Sing out Louise

See it if Afghanistan, 1970s, two boys grow up on the same grounds, one wealthy, the poor … beautiful storytelling …

Don't see it if Family, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, refugee, rape, secrets, genocide, politics, immigration …

See it if an Irish boy’s journey as his mental illness escalates.. and the pigs appear more frequently Go support new musicals.

Don't see it if The concept of the story has promise, but it needs revisions IMO. there are a few good songs …

Also My favorite song was “Snowdrops “.

Nicholas Barasch is so talented… the time I saw him was in She Loves Me.... Read more Read less

See it if Living between the lines of reality and make believe; sweet & enchanting

Don't see it if Go support this young adult musical which also resonates with adults

Also Arielle Jacobs and Jake David Smith are charming, young actors with fabulous vocals & stage presence.... Read more Read less

See it if Ruth Negga is mesmerizing to watch and listen to; loved sound design/music, admit, Shakespeare doesn’t come naturally to me…

Don't see it if … but I’ve seen and read the Scottish play enough times to understand it and know what is unfolding.

Also Sam Gold’s personal stamp and concept didn’t work for me on this production.... Read more Read less

See it if Thrilled to see another cast perform one of my favorite shows! Brilliant, smart funny, tragic, heartfelt story/lyrics.

Don't see it if Lightning doesn’t always strike twice, but it came close. The city center cast of this production (and maybe the venue) was so special.

Also Joshua Henry and Phillipa Soo are fabulous additions. BDJ and Patina Miller are faves of mine… they are good here but I was a little underwhelmed compared to NPH and Heather Headley.

So many memorable MOMENTS in these woods!... Read more Read less

See it if Buddy Young looking back at his life and wanting one more chance with his career; as someone who sucks the energy out of the room…

Don't see it if … it’s not too late for him to put his wife, brother and daughter center stage

Also Funny and heartfelt, Billy delivers! Shoshana vocals, as usual are IMO one of my absolutely favorites (she has such an incredible voice, interpretation, musicality, with smart riffs, power when she wants to without the risk of causing long term damage to her vocal chords)

For me, the last 30 minutes or so, the show’s story and songs worked best for me, but overall I’m happy I got to see this!... Read more Read less

See it if half-siblings dealing with their mother’s death; exploring the depth of a woman with Down syndrome. saw Deirdre O’Connell perform…

Don't see it if … the day before she won a Tony; loved Jamie Brewer again who I saw in Amy and the Orphans. Entire cast incredible.

See it if correctional boarding school students & their teacher: suicide, drugs, abuse, molestation, racism, HIV, LGBTQ+, connection, expression

Don't see it if GO SEE IT! the staging in this small space at MCC heightened every word and action on stage for me.

See it if how many more: marches in the streets, efforts gone to waste, deafening defeats, histories erased… dignities defer, told to know our place…

Don't see it if …girls will go unheard, doors shut in our face? How many more of us will it take… the work is never over, passed down through generations.

Also Fabulous new musical by Shaina Taub. Amazing female cast.

Some of the historical content, while very important, is so dense/detailed that it weighs down the story.... Read more Read less

See it if Young Sarah dealing with new school & making new friends, divorce, infidelity, mental health, alcoholism, loss… and bed wetting at 10 years

Don't see it if Love supporting new musicals, but the book and songs fell a little flat for me. Definitely some funny and heartwarming moments. Great cast.

See it if Juicy’s father murdered a week ago,returns as a ghost, on his mother’s wedding day to his uncle…

Don't see it if … Hamlet inspired, but leaves you with many different things to think about.

Also Fabulous writing, directing, set design… and loved everyone in the cast! No spoilers about the end!... Read more Read less

See it if Incredible cast and ensemble, vocals, lighting.Dylan’s music showcased around a Depression-era storyline boarding house.

Don't see it if Enjoyed it more at the Belasco than at The Public. I like that it’s NOT. a bio-musical of Dylan’s life. Music sets tone of story.

See it if our theater gems performing one of my fave shows. Smart, funny, heartbreaking.

Don't see it if so many lessons/messages in this story and within the brilliant lyrics. Thank you Sondheim, Lapine and this cast!

Also I’ve seen several productions of this show, loved the lines and lyrics interpretations, some which made it seem like I was hearing them for the first time. I’m so happy I saw this, I think it’s probably my favorite Encores!

“sometimes people love you, halfway through the wood. Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good. you are not alone… “... Read more Read less

See it if Comedian Harmonists, 1927 Berlin, male vocal group, Jews/Gentiles. Watch their fame… unknowingly become German ambassadors.

Don't see it if Go see it! Important history. Don’t expect a jukebox of Barry Manilow’s greatest hits, this music has been developed for this show

Also Book is muddled a bit but it made me interested in researching the history. Rise of Third Reich, anti semitism, banning music/art by Jews.... Read more Read less

See it if From Edinburgh Fringe, an a cappella musical performed by two young women, with gorgeous storytelling/vocals. Go support new musicals.

Don't see it if Story wanders a bit, but it’s worth it to enjoy these vocals.

See it if A Jewish man pleads with his family to leave Poland as the Nazis approach … he leaves, they stay… sanitized letters sent back/forth

Don't see it if GO! Important storytelling about the Holocaust, family, immigrants! We shall never forget!

See it if Hysterically funny dialogue delivered by this crazy talented female cast.

Don't see it if GO SEE IT!

See it if Bright voice and story by Michael R. Jackson. Bravo Spivey and all the Thoughts!

Don't see it if GO SEE THIS!! Big black queer ass boy! Black affirmation, self loathing, pray the gay away, AIDs, family acceptance, guilt…

Also … shame, fear, doubt, religious, toxic Tyler Perry, white gay male tyranny

I had a chance to see this at Playwrights Horizons and love the show even more now! Funny, devastating, heartbreaking, honest… Jaquel Spivey making his Broadway debut is leaving his heart on that stage. And the Thoughts have endless standout moments too! Music fabulous, tons of hysterical lyrics and lines.

GO SEE THIS!... Read more Read less

See it if Beautiful staging, ensemble performances, movement, dance from this talented female cast

Don't see it if I admit, I personally don’t fully connect to spoken word/ poetry. Their stories are beautifully told, didn’t get completely wrapped up in it

See it if Extraordinary performances by Parker, Morse and entire cast. Great direction! Morse and Parker shift ages, younger/older frequently…

Don't see it if … while not always in any chronological order, backwards or forwards, you get so much information about their relationship in each scene…

Also … Other actors play various characters. Entire cast of five actors are fabulous!

Lessons about driving, sex, human flaws, abuse, manipulation, family secrets... Read more Read less

See it if Love Letts’ writing & acting, fabulous cast. Will leave you with a lot to think about. Small town, USA, government, would rather celebrate…

Don't see it if … its heritage which is based on a lie instead of the disgusting truth….

See it if two fathers lean on each other, wanting what is best for their daughters.

Don't see it if saw first week of previews, expect pacing and delivery will grow in this two-hander

See it if Each chime marks another birthday and we watch Messing seamlessly age and live a full life without ever leaving the stage for 90 minutes.

Don't see it if Rituals, traditions, tied up in a blue ribbon. passion, death, love, loss, family … reinventing life as you get older.. second chances

Also As a young girl on her 17th birthday, Ernestine proclaims “rebel against the universe… I will wage war with the everyday. I am going to surprise God!” She didn’t want to get stuck in Michigan… but the boy who asks her to the prom ends up being her husband… and we watch her birthdays roll by, with traditions of baking the same cake she made with her mom and marking her age on the growth chart created in the doorway. Years go by, with her husband, children, grandchildren and many goldfish, each one named Atman.... Read more Read less

See it if when a young man tries to enlist with the marines on his 18th birthday, he finally realizes what it means to be “in process”

Don't see it if Go support this new musical with a strong voice. Based on true life story of Tony Valdovinos

See it if First Broadway revival. Go for the songs.

Don't see it if Not comparing to Streisand, but you need an actress with stronger vocals. She’s charming at times but struggles vocally with pitch.

Also Saw first week of previews. Didn’t go in with ridiculous expectations, I’ve seen Beanie on stage in Hello Dolly (and perform for galas and Kennedy Center) so I know what her strengths are… I was looking forward to my first live production of this show.

The standout is Jared Grimes as Eddie!... Read more Read less

See it if 19th C NYC, Five Points notorious slum, immigrants, war, draft, interracial marriages, dance hall, underground railway, civil insurrection

Don't see it if … Bill T Jones choreography, various musical styles with Irish influences, great staging. Book needs work (musical theater ain’t easy!!)

Also A new musical with an interesting story and great potential. Go support new theater! Saw this in the first week of previews, I guarantee my score would have been higher with a couple of weeks under its belt… I also picked up on maybe some vocal fatigue which is normal with this demanding musical… and rehearsals leading into previews. Tech will work on improving the sound, especially with many ensemble jumping in with one line vocals (or picking up on the tap/Irish step).

This show makes me want to research 19th Century NYC, Five Points which also gave birth to tap dancing.... Read more Read less

See it if Nina Simone’s music

Don't see it if The book needs reworking; most of the dialogue from Laiona Michelle (Nina)….

Also … who changes voices when she’s portraying other characters like Nina’s parents, husband, teachers. Ambitious attempt at capturing Nina’s story.... Read more Read less

See it if Love Dominique M, great direction, fabulous cast! Smart, important, funny drama. Saw first preview

Don't see it if Love the seamless transitions between slavery to present day.. the road to freedom. fabulous scenes/character changes and dialogue…

Also … but some of the writing went off rails a little for me. I was at the first preview, cannot wait to hear how this develops during its run. Go see it!!

Also discusses perceived biases, gender and race… and assumptions that are made by people’s actions (or inactions) without knowing what might be occurring in someone’s life (like a divorce).... Read more Read less

See it if Wonderful storytelling, thought provoking;three acts framed around a different style/tone/scene/period

Don't see it if How can we know freedom, if we are always being watched? Go support new voices on stage!

Also FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT: DAVE HARRIS
When I was in the first grade, my friend next door was killed by a bullet that was not meant for him. When I was in college, I tried to write a poem about my friend. But it had happened so long ago, I did not remember his name. So I made up a name. Called him “John.” I finished the poem about John. And then I won a poetry slam with that poem about John.
This was my game. I would travel around the country performing gigs and reciting poems, rehearsed to the second, in front of mostly white audiences. […] Win the prize money. Audiences would snap and weep and I would feel tremendous. My master magic trick: deceiving someone into believing I’m being vulnerable…
Full essay available on Playwrights Horizons website... Read more Read less

See it if Nick and Van have put on their own show, great vocals, zany storytelling about the history of space race between US and USSR, high energy…

Don't see it if … they do it all on stage (sing, play instruments, move sets, set up cameras, play with stuffed dogs, change characters.. and created it!

Also go support a new musical in development, these guys are working hard!

See it if A wonderful revival, fabulous cast led by Hugh and Sutton, gorgeous choreography

Don't see it if I confess The Music Man has never been one of my favorites, but this production filled me with smiles (and a few heartfelt tears).

Also Sutton, Jayne Houdyshell, Jefferson Mays, Shuler Hensley are Broadway treasures… and there were 21 Broadway debuts on that stage! Sutton’s upper register is gorgeous, nice to hear that part of her stellar vocals.... Read more Read less

See it if Go to see BVD, Tamika Lawrence, Ephraim Sykes, Lilias White, Tariq Trotter!

Don't see it if It’s not “perfect” but definitely has some great storytelling and is worth seeing

See it if Nottage’s play beautifully performed and staged! I’m happy I went to see it.

Don't see it if personally love to see this as the original play (or a musical), but that’s only because as much as I try I haven’t found a way …

Also … to fully appreciate opera.

See it if Beautiful storytelling about generations of a Jewish family and their history living in Paris… mostly set between 1940s and 2016/17.

Don't see it if I saw the fourth preview, will get even better once the actors live longer in their lines. Traditions, anti-semitism, diaspora…

Also … holocaust victims and survivors, identity, strength and love of family.

1940s: Great grandparents live through the holocaust in their apartment in Paris, left to live everyday worrying about their children and grandchildren (the ones who didn’t flea Europe before it was too late).

2016/17: current generation living with rising anti-semitism in Paris.

great family fights and debates! Smart, emotionally, raw, funny writing.

Currently 3 acts, two intermissions, 3:10 hours. I would love to go back to see it later in the run.... Read more Read less

See it if employees in a small Detroit factory work against the rumors that they will be closing. Fabulous ensemble!

Don't see it if Go see it! Saw the second preview, it will only get better!

See it if Keenan Scott II, Broadway debut! Black life in a Brooklyn neighborhood; format through vignettes and portrayed through emotions…

Don't see it if … love, happiness, lust, passion, depression, wisdom and anger. GO SEE THIS!

See it if 1950s, LSD, love, connection, loneliness, discovery… ghosts of loved ones who are gone… wrestling with the memories of your childhood.

Don't see it if I have a lot of respect for the creatives and cast, but some of this just didn’t work for me. Interesting concept, could’ve been…

Also … smart, witty and outrageously fun while still delivering poignant messages. it is beautifully sung, acted and danced.... Read more Read less

See it if storytelling, improv, rap, beatbox, hip hop and more. pure entertainment! amazing talent!

Don't see it if you don’t like the idea of seeing a show that is completely different and unique to the day/time you are there, no two shows are alike…

Also … including their rotating cast of performers.

At my performance:
Anthony Veneziale, aka Two Touch
James Monroe Iglehart, aka J-Soul
Aneesa Folds, aka Young Nees
Chris Sullivan, aka Shockwave
Andrew Bancroft, aka Jelly Donut

Based on our audience’s participation, our evening included performances inspired by butter, a boy choosing to have a circumcision when he was 15 and a single mother who is a teacher in the Bronx.... Read more Read less

See it if Watch the life of a family in Kabul dealing with the cost of war: sacrifice, love, fear, anger.

Don't see it if What is the cost of an Afghan translator and what happens when they are left behind?

See it if Sondheim revival! intelligent, dark, quirky, menacing, witty. cast with many of my favorite actors!

Don't see it if Does everyone really have the right to be happy?

Also This is the second Assassins production I’ve seen, the last one was 2017 at Encores… both with Steve Pasquale as Booth! I’m a fan of so many of the actors in the CSC production, but I would say Judy Kuhn stood out for me as Sara Jane Moore(of course, I wish her role featured more of her singing)… it’s such a delicious role that she plays, perfectly in my opinion.... Read more Read less

See it if Happy birthday Bobbie! A Sondheim classic, a single person watching their married friends,never getting close in their own relationship

Don't see it if Go see it! One fabulous Sondheim song after another! Amazing Patti LuPone, Jennifer Simard, Matt Doyle, Claybourne Elder!

Also I missed seeing the original Broadway cast, but I’ve seen the 1995 & 2006 revivals and 2011 filmed concert version with NPH.

This has been one of my favorite scores for such a long time… I liked a lot of the new orchestrations, harmonies, arrangements, lyrics (I missed those fun high notes in this version of “You could drive a person crazy” which is now sung by the guys, but it works). How to pick a favorite song???

Saw the first preview of the re-opening! Patti got the longest standing ovation after “Ladies Who Lunch”! Mr. Sondheim was proudly sitting center orchestra!... Read more Read less

See it if A family hiding their dark secrets, dad’s an alcoholic, mom’s a dysfunctional hypochondriac, aunt is an over the top…

Don't see it if … (sexually inappropriate) criminal. Kimberly forms a friendship with the brainiac who looks at life, and her, differently

Also Charming, funny, heartbreaking, beautiful story. amazing to watch Victoria Clark’s Kimberly, Bonnie Milligan killer vocals and hysterical comic timing, Steven Boyer, Justin Cooley and the rest of the talented cast. A fabulous new musical with great potential (I saw this in early previews)!

I agree with a few previous posts that Act One feels more solid than Act Two (scenes where they plan their check scam and school presentations on diseases need changes IMO).... Read more Read less

See it if Lynn Nottage has created a beautiful ensemble play about people who have been incarcerated, finding their way back into society (including…

Don't see it if … limited job opportunities). these characters are fighting for their dignity and integrity and don’t want their past to define them…

Also … They work together to survive Clyde’s abusive and sometimes degrading work environment… they dream up delicious sandwich combinations that Clyde will never allow on her menu (I loved when they refuse to destroy a sandwich when relish is requested). intention, purpose, balance, aspirations… and the integrity of the sandwich!

I love that Lynn Nottage wrote Clyde’s (originally called Floyd’s) at the same time she was writing Sweat…

I saw this early in previews and the show is in great shape… a few scenes the dialogue felt like it wasn’t lived in yet (acting on the surface) but I expect that the characters will continue to grow during the run of this production. loved the entire cast, a true ensemble! Go see this!... Read more Read less

See it if Ruben Santiago-Hudson has woven together a beautiful tribute to Nanny, otherwise known as the Mother of their community …

Don't see it if … she was a woman with a heart of gold… under the roof of her own boarding house, she would feed, shelter, protect, teach

Also she “was like the government if it really worked.”

See it if With so much material the creatives could have chosen about Diana, it’s disappointing that this is the end result.

Don't see it if you like childish lyrics with simple couplet rhyming, melodies that don’t work, bad storytelling, odd choreography and direction.

See it if Conceived by 320 interviews… literally “words by” witnesses, jurors, victims, family etc.

Don't see it if It’s extremely well conceived and the performances are excellent, but ultimately this documentary-style play felt long.

Also Amazing Anna Deavere Smith!!! Amazing that she not only wrote and conceived this piece, but she originally performed it as a solo performance. it is amazing that one person would be able to breathe life into all those characters… and amazing text. She has revised/ adapted the current production to include five fabulous diverse actors… each one shedding the clothes of each character on stage to leave piles behind as the first act progresses. ADS added a brief monologue to tie in the camcorder footage of Rodney King to the cell phone footage of George Floyd.... Read more Read less

See it if Alice Childress’ play finally gets a Broadway production after 66 years ! She refused to rewrite the ending, which in 1957, Broadway …

Don't see it if … producers worried would offend white audiences, instead of entertain them… so it didn’t get its bow until now…

Also … Specifically about history of Black American theater. Go see this! Outstanding cast, especially LaChanze and Jessica Frances Duke.

Trouble in Mind deservingly received rave reviews and attention Off Broadway in 1955. The story mirrors much of Childress’ life experiences … we are reminded how black American theater still has work still do today. Representation matters… the black actors start out in this play within a play, knowing they are there to play characters and stoke the egos of the white director, playwright and producer.

Early previews, in great shape. Very funny at times which really makes the serious subject (and dramatic scenes) more impactful.

There are even moments for LaChanze and Chuck Cooper to delight us with their singing!... Read more Read less

See it if GO SEE THIS! incredible writing, directing, acting, music, sound, sets! So smart and still very accessible.

Don't see it if three immigrant brothers arrive in America in mid 1800s and begin business in Alabama

Also Henry = head
Emanuel = arm
Mayer = potato

“Baruch Hashem”... Read more Read less

See it if a beautiful friendship immediately forms… grief, love, hope, fear… undocumented citizens … and the beat of the drum!

Don't see it if the story and music mostly work… a couple of melodies have stayed with me but for some it might not be enough. You can see what they are …

Also … hoping to create.

I was drawn to this production because I wanted to see Ariel Stachel on stage again and was initially disappointed when he and the Public decided on a mutual leave from the production.

I saw this very early in previews, probably its 9th day and while they have been workshopping this for several years, there is still work to be done. There is a good story in there (even the pleasant/sleepy songs for the most part felt they all had a place helping along the story). The performance I attended was about 95 minutes, without intermission which I believe has changed only in recent days.... Read more Read less

See it if 1963 Louisiana, racial injustice, prejudice, grief, domestic abuse, dead dreams, poverty… Emotionally sung through…

Don't see it if Emotionally sung through, brilliant cast lead by Sharon D. Clarke. Story inspired by Tony Kushner’s family & growing up in Louisiana

Also This was the first production I’ve seen of Caroline or Change… I listened to the cast album a couple of times to get a feel for the sound. The first act slowly sets up everything for the more emotional second act … and when it’s time for Caroline’s 11 o’clock number, Lot’s Wife, you ache for her and her children! Such a beautiful gift from Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori.

Jazz, klezmer, gospel, blues and more all woven together.

Loved the washing machine, radio, moon and bus!... Read more Read less