ThePearl

See it if NASSIM is more theatrical than dramatic. It has good momentum, some funny moments, some touching moments (veering into the sentimental)

Don't see it if and some educational moments. The high wire act/gimmick of the unrehearsed actor gives the piece immediacy. Reed Birney was superb; a treat.

Also That said, the stage environment was very controlled--the actor was not going to fail/fall. Not that the audience wants them to, but the unrehearsed-actor-thing--performance-wise and emotionally--seemed somewhat low risk. Still, it was an interesting show and a chance to learn about Nassim Soleimanpour's real struggles and creative solutions for getting his work seen, although not in his homeland. And see him employ language (and tomatoes...) as as bridge between people. Also a chance to see some of our best actors navigate a one-time performance of a role which is scripted yet they're largely playing themselves.... Read more Read less

See it if The play had some riveting scenes and some moving ones, too, but overall the docu-style made it less theatrical than you would want, despite

Don't see it if some interesting choices by the director. There's an inherent predictability in this kind of play that wasn't fully overcome. Characters

Also were underdeveloped; there to serve plot. As a shocking, lesser-known piece of America history and history of science/medicine, it's an important show. But when you're at the theatre and a largely predictable narrative is at the forefront of what you're seeing, you start to feel like maybe you should be reading the New Yorker article instead. That said, there's talent here, and Charly Evon Simpson is an emerging playwright to watch. Kudos to the Sloan program for supporting important stories that may not otherwise be seen. EST as always does a fine job and punches above their weight, with a stylish set, strong lighting design and other tech aspects, excellent performaces by the female actors (the men came off as a bit caricature-ish but perhaps that was on the page), and robust, interesting directing.... Read more Read less

See it if You can get a ticket or if it extends...it's a zeitgeist-y, sexy ride of a show that takes chances and is provocative and entertaining. It's

Don't see it if sort of Octoroon, Barbeque and Small Mouth Sounds all shaken up to yield something that's its own thing. Superb...watch this playwright.

Also That said, it's not a perfect play and has its longueurs, especially in the middle act, but I'd rather see something that takes chances than the half-cooked issue plays that many of the Off Broadway theaters are programming in order to be "relevant" and part of "the conversation"...... Read more Read less

See it if you like comedy, brilliant acting, strong directing. Two actors play several roles, keeping pace perfectly with Hindman's clever script

Don't see it if The play is a love letter to the theatre and has a lot of heart and humor. If you love the theatre you'll have a lot of fun at this show.

See it if You like earnest feminist theatre. A soupçon of irony would have helped. Interesting ideas here but not fully realized. A bit too schematic.

Don't see it if Maybe a rewrite short of being ready. It's a good looking production, mostly well-acted.

Also Worth a look for some of the performances, especially a superb Brittany Anikka Liu as Tina and a strong Lisa Ramirez as Wilma, with all credit to the playwright for creating these interesting characters I wanted to see more of. A relationship "reveal" was not all that surprising.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a masterful playwright's talents on display in three short, powerful plays. LaBute's dialogue is mind-blowingly good, as

Don't see it if always, and he continues to provoke us--dare us--to see the darker side of human beings on earth. The atmosphere in the audience was

Also especially tense during the first monologue, styled as a speech by a mild-mannered Hitler devotee. The piece is sharply directed by John Pierson and flawlessly performed by Eric Dean White, keeping it all under control while fielding a few audience heckles. In the middle play, there's crisp LaButean dialogue and very good, winning performances by Brenda Meaney and KeiLyn Durrel Jones. The third piece, a monologue with a lot of layers and strands, was well-shaped by LaBute's direction of a strong Gia Crovatin (in a weirdly dowdy costume). Otherwise, costumes, set, lights, sound all well-done, especially for a low-key production. Nice touch re the use of flowers in each play; in the third one, on a Marimekko mug... The show's three plays were pulled together by the themes of art and truth. LaBute can be polarizing, but even if you have your issues, there is much to admire in the boldness, precision, and talent at work here.... Read more Read less

See it if Donahue's directing and Laffrey's set really make this play, it's a very strong production. The play itself is clever and funny and shows a

Don't see it if lot of writing talent that sometimes lands and sometimes falls short. Except for Verson's Betty, the characters were pretty type-y, perhaps

Also on purpose, but that made it hard to engage on an emotional level. The insistence on saying "pussy" at every turn seemed more juvenile than shocking. The acting is fine across the board with Dana Delaney, Ana Villafane and Adina Verson as stand outs. And that prop delivery system is da bomb.... Read more Read less

See it if you like theatricality, poetic language, strong writing, acting and directing.

Don't see it if you prefer plays with a linear story.

Also This three-character play by Michael Landes, with three strong performances, is riveting, while at the same time challenging, but the power of the symbols, plus strong writing and acting, make it worth it. There's a dystopian, apocalyptic vibe that's cool and compelling in this abstract piece, augmented by impressive radio effects and a stark and evocative set. The character with the flute seems to come from the edges of the female character's consciousness. Deft directing adds shape to the piece.... Read more Read less