TheAureaT

See it if you are ok being confronted with difficult questions about morality and your own belief system, you are open to exploring ambiguity

Don't see it if you are triggered by descriptions of or conversations about pedophilia and pederasty, you're looking for a feel-good piece....this is not it

Also This has been widely praised across the board, and with good reason. I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up on Pulitzer short list. It's possibly one of the most complex plays about the complicated human spirit that I have ever seen. I found myself in knots as I was watching, uncomfortable with my empathy for certain characters that I found disgusting and reprehensible, and therein lies the genius. The play is masterful in its character development, and the cast is one of the finest I've seen in recent memory. There is no laziness or "skating-by" here, just a full-on commitment to depth and nuance. I've been thinking about this play nonstop since I saw it a couple weeks ago, and I think it may actually be shifting some of prior beliefs about myself and about humanity in general. Isn't that the mark of a truly great work of art? Don't get me wrong-- this is difficult to watch, and I'm not sure I could watch it again any time soon. But if you haven't seen it yet, you should.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in often overlooked aspects of American history involving immigration, you want to see some amazing acting.

Don't see it if you want to see something that's a bundle of laughs, you don't have patience

Also I really liked this show, and I was sad to see that the theatre was only half-full the night I attended. It definitely deserves more of an audience. Being of Asian heritage myself, I have a lot of interest in shows that focus on the immigrant experience, and the Asian immigrant experience in general. Both the writing and the acting in this show are very strong; Amy Kim Washke, who plays Low, acts her face off...and I mean that in the best way possible. I could feel the waves of her emotion rolling over me, even when she was silent and operating with the utmost restraint. Shannon Tyo was also a standout for me. I love seeing these undeniably strong performances from Asian actors who could literally act in ANYTHING. These people should be getting cast, and not just in specifically Asian stories. The structure of the play is quite interesting, and the audience isn't spoon-fed anything, so you have to stay alert. I would gladly see this again if it was running longer. Highly recommend.... Read more Read less

See it if you like old-fashioned Christmas shows, you want to see something short and sweet that gets you in a holiday mood.

Don't see it if you're interested in something plot-based with an actual story, if you are already over Christmas and Christmas musice3

Also This is a sweet show, but completely forgettable. The Christmas music is quaint and old-fashioned, and the text is reminiscent of a gentler, quieter time. It may be exactly what you need if what you need is good wholesome, family-centered escapism. The performers are all very talented, but all the same, I found myself lulled into a sleepy sort of half-attention. There's no plot, nothing really happens, and the soothing good-will of the show made me zone out. An older patron sitting behind me actually did fall asleep and snored gently until her friend nudged her awake at a quiet moment. All in all, I didn't blame her for snoozing. I'm not sorry I went. Sometimes it's nice to remember that these happy little moments still exist.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy intense two-handers, stories about young love (or what passes for love), plays that introduce lesser-known aspects of history.

Don't see it if you are triggered by someone saying "Heil Hitler," you don't have the patience to sit through a gradual, subtle unfolding of character.

Also I found this play to be thought-provoking and intriguing. The lead actors, particularly the female lead, were both dynamic and quite good. The subject matter is tough and serves as a historical warning of how easy it is to get lulled into a fascist mindset. The love story is simultaneously sweet and troubling, and I found myself both smiling at the familiar awkwardness of navigating intimacy for the first time and being aghast at how young people let themselves go with abandon without having any idea where their impulses may lead. Definitely Recommend.... Read more Read less

See it if you have a familiarity with the subject matter and you want to see a solo actor engage in a stunning feat of making the senseless make sense

Don't see it if you need a story arc, any sort of cohesive plot, or even actual recognizable characters. I would consider this intellectual experimentation.

Also I went into this show pretty much blind. I'm not familiar with the original libretto, and I had no idea what to expect. First, kudos to David Greenspan. One-person shows are difficult no matter what the text is, but this show is a complete feat. The text is all over the place– no fully coherent sentences, no real sense of time and place, no clearly delineated characters...and yet, Greenspan somehow coaxes meaning and strong images out of the gobbledy-gook words. Not once did I lose interest in the 90 minutes I was sitting in the audience, which surprises even me. At certain points, I found that I had to stop listening so hard and just let the words wash over me like water over a window. I found my mind wandering, not away from the show, but alongside the show. Strange images and thematic connections from my own life were popping into my brain unexpectedly. It almost felt like a gentle psychedelic trip– strange and inscrutable, but not entirely unpleasant.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see two masterful actors playing off each other flawlessly, if you appreciate difficult topics being addressed unflinchingly.

Don't see it if you want to keep everything light and fluffy, if you'd rather pretend that racial trauma and generational trauma are not a thing.

Also I've read this play multiple times and seen it produced regionally, so I thought I knew how everything was going to go. All I can say is that this particular cast elevates this work to a sublime level. The acting is just beyond– there wasn't a single moment that struck me as inorganic or not truthful. The two actors' chemistry as brothers was totally believable, which made the inevitable conflict all the more heartbreaking. This really is a master class in acting, and I think every early-career actor in the city should go see it. Maybe twice.

It's largely a static set, so nothing flashy is really happening here in a tech sense, but that's okay with me. (Actually, my largest complaint about the show is that one of the sound cues that was supposed to sound like a character urinating into a plastic cup onstage was kinda off.) The transitional music added to the overall ambience, and the lighting design was bleak yet unobtrusive.

Highly highly recommend.... Read more Read less

See it if you can deal with pitch-black dark comedy, you are ready for some masterful and nuanced acting dealing with difficult topics, you love MLP.

Don't see it if you are triggered by sexual abuse, grooming, pedophilia, or anything like that. If you are expecting something lighthearted and fun.

Also Woof. No matter what, this play is a tough one. The acting is pretty brilliant. I was floored by Mary Louise Parker's seemingly effortless transitions in her physicality and mannerisms as her character hopped between adolescence and adulthood. David Morse is also impressive; his Uncle Peck is devastatingly charming and believably non-threatening. (His fishing monologue may be the finest bit of physical theater I have seen this season.) With these two actors at the helm of the production, even knowing exactly what was coming, I found myself desperately hoping that they would find some way out of this mess.
The actors in the chorus were also wonderful, particularly Johanna Day, who gets a good chance to showcase her comedic chops as she advises Lil Bit on how to handle her liquor.
Definitely recommend, but consider giving yourself some time and space to decompress after the curtain falls.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Camille A. Brown's work, you are interested in movement-based theatre

Don't see it if you are expecting something plot-based, or even character based. This piece is often characterized as a choreo-poem.

Also I was pleasantly surprised when I heard that this was being mounted on Broadway as it seems like an unconventional choice for conventional Broadway audiences. This show is definitely not going to be everyone's cup of tea, as it straddles the line between play and poetry and dance. I love that the cast is made up of such a diverse group of women-- so many different body sizes and shapes, representation for the deaf community, different shades of colored girls! It truly was inspiring in that way, and their connection to each other is palpable. That being said, the acting in the show is uneven. There are some performers that absolutely KILL IT from an acting standpoint (shout-outs to Red, Green, Brown), but there are others that are clearly less skilled, or they are just primarily dancers. Since I saw the show in previews, it's totally possible that this will all even out as the run progresses.
Still, the joy and pain in the show are palpable. Definitely worth a watch. Recommend.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re interested in political maneuvering, meditations on America’s troubled history, you love Austin Pendleton.

Don't see it if You’re not in the mood to listen to people talk…it is A LOT of talking.

Also First, Austin Pendleton is a national treasure. All of his acting choices are hilarious, specific, and still honest. Actually, the whole cast is really solid. The script itself— I’m not sure. The whole thing felt like it was trying just a little too hard to make a really obvious point about how liberal (mostly white) America is largely hypocritical in calling for reparations without wanting to go through any actual discomfort. As a woman of color, several times I found myself thinking, “This is not a revelation.” There is nothing particularly new here, but it is a biting rebuke of Americans of all kinds treating other as disposable stepping stones to get to the next safe place. It was both depressing and funny, and probably still worth seeing…if not for revelations, then at least for some very serviceable acting.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy plays that ask you to consider the grey shades of right and wrong.

Don't see it if You need to escape from the gruesome reality of this political moment. This play forces you to consider true uncomfortable individual choice

Also I was very impressed by the technical aspects of this play— I loved that all of the dialogue was a verbatim recreation, and the actors were so specific with the given material. While the set is spare, that was a wise choice on the director’s part. There is nothing to distract from the raw humanity on display in this very uncomfortable moment. While the show is only an hour long, my friend and I left wanting to know and see more. We talked about the play and its implications for far longer than we were sitting in the theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if you like seeing actor-centric work. These are three clearly accomplished artists plying their craft. The nuance they capture is amazing.

Don't see it if You are triggered by infidelity. If you are annoyed by long scenes or a lot of talking that demands you actually pay attention.

Also I've never seen any Pinter onstage before, and I thought this was a lovely introduction. The spare staging really allowed the words and the actors to shine without any fussy distraction. I really loved how all three of the main characters stayed onstage the whole time; it really highlighted the intertwined nature of their dysfunctional relationships. Also, I had no idea, but Tom Hiddleston is a F*CKING FORCE onstage. He is magnetic and impossible to take your eyes off of, which means Charlie Cox and Zawe Ashton have their work cut out for them. They do manage to hold their own against his formidable stage presence, but make no mistake, this is a chance to see a star (in the true sense) and a really gifted actor onstage, up close and personal. The subject matter of this play is disturbing, potentially even upsetting for some people. As I left the theater, I heard an older woman saying to her friend, "I don't know if I enjoyed that." I understand, but still 100% recommend this.... Read more Read less

See it if I saw it because I read the review in the New York Times and because I am interested in one-person shows. I was disappointed on the whole.

Don't see it if You are triggered by suicide, strobe lights, direct address to the audience, incoherent plots, unnecessary fixation on vaginal penetration.

Also Having read the New York Times review prior to buying my tickets, I already had a pretty good idea of what this show was about. Writing and performing shows about suicide are risky to be sure, but in this case, Milly Thomas seemed to be banking on the shock value and not much else. Her central character, who is apparently very recently deceased by her own hand, spends the 90-minute show looking in on her nearest and dearest to see how they are doing in the aftermath of her death. Apparently, suicide makes people feel sexy-- we're treated to graphic depictions of her boyfriend getting head from a new girlfriend AND to her newly pregnant best friend having an unsatisfying sexual encounter with her clueless baby daddy...(the dead girl helps her come to climax, which is shocking, but ultimately irrelevant and pointless.) I left this show wondering why it existed. I didn't leave with any new insight or curiosity, except for, "how does this continue to get produced?" Not my cup of tea.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in theatrical adaptations of works of literature, you think that it's important for black authors to receive wider regard

Don't see it if you are turned off by implied violence, you are triggered by systemic racism, you can't follow non-linear timeline action, you want comedy

Also I was really excited to see this, and I am stunned that The Acting Co. was able to shoehorn this epic story into 90 minutes without an intermission. The ensemble is very talented, and they do a fabulous job of living in this sparse, barren world that the director has created for them. I was impressed across the board by the physical and emotional palettes that these actors were working with. The story itself is bleak and relentless, and by the end, I was thanking God that it was over. It is really intense, but that should not stop you from seeing it. The staging is supremely elegant, with a minor misstep here and there. (There's a full-arm fluffy cat puppet that makes a couple appearances...and, all I'll say is, it's unnecessary.) Seeing this made me want to go back and reread the book, which I first read in high school. I think this adaptation should tour nationally; it would be a great piece to initiate difficult conversations around systemic racism and what it means.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in seeing one character play two different characters, but not very well. You are interested in the implications of PTSD

Don't see it if you need fireworks and special effects. This is literally two actors talking onstage for 90 minutes. Some of it is interesting.

Also I had read this play before but never seen it. My first thought upon leaving the theater was-- "why did they choose to produce this now?" In a few ways, the play felt a little dated, and I wasn't sure what the point was of having one actor play both brothers. I don't think it elevated the play at all, and I also don't think Colin Woodell did a particularly good job differentiating the characters. Other than changing shirts and making one brother's voice sound a little more "macho," there wasn't much variation. Mary Elizabeth Winstead was excellent-- emotionally connected and honest. I would go see her on stage again. It's too bad that she was responsible for carrying the bulk of the emotional life of the play.

The play itself is very heavy with no relief or levity. Even though it only clocks in at 85 minutes, even that feels like a lot, and it's a relief when the lights go up.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of classic works reimagined, if you want to see some really fine acting, if you feel lost and want theatrical commiseration.

Don't see it if you hate direct address and/or audience involvement, if you value action over discourse, if you hate Chekhov to begin with.

Also I'm a fan of Wheelhouse Theatre already, and this production did not disappoint. Whip smart with room to breathe. This company stuffed with NYU MFA alums is not afraid to make use of silence, and they do it deftly. The majority of the actors are so natural and organic, even with the highest stakes, that I would swear they are speaking off the cuff.

Posner's script places the story within a theatrical frame where the actors acknowledge that they are putting on a play, and as such, they talk right to the audience. They ask questions AND expect answers. The night I went, they told the audience that they should get up and leave if they weren't up for this experience...and a couple actually got up and exited. Their loss.

The set and design are simple but effective, and it really allows the actors and the writing to shine. I would go see this show again if I had the opportunity. I get the feeling that it's probably a different experience every night depending on the audience.... Read more Read less

See it if You like theater based in realism where characters explore relevant issues like abortion, women's relationships with their bodies, power

Don't see it if you don't enjoy moral quandaries. Definitely don't see it if you are rigid in a solidly pro-life stance.

Also I was very pleasantly surprised by this play. I didn't know what to expect exactly, but it was very well done across the board. The clunkiest things about it were definitely the weird set that had to be swapped back and forth to indicate the different locations. The sound system was glitchy too-- fuzzing in and out, with strange jumps in volume. But aside from those things, the play was solid. In a three-character play, one weak link can ruin everything, and that didn't happen here. I found the father-daughter relationship to be particularly moving and honest. Some of the plot conceits of the play seemed a little farfetched to me, but it wasn't anything I couldn't get over-- I was not convinced that this young woman home from college would ask a veritable stranger to come with her to get an abortion. I kept wondering, why didn't she do this in her college town and get a friend to go with her? Why wait to go to her super conservative hometown? Oh well. Still good.... Read more Read less

See it if you're up for a titillating night of sexy circus arts and dance.

Don't see it if you want more than a passing thematic connection to Alice in Wonderland.

Also I've seen several of Company XIV's productions now, and they are, without a doubt, stunning and creative across the board. The performers are all top notch talents who are feisty and fun to watch. For this particular show, I will say that I found it slightly less engaging than the Nutcracker Rouge show I saw this past winter. But really, that's just quibbling. All of their shows are worth seeing. This one is slightly less connected to a discernible story-line, so I didn't care about "Alice" as much as I could have. I think it really helps to have a protagonist for the audience to hook into, especially in this burlesque/variety show format. This was also the first time I ordered some of the thematic drinks off the cocktail menu, and I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised by the taste and the quality. At $17 a pop, the drinks are pricey, but since the entire experience is about decadence, I say it's worth it. I will go to every show they put on if I can. You should too.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to support more mainstream theater that celebrates diverse stories, if you like seeing fresh young talent onstage

Don't see it if you are bothered by sex, sexiness, smart black women, queerness, etc etc.

Also Full disclosure-- I am friends with an actor in this cast so I may be a little bit biased. But actually, I think I tend to be tougher on productions when I know someone who is involved. BLKS was a lot of fun to watch, and I was very pleasantly surprised to see that the audience was way more racially diverse than what you you usually get on a Sunday afternoon in a Broadway or off-Broadway house. The play itself, while tremendously entertaining, had some plot points which I found less than believable-- what intelligent, urbane, sophisticated New York woman would let a strange man sleep on her futon after he stalked her home from a club, climbed up her fire escape, and terrified her by banging on her window?? If you can get past things like that not making any sense, you will have a good time. The three lead ladies are all super-talented, magnetic personalities, and it is a riot to watch them interact with each other as they get ready to go out for the night. Recommended.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy the artistry of solo shows, you are interested in the current conversation about the fluidity of borders

Don't see it if you need bells and whistles, you want something with an actual cohesive story-- this show is more vignettes falling under a topical heading

See it if you do not care about plot, like, at all.

Don't see it if you have control issues or you absolutely need things to make sense. You don't want to risk being showered with sand.

Also This play is so unusual, and it wouldn't ordinarily be my cup of tea, but it was really well done! I'd never been to Irondale before, and I thought it was a beautiful venue. The lighting design and overall production design was simple but evocative. The acting was so committed and specific, so much so that it made up for a story that could have come across as very non-specific. This play felt like a fever-dream to me, kind of like a European psychological horror-drama. I could see it being screened in grainy, black and white film.
The actors are 100% in, and in particular, their movement work deserves special notice. Even though the show was nearly two hours long, I never got bored watching the intricacy of their choices.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in historical drama, the Holocaust, how history can teach us lessons about the present and the future

Don't see it if you need razzle dazzle. The play is pretty bleak with a simple set and not much in the way of bells and whistles.

Also I went to see this play because I had several friends performing in it (full disclosure). I wouldn't necessarily say it's enjoyable, due to the subject matter, but it certainly does present some very dire warnings about what happens when good people stay silent in the interest of self preservation. The script is a little long, and none of the characters, even the main ones, are really fleshed out. It doesn't seem like that's what the author set out to do. The play almost feels like a historical reennactment where all you see are little snippets in time without much depth or emotional exploration. That might be okay though. "Just the facts," might actually be enough because the facts are so horrendous and disturbing. It's very moving to consider that this play is based on truth and real people.... Read more Read less

See it if you like intimately staged Shakespeare, you like Shakespeare at all-- because this production is exceptional for an off-off Broadway space.

Don't see it if you want some distance between yourself and the action, you don't want to travel to Queens, you are tapped out on watching Shakespeare

Also This was one of my favorite productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream that I've ever seen, and I've seen plenty. The actors shone across the board, which is great since the production doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles. The set is simple and never changes, and the sound and lighting design are effective but never overwhelming. This production was charming in its honesty and unadorned examination of the very real human interactions happening in a fantastical setting. I was particularly impressed by the two actresses playing Hermia and Helena. They were both so alive and natural with the text that it really did seem like the words were literally springing into their mouths extemporaneously.
I also appreciated some of the creative direction which showed up in this production-- Titania's fairies were all played by Puck, which gave Puck yet another added layer of complexity-- does he/she serve Oberon? Titania? Both? I also liked Puck's darkness and potential danger. Recommend!... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in fresh takes on Shakespeare, you find teenage angst compelling

Don't see it if you mind walking up 4 flights of rickety stairs to see a show, you're expecting polish, you prefer your Shakespeare to be traditional

Also The conceit of this story is that a young teenage girl who is suffering from some kind of heartache (we never find out what it is) picks up a copy of R+J and reads through the whole thing. While I feel like this could have been interesting and effective, it never really pays off because the teenage girl framework never closes out on the other end. She finishes the play...and that's it. We never find out how reading R+J helped her, what her situation was or how it resolved. The entire framework, while entertaining, ended up being pointless.
That being said, the play is lots of fun. Set up in the round, the actors are very-close to the audience, so you always feel like you're right in the thick of the action. Other than Romeo, Juliet, and the teenage girl, all of the other actors in the cast play multiple roles which really allow them to shine. I was particularly impressed with Lauren Pisano, who played Mercutio and Capulet.... Read more Read less

See it if you like three-tissue family dramas, you want to support Asian-American playwrights and actors

Don't see it if you are triggered by plays dealing with cancer, a parent's imminent death, 12-step programs and alcoholism, incontinence. Lots of triggers.

Also Watching this play was an interesting experience. Being Asian-American myself, I'm always excited to see work by young up-and-coming Asian-American playwrights. The play got off to a rocky start, but I was also seeing an early preview, so hopefully the actors will settle in a little more as they get comfortable. The material itself is...unremarkable. The characters, while likable, all seem to be pulled from well-known stock-- the prodigal daughter who escaped and is back for some kind of redemption, the other "good" religious daughter who finds out that smoking pot can help her loosen up, the recovering alcoholic dad...this play doesn't bring anything new to the table, but in spite of that, it still hit me hard when the mom's struggle with her own mortality heated up. I was crying, people around me were crying. There was a LOT of crying.
There is some good material in this play, and the actors do what they can with it. It manages to hit an emotional chord in spite of itself.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in the different ways people express and work through their trauma, you want to see some grade-A acting across the board.

Don't see it if onstage sex acts bother you, if you are turned off by 12-step programs, you don't like to listen to a lot of talking about hard stuff

Also I REALLY enjoyed this one, up until the very, very end. I thought the acting was truly stellar and moving. Marin Ireland is a revelation and truly succeeds in bringing a potentially unlikable career to life in such a way that the audience is able to empathize with her, and even root for her. The writing is refreshingly current, and the play deftly addresses issues of race, gender power dynamics, sexual morality, the fragile white male ego, etc. I laughed out loud and cried, so in my book that makes this show a must-see winner.
My only regret is how abruptly and strangely the show draws to its conclusion. I was left wanting more answers, but maybe that's not a bad thing.... Read more Read less

See it if you are into fever-dream, magical realism where seals can be women and every hotel room looks exactly alike except for where the bed is.

Don't see it if You need a clear-cut linear plot with fully-fleshed out, well-rounded characters. You are turned off by implied drug use.

Also Krista Knight's play was interesting, but also inscrutable. If you were to ask me what it was about, I'd have to say-- "I'm not sure." It was never clear whose story it was or what the real point of the 90-minute journey was, but if you can let go of that, it's fun! The stage design is clever (but a little clunky, with a cranky curtain drawn back and forth that never really seems to want to do what it's told). All three of the actors seem to have committed fully to their strange world, which is helpful for the audience. We have fun when they're having fun, which is most of the time.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in timely productions that deal with current events, you like strong female protagonists

Don't see it if you need flashy theatricals. This show is a lot of talking about a lot of complex subject matter.

Also I saw this while it was still in previews at Playwrights Horizons, so I'm not surprised that it seemed like it needed a little more baking time. Heather Raffo's writing is interesting, but it seemed like she felt compelled to have the characters explain their own historical context to each other (probably for the benefit of the audience who might not be up to date on Iraqi displacement). This results in some stilted, unnatural-seeming dialogue which the actors plow through gamely. The actor playing Rafa'a is a particular standout.

The staging of the show is a little clunky, with the actors not always adhering to the conventions that have been set (.ie. if they exit this way, it means they're leaving the house.) It's not confusing, just messy. The transitions are slow, and there's one pretty odd one where stagehands come out wearing blacks and headsets to drop off some set-dressing which could just as easily been brought on by actors in character.

Recommended with reservations.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to watch beautiful people doing amazing things with their bodies, you enjoy spectacle, you have a sense of humor

Don't see it if you're lame, you hate people who have muscles and no body fat, you're scared of sexiness

Also I've been to Company XIV's new venue twice now, and it continues to astound me each and every time. The eye for detail in the space itself is on point. It's dark and luxurious; it truly feels like you've walked into a secret boudoir right off of the gritty streets of Brooklyn. The shows themselves are non-stop displays of tip-top talent, and Nutcracker Rouge was no exception. The Nutcracker story provides a loose framework for dancers, burlesque performers, and cabaret singers to showcase themselves. The results are a very, VERY sexy show. I literally turned to my partner at least once every five minutes to say, "Oh my God, did you see THAT??" The performers' bodies are ridiculous, and even if they had just stood there doing nothing, it would have been worth looking at. This is perfect for date night, for a girls' night out...I would even take my mom to see this. She might pretend to be shocked, but I'm pretty sure she'd be enjoying it deep down.... Read more Read less

See it if you like to see casts of kickass women onstage, you like queer-centric stories, you have a silly side, you have a crush on Lea DeLaria

Don't see it if you're solidly homophobic, you need a linear plot that makes perfect sense, you hate when actors break the 4th wall and talk to the audience

Also I had a GREAT time watching this show, for the most part. There were moments of sheer genius, and then there were a few strange, slow moments that felt like they should have been edited out or at least tightened. The 4 actresses who aren't Lea DeLaria are all very talented-- particularly Adina Verson (playing Betty 2). I could literally watch her all day. She does this hand-puppet thing that is so unbelievably strange and moving-- it is worth going to see this play for her alone. Lea DeLaria, in contrast to the other 4, is not really an actress. She's definitely a personality. Her bits on stage all came across as, well, bits. She's funny and charming, but there doesn't actually seem to be any depth or real feeling to what she's doing up there. Everything is a schtick, and it works, but it's much less interesting than what the other actresses are bringing to the table.

This play is new, fresh, and pretty hilarious. Even though it's not perfect, it is unforgettable.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in experimental theatre, you have deep abiding love for either of the works being used, you don't mind weird.

Don't see it if you prefer straightforward, linear plots and ideas; you don't want to have to think too hard;

Also I've wanted to see a Bedlam show for a long time, but this is the first time it's ever worked out for me. My feelings about this show are pretty conflicted. I thought the actors were all excellent, really top notch, BUT whatever they were trying to say by pairing these two works together was just not working for me. They seemed to have a really good handle on the Chekhov-- so much so that I would have preferred to see them do a performance of just that. The intercut Shakespeare was much less clear to me, and I 100% think that's due to the fact that it was also unclear to the actors. The performers all had amazing, specific physical lives, and this show is worth seeing just for that reason...but the show is also too long-- over 2.5 hours. By the end of it, I definitely felt like I had had enough and that I was ready to go home and not think about Chekhovian misery anymore.... Read more Read less

See it if You like fairly straightforward family tearjerker type stuff. Might appeal to fans of the TV shows Parenthood and This Is Us

Don't see it if You’re looking for anything groundbreaking. If you’re triggered by people dealing with cancer or dementia

Also I saw the second preview of this show, so odds are that it will improve by the time opening rolls around. Good news is that it’s a quick 90 minute show without an intermission. Bad news is that it’s overly sentimental and schmaltzy. The acting seemed clunky and uninspired across the board in spite of the entire cast having impressive Broadway and/or regional credits. I should note that even though I was unimpressed, there were definitely members of the audience who were audibly crying and sobbing at the more emotional point of the play, so obviously it was affecting for some people. One other strange thing I noticed – – there is a repeated bit about Chanel number five in the show, and whatever they are spraying seems to be actual real perfume. Which smelled. I didn’t mind it, but it seems like an odd choice since a lot of people are very sensitive to smells like that, especially in an enclosed space where you can’t remove yourself, like a theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you like character-driven, dark comedies dealing with interpersonal relationships, you have a love-hate relationship with your sister.

Don't see it if you are scared of examinations of mental illness and suicidal tendencies, you are offended by casual sex, you hate millenials.

Also This play was surprisingly robust for a short-run festival. The bag is always mixed with downtown festivals since they're pretty much a dime a dozen these days. Surfacing deserves its own independent run. The writing was quick and quippy, always interesting, and the actors handled it with facility. I loved that the characters, even the protagonist, were satisfyingly damaged and complex. My primary complaint about the night has to do with the staging. Early in the play, a HUGE canvas was leaned up against a pole, blocking literally 50% of my sightline of the action onstage. That canvas remained there for the duration of the play. Why in God's name would you allow people to sit in those seats? I ended up standing for a few of the scenes so that I could peek over the canvas, and during the more intense scenes, where it felt like it might be intrusive to stand, I just sat back and listened.

Recommended. Just make sure you don't sit where I sat.... Read more Read less

See it if you are titillated by long, drawn-out seductions; you are a fan of Tennessee Williams and/or William Inge; you like to listen.

Don't see it if you want more action and less talking, you are opposed to gay romance, you get bored when nothing happens

Also I really enjoyed this, but it almost seems to me like Dawkins might have started writing this as an exercise or a piece of fan fiction. It was very interesting to see an alternative-history, and I thought the actors were both quite good. It was a pleasure to see an Asian-American actor playing William Inge, and I was very satisfied in realizing that his appearance was distracting for a millisecond and then receded into the realm of not mattering at all. My primary issue with this play is that it is too long-- there are at least two spots that felt like an ending to me, and then when it kept going, there was that necessary mental recalibration. Structurally I feel like it might have worked better as a one-act without an intermission. That being said, it is interesting all the way through, and the actors keep it exciting. The sets, though static, are beautiful and creative, and the lighting/sound contribute well to the overall mood of the play. Recommended.... Read more Read less

See it if you love witty word-play, jokes coming so fast that you miss a dozen if you spend a second trying to figure out that last one.

Don't see it if you have no patience for rhyming, witty or not, you are looking for depth or sincerity, you are annoyed by period pieces

Also I wasn't sure what to expect from this David Ives farce, but I did thoroughly enjoy myself. The cast deftly handles rhyming couplets that could easily fall flat in the wrong hands. This is a piece of theater that is as light and frothy as a bubble, and each of the performers moves lightly and dexterously through the text. Nothing is too serious, nothing is too difficult, and yet the stakes are all kept ridiculously high. Such is the stuff of a good farce.
David Ives is a linguistic master. The show should be seen for that reason alone.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy fresh, timely theater that examines what is happening in our world now. If you are ready to laugh and cry at the same time.

Don't see it if you don't want to watch characters confront dark, complicated emotions. If you are turned off by anything having do to with shootings.

Also I think this play deals with the current topic of gun violence in schools in a beautifully human way. While the aftermath of a school shooting provides the backdrop, what we learn from this nuanced work is that life goes on even after bullets fly, even if we want it to slow down and rewind. Some of the acting in the show is simply PHENOMENAL. Cassie Beck, in particular, is astounding as a grieving mother who is doing her best to hold it all together. It is worth the price of a ticket just to see her walk the fine line between despair and making it through the day.
It is amazing to me that Ferrentino wrote this play before the Parkland shooting, because this play resonates so deeply and clearly with this current moment in our country. It gives its audience an outlet to ask the questions that we are too stunned and horrified to speak out loud-- Why does this keep happening? Where are the "real adults" who can fix our broken system? How can we be both human and complacent?... Read more Read less

See it if you love Joshua Jackson. He's just as charming as always. Or if you are a champion of the underserved and underrepresented.

Don't see it if you have a short attention span or need pacing to move quickly. If you are made uncomfortable be people struggling to overcome obstacles.

Also I really wanted to like this. The show is advertised as running 2:35, and it was actually under. It ran about 2:25...and still felt really, really long. Some of that is due to the mechanics of having a deaf actor sign, waiting for her to finish, and then having a hearing character repeat what she is saying so the audience knows before responding verbally. It's a lot, and those microseconds add up. Not sure anything could be done to remedy that though, considering that the play is literally about deaf/hearing communication. The script itself seemed a little flabby and weak to me, especially in the second act. I found the love story between the two main characters mesmerizing, but once they started getting into some sort of vague lawsuit pitting the deaf characters against the hearing people running the school, the show lost me. The conflict was forced and not believable.... Read more Read less

See it if you like fresh takes on old stories, you enjoy seeing good work produced on a shoestring budget

Don't see it if you're expecting to see a recreation of the movie "Troy," you prefer when classical text stays classical

Also This play has a lot of potential, which was not quite realized by its opening night. The script, a modern adaptation of the events leading up to the Trojan Horse debacle, is pleasantly contemporary, but it's a little bloated and probably could have used a solid 15 minutes of cuts. There is a reporter character which is completely extraneous and unnecessary, except to give other characters the opportunity to provide exposition...which also seems unnecessary given that the plot is a story which is actually pretty easy to follow-- dead son, demi-god at fault, get revenge, etc etc. No big twists and turns here.

The actors made a good attempt at bringing this story to life, and look out for the actress playing Cassandra who has a killer scene where she gets to do double duty playing both Cassandra AND Apollo. Pretty compelling stuff.

I think this play will improve over the course of its run. Just a few sticky, bumpy spots to get through. Catch it if you can!... Read more Read less

See it if You're in the mood for light-hearted escapism that requires zero thinking, you love music from the 50s and 60s, you don't care about plot.

Don't see it if You desire depth or realism, you have an aversion to bright colors and high pitched squeals/screeches, you get bored with repetitive jokes.

Also This isn't bad, for what it is. The ladies in the cast are obviously talented, but the material is such a slog. They would have done better to cut any dialogue and pretensions to plot and just made it a song revue. The mediocre story really just gets in the way of the catchy tunes. Also, two hours is really too long for this kind of thing-- both my friend and I were ready to leave by intermission.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy devised theatre informed by real-life interviews, you want more information about the Syrian refugee crisis.

Don't see it if You prefer plot-based and scripted theatre, you're in the mood for a comedy.

Also The play, while socially relevant and timely, was a slog to get through. The script has no clear arc, which I would attribute to the fact that it takes its material from real interviews with Syrian refugees or expats. It is really tough to craft a play when you are married to an unforgiving structure. The play definitely communicated the hopelessness and misery of the Syrian situation, so in that sense it was a success.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy seeing American classics reworked and reimagined in ways that may or may not serve the script, you think weird is good.

Don't see it if you prefer more straightforward treatment of the classics, you think directors should leave well enough alone

Also I wanted to like this, but there is just way too much going on. If Theater Mitu had decided on just one experimental gimmick to focus on, it might have highlighted unexpected aspects of the play, but there were:
1) masks
2) inanimate objects playing major and minor characters
3) monologues turned into strange, atonal songs
4) repetitive stylized gestures
And honestly, it all just seems unnecessary. I have no idea what this production was trying to do with the material, and after I got over the novelty of all this stuff, I got a little bored. This is not to say that the performances were bad. They absolutely were not. The actor playing Biff was actually pretty wonderful, and he specifically had several moments that made me wish that it was a more straightforward, simpler production so the humanity of the play could shine through instead of being obfuscated by all the "business" going on. Also, a scene between an electric fan, a punching bag, and a wine bucket? No thanks.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy absurdist elements in your family dramas, you're into weird wordplay or child abduction mysteries, you love Laura Ramadei's acting

Don't see it if adults playing kids bothers you, if you have an aversion to cramped or uncomfortable seating, you like metaphors to make sense.

Also This show is fairly short-- less than 90 minutes, which is good, because any longer than that would be too long. The premise is fairly simple, but the way the playwright tackles it is not. The show starts nearly two years after Fiona and Guy's adopted son was kidnapped from "right under her nose," and then there is a series of cleverly inserted flashbacks where one actor plays Tristan (the son), the detective on the case, the principle at Tristan's school, a possible pedophilic kidnapper...The actor playing all these parts, Justin Mark, has varied degrees of success hopping from role to role. It was unclear to me whether or not the actor was directed to have fuzzy differentiation from part to part or if he just wasn't executing well.

The highlight of the show by far is Ms. Ramadei playing Fiona. I have seen her in several shows over the years, and she never disappoints. Her emotional life is rich and quick and honest. It might be worth going to see this just for her.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy challenging and potentially disturbing theater, you are a fan of the book, you want to see how much worse it can get.

Don't see it if you are negatively affected by bright, flashing lights. I am incredibly surprised that they didn't have a warning about this in the lobby.

Also This is a difficult show to score because I wouldn't say it was enjoyable in the traditional sense. However, I do think it is worth seeing, and I would definitely go to see it again to catch nuances that I missed and to give myself another opportunity to process this very disturbing story.

The set design and staging are unique and serve the story well, and I thought the multimedia elements supported the dystopian, futuristic feel. I read the book once in middle school and never again, so my memory of the story was hazy at best. I found the narrative difficult to follow, but maybe that was the point. For someone without any relationship to the novel at all, I have serious doubts if this show would make any sense at all. The actors were appropriately compelling and passionate although I did think that Tom Sturridge may have been miscast as Winston. Olivia Wilde was a nice surprise. She was solid and grounded onstage, which isn't always the case for actors who work mostly in film.... Read more Read less

See it if you have an interest in how the human mind works. You are fascinated by mentalists, psychic manipulation, hypnosis, the power of suggestion

Don't see it if you're expecting a play or something involving a plot. This is much more akin to a magic show involving lots of audience participation.

Also I had an absolute blast watching this show, and I recommended it to several of my friends immediately afterword. I don't want to say anything here that will give away Mr. Browne's tricks, but suffice to say, I was impressed and left the theater feeling that the world was a little more magical than it was when I entered. Mr. Browne is engaging and charismatic and had no problem holding the audience's attention for two and a half hours. When I originally found out how long the show was, I groaned and thought, "oh no..." but I honestly could have stayed and watched for even another hour. It was such a good time, and I would even consider going back again just to see if I could figure out some of how he did what he did.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy comparing ancient Greek epics to modern-day conflicts, if you don't think cohesive plots or linear story lines are important.

Don't see it if you tend to tune out when there is no driving action on stage, if you prefer concrete characters.

Also I think the premise of this project was interesting, but ultimately unsuccessful. Even after mulling it over for a week post-show, I'm not really sure what the thesis was here. It seems that the show's creators were trying to draw some sort of parallel between the ancient Greeks form of democracy and our own here in the United States in order to call attention to the imminent danger of our government, as we know it, crumbling. However, the comparisons seemed pretty flimsy. Besides the gaps in logic, the production itself was not all that entertaining. There was a lot of stand-and-deliver monologuing with some creative devised staging thrown in. I feel like this piece needs some further workshopping before it gets another mounting.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy seeing classic works modernized and reworked. You are interested in a marriage between opera and musical theatre.

Don't see it if You are an opera purist. If raunchy, broad humor bothers you. If you are looking for subtlety or realism.

Also i know Mozart's original work well enough to appreciate the finesse with which it was both preserved and retooled in this show. Director Melissa Crespo kept the show moving along at an engaging clip, and she had a legitimately talented cast to work with. Some of the voices onstage are stunning, and the leads are charming enough to keep the audience engaged for the full three hours. It's amazing how well this story superimposes onto the modern-day political backdrop. It will certainly leave you with some food for thought, even though the production feels like a light and frothy lark.... Read more Read less

See it if You like intimate spaces and/or Shakespeare in modern dress. See it if you want to get up close and personal with Austin Pendleton.

Don't see it if You are sensitive to tight, uncomfortable seating. If you dislike poorly executed Shakespeare. You can't tolerate shows over 3 hours long.

Also This is the second Shakespeare I have seen at The Secret Theatre, both of them directed by Albert Bonilla and both of them disappointing. That is not to say that this production is all bad. In fact, some of the acting is quite good-- Elizabeth A. Davis is a phenomenal Goneril with a rich, fascinating inner life, Nick Chris as Edgar is charming and sympathetic, and Arthur Lazalde as Kent is believable in unbelievable situations. Jack Herholdt as The Fool is a treasure, spinning wisdom out of nonsense. I was so glad every time he came onstage. Sadly, these strong performances are not enough to balance out the production's many weaknesses. The rest of the cast is uneven in their understanding and delivery of the text, even Austin Pendleton. More than once he seemed to be less than solid on his lines, and he was often difficult to hear. Transitions between scenes were long, which was unfortunate for an already long show.... Read more Read less

See it if You are dying to see Glenn Close in sparkly robes and turbans. If you love Andrew Lloyd Webber. If you aren't looking for huge spectacle.

Don't see it if You expect any actual depth or real human emotion. If all you can afford is a super-far balcony seat. This would have been better up close

Also I saw Close in this in the mid-'90s, and it pains me to say it, but I think she should have left it there. Her vocals have definitely deteriorated with age. She is clearly magnetic, a very strong force onstage, but the show itself is flimsy. This remounting is directed to be much more wink wink nudge nudge with the audience, so it's almost as if the cast is mocking it's own intensity as opposed to just living in it. Still, a good, campy night at the theater.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a fresh take on women's rights and how different women fought for them. This is shockingly relevant, considering.

Don't see it if You are bothered by sapphic love, non-traditional casting, and bare-bones production values. The set is non-existent.

Also I am surprised the current score for this show is so low. I thoroughly enjoyed it and had a pretty strong visceral, emotional reaction to it. The fact that there is no set does mean that some of the blocking is stilted and seemingly unmotivated by anything, but there than that, I thought the acting was well-executed. All five of the women in the cast were specific and nuanced, and I loved watching them. As an actress, I also found myself thinking-- I would love to say those words...so I also apparently disagree with some of the other viewers who thought the script was weak. I thought it was tight and absorbing. I think this show is a must see for all woman artists who are interested in producing and creating female-centric work. This is a very strong ensemble, and the subject matter is relevant in today's political and social climate. Highly recommended.... Read more Read less

See it if you are into irreverent, historically-inspired musicals. This musical is not for the faint of heart-- murder, sex, infidelity, power grabs.

Don't see it if You are bothered when you don't have a clear sightline 100% of the time. The seating is flat because it's being staged in a church.

Also This show was SO much fun. The performers' enjoyment was palpable and contagious. I would see this again in a heartbeat. All of the performers were incredibly talented-- even those playing minor roles had delicious little acting moments that were specific and hilarious. This is probably my favorite thing I've seen in 2017 so far.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy dark, dark comedy. This is typical McDonagh-- funny and heartbreaking all at the same time. The actors are amazingly specific.

Don't see it if Your ears are lazy and you don't want to have to decipher heavy Irish accents. Family violence, abuse, and in-fighting turns your stomach.