The Portrait of Ana

See it if you like musical retellings of Shakespeare in weird, unexpectedly modern ways. An entertaining, somehow sympathetic set of characters.

Don't see it if you need a super strong score to enjoy a musical. This one is fine, but you're probably not going to go home singing it.

Also This was just about everything I hoped it would be. If you love Sweeney Todd, Shakespeare, dark comedy, and fast food, you'll enjoy this one. I laughed the whole time--and there were some good voices and acting in this one, too! I was excited to see Wonu Ogunfowora in this after her performance in We Are the Tigers. In my performance, I saw the u/s for Mac, who did a really fantastic job.... Read more Read less

See it if you think Love Actually was an absurd movie and well in need of lampooning.

Don't see it if you're expecting a big, flashy musical. This is sheer silly parody fun.

Also I'm always impressed by these parody productions. A small cast moves at breakneck pace to cover the parts for over a dozen characters, and every part is packed with comedy gold. And they're actually all pretty great singers to boot. Definitely one to check out if you're a fan of rom coms--or, even better, if you're not.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to experience the raw, unfathomable reality of living in the wake of a horrifying event.

Don't see it if you're uncomfortable hearing frank discussions of rape and its aftermath. It's not graphic in terms of detail, but it's painful to hear.

Also This is not a polished show, but that makes it all the better. The author—who admits upfront that she's not an actor—plays in the role of herself on stage, delivering in a straightforward, authentic voice her memories of her daughter's rape and everything that followed. The two actors playing her daughter and son had some great moments, though in some cases went a little too dramatic. That said, I kind of loved that they weren't perfect. Tawni O'Dell is standing up there, trying to piece together memories of her kids during this difficult time. They must have felt surreal, like strangers, like they were overreacting and underreacting at the same time. Because of that, the cast's rawness really worked. And I also wanted to note that E. Clayton Cornelious did a fabulous job of filling in all the other roles, including an impressive array of accents. Together, the cast delivered a truly moving piece that I won't soon forget.... Read more Read less

See it if you like a big, musical spectacle with great performances of songs you love.

Don't see it if you want a realistic portrayal of a love story. You want things to be verbatim from the movie.

Also Such a visually stunning show--and that alone makes it worth seeing! The singing and dancing were incredible, and the lighting and staging was gorgeous. If anything was weak, it was the story--but that's true of the movie as well.

Karen Olivo and Danny Burstein were particularly good--I've loved Burstein in the last several productions I've seen him in, and I'll be on the lookout for more from Olivo. Aaron Tveit has standout vocals, but I had a hard time seeing in him the role of Christian.... Read more Read less

See it if you like burlesque--or even if you've been curious about it but never got up the nerve to go. This is a great place to start!

Don't see it if you're easily made uncomfortable by partial nudity or sexual scenarios. You're bothered by loud music and effects.

Also So, I've never been to a burlesque show before, but the dark, creative interpretation of Alice in Wonderland got me curious(er and curiouser). What followed was a rich performance of incredibly talented dancers, burlesque performers, singers, and aerial artists who created an intoxicating atmosphere of sensuality and drama.

From the great costumes to fun, silly props, as well as the talented performers themselves, there's always something interesting to watch everywhere on the stage--and even off of it. The venue really sets the mood with the decor, and actors are strategically placed around the edges to always keep you engaged.

My one critique? The music is SO LOUD. The song choices are great and the singers interpret them well, but oh my gosh, there were times when the sound quality was so loud and jarring that I wished I'd brought earplugs. Basically, don't expect a quiet evening of theater--but otherwise, you're guaranteed a great time.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in a triptych of storytelling that blends surrealism and reality.

Don't see it if you don't like intensely emotional dramas or plays that break with traditional structure and narrative.

Also It doesn't feel like a unified play, but I didn't mind that. It feels like a drama in three acts: one, a surreal representation of the author's attempts to describe a harrowing experience. Two, a surreal (but slightly less so) representation of how true crime is conveyed to the world. And three, I don't even want to spoil for you, but it gets very real and raw in a way that I couldn't help but shed some tears over.

Not a traditional play, but I think it has a lot of merit and will stick with me for a long, long time.... Read more Read less

See it if you like fluffy shows that parrot the movie they were based on.

Don't see it if you have any level of taste when it comes to music or scripts. This was maybe my least favorite musical of all time.

Also I want to preface this by saying: 1) that I've never seen the movie and 2) that my score has NOTHING to do with the cast, who are amazing actors (see more about that below).

But there were such terrible writing, musical, and direction choices in this show that I couldn't deal. By the end, I thoroughly regretted my decision to see the show.

And this was all the more painful because the cast was SO underutilized!

Andy Karl was phenomenal in Groundhog Day, and I had been so excited to see him again--only to be disappointed by having to see him deliver some of the worst lyrics on Broadway.

Samantha Barks has a really special voice, but my lack of emotional ties to the bad story made her performance weaker.

Jason Danieley is a favorite of mine, a man with absolutely stunning vocals, and he barely got to sing at *all*.

Bad scripts, lyrics, and music made all of these amazing actors fall flat for me--something I didn't think possible. I'll be seeing them all again-in something else.... Read more Read less

See it if you want an all-around incredible folk opera with compelling performances. You want to get chills just thinking about it afterwards.

Don't see it if you don't like sung-through shows. You don't want to pay close attention and think a little.

Also Complex, moving, passionate--this is one of my favorite shows of all time. Between the captivating performances from the leads and featured roles, the variety of catchy yet powerful music, the loose, free dancing, the underlying metaphor for immigration, the staging/set/lighting, the exploration of male/female relationships, the parallels/foils between characters--I could go on forever.

If there's only one show you see this year, make it Hadestown. I'm going back next month--wait for me, I'm coming.... Read more Read less

See it if you like horror classics, but with a more humorous take. You want to see two incredibly talented people deliver a rapidfire performance.

Don't see it if You're not in the mood for something funny. I wasn't as into the comedic interpretation, much as the two cast members were SO fantastic.

Also Watching this pair of actors/writers portray an array of characters, from Jekyll/Hyde to "everyone else" (as I think the program said) was a really wonderful experience. The delivery and timing was great. I think the comedy writing could be a tiny bit stronger, but maybe I just really wanted this to be straight horror.... Read more Read less

See it if you're really nostalgic or love musicals that focus on dancing.

Don't see it if You are looking for a great plot or a really special, memorable show. I think that Cats really overstayed its welcome on Broadway.

Also This musical has some great little tunes, but oh my gosh, does every chorus need to be cut down by about 5x. I saw this show over 2 years ago and I think I'm still hearing "Jellicles can and jellicles do..."... Read more Read less

See it if you like existential dramas set in a surreal dystopian landscape. You're interested in the physical aspect of theater.

Don't see it if you want a fun, easy-to-follow plot with solid conclusions. You don't like surrealism. You can't get past the idea of a talking dog.

Also This dark and engaging play had me captivated from the first moment. Staged in the round with an original atmospheric soundtrack/sound design and with fantastic lighting design, you feel tied to this strange, surreal world from the first moment, even with an otherwise minimal set.

I loved the way this play dealt with a character who feels stuck in time, almost as if she is lost in a dream--who finds herself part of a world where every person is a potential predator, and nowhere seems safe. Torn between the knowledge that she should not act and the instinct that she should, this character drives her way through this difficult and horrifying landscape to try to find her way out, afraid to trust anyone.

The actors handled this difficult play tremendously well, with all of them delivering stellar performances. However, there were moments of confusion I had with the structure of the play, and lines of repeated dialogue (mussels?) that I wasn't sure were as effective as they could be.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a dark yet funny character-driven show with great voices and upbeat music. Unexpectedly great!

Don't see it if you're expecting serious drama. You really can't stand one more high school show. (Okay, I fall in this camp, but I liked it anyway.)

Also I'm a sucker for a musical with a murder, and this one didn't disappoint. Although I think the show could use about 25% fewer songs and some more variety in the score (it's all upbeat, poppy music), the women in this musical absolutely rocked. (I'm refraining from saying "killed it.")

The voices and performances from this cast were top-notch, perfectly balancing the dark humor, the fear, the sadness, the immaturity of high school, and the conflicted feelings of coming-of-age. I was surprised by how much emotion these girls made me feel--particularly Mimi Scardulla and Jenny Rose Baker--but the whole cast was truly impressive. I could listen to Wonu Ogunfowora sing all day, and Lauren Zakrin really commanded the stage with a perfectly in-character performance.

Overall, We Are the Tigers is a great, entertaining show with a superb cast of characters and a fun murder mystery. What's not to like?... Read more Read less

See it if you like magical realism used as a lens for examining difficult themes and concepts. You're interested in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

Don't see it if You're looking for a very polished show. You want something quick and easy. You don't enjoy magical realism.

Also While I definitely think there is still a little work to do on this production, especially in terms of ironing out a little bit of the awkwardness of some of the dialogue, I thought this play was a really fascinating exploration of the concept of home, of ownership/place, of "the enemy," and of what it means to refuse. Because of this, there were a lot of beautiful things about this production, and I really enjoyed the handling of the subject matter. I'm also a really big fan of magical realism, though, so some of that could be off-putting or confusing if you're not interested in that approach.

I think the issue with this play right now is that, if I were to have read it as a short story, I would have *loved* it. As a stage production, it's a lot easier to see when a line of dialogue is awkward or when a transition or interaction doesn't feel quite right. I think it holds a lot of promise, though, and is definitely worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if you love the book Lolita and you're interested in truly hidden gems of theater.

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with a story told from the perspective of a pedophile and murderer. You don't enjoy stripped down versions of shows.

Also Wow, what an incredible experience. I was stunned by how much I enjoyed this show. I love Nabokov, but I had my doubts on how this could be done in a palatable way.

Massive applause to the cast, music director, crew, and everyone else involved who pieced together this slice of theater history and turned it into a breathtaking performance packed with all the same lyrical/linguistic wordplay, intense subject matter, unreliable elements, and dark humor that made Nabokov's original work so incredible.

Humbert's (Robert Sella's) performance was intense and moving while also appropriately sickening; George Abud delivered comic relief with an incredible command of the stage as Quilty; Lolita (Caitlin Cohn, who is in her 20s) inhabited her role with all the angst and false precociousness of a teenager, but with an enchanting "je ne sais quoi" (as the hilarious Charlotte Haze/Jessica Tyler Wright would say) that drives Humbert insane.

Again, SO impressed with this production.... Read more Read less

See it if you adore Sondheim or have a particular affinity for this show. You don't mind a stripped-down version of a musical.

Don't see it if you were excited about the way the refugee resettlement camp would frame the plot in a new, refreshing way. It just didn't play out.

Also Turns out, I just don't like Into the Woods. I wish I could, because I like Sondheim's trademark rapid-fire lyrics and wordplay; I even like the challenging melodies that you might not be able to replicate from memory afterwards. But boy, is this show hard to relate to.

I know that, in general, these fairy tales (like any fables) are meant to represent how we take on deeper conflict and challenges. But boy, is it exhausting to watch these caricatures of fairy tale figures go through these tasks.

Some of the cast had great voices; others were strong, but couldn't quite deliver Sondheim's really complicated score.

I think my biggest disappointment was the broken promise of this refugee resettlement camp frame. The only way it was addressed was through sparse scenery (a chain-link fence) and the costumes (secondhand clothes). If the actors had brought another layer to their performances--a hint of the refugee actors PLAYING the characters--I think I would have been really engaged.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a rich, original coming-of-age WWII story told through an allegory of an even more unusual Alice in Wonderland.

Don't see it if you like easy plots with cheerful subject matter. You're bothered by a more experimental approach to theater.

Also I was so enchanted by this show in a way I didn't anticipate. I'm not even the biggest fan of Duncan Sheik OR of Alice in Wonderland, and yet from moment one, I found the music and staging totally captivating. The choreography felt so fluid and full of life, with people acting as props and scenery. The metaphors of coming-of-age, war, illness, love/lust, and the allegory of Wonderland worked together seamlessly to create a performance that was simultaneously dreamy and intense. The leads and the ensemble cast were exquisitely talented, delivering lyrics and dialogue that left me choking back tears.

There were moments when I felt bogged down by the scenes from Alice in Wonderland (which, like I said, I'm not necessarily a fan of on it own), and in the last quarter of the show, I felt like I was getting a little bit of emotional whiplash.

That said, I absolutely love the way the show came together, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable musical experience.... Read more Read less

See it if you like to have your beliefs challenged and consider the world in a different way. You like irreverent subjects and humor.

Don't see it if you are a devout follower of a religion and are easily offended.

Also While not totally groundbreaking, this short 1.25-hour play offers an enjoyable and humorous take on what would happen if there WERE a god and if they showed up to see what the humans on Earth had been up to while they were out of the picture.

The casting and acting were perfect, and I found myself chuckling at a well-timed joke or good wordplay every couple of minutes.

If you're an atheist/agnostic, nothing that gets covered in this play is going to be new ground for you in terms of the arguments for why not to believe every word of the Bible. That said, it IS deeply satisfying to see God themself directly question a multimillionaire televangelist about his conviction on some of the holy books' most harmful messages.

There could be a little tightening up and a couple of tweaks to the plot, but overall, this is a satisfying and thought-provoking show that you probably shouldn't let your religious grandmother see.... Read more Read less

See it if you like political and romantic conflicts delivered as a metaphor. Fantastic score, and this group had some talented singers.

Don't see it if you can't handle long shows that maybe need to be cut down a little bit.

See it if you want to become entwined with the existence of each character. You want to feel immersed in a setting and in music. GORGEOUS score.

Don't see it if You can't get past slow, drawn out dialogue and few plot points.

See it if You want to see a truly engaging and compelling story about a family with ties to the IRA. You want your shows to end with chills.

Don't see it if You don't have 3 hours to kill. You're dizzied by the sheer number of children on stage at once.

See it if You enjoy immersive theater experiences that allow audience interaction.

Don't see it if You expect polished acting, a coherent plot, or you hate nudity.

Also I wanted to like this so badly. Houdini? Immersive theater? Fun costumes in an array of settings? Getting to be a pragmatist and facing off against spiritualists? Sign me up!

Unfortunately, my $85 got me 2 hours of actors scrambling around, talking over each other, improvising when things should have been scripted, and packing as much nudity as possible into every scene for, essentially, no reason. I don't even mind nudity in shows where it makes sense. But in this case, it seemed a gratuitous choice (much like in the comic it was based on).

There were timing and location issues, and the amount of audience involvement was just enough to be irritating. If the actors had let the audience watch quietly like in Sleep No More, I believe this could have been a fluid performance that reached some narrative depths. But by dragging the audience in (encouraging them to make farting noises during the seance, having them write lines), it was just distracting and amateurish. So disappointing.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to experience something poignant, fresh, and different from what you know.

Don't see it if you aren't interested in learning about the Deaf community. You're into super feel-good shows.

See it if you want to walk around in a mask, exploring unusual spaces and watching the story of Macbeth told loosely in dance.

Don't see it if you need a cushy seat and a central plot.

See it if you need to know what all the fuss is about. You liked Les Mis, but you wish it had more rap.

Don't see it if You don't have hundreds of dollars to blow on a ticket. Just wait a few years, and one day, you, too, will be in the room where it happens.

Also I have to say, I did love Hamilton, but it took me a while to get there. Act I is an absolute masterpiece. Unexpectedly brilliant choreography, a score that mercilessly plows ahead into emotional and political battles, and brilliant lyrics that drive everything forward--it couldn't be better. The beginning of act II totally lost me, and it actually made me kind of frustrated that I'd paid as much as I did for my ticket. The show's flaws are its breakneck pace, its lack of ballad moments that would exhibit character development, and a sort of... well, self-inflated sense of ego, perhaps? I did learn to love it, but it actually took me time to get past some of the things I hated.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a sweet, lovely show that will remind you of a childhood favorite (although sans Bartok). You're okay with something light and fun.

Don't see it if You expect a theatrical masterpiece. You're upset by projected/animated backdrops and prefer more clever stage magic.

Also I was pleasantly surprised by Anastasia. I never actually saw the movie growing up, and this show actually embraced a lot of the magic and mystery about the history, which I loved. It's not a phenomenal show, but it was entertaining.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a fun, zany story about a man and his creepy plant, packed with hilarious songs and entertaining portrayals of quirky characters.

Don't see it if you want serious drama. Otherwise, this is a must-see.

Also This show was as entertaining as I hoped it would be. I've long been a fan of the original movie, but I know people who loved this production even having no prior knowledge of the show.

Absolutely fantastic vocal performances from Jonathan Groff and Christian Borle and the trio of women backup singers. However, I had to question the sound design or levels. I don't know whether it was my seat, the theater, or the person doing sound, but I had an incredibly hard time understanding anything the trio was singing (especially in the latter half of the show). There were times when Jonathan Groff attacked a note with a little more force than needed, and I wondered if he wasn't able to hear himself well, because otherwise, his performance was perfect. I hate to admit it, but I wasn't a big fan of Audrey. Maybe I'm used to the Ellen Greene performance, but Tammy Blanchard's voice didn't feel as in tune or as strong. Still, she did a fantastic acting job--as did the actor playing Mushnik.... Read more Read less

See it if you like family dramas with a fantastic cast drawing you into all of the tension.

Don't see it if you can't sit through a 3-act play.

Also The cast did an absolutely fantastic job on this one--this might be my favorite show I've seen at the Gallery Players Theater so far! With absolutely stellar performances from every single person, this show was truly engaging. It's a bit long and a little repetitive just by nature of the script, but all of the actors really brought authentic emotional intensity to their parts, whether it was Maggie's erratic and strained monologues throughout act 1; the ebb and flow of Big Daddy's anger and hurt; or Mae's tricky, witty, sycophantic demeanor. Each of the characters felt so richly drawn. There was nothing not to love about this performance--and the show leaves you with so much to think about.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see classic literature brought to life in a brilliant portrayal of the characters and themes you know well.

Don't see it if you're sitting in the front and center of the balcony. What a horrible view--and it was hard to hear Jeff Daniels.

See it if you like passionate, beautifully sung performances by a stellar cast. You don't mind a simple plot.

Don't see it if you want a highly refined musical with strong lyrics and a compelling story.

Also I LOVED the cast. Their intensity and their skill was amazing, not to mention some great dancing. Watching Joshua Henry sing was incredible, especially from the onstage seats. It's like he can emote into your soul.

The show itself felt a little bit weak. The songs were catchy and enjoyable, but the lyrics felt repetitive ("they say lots of cliches here / like what happens here stays here") without growing much in meaning over the course of the show. The Man in Black (Ryan Vasquez) also delivered an excellent performance (he can really command a stage!), but his songs almost felt comical due to their way-too-self-aware lyrics, whereas his counterparts Joshua Henry and Ciara Renee had such emotionally intense songs that allowed them to really express the depth of their characters.... Read more Read less

See it if you liked the musical acts on Whose Line. You like clever, fast-paced comedy with brilliant improv from the cast.

Don't see it if you need things to be perfect or are looking for amazing vocals. The cast has musical sensibility, but they're better actors than singers.

Also First, I was blown away by how quick this crew was at coming up with in-scene dialogue, lyrics, and acting. There were a few awkward moments--usually in the beginning of each skit when they were announcing what they wanted the skit to be--but they all quickly recovered as they went into the scene.

From then on out, I was 100% entertained at all times. Nothing in any scenes fell flat, and I was almost cry-laughing at parts. Everyone was great, but a special shoutout to Rob Schiffmann, who had me dying with laughter every time he went on stage. ("Ovulation Forum" is truly a song for our times.)

My note about the vocals is a very very very veeerryyy small criticism. This cast knows when and how to harmonize, but given that they're making up songs on the spot (to tunes created by the artful and legendary music director), you're not going to get perfect vocals. But if you wanted that, you'd go to a serious show, right?

I'm absolutely thinking about going back and taking some friends!... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy traditional shows with a phenomenal cast.

Don't see it if you can't get beyond some old-school sexist themes--keep in mind it's a show of its time.

Also These types of older shows always feel more like a musical showcase/revue than an actual SHOW. The cast and band did a really incredible job with a lively and challenging score, but I always prefer shows where the music feels more integrated into the experience and plot. Too Darn Hot was by far my favorite number of the whole show, but it didn't actually have anything to do with any other part of the show. But hey--the whole show was really fun, and I'm glad I checked it out.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a fun, entertaining show that brings all the Beetlejuice nostalgia but with some originality and creative changes.

Don't see it if you're expecting a serious show or only see musicals for fantastic scores. The songs are catchy, but nothing too memorable.

Also What a really great cast! Every single person was so entertaining to watch, with a special nod to the woman playing Delia, who always managed to catch me off-guard with a really good laugh.

The sets and staging were all really intriguing, adding visual interest to every scene. I'm not the biggest fan of movies-turned-musical, but this was a win for me.

Don't go expecting a really fine piece of musical theater--but DO go expecting a really enjoyable and funny experience with a lot of great talent on the stage.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to believe there's hope in the world and that people can really change.

Don't see it if you're expecting your views to be challenged. If you're seeing this show, I'm guessing you're already liberal-minded.

Also I enjoyed this show sort of in spite of myself. I thought that the subject matter could be even *more* challenging, honestly, with more nuance and even more progressive thinking. As it stands, it sounds like every argument I've ever had with a relative at holiday dinner, so in that way, it definitely feels very real.

I think you can probably call what will happen in this show after the first 10 minutes or so; there are only a couple of ways it can go, and given the whole "feel good" atmosphere of the rest of the play, the ending seemed really predictable. In fact, pretty sure I saw an All in the Family/Archie Bunker episode with a similar plot way back in the day.

Stephen Payne delivered a fantastic performance, though--simultaneously infuriating and compelling. The rest of the cast was great support for his role, and I definitely felt invested in their story by the end.... Read more Read less

See it if You liked Eternal Sunshine, but thought it was too straightforward.

Don't see it if You want conclusive, easy-to-watch shows that don't push boundaries.

Also Although there were moments where I found certain elements a little tough to wrap my head around, the core ideas were all there, and the overall feeling was pitch-perfect. The staging was great and the actors' performances were really compelling.... Read more Read less

See it if Honestly? If you've never seen the movie! I hadn't, and this actually wound up being really funny and fresh. Tim Minchin's lyrics are great.

Don't see it if You're looking for a super serious play and don't want to have any fun.

See it if wow, I don't know. You have some time and money to kill? You like high school and science fiction?

Don't see it if you're expecting strong songs, good choreography, stellar performances, a good plot, relevant humor, a realistic portrayal of high school...

Also I didn't *hate* it. But yikes, I don't get what all the fuss is about. I sort of wish that the plot (a pill that implants a supercomputer in your brain that tells you what to do to "be more chill") took place literally anywhere but high school. I was so down for the sci-fi/horror element, and I liked how that part played out, but the awful teenage cliches really did me in.

At the same time, it sounds like a middle-aged adult tried to write about high school; anachronisms and "fellow kids" issues galore.

The lyrics all need work. All of them. Most of them sound like if you were trying to make up a song on the spot and just rhymed each line with whatever words popped into your head most easily.

Why was there so much hand-dancing?

Are bright digital backdrops going to fill in for scenery and sets in all of these newer shows?

Those are just a few complaints.

The cast was pretty good. I really liked George Salazar a lot. I like Will Roland, but preferred him in DEH... Read more Read less

See it if you like shows with a positive message even in darker scenarios; things neatly wrapped up; philosophical questions about innate goodness.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy a spiritual/Christian slant or moralizing.

Also Maybe I should have done a little more homework, but the premise sounded way more exciting than this play ended up being. It wasn't bad--in fact, it was very good--but it just wasn't what I expected. I expected a more dramatic framing of an innocent, but what I got was two cops essentially doing a comedy routine to trick a well-meaning man into taking the fall for the actual killer. I like a little humor sprinkled into my dark subject matter, but this play felt confused in its approach. I felt wrong laughing, but I felt wrong *not* laughing, too.

I also didn't expect this show to moralize or to have a somewhat heavy Christian slant. It still wound up being more of an exploration of philosophy and innate good vs. innate evil more than anything else, but I was caught off-guard. Again, I think the description on this one failed to prepare me for a rather quiet show.

Great performances from the cast, though, especially Ali Arkane and Craig Mums Grant. I could watch those 2 chat all day.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see Cranston doing what he does best: displaying an incredible, believable range of emotions from a unique character perspective

Don't see it if You're looking for any groundbreaking revelations about the world. This play tries to be hard-hitting with its parallels to today, but eh.

Also Thank goodness for the innovative staging on this one: on-stage cameras and big screens really enhance the story while also making the balcony seating in the Belasco bearable. They also let you see the masterful control Cranston has over his facial expressions: they tell a story in themselves, adding another layer to his incredible performance.

The rest of the cast did a great job, but I think the script could use some work in showcasing fully fleshed-out characters. Even Cranston's character could have used a more gradual arc, which I think would have aided in the intensity of his already intense performance.

The messages throughout the show felt both preachy yet unclear, verging on tedious and convoluted. Plus these moments were so numerous that oversaturation really took away the punch (which I guess, in a meta way, makes a statement in itself).

Definitely worth seeing, but maybe not worth seeing twice.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a superfan of The Office who wants to relive some of your favorite series moments, all packed into a wildly funny couple of hours.

Don't see it if You aren't a fan of The Office. You're looking for something even remotely serious.

Also I think it's very hard to take anything (a TV show, movie, etc.) that's already funny and parody it. That said, The Office! did a surprisingly good job with that. More often than simply reiterating an old joke, this musical managed to poke fun at the ridiculousness of the joke itself. Andy's strange way of talking becomes even more absurd; Michael's misspoken turns of phrase become even more topsy-turvy; the pace of Jim/Pam's relationship becomes breakneck rather than excruciatingly slow. There are a lot of clever references to other musicals and to various episodes throughout, making this a show that's both enjoyable for the theater fan and also for an Office superfan. The cast is overwhelmingly good at phasing in and out of roles (most play min. 2 characters), and the songs prove to be catchy and lyrically witty. It IS a chaotic show, though, so don't look for much semblance of plot. Oh, and try to see it from the main section, as the side seats don't have great visibility.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like a lighthearted fractured fairy tale with charming, vividly painted characters and catchy tunes. Great cast, staging, and music.

Don't see it if you like more serious drama. Or if you absolutely need comfortable chairs, because you won't find them in this theater.

Also This is my third time seeing something by the Gallery Players, and I think this is the best production yet! Maybe I'm the only theater fan in the world who had never seen Once Upon a Mattress before, but I was instantly taken in by the madcap plot and quirky characters. The lead actress who played Fred had me laughing the whole play long, but I was also impressed by her stunning Broadway belt and her range. The prince, Queen, and King all occupied their roles perfectly, delivering performances that really had me invested. I was so impressed by the physical comedy delivered by the mute King!

The one drawback (and this is of the theater, not of the actors!) was that in some of the lovely duets between Larkin (whose soprano voice was so delightfully musical) and the knight (with his luscious vibrato) got a little drowned out by the band. This is simply due to not mic-ing the cast, which throws things a little off balance sometimes. But it's a small space--so sit close and enjoy!... Read more Read less

See it if you don't mind shows that are a front for long philosophical musings. You're okay with metanarrative and plots going off the rails.

Don't see it if You prefer linear, carefully thought out drama with a focused message and narrative.

Also There were some positive things about this show. The cast did a good job delivering passionate performances even with some difficult, clunky phrasing and odd subject matter. But overall, the message of the show failed to come together into any kind of neat message (which, ironically, I think is part of the message of the show).

That normally doesn't bother me, and I actually really enjoy meta works and less linear plays. But the whole thing felt scattered in a way that didn't quite work.

A point of critique: the fellow who played Thelonious brought wonderful energy and humor to the performance, but his diction was, unfortunately, really rapid-fire and unclear. I think he could play a really fabulous character if he took a little more time with the lines, because a lot of their value got lost in my being unable to understand what he was saying.

All that said, I can see a lot of potential in this show with some retooling of the narrative.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a lighthearted look at suicide. You don't mind musicals that still feel like they're being workshopped.

Don't see it if You're looking for a really polished piece by experienced musical writers.

Also A fun, dark-humor filled show that could blossom into something more. For right now, it feels a little too compact and definitely a little too absurd at times, but that's the limitation of the length.... Read more Read less

See it if you have Mean Girls nostalgia. You want a fun, light show with some surprisingly killer voices! The cast is phenomenal!

Don't see it if you're expecting great music or lyrics. Both are pretty uninspired and disappointing--could have been more creative. The book is good though

See it if you like fun, slightly fluffy musicals that have a hidden layer of empowering women. You like the smell of pie.

Don't see it if You're turned off by themes of adultery, abuse, etc. Also, the sound felt really muffled and I had trouble understanding certain lyrics.

See it if you're a Harry Potter fan. You live for visual effects and magic tricks on stage. you want to have chills at the end of each act.

Don't see it if you expect good writing or an original plot. You won't find it here.

See it if you like absurdist or magical realist shows that look like a simple package but have layers of wrapping. You like your comedy with a twist.

Don't see it if You aren't a fan of repetitive dialogue.

Also While this show is brief, and in some ways you can guess what might happen because of fairly obvious foreshadowing, there's something really beautiful about the writing that I found compelling. Although there is a lot of repetition, each time something is repeated, the characters move through another layer of understanding and emotion, making it so this play is anything but tedious to watch. It isn't perfect; you'll find cliches and heavy-handedness and predictable bits here and there, but altogether, watching these characters' personalities, issues, and secrets unfold in a such a creative way is an enjoyable experience.... Read more Read less

See it if you read Harry Potter and thought "there are a lot of plot holes. I wonder if anyone ever rounded them up and made a parody play of them?"

Don't see it if you never read Harry Potter or saw the movies.

Also This was so unexpectedly funny. I expected the jokes to be a little tedious or overplayed (who HASN'T already heard all there is to say about Harry Potter already?) but they managed to keep it fresh and really hilarious.... Read more Read less

See it if you love the brilliant music of Boublil and Schönberg.

Don't see it if You loved the passion and authenticity of earlier recordings of this show. You won't find it here.

Also I was so saddened not to love this production of Miss Saigon (2017). I saw the show on tour when I was a teenager and absolutely loved it. Everything felt immersive and real. But this new production was flat and way too melodramatic. I'm not sure what changed--maybe I just got older and have different expectations of theater. But this show both seemed too slow and way too fast at the same time. I think there's a lot of talent in the cast, but I don't think it showed itself here.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a show that immerses you by the talent and authenticity of its cast.

Don't see it if You're sick of books and shows about suicide.

Also I really think that everyone should see this show if they can. I didn't expect to love it like I did. I'm not a super fan of contemporary musical scores, which, to me, tend to ramble on and get dull quickly. But Dear Evan Hansen really does something special. Its cast members truly inhabit their characters in a way that feels so incredibly real. Ben Platt is one of the most outstanding performers I've ever seen on Broadway. I was unexpectedly blown away.... Read more Read less

See it if you are looking for a musical that catalogues unique human experiences in a touching, original way. You love authenticity and heart.

Don't see it if You are looking for a score that knocks you off your feet with a lot of variety. You're looking for a big, stunning show.

Also Come from Away is truly a special show and one worth seeing, although it feels like something that could be done as beautifully in a local theater as it could on a Broadway stage. It's simple and touching.... Read more Read less