-dramas, you require something to chew on, or you're cognitive enough to understand the way a show's text functions.
Also This play is bad. It relies almost exclusively on the "no, what?" styl... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy the witty, introspective voice of Eliza Bent, like Beyonce covers, or Dave Malloy impressions
Don't see it if you REALLY like Chekhov and don't want to see his work re-interpreted and subverted, or if you have an aversion to seeing furniture onstage.
Also This show had many Beyonce covers. This show had many pieces of furnit... Read more Read less
See it if you want to feel good about humanity, you want to hear a beautiful new score, or you really really like chairs.
Don't see it if you dislike uplifting messages, non-traditional scores, you hate chairs.
Also This show has lots of chairs.
See it if you want to be fully steeped in a loud, aggressive, shocking, and hilarious exploration of the Scottish underground scene.
Don't see it if strobe lighting has an adverse effect on you, you dislike nudity, overt sexual aggression, violence, drug use, language, and poop.
Also This immersive adaptation of Trainspotting is incredibly effective. It... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy the work of the Wooster Group
Don't see it if you dislike experimental work, non-linear narratives, or lack of mainstream catharsis.
See it if you want to be repeatedly punched in the face by a singularly aggressive piece of theatre
Don't see it if you dislike nudity/sexual situations, or if racially based sexual power struggles make you uncomfortable
See it if you enjoy technically inventive theatre with a heavy focus on visual narrative constructs.
Don't see it if you dislike purely visual storytelling, or alternative means of performance.
Also This piece is absolutely delightful from start to finish. The sound de... Read more Read less
See it if you want to sit back and enjoy an evening of spectacularly dreadful but incredibly fun theatre. It's basically a Disneyland attraction
Don't see it if you have absurd expectations for a property like King Kong.
Also Kong himself is truly spellbinding, as is a good portion of the show's... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy generic fare in which small groups of people sit around a domestic space and engage in interpersonal squabbles with lots of leg
Don't see it if you want a show with something to chew on, and does more than examine the minute details of interpersonal relationships
Also The premise is interesting, as is Metcalf's existential opener about t... Read more Read less
See it if you like your Shakespeare full of blood and energy and physical dynamism.
Don't see it if you have a narrow idea of what Shakespeare "should" be, you dislike textual liberties, and shows that physically relay information
Also It has you from the start. It's visually stunning. It's physically agg... Read more Read less
See it if You absolutely must see everything John Doyle churns out, you want to see an under-performed Brechtian operetta, or you enjoy $30 naps.
Don't see it if you want theatre full of vigor and blood that will jump off the stage and assault you
Also The ensemble is great, the physical staging is simplistic and fun, but... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy standard regional theatre fare, middle-aged people who sit around expositing, or you REALLY want to hear a new Bengsons song.
Don't see it if you expect something grand or revelatory from the premise and you want something larger from promise of non-binary representation onstage.
Also The climax of Hurricane Diane, is remarkable. It is full of pulsing bl... Read more Read less
See it if you haven't experience one of the seminal works the late 20th century, or want top-notch performances.
Don't see it if you dislike traditional theatrical structure (which abounds in plenty in the second act) or you want to see the entire unedited piece.
See it if you are genuinely interested in engaging with ritual, confronting the nature of oppression, and making yourself small when necessary
Don't see it if you enjoy escapist entertainment
Also Aleshea Harris has created a sacred space. Although I felt that I was ... Read more Read less
See it if you want to have an exceptionally weird time.
Don't see it if you dislike experimental scores, non-narrative pieces, or babies trapped in crystal balls.
See it if you enjoy anything that feels "lofty"
Don't see it if you want a piece with something to engage with.
Also White people really just be doing anything and calling it "art."
See it if You're willing to examine the inherent problems within "woke" theatre/artist culture and enjoy biting provocative satire
Don't see it if you dislike engaging in discourse about cultural/political issues of race, history, and art
Also While not particularly earth-shattering, this show should cause quite ... Read more Read less
See it if you're okay watching something that is defiantly unfinished, or you love raking.
Don't see it if you expect an artist to hold themselves to some kind of intellectual standard, or you hate raking.
Also After the messy, but ultimately promising, ICE Factory production of M... Read more Read less
See it if you want a Brechtian take on racism in its various political and economic forms in modern (and past and future) America.
Don't see it if you dislike theatre that FORCES you to fully engage with the performance.
Also I still can't decide whether this is a subjectively good play, or a su... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy experimental pieces that fully take advantage of their deployed technology
Don't see it if you dislike multi-media heavy pieces or require an over-arching "message" to latch on to.
Also Soundstage is a fascinating examination of inner turmoil, depression, ... Read more Read less
See it if you want to engage with an interesting dramaturgical experiment by a remarkable company
Don't see it if you expect the vigor and verve of a Bedlam show or you dislike Chekhov, anachronism, or disco balls.
Also This piece is a remarkably interesting experiment in slamming together... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy non-linear work that makes you sit up and engage with it. you enjoy non-traditional seating/performance styles
Don't see it if you require a firm narrative thread, you dislike ambiguity in experience and theme, you don't enjoy experimental work.
Also Brilliantly integrated. A holistic experience. Mitu's new space is mag... Read more Read less
See it if you have an intense interest in Russian history and/or literary figures, you don't require high stakes to remain engaged in a story
Don't see it if you expect a script to be rigorously thought-out, you dislike overtly "talky" plays, you want high drama with major stakes.
Also Pushkin is dull. Exorbitantly so. It is long winded. It has an act bre... Read more Read less
See it if you have an interest in Turkish politics, traditional theatrical structures, or want to get a taste of a promising young playwright.
Don't see it if you expect visual or intellectual cohesion in a play, you dislike the traditional "family drama" structure, you want to see something sharp.
Also Melis Aker is a talented writer, and there's definitely a future for t... Read more Read less
See it if you want to spend an enchanting evening exploring the utmost extremes of what is possible in the theatre
Don't see it if you require a plot, you dislike silence, or you are allergic to magical fun.
See it if You enjoy Becket-esque landscapes and situations; "experimental" work in the downtown style.
Don't see it if You want something to chew on beyond an intriguing concept. This show ultimately leaves you with a mouthful of nothing
Also The disappearing character trope is interesting, as is the literaly di... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see something vibrant and intelligent. It has something to say and it knows how to say it.
Don't see it if you dislike non-linear narrative structures or require a play to hold your hand and concisely explain itself to you
Also Violent. Disparate. Exhilarating. ... Read more Read less