Sing out Louise

See it if 80s hair! 80s clothes! 80s fab head banging classic songs!!

Don't see it if I can see a glimmer of why fans loved it on Broadway.

See it if HERstory contest about the six wives of Henry VIII, fun, clever, electric, entertaining.

Don't see it if I’m not a fan of girl groups or pop music, so I went in a bit skeptical (I admit I had FOMO)... overall a good time.

Also Do you know their names and their fames and their faces ... divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived!

Understudies for Anne Boleyn and Catherine Parr.... Read more Read less

See it if a daughter learns the tragic truth about her father’s past; a KR commander is arrested for horrific crimes against humanity.

Don't see it if Communism, genocide, shallow graves, marching soldiers, survivors, confessions, prisoner abuse, crimes against humanity

Also Lauren Yee has a brilliant gift of storytelling.

The entire cast is incredible!... Read more Read less

See it if a strong production of an old musical, by Meredith Wilson, gently updated. Classic and relevant. Fabulous cast.

Don't see it if Old fashioned but charming; this was my first experience of this musical, songs are lovely but disappeared quickly from my memory.

Also It’s worth a trip to the Lower East Side.

See it if original, high energy, silly musical fun.

Don't see it if if you expect with the title EMOJILAND, this will be serious. It’s ridiculously fun, with a more layers than you might expect.

Also This cast is packed with talented Broadway alumni.

coding, security risks, software updates, viruses, encryptions, firewalls... bullying, relationships, LGBQT, cheating, deception, etc.... Read more Read less

See it if After 50 years of marriage, Nancy wants out; Bill was willing to slog through the marriage until the end. Fun dialogue keeps you entertained

Don't see it if aging, divorce, family secrets, parenting, self identity, loneliness...

Also Amazing ensemble cast! Jane Alexander, James Cromwell, Michael Urie, Ben McKenzie, Priscilla Lopez, Ashley Park, Maulik Pancholy.

Bess Wohl has written an entertaining play...... Read more Read less

See it if a boy starts a band at his new school to impress a girl (so she can be in his music video). There’s a lot of charm and heart in this show.

Don't see it if the show is in good shape during previews, but it had me wanting a little deeper emotion... support new works, I would recommend it and ...

Also ... I look forward to going back to see what changes they’ve made after it opens. I never saw the movie, so I am not comparing it to its source material.

nothing feels forced or really out of place, I just feel this has potential to dig a little deeper. I loved the relationship between Conor and his brother Brendan... and also Conor and Raphina. I’m definitely glad I saw it and hope they make some adjustments to the book ... there’s chatter that this is moving to Broadway in the spring, but I hope they don’t rush to get there, in my opinion they just aren’t quite there yet.

I had wonderful flashbacks to my Duranie days, which I grew out of (Duran Duran fan, especially John Taylor)... lots of references about the band members and their songs.... Read more Read less

See it if pure joy and entertainment! watch Groff embrace his nerdy side... and Borle show off his comedic bag of tricks

Don't see it if a blood thirsty plant promises a nice sweet guy, the girl of his dreams

Also Little Shop is a quirky musical theater gem!! Thank you Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.... Read more Read less

See it if bouncing around out of chronological order, we are never really sure who is dead or alive ...

Don't see it if ... or if the dialogue is part of a story blurred through a grieving man’s dementia. Loved Pryce and Atkins.

See it if needing a change from the rain in London and the problems in her marriage, one women arranges April in Italy, with strangers...

Don't see it if ... who end up as friends. some wonderful touches like an overture, nice story idea, but the show is unnecessarily long...

Also ... with too many melancholy ballads, uneven British accents.

Lotty’s a dreamer with an “I can see you” positive attitude that’s delightfully infectious. Characters and the story are on the right track... many songs felt pretty, but the melancholy tone and sentiment made them blur together.

This is a very limited run, congrats to the creative team for getting this seen again in front of an audience!... Read more Read less

See it if Joshua Henry sings his heart out, what a treat to watch this cast in a small theater; a man is framed for murder by a a jealous ex-husband

Don't see it if personally I love contemporary storytelling, but the book could dig a little deeper. Loved the music, amazing performances!

Also I wasn’t familiar with The Wrong Man until I saw it listed on MCC’s season, it grabbed my attention right away. Ross Golan has been working on this for fifteen years, it began as a concept album that he would play in small spaces, including people’s living rooms. I listened to a few songs online... and then the casting and creative team increased my interest.

Based on the music, choreography and talent, I would definitely recommend seeing this.

Joshua Henry and Ryan Vasquez! And the incredible dance ensemble!... Read more Read less

See it if this man’s life has been on a downward spiral since he moved to CA 18 years ago to live closer to his ex wife’s family.After moving into...

Don't see it if ... his divorced bachelor pad, he tries to move forward, but ends up making bad choices with new relationships. Interesting characters

Also good writing & acting, but nothing revelatory. Enjoyable but it probably won’t be a show that will stay with me very long. some of the scenes & dialogue felt unnecessarily long; moments felt like it’s a sitcom.... Read more Read less

See it if Mac’s brilliant ideas to improve business at a dead-end fast food joint are dismissed by the owner. All that changes once ...

Don't see it if ... three stoners share Mac’s prophecies... setting deadly consequences. Macbeth’s tragedy is Scotland PA’s comedy. Clever story & lyrics.

See it if Even a mediocre Sondheim show is brilliant! Go to see Esparza and Uranowitz, always gems to watch.

Don't see it if There have been a few other NYC productions. I was happy to see a Sondheim show that I haven’t seen before :)

See it if You love Grace McLean, her voice and incredible vocal style! Interesting choral arrangements.

Don't see it if Bizarre and obscure, sometimes in a good way. I’m curious to see the next chapter for this musical.

See it if “looking at one’s self through the eyes of others”, Jackson’s Usher grapples with many things including doubt, fear, pain, sexuality...

Don't see it if ... boundaries, faith, family, facing rejection , being fat, black, gay... and his inner white girl.

Also Jackson’s voice is refreshing and relevant and wonderful for musical theater ... campy, raunchy, honest, raw, dark and vulnerable

Go see it!... Read more Read less

See it if hysterical, raunchy, clever, smart puppets and the magic of the humans attached to them.

Don't see it if Its had a brilliant run on Broadway and Off Broadway, all good things come to an end.

Also ... and if you’ve ever had a chance to see their BCEFA skits, they are always original, with a timely and “poetic” message.... Read more Read less

See it if great cast including Santino Fontana, Sarah Stiles!!!

Don't see it if I always expect a lot from David Yazbek, lyrics are funny but music isn’t memorable. It’s interesting to hear a man described as difficult..

Also ... “difficult” which some men used to describe women.

On his 40th birthday, this difficult and outspoken actor feels as though his clock is ticking, to find work... it’s almost as if the writers were trying to make a connection to a woman’s biological clock.

I’m thrilled that the critics weren’t harsh, but at the same time I am also a little floored at how much they loved this musical. I’m so tempted to take a break from movie musicals, but there are some that I have enjoyed!

Not a fan of Lilli Cooper’s role or the lack of chemistry with Santino Fontana.

It’s impressive how Santino changed the tone of his voice from Michael Dorsey to Dorothy Michaels... Read more Read less

See it if Could Hillary’s Presidency “eclipse” Bill’s?

Don't see it if Hnath’s lines keep you interested, especially when they are delivered by Metcalf and Lithgow, but it falls short...

Also ... compared to A Doll’s House, Part 2. Even still, it’s a good 90 minutes play.... Read more Read less

See it if All Broadway plays should live up to this example!!! A beloved classic perfectly adapted for the stage.

Don't see it if I read the book so long ago, so I cannot debate how I would feel if the story was fresher in my memory. Just go!!

Also ... segregated Deep South with racism and racial slurs, abuse.

“There’s fundamental goodness in all of us”

Scout, Jem and Dill are all magically believable as children, although they are performed by adults. Celia Keenan-Bolger, Will Pullen and Gideon Glick breathe, move, talk, play and make you believe they are children. It’s impossible to describe until you watch them.

There is so much to admire in this production and of course, the original book.

I would see this again, if I could!!... Read more Read less

See it if you’re “So in Love” with every performance by Kelli O’Hara; and if you love Cole Porter revivals.

Don't see it if you need revivals to alter their original message.

Also shining moment for Corbin Bleu's tap-dancing

See it if this feels like it belongs in Oscar Hammerstein theme park or cruise ship celebration; go for the songs!

Don't see it if strange key changes, unnecessary (and odd)) musical arrangements, over sung...

Also ... over belted, over amplified... odd musical phrasing.

the nostalgia of an Oscar Hammerstein hologram sharing his thoughts and words of wisdom fall flat and doesn’t enhance the production (very clumsy tech challenges) ... the nostalgia doesn’t gel with the strange musical arrangements and performance choices. The hologram is giving the history and it’s as if the performers are ignoring what he has shared. I’m not a Hammerstein purist, this just didn’t work at all.... Read more Read less

See it if Congrats on a Broadway transfer from last season; Sci-fi quirky nerdy musical

Don't see it if High voltage sound to keep up with the “enthusiasm “ of it’s teen fan base. I’m all for loyal Fan’s, but not when it distracts from the...

Also ... experience. This may be a huge reason why it’s repelling some audience members who are beyond their teenage years.

there’s a chance I may have reached my limit of high school musicals for awhile, “as if?”!

It’s fun and worth seeing, but good luck on the behavior of your audience!... Read more Read less

See it if four girlfriends support each other with a little help from their favorite chick flicks (and wine). Pleasant, lighthearted...

Don't see it if needs to turn the dial up a bit on the lyrics and book!

See it if teenage boy and his mom are trying to find their way after their father/husband dies; superheroes appear in different ways. Original musical

Don't see it if still in previews, book needs to be tightened up, but it’s worth checking out; two “11 o’clock numbers” at end need reworking

Also ... I’m very curious to see if Tom Kitt and John Logan make any changes. It’s a little too long and some of the music is repetitive and the story lingers a little too long.... Read more Read less

See it if Listening to voices in her head, Naomi drives cross country to help save humanity.

Don't see it if Is technology and our obsession with cell phones ruining mankind?

Also this is a workshop production by Greg Kotis (Urinetown)... quirky and original!... Read more Read less

See it if the circle of life... and death doesn’t need to be scary

Don't see it if the concert and storytelling format was fine, I just didn’t get hooked in.

Also In all fairness, this is a one person show ... and we had an understudy at our performance. I was trying to be supportive but the show failed her...

I would’ve preferred something edgy and twisty and dark. This felt like I was at a conference and listening to a motivational speaker tell her life story... it’s ok that I didn’t walk away with any meaning or message ... ultimately it just didn’t work for me.

the show is only 50 minutes, including the strange choreography, audience participation and balloons at the end, which I could’ve done without.... Read more Read less

See it if After her grandmother’s death, Ellen chases unanswered questions about her past; gorgeous singing; tugs a bit at your heart strings.

Don't see it if just go, it’s a beautiful story... and a gift from Michael Friedman (and Daniel Goldstein).

Also ... I’ve seen Margo Seibert in a couple of shows in the past, but this role really stood out for me. She is staged house left (which is where I was sitting)... amazing, vulnerable performance.

Young Ellen, played by Zoe Glick is a scene stealer and adorable to watch.

Kerstin Anderson has an amazing soprano voice.

I saw this in its first week of previews and would LOVE to see it again!... Read more Read less

See it if a 60s free-love retreat liberates Bob & Carol to stray outside of their marriage... it takes time for Ted/Alice to catch up.

Don't see it if this just didn’t work for me, I like Duncan’s work, but I just didn’t connect to the music at all; neither did the direction...

Also ... the hand microphones didn’t work with the staging, it felt clumsy and amateurish ... the staging at times felt more focused on all of the costume changes.

not dated enough, it takes place in the 60s but without the costumes you might forget.

Lacks sexual chemistry, which might have been intentional, but it read flat.

as a non smoker, I found the cigarettes overused and distracting. I’ve been to many shows where they use smoking, this was the first time it offended my senses.... Read more Read less

See it if Amazing all male cast lead by Underwood and Grier.

Don't see it if murder in a segregated army base located in Louisiana during WW2; racial tensions, anger, resentment, fighting against stereotype

Also Blair Underwood and David Alan Grier consistently deliver great performances; Jerry O’Connell’s delivery felt very mechanical as if he was just trying to get through his lines (early in previews, I expect this will improve dramatically during previews). Great ensemble.

the singing and choreography added a nice dimension but needs some reworking to make a stronger impact (it needs the level of intensity and skill that was found in last year’s Choir Boy).... Read more Read less

See it if Guirgis has such an amazing writing technique that captures the humanity of these characters; great cast!

Don't see it if abuse (domestic, drug, physical, sexual, verbal, LGBQT); redemption; despair and hope

Also I’ve only seen two of Guirgis’ other plays (Jesus Hopped the A Train and Our Lady of 121st Street) and have enjoyed all three of these plays. There are many characters written in this play, a majority of them were fully developed without even having a resolution to their individual stories.

Some of the staging which takes place far stage left or right was at times difficult to see from my seat.... Read more Read less

See it if I liked the attempt to show a different perspective of this show.

Don't see it if City Center has been successful with large scale musicals for their gala performances, but this one fell a little flat for me.

Also In theory, the idea of two Eva’s was a nice idea, but I didn’t feel like it added anything to the production. Solea Pfeiffer is very talented.... Read more Read less

See it if for the most part, Morissette’s music compliments the book, which is jammed with many topics including...

Don't see it if rape, race, sexuality, opioid addiction and overdose, family expectations and disappointments ... accepting we are perfectly imperfect.

Also you will notice I don’t love jukebox musicals, but I’m glad I saw this one. It’s still in previews so I expect that the cast will gel even more as they get their feet back under them (I believe most them originated their roles during the out of town run in Boston). There are almost too many important storylines introduced, most are pretty well developed but others scratch the surface leaving the emotional impact to fall a little flat.

“You Oughta Know” is a show stopper, with electric vocals from Lauren Patten ... I also loved Elizabeth Stanley and Celia Rose Gooding.... Read more Read less

See it if Two person, sung through musical, beautifully executed; vulnerable, honest and original approach of storytelling through song.

Don't see it if caregiving, civil rights, racism, rape, incest, police brutality, Freedom Riders, murder, segregation.

Also In the middle of so much hatred, where a mob sets fire to a bus of freedom riders, Benny discovers he’s a man of courage. He’s pulled in two directions, whether to stay with the freedom riders or return to his three year old twin girls.

The first act delicately sets up the second act ... when we finally meet Benny’s daughter in the second act, we are ready for the full strength of this story.... Read more Read less

See it if the world from China’s point of view. Our democracy is under siege! This is America! Good fortune will follow, if we somehow survive.

Don't see it if “play with a musical”, Chinese-American identity, stereotypes, hate crimes, voting system, guns, democracy, infidelity, cultural differences

Also If DHH can survive a knife attack, is it possible for our country to survive?

Strangely, I made a comparison between the framing devices used in Soft Power and The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy’s accident transports her from black and white Kansas farm life to the colorful and fantastical adventure in Oz. In Soft Power, DHH is hospitalized when he is stabbed in the neck, which transitions the show from play to musical.

I love The Public, but I sat near the back of the theater and think the acoustics may have impacted my experience. Go see it, there is so much to take away and enjoy.... Read more Read less

See it if With a tombstone size chip on her shoulder Bella is proud to be outspoken and loud. Love Fierstein, this was early in previews and...

Don't see it if ... the delivery felt steady on one note. If you are expecting to see him in drag, no costumes here. Just a shirt, pants, barefoot...

Also ... and for a moment, or two, “the hat”.

See it if a lonely Yale professor & a socially awkward freshman student develop a friendship that they both need for very different reasons.

Don't see it if If you get fidgety with brilliant, dense, descriptive dialogue... which includes many literary references; unexpected twists in the story.

See it if A fun, fabulous, splashy, commercial hit, but needs some substance. Great staging!

Don't see it if great playlist of songs which have been updated since the movie; I enjoyed it more than ...

Also ... most other jukebox musicals... It was exactly what I expected, mind numbing, entertaining, high energy ... from the talented cast lead by Tveit, Olivio, Burstein!... Read more Read less

See it if based on the Studs Terkel book, with updated interviews including the City Center employees. great songs, loved the cast!

Don't see it if a wonderful production of a mediocre musical, with songs from Stephen Schwartz, James Taylor, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Craig Carnelia, etc.

Also Andréa Burns, It’s an Art

Helen Hunt, Just a Housewife

Christopher Jackson, Lovin’ Al, The Mason

Javier Muñoz, A Very Good Day, Father & Sons

Tracie Thoms, Millwork, Cleaning Women... Read more Read less

See it if for creatives Nottage, Sheik, Birkenhead and amazing cast including LaChanze and Saycon Sengbloh.

Don't see it if I’ve only seen the movie and love how they have shifted the focus of the story...

Also ... but I feel like Lily has lost her spirit in this version.

I look forward to seeing what happens next for this show. Emotional and honest storytelling of racism, civil rights and common abuse. Go see it!

“Be a slave no more!”... Read more Read less

See it if What’s your relationship with the internet? Do you think you need a 12 step a cappella program to reconnect you to the world?

Don't see it if Malloy’s story telling through harmony, pitch and unique ideas take time to process... it’s a treat for your artistic soul

Also the score would be higher but I just lost interest in the internet theme of the musical.

Malloy is brilliant! I would go back again to appreciate his talent. I find that I really love a lot of his songs, but I don’t always appreciate them on first listen (that’s the “process” I was referring to above).

p.s. and who manages to smartly rhyme lyrics with “melatonin “?... Read more Read less

See it if Crazy talent from the creative team, cast and crew! Especially loved André De Shields as Hermes and...

Don't see it if ... Amber Gray as Persephone. Bold on stage orchestra adds to the New Orleans flair

Also “How does the wall keep us free? The wall keeps out the enemy; And we build the wall to keep us free; That's why we build the wall; We build the wall to keep us free.”... Read more Read less

See it if Great staging of Shepard’s Pulitzer winning play. can you escape the starving class by starting over in Europe or Mexico?

Don't see it if dark lives of a dysfunctional American family... including many conversations around an empty fridge ;)

Also “Signature Theatre celebrates playwrights and gives them an artistic home”, I truly enjoy supporting this non-profit!... Read more Read less

See it if you believe Broadway doesn’t have a soul!

Don't see it if I think I’m personally running out of patience for musicals based on movies! Audience had fun...

Also ... Despite some funny lines, I didn’t have fun. Loved a couple of Sophia Anne/Lydia’s songs and Alex Brightman is the perfect actor to embody the Beetlejuice character with his energy and endless talent... BUT, I think the creative team missed out on a good commercial opportunity with this one. I didn’t see it out of town, but I’m curious to know what they changed before opening on Broadway.

I know the masses expect to see dancing skeletons, but I do NOT 😉 I felt like the creative team just wanted to over load your senses so you might not notice all the flaws.

Kudos to David Korins set, and to the extremely talented cast.... Read more Read less

See it if you will leave the theater with a better understanding of what the constitution means to YOU!

Don't see it if Congrats on bway transfer. Schreck shares personal stories of four generations of women in her family...

Also ... immigration, reproductive rights and what women had to do to risk their lives for abortions, rape, domestic abuse.

This performance should stay with you and open up more discussions!... Read more Read less

See it if an empathy coach is brought in to adjust the misogynistic ways in a debt collecting office.

Don't see it if if absurdist comedy leaves you scratching your head.

Also #metoo, this absurdist approach to inappropriate behavior in this office environment sometimes makes a powerful point (suggests women wear dresses in the office, suggests finding a boyfriend to fend off on wanted sexual harassment, laugh off inappropriate jokes).... Read more Read less

See it if themes of corruption, greed, murder, censorship, conspiracy were controversial when this show originally opened in the late 30s

Don't see it if billed as a “play with music”, it’s mostly sung through; don’t expect memorable melodies. I always appreciate the shows CSC produces ...

Also ... I liked that the actors performed without 🎤 , my hearing is great but I was straining to keep up with the lyrics when actors had their backs to my side of the audience.

Super talented cast... some even rotated on the piano.... Read more Read less

See it if Through the looking glass and down the rabbit hole... find out what’s at stake when you run out of time in wonderland

Don't see it if starts to sound repetitious, but there are some great songs; go for great voices, choreography, sets. Bring us more queen, less puss

Also Alice tries to buy her dying friend more time between the fantasy world of her favorite book and WWII (love the underground tube station bunker; gas masks smartly incorporated as reminders of the reality outside of Wonderland). There is the reminder that time is running out.

Great cast (and stellar vocals): Molly Gordon, Grace McLean, Wesley Taylor (although I didn’t like the Mad Hatter song), Heath Saunders.

Very clever at times ... and sometimes it felt like it was working too hard to make a point that missed its mark.... Read more Read less

See it if a golden musical classic, from the original creative team Bock, Harnick, Stein and Robbins. Timeless! Authentic!

Don't see it if there’s no good reason not to see it, even if you’ve seen other productions and feel like you’ve had your fill of this MUSICAL TRADITION

Also ... Tradition, If I were a Rich Man, Sunrise Sunset, Matchmaker and many others!... Read more Read less

See it if 40 years after her break out role, a black actress feels trapped by the character she portrayed on screen... fabulous cast!

Don't see it if time jumps 40 years ahead in 2nd act and gives an interesting point of view; in previews 2nd act doesn’t feel polished (stumble with lines)