This Guy Loves Theatre

See it if want to see a play that takes old themes and makes them fresh.

Don't see it if Don't like or understand Our Town. Didn't get a ticket to SIX and need another option.

Also I was very moved by this play. It might be because I am getting older. I'm over 50. It might be because my 98 year old Mom passed away a year ago this time. It takes themes we have seen before and weaves an elaborate story. The Circle of Life. Death. Sickness. Love. Regrets. Traditions.
Everyone is looking at D. Messing. She was terrific. She looks great. She is a very good actress, and I wasn't disappointed. Many other wonderful performances.
I would recommend this play very much. I don't want to call it old fashioned, but it's a traditional play, I guess. And there is nothing wrong with that. I'm often tired by the "new" plays that people rave about and I find tedious.

I don't understand WHY people's cell phones are still going off during a performance? Why!? It happened about five times during the 90 minutes. Five separate times.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to support APAC. If you want to check/support out a local theatre

Don't see it if Are expecting a great production of the show. You want to hear trained singers. There are few in the show, but not enough.

Also I have been a fan of APAC shows for a long time. Some beautiful productions. That is why this MOL is puzzling. It's not up to APAC standards in any way. What went wrong? This production in set in a detention center on the southern border. Not a bad idea at first thought, but to compare the Spanish Inquisition to America's problems at the border is a stretch. The cast is two women and six men who play multiple parts. The casting of DQ is certainly unconventional. I don't like criticizing actors in many cases. In this case, the director Tony Williams is utterly misguided. He doesn't seem to understand the script. The DQ is so unfocused and so much is lost in the storytelling by poor directing choices. We never feel the insanity of DQ. Sancho is played like Olof in "Frozen". He's like a silly Disney character. Aldonza is all over the place vocally and dramatically. They are all trying but the show is rudderless and I am sorry to say this is not a typical APAC show. They are in a new venue... Read more Read less

See it if Want to hear a beautiful orchestra. See some amazing sets and costumes. Lincoln Center doesn't spare expense when they do a musical.

Don't see it if Are looking for an interesting night in the theatre.

Also Aside from the amazing technical aspects, this should have never been produced. It had no form or shape. Parts of it were just excruciating. Watching Tony Yazbek humping the scenery as a penis was just embarrassing. Who thought this would make a musical? It should have been cut by an hour. It started half an hour late. We didn't get out until 11:15. Most of all, it was boring. It failed on so many levels. The talent was fantastic. I don't fault them. If this cast couldn't make this work, no one could. I am going to stop seeing any show James Lapine is involved with. Carmen Cusack is a wonder. I had never seen her before. She has a stunning voice. If I had been to a reading of this, I would have thought anyone would have been crazy to produce it. It's flawed by it's premise. No one knows who Claire Booth Luce is. Not one remembers Huxley. Cary Grant? Really.... Read more Read less

See it if want to see a really good ensemble. This is a really good production all the way around

Don't see it if Find strong ethnics slurs bother you. Abuse

Also This is a really good production of a not so great play. It won the Pulitzer,but it seems dated and not terribly deep. It was a decent "Who did it?" script, but that's about all. The acting and direction is great, but again, some of the dialogue seems stale, even regretfully laughable. SLight Spoiler: At the beginning of Act 2, Blair Underwood has his shirt open and you can see his bare chest. I have never heard an audience "gasp" as one before. They gasped and then they laughed. It stopped the show, in a fun way, but certainly not in keeping with the play. It was gratuitous and if they expected that reaction it was a wrong choice for the good of the play.
I was restless and cramped in my seat. The one long row with no aisle in the Mezz. didn't help.
There is some great acting and the director does his best to add stuff to make it more interesting. That shouldn't be necessary if the play is great enough to stand on it's own.... Read more Read less

See it if You love camp. Real camp. Very well done.

Don't see it if Have already seen Mr. Busch's plays and don't like his style.

Also Charles Busch is back, and better than ever. I have been going to his productions for decades. I have seen some great plays he wrote and some clunkers. This is one of his best. In many ways I would say it is his very best. Sometimes his plays can skid off the runway at the end. This one is wonderful from the beginning to the very end. It is hysterically funny, but very moving at the end. Mr. Busch has become a virtuoso actor of his works. The rest of the cast is equally as brilliant... and I mean brilliant. All of them. I see this had a production last year. I did not see it. This is destined for success. See it before it becomes sold out. I admit, I would see any of his productions, but this is one of the best. Just go. And if you have never seen him, you especially want to go.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see some wonderful performances. I enjoyed the play until the end

Don't see it if can't sit and watch play for almost 3 hours. I usually do not like that, but this went by pretty fast for me.

Also Let me start with the good. Judith Ivey has never been one of my favorite actors. Here she gives a wonderful performance. I think it is the best I have seen from her. Edmund Donovan is just remarkable. He is the breakout star here. The other actors ranged from good to weak. Unfortunately The two Asian actors were the weakest.
The set is as bad as everyone is saying. It's just in the way. I missed whole scenes and I was in row C.
The play itself was so good until the third act and the ending, Samuel Hunter is certainly talented. There is so much good about this play. He writes four different endings and uses them all! Just when you think it should end, another scene and ending pops up... it happens four times!

All in all... could be cut. Fix the ending. Go for the acting.

Lincoln Center Theatre never really disappoints. Their productions are always first rate even if flawed.... Read more Read less

See it if you appreciate Mr. Yeston's music and want to hear some really good singing

Don't see it if It has no plot. It's all singing.

Also Even a review needs to have a thread. That was missing here. All of the performers were very good. Some exquisite moments. Mr. Yeston writes show songs. They don't always translate into a review like this. The ballads in the show outshine the uptempo numbers which seem forced. The choreography looks awkward in the singers bodies. It's not creative nor does it add to most numbers. The Direction is juvenile and also not very creative. I really enjoyed the show but there was something awkward about it. I think Mr Yeston's music is fantastic. I wish there was a better collection, with more careful curation.... Read more Read less

See it if It's not the greatest play you will ever see, but there a much that is worth the time.

Don't see it if You want a face paced play and likeable characters. All of them are flawed humans and at times not likeable.

Also I liked this more than I thought I would. The actors are all very competent. It's always a little dangerous to have the playwright play the lead, and it doesn't always work here. He is a very dislikable character and becomes more dislikeable as the play progresses. The play takes a big turn at the end of act one. The second act is probably more interesting. The two younger actors are very good. I'm not sure it's a good sign when the set change is the most intriguing part of the evening. Again... it's a decent play, with good actors, but it's not going to be for everyone.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of Horton Foote, which I am. Or want to see Aidan Quinn. It's a wonderful play

Don't see it if Wait a few weeks before you see this

Also I am a bit torn here. I saw the first preview which was rough. I know early previews can be rough, but there is no excuse for that in a highly professional theatre such as the Signature. The set was a disaster. It didn't help one bit. The details were all wrong.. the hand railings, the stairs, the huge awful windows. The exits/entrances from SL and SR awful. Almost Everyone seemed to be hesitant about lines. I think AQ will eventually be very very good. I don't have as much hope for KN who I felt, as Lily Dale, was playing the pathos for all it was worth. Her step father speaks in a weird halting cadence. Horton Foote writes too much exposition in the beginning. We know just about everything that is going to happen based on the exposition. There is no surprise when we find out exactly who the young man from Atlanta is. I wanted very much to love this. Maybe in a month it will be much tighter. I can only write about what I saw.... Read more Read less

See it if You are an Edgar Oliver fan. See it and you will become an Edgar Oliver fan. See it if you want to know what NYC was like 30 years ago.

Don't see it if You aren't into a very unique individual with a distinct style of speaking and moving. If homosexual fantasies bother you.

Also Edgar Oliver is a theatrical treasure. There is going to be a time in the future when people will ask..."did you ever see an Edgar Oliver performance?" You will want to answer "yes". I have seen two other of his one man shows. This is his best. His most personal. His most revealing about who he is. I was in NYC the same time Edgar was living on E Tenth Street. I know what that area was like. Edgar Oliver speaks like no one else. I can't tell you why. He is like a Tennessee Williams character from some unknown play that escaped from the pages of a play. His other shows have been very interesting, but in Victor.. he bares his personal life in a way he has not before. It's moving, and beautiful Heartbreaking and so utterly human.

Go to see this show. The music by Paul Carbonara is wonderful. It adds to the Tennessee Williams quality.

It's directed with grace and fluidity by Randy Sharp.

It may not be for the casual theatre goer, but I found it a remarkable evening of theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if You must see a new Tracy Letts' play

Don't see it if want to see an overblown sitcom, Neil Simon-y play

Also It's too long. It doesn't have the message or the weight to necessitate three hours. All the characters come up with equally witty and funny one liners.... the problem is people in real life don't have the same sense of humor. Not everyone is funny. In this world they are. It's a sloppy play. You have an extremely unlikable central character, which might be ok, but no here. I found the set really ugly and it looked like a college production. Im sorry to write this, I have enjoyed other plays of Mr. Letts. This most probably be produced on Broadway if he hadn't written it.... Read more Read less

See it if want to see a play that lives up to Lincoln Center standards. Wonderful play, fantastic cast and direction. Not perfect but well worth it.

Don't see it if Don't like plays about the Gay experience in another culture.

Also Myself, and my partner, both enjoyed this very much. It's not perfect,but it's very thought provoking, heartbreaking, and gives a glimpse into how other cultures deal with Gay people. The acting was wonderful. I wonder about the accents. Is there one "African" accent that all actors use? It sure sounds like it. I felt the one actor, who used an Irish accent, should commit to the accent a bit stronger. I was very interested in the story but like others, I felt the end let us down. The stakes were too high at this point for a muddled ending. The back wall of the stage was beautiful. The platform in the middle of the stage that came up from the floor and back down was gray and pretty dismal. I gave it a score of 90. The acting and direction were excellent. The play was deserving of such a prestigious production. I learned from this play about other cultures and the cruelty and inhumanity in which they deal with homosexuality.... Read more Read less

See it if want to support Axis Theatre. Enjoy very slow theatre.

Don't see it if just had a double espresso. You will be climbing the walls to get out.

Also I have always enjoyed Axis Theatre productions. They are generally dark in nature. Evening 1910 from a few seasons ago is still with me. Unfortunately Last Man Standing is not up to their usual standards. It's very darkly lit. It's directed incredibly slow and the characters are not written strongly enough to support this pace. It falls on the weight of itself. It's one of those pieces of theatre where I knew after ten minutes I wanted to leave. That left me 60 minutes of stifling yawns and squirming in my seat, hoping the end came quickly. It may have been my mood entering. I was tired but I often go to theatre tired. The root of the problem goes back to the writing. It's just not a great script, and if the author was not the Artistic Director, I doubt this would have been produced. Paul Carbonara is the resident music director and composer for AXIS. I am a big fan of his music. The first 90 seconds of this production are filled with his music. It's the best 90 seconds of the show.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a 25 year old, troubled, confused young man bare his life. There was no redemption. Nothing new here at all.

Don't see it if As a gay man myself, I found it vulgar. "Edgy" doesn't mean crass. I found it disturbing. Are we laughing with him or at him?

Also I really did not care for this. I am a Gay Man. I lived through the Aids crisis of the 80's. I am far from a prude. This the journey of a very troubled young man. That would be fine, it's the stuff great theatre is made of, but this is a mess. I went in with high hopes. Mr. Jackson shows potential, but I feel he needs more time in his life to reflect on what is going on in his own story. There is no perspective that anything has been learned. I wondered why is was so funny laughing at this young man's life. At the end we get some revelation that Aids is God's revenge on Gay Men. It's a message that is 30 years too late. The whole story is disjointed, and difficult to watch. The music is repetitive and unmemorable. I found it racist and offensive even if the writer is black. I didn't find much funny. With the state theatre is in today, it will probably be a big hit... it's something we are all supposed to find terribly intriguing and new. I found it intriguingly terrible and old.... Read more Read less

See it if have never seen a production of the show before. It is worth the trip to Queens. I was very moved. The cast is terrific.

Don't see it if are looking for light entertainment. Don't want to be challenged to think. It's Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori so it's not for dummies.

Also APAC always does a great job but this production is special. There is no weak link in this cast.LaDonna Burns as Caroline is in complete control every moment. She is marvelous in this role. The direction is excellent. I wish Lot's Wife had been lit differently to make Caroline more "alone" on stage. We, the audience, also need to applaud at the end. We WANT to but it's directed so it moves on. Sabatino Cruz, as Noah is charming, charismatic, lovable, and a terrific young actor and singer. It's a difficult score and as a 7th grader, he is amazing. Every cast member is wonderful. I had never seen this show, and I was very moved. Yes the folding chairs are hard, and yes it's not the easiest venue to get to, but once you are there it is worth the trip. I highly recommend this production. Congratulations to Musical Director Minhui Lee, who leads a great group of musicians. I didn't have other problems with the sound as some people did. This is something special. Make an effort-go... Read more Read less

See it if want to see a production of a historic theatrical event

Don't see it if aren't able to absorb a theatre piece from 1937. Or you don't like plays that are mostly sung.

Also I have never seen a production of TCWR. I found it fascinating. The actors are wonderful. I did not find it "dated" as much as a theatre piece from a different era. There is a difference. John Doyle does a good job directing but someone please stop him from having the actors act as the musicians. It does work here, but it's really tiring and repetitive. It's become presumptuous. I enjoyed the score very much. I was rather mesmerized. The score has slight traces of Weill but it's much more melodic. It was sad to see the theatre half empty. This show deserves and audience. It's very much an ensemble piece and although Tony Yakbeck is the most "famous" ... the whole cast is equal. I don't get why they don't give out programs at the CSC. That needs to change. One last observation... there is a lot of real money thrown around the stage. It was clearly modern bills. They should have gotten bills from the 30's. It took me out of the moment a bit to see the modern money. But bottom line..go... Read more Read less

See it if You have never seen a production of All My Sons. You love Annette Benning or Tracy Letts.

Don't see it if You are expecting a "must see" production of a classic play.

Also This production did not live up to it's potential. The acting is uneven. The direction is not strong. It's a mushy production. Not sharp. Not awful. It's a treat to see AB on Broadway and she is great. Tracy Letts is fine to watch. Both were directed to wander where a direct path was needed. Least successful was Benjamin Walker who I found the weakest link. I found him miscast. I would have cast a much stronger actor. The dramatic highlights, of which there are many, that should have been a punch in the gut were not. AB slaps TL face and all I see is them rehearsing it over and over. BW pushed TL to the ground and all I see is them rehearsing how Tracy is going to fall. It was mechanical. The Times picks up on the dirt on BW as he is shirtless. It don't look real. It's too much technique showing. The blind casting is absurd to me. I could believe the next door neighbors being a multi racial couple. Making Ann's brother George black was confusing and a bit much... Read more Read less

See it if Want to see a wonderful performance by Mary Jo Rupp

Don't see it if Are cranky

Also There is a lot of good things going on the stage at The Cake. I gave it a high score because of Mary Jo Rupp's wonderful, brave, amazing performance. The script is quite good although not without its problems... none of the problems with the play take away from having a wonderful night. It's a brisk 90 mins. The set is wonderful. But again it's Mary Jo Rupp who elevates the material and gives a performance of great nuance and integrity. Comedy is almost always underrated on the stage. Great performances in comedies are often overlooked. I really was touched and so pleasantly surprised by Ms Rupp's performance. Bravo!... Read more Read less

See it if you have never seen this play. It's a wonderful play. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Don't see it if Just see it. Anyone who has a serious interest, or high intellectual expectations for the theatre they choose to see will enjoy it.

Also I had never seen this play but I have always wanted to. I was quite surprised, It is much funnier than I thought it would be. Much of it was REALLY funny. All of the actors are superb, but special kudos to Jessica Frances Duke as Vera Stark. I can't tell if I loved her more in the first act or the second, where she is totally different. The production is FIRST RATE. You won't see a better production of this play. The Direction by Kamilah Forbes is spot on. The play itself may be 15 minutes too long... especially in the second act.
It's a wonderful evening in the theatre. There are hits and misses at the Signature. This really works there. I urge everyone who loves good theater not to miss this. For $35 you can't beat it. Find yourself a ticket before it opens and gets reviews. Lynn Notage rocks! Bravo to all.. Including the production design team. The video work is wonderful.... Read more Read less

See it if have never seen a production of True West

Don't see it if you know the play and want to see a great production of it. You will be disappointed.

Also This play was probably shocking when it was new. It doesn't have the same impact. Ethan Hawke is up to the task, Paul Dano is pretty bad as his foil. He just doesn't have the acting chops. I actually enjoyed the first half more than the second act. I thought it set up the second act pretty well. I really blame the director. It doesn't appear he really has a grip on this.. beginning with the bad casting choice. It's a missed opportunity for all. Ethan Hawke comes out best.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see some really amazing young performers in a wonderful new play. It's not a perfect piece, but it is well worth your time.

Don't see it if Don't want to see a play that deals with gay young men. There is no reason not to see this if you like good theatre.

Also It isn't a perfect piece of theatre, but it's a wonderful evening in the theatre. The performances are all just wonderful. The singing and the choreography is stunning. The book could be a little tighter and more specific and defined. It's a play with music, not a musical. I thought there could be more music. I loved this play. I think it has a lot of heart, and although it's not perfect, it has stuck with me and it touched me very much. It has a lot to say. Go see it. Fine young performers in a worthwhile play. Very well done.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a very cleverly staged new musical with an incredible cast of young performers.

Don't see it if want something light and fluffy or Jukebox musicals.

Also This cast is amazing. So talented in so many ways. Fantastic singers. Although I deplored all of the John Doyle's productions with the cast playing instruments, here it doesn't seem like a gimmick. They are all fantastic singers/actors/musicians. Bravo! The direction is superb. I did find the score a blather of music. Again, this cast makes it work but on it's own it pretty much sounds the same and is nice at the moment but just a mishmash. The songs go on too long. I found my mind wandering as to what they were singing about. The historical aspect could have been brought out more and been more defined. It's a really great try and it hits the mark, thanks mostly to the amazing cast and clever direction, but in the hands of less competent performers I wonder what it would look like. I wouldn't want to be an understudy in this show. Go to see the cast. The sets/costumes are great. It's not perfect, but then there are few perfect shows.... Read more Read less

See it if you like interesting, intelligent theatre

Don't see it if are expecting a light evening

Also When I watch theatre I am usually "in the moment". I don't think ahead. Even though the outcome is predictable, and I should have seen it coming, I was surprised. It also opened up other questions which I felt were not answered in the play. Ms. Raffo is a wonderful actress and Playwright. It's not a perfect play, but it has some wonderful moments. The writing is smart. The performances are uneven. All in all, it's a very interesting piece.... Read more Read less

See it if are a fan of Michael C Hall

Don't see it if Don't like one men/person shows. Don't want to be dragged on stage.

Also When a play is a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize I hold it to a higher standard. Thom Paine is a one man show... a monologue... not a play. Let's start there. MC Hall is wonderful, and the only saving grace. The only real reason to see this. It is a stream of consciousness which is dull. As an audience how are we supposed to pull together all this blather into something with a meaning. It's clever in parts, but remarkably unremarkable. Again, the Pulitizer? really? Will Eno went back to that method for last years Wakey, Wakey... the only reason that worked was because of the brilliant acting. I am often quite disappointed by what the new playwrights are writing and what they get away with that passes as Pulitzer worthy. Skip this unless you want to see a great actor. You may also be dragged on stage, which is enough to make me NOT recommend this on that alone.... Read more Read less

See it if Like French Restoration Comedy and David Ives being "clever"

Don't see it if want to sit through a nonsensical plot, with some great acting. It was fun, but not a great piece of theatre

Also I've seen so many plays where the superb acting, directing, and production values save, and elevate, a mediocre piece of writing. This is Mr. Ives showing off. Rhyming couplets. The only problem is my mind was wandering throughout. Or, in my mind I was guessing what the next rhyme was going to be. I was often correct. The actors are wonderful. The direction is excellent. The costumes/sets/lighting are excellent. It just didn't grab me. It didn't hold my attention. David Ives is too clever by half this time around. It was like watching something the Pearl would have produced. If it's your cup of tea, you will enjoy it.... Read more Read less

See it if are bringing a 15 year old girl to the theatre. You are a fan of the movie, which I am not.

Don't see it if don't want to be help captive in a theatre listening to what sounds like the same song played over and over

Also I will admit, I shouldn't be reviewing this. I didn't like Wicked, or Heathers. This is a terrible show. The songs, of which there are many are awful and all sound the same. The cast is very talented,but their talent is wasted. It's non stop movement because there is no book. I don't get what Tina Fey did here. He book consists of ten lines in between each song, probably written after the score was written. The book is fill in. I was bored the entire 2.5 hours I sat there. Casey Nickalaw can direct just about anything and give it exuberance. This shows the decline of Broadway with these B movies constantly being made into musicals. The merchandising is obnoxious. This junk shouldn't be on Broadway. It's a terrible year for new musicals. This was a torturous evening for me.... Read more Read less

See it if enjoy new plays, period pieces, history

Don't see it if are not interested in a bit of history in your evening of theatre

Also I thought this was a very respectable piece of theatre with many wonderful things about it.... the set and costumes were great. The performances were wonderful. The subject matter was interesting. The execution was a bit confusing. The jumping from time period to time period got confusing and a bit of a gimmick. I didn't love the play but it's a perfectly respectable evening of theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Follies. This is a perfectly respectful production. It has a Community Theatre feel to it,but a lot of heart -sincere performances

Don't see it if Don't understand the history behind what the Follies were. You don't want to maneuver the trains and have a long, long walk to the theatre

Also After reading comments here, It's alarming the new generation seems to have no idea what the Ziegfeld Follies were. A lot of age bashing here. You are missing the point of Follies. This is a very credible production. Very brave of APAC to stage it. The singing is not uniformly good. Often the band, which was great, was too loud. I liked all of the four leads. At times there is a lot going on that small stage. Sometimes too much. It gets cluttered. Cast members squeezing through a very narrow entrance on stage L was bothersome to me. There is a lot of heart in this production. I recommend you see this. It has a Community theatre vibe to it, but very sincere performances. Some uneven performances. Like Sally says "I'm so glad I came". Note: It was a nightmare getting there and coming home. To get there you have to get off at Broadway, which is the stop before the venue. A long 20 min walk to the theatre. Coming home more train problems. APAC should advise their guests about the trains.... Read more Read less

See it if you aren't afraid of being utterly confused from the beginning to the end.

Don't see it if you are a casual theatre goer. It's not for you.

Also This is a really difficult one to score. There is so much good going on.. especially from the actors. I particularly liked Seth Numrich, who I believe will be nominated as Best Supporting Actor. Every one in it is wonderful. The staging and direction is fantastic. Now for the bad news... I didn't understand one thing that was going on from the first word to the last. I am not a stupid person... I would say I was a "stable genus". I write plays, I have been going to the theatre for decades. I wasn't bored but I felt really stupid. There are huge passages of speech, and scenes which make no sense. It's quite long. The first act was about 90 minutes. I can only recommend this for theatre goers who know what they are getting into. It was a fantastic production of a confused, terrible, heady play. Maybe Tom Stoppard had some idea in his head what this play was saying... sadly, it doesn't translate to the audience. At least not to me. You could call it "dense dialogue" or "utter nonsense"... Read more Read less

See it if want to see two great actresses in a magnificent play

Don't see it if looking for a musical or don't like thoughtful theatre

Also Sublime. This is one of the most exquisite evenings in the theatre I have had. It's a rare night. Glenda Jackson is a master. Laurie Metcalf is wonderful. The direction is creative and smart. It was like holding your breath for two hours. This is going to be a really hard ticket to get when it opens. Glenda Jackson is going to win the Tony. The production is going to win a Tony. This is not to be missed. I don't write reviews like this often. Imho this is Albee's real masterpiece. The set is amazing. If I have one complaint it would be, strangely, the costumes. Just kind of odd choices. GO to this production. Just go.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see Allison Frasier deliver an actual tour de force.

Don't see it if are disturbed by the deeply disturbed. There are some seriously messed up things going on here. Don't bring a child. Or a teen.

Also This is not a typical "horror" story. It is a deeply disturbing, very intriguing story. Allison Frasier is just amazing. She sits on a big leather chair, in the near dark for two hours telling us a truly sick ritual she has become addicted to. It's a monologue. It's not for everyone, and I really mean that. This isn't a ghost story, it's a look at a deeply disturbed individual. I have been going to the theatre for 45 years. I have never seen this subject matter approached on stage. She is talking about sexual activities that are somewhat perverse. She and her friends are sexually excited by it. I can't say I ever knew this human activity existed. Do not bring anyone under 21. The writing is not flawless but it's very smart. The writer also Directs... and he does it wonderfully. Alison Frasier gives one of the bravest and best performances of the season.
I would cut about 20 minutes.... Read more Read less

See it if You like tennis... I guess.

Don't see it if want a great script.

Also This was one of those plays where I was looking to leave after 15 minutes. The writing was banal. Sometimes the actors would say a line and I would repeat it in my mind realizing how really boring it was. The characters are all stereotypes. It's pretty tedious. I don't know what to say. Boring. Tedious. Not Awful. Not good. Not great. Nothing much here. I am not sure how it even got produced.... Read more Read less

See it if want to see Peter Friedman and Deanna Dunagan in a wonderful play in a SMALL theatre

Don't see it if you don't have patience for a sweet play to unfold

Also So much to like about this show. The writing is really lovely and fluid. It wasn't nearly as slow as some of the Annie Baker junk I've seen that people have raved about.Seeing Peter Freidman and Deanna Dunagan in a small theatre is a genuine treat. They are both wonderful. The other two younger actors are ok, but they are overwhelmed by the two older actors. I have to say the weak aspect was the direction by David Cromer and the set. The set was a mess. It was ugly and just got in the way. Stage hands visibly moving things was distracting and odd. I was sitting in the first row, a bit off center, and I couldn't even see about a third of the stage. The director paid no attention to the sight lines of that particular space. The ending didn't make sense to me. I don't see why one of the main characters ends up with the fate that the writer gives him. It becomes very judgemental and unforgiving. Relationships between parents and children is complex. Go for the two wonderful performances.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a really confusing, mess of a play... well... it's actually a musical, which no one seems to mention.

Don't see it if you have something else to do

Also I read through the other posts after I saw the show. I am sorry to say I just don't get what they get. I found this to be a dreary, sorry excuse of a play. It's actually a musical, so I am not sure why it isn't marketed as one. It is NOT a play with music. It is a musical. And a bad one. It reminded me of a rip off of Sweeney Todd in so many ways... and not in good ways. I have seen many things at the Signature. It's always hit or miss. The problem is the playwright has a residency. They often, sometimes...either a) pull out an old script that they should have left in the drawer, or b) they write something quickly and under stress and that usually doesn't work out either. This is the former. A script from 2000 that should have never seen the light of day again. SO MUCH talent on that stage and it just didn't work. I almost left at intermission but I with other people. I am sorry to report, it's pretty awful. I don't feel joy in writing this review. I enjoy plenty of shows I see.... Read more Read less

See it if want to hear four insanely talented people sing and play multiple instruments.

Don't see it if Don't like American Folk Music or want to see a "play"

Also This is thoroughly enjoyable. Each of the four performers play multiple instruments and sing. They are incredibly talented. We learn a lot about the life of Woody Guthrie, but it's 85 percent music. It was a little repetitive. I think they could have cut fifteen minutes from it. It's very intelligently written, you have to listen to the story. I went with someone who wasn't even born in America and had no idea who Woody Guthrie was and he enjoyed it very much. The Irish Rep NEVER disappoints. Their newly remodeled theatre is awesome! Charlotte Moore the Artistic Director is a NYC GEM! Congratulations.... Read more Read less

See it if want to see a lovely, graceful new play that is similar in tone to Brighton Beach Memoirs

Don't see it if Don't like Italian American themed plays, don't like old fashioned themes.

Also I thought this was a really lovely new play. It has some wonderful performances and themes. It's perhaps a little thin in some spots but I found it very touching. There is one major surprise,which I hope NO ONE GIVES AWAY here!(and of course someone already has) It's a pretty neat surprise. It is a memory play. A play about a time and place that doesn't exist anymore... except in our bittersweet memories. It is heartwarming and heartbreaking. It has some genuine family turmoil in it but some of the characters were written a little too close to caricatures. I am happy to forgive the faults and focus on the good. It's a lovely night in the theatre, I adored the last scene. I can see this moving to Broadway, although I am not sure that will happen.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a really odd musical mixing things that shouldn't really be mixed

Don't see it if have another option of something else to see. If it's between this show and another show, pick the other show.

Also This was a very odd musical. I sat there and couldn't get into the premise. I must start off with the music. Some of it was very nice. As a musician myself I was perplexed and felt like they were cheating. Clearly IT SEEMED to me that Val Vigoda was NOT playing many of the instruments she was pretending to play. The music was clearly taped but at the end they showed a pianist somewhere playing live. What he was playing I cannot figure out. How do you play an "electric" violin that isn't plugged into any electricity? If that is her selling point, it was an epic failure. I believe, She was faking playing the keyboard and the drums and the banjo. She was a competent performer, but she just lacked charisma to me. He was VERY charming and had a beautiful voice, yet his characters were very one dimensional. Cartoonish. As for the "love story" I don't want to spoil anything but at the end he says "And now to get back home to my wife and kids". What!!??... Read more Read less

See it if want to see a new musical with a great score and an amazingly talented cast.

Don't see it if you like old fashioned musicals.

Also I almost want to stop reading Show Score. All the negative comments for this show almost made me stay away. This show is brilliant. Not perfect, but brilliant. The production values are fantastic. Every actor in it is stupendously talented. I laughed a lot. Ashley Kelley who played Bella is a star. Brandon Gill is so moving and competent. Yurel Echezarreta has a number in the first act which is flawless. So many other highlights. I loved the score. I think it has some problems in the book but it is well worth the evening. I loved it. It did not seem long to me, I loved every minute of the crazy world they created for us. I don't know if this is for Broadway, but it's a fantastic production. I can't pay attention to reviews anymore. If this doesn't get raves I wouldn't be surprised, but it deserves them.... Read more Read less

See it if want to see a theatre piece that is quite unique and ultimately quite heartbreaking and human

Don't see it if don't want to see a simulated naked woman (for a fair amount of time). Some people left at intermission

Also I have never seen a play by Ms. Parks. I wasn't sure I was going to like it after the first act. Lots of people are commenting about the direction, but I thought it was a wonderful production. I don't agree with many things the director does, but at least he/she made some strong choices and went with them. It's a true story, or based on a true story. It's ultimately heartbreaking and incredibly human. Zainab Jah gives a wonderful performance, which makes the evening really special. It's bizarre, a little crazy, a little off the wall, but by the end I was really moved. The writing is poetic and lovely. It's not for everyone, but if you go in with an open mind I think you will be affected. I thought it was much, much better than the Antipodes also playing at the Signature.... Read more Read less

See it if have been waiting to see a production of Raisin like me. if you want to support, or have never seen an APAC Show. They are always of value

Don't see it if There in no reason not to see this unless you don't like Musicals. Especially one that is based on such a perfect play.

Also I've been a fan of Raisin for decades. I never saw a production and was eager to see this. The Good/not so good:
I found the singing and casting to be very uneven. Walter Lee was fine. He sang well, but looked uncomfortable at points. Disappointed with the Ruth after listening to E. Jackson on the cast album. Lena was too young and lacked gravitas but gave a moving performance. Asagai/Beneatha were good. Travis was good. I blame the Director for many of the problems. A better director could have gotten better performances from all. The chorus was an odd assortment of people of all shapes and abilities. The set design was misguided and just didn't work. I sat there wondering if RAISIN was the BEST musical adaptation of the source material possible. I came to the conclusion it wasn't. I wish someone else would give it a try. All in all, if you didn't know Raisin you would enjoy this production. I enjoyed it but after 40 yrs had some reservations. I still urge you to go! Support APAC!... Read more Read less

See it if love Spoon River. The adaptation which played live outdoors at Green-Wood Cemetery was much better. Probably the best I have seen.

Don't see it if are a real Spoon River Fan. The adapter rewrites poems, changes relationships,adds characters. Literary liberty is fine, but this too much!

Also I know Spoon River Anthology pretty well. This was not so much an adaptation of SRA as it was a new play with some Spoon River mixed in. It contained about 20 to 25 percent of Spoon River Anthology. The new play involves two new, characters who are from Spoon River and accidentally meet in the cemetery in Spoon River. This plot line is not terribly successful for many reasons. You don't care about the two of them, and it's rather contrived. If you had never read SRA I am not sure you would know what was going on. Aside from the flaws of the "new" play there is the treatment of the source material which I found very off putting. The adapter changes characters names and relationships, rewrites Edgar Lee Masters perfect poetry, and even writes characters that are not in the book. Mr. Masters is a genius. The music also seemed rather arbitrary. It wasn't always connected to the action. I do think it has some good things in it as well. I am glad I was able to see it.... Read more Read less

See it if Want to see the definitive production of this play. You will never see a better production of it.

Don't see it if Really don't like heights. The audience is at an extreme rake.

Also This is epic theatre. Must see. The Hairy Ape is not my favorite play. It's dated and is full of symbolism I think one would have to study before really understanding it. It's dated in the sense that it is a product of the 1920's. It''s not badly written. This production turns it, rightfully so, into a tragedy of epic proportions. It's visually stunning and makes perfect use of the Armory. I hope they do more theatre in this venue. So glad I got to see this production. It's stunning.... Read more Read less

See it if Don't see it

Don't see it if don't want to waste two intermission-less hours of your life

Also In 2 hrs we don't know-Where are these people? Who are these people? Why are they talking? This play was awful. The acting was very good and I am sorry I couldn't give it a higher score for the actors sake, but the playwright is so utterly indulgent it's unbearable. Actors shouldn't have to "save" a play. Two hours. No intermission. The only way out, which three wise people took advantage of, is through the set. What I understood is that there are no stories left to be told. How is having no story left to tell the foundation for a play? You learn NOTHING about why these people are speaking for two hours. It gets frustrating.This is the last Annie Baker play I put myself through. She is writing for herself. There are actions which are unexplained. Why does the one character never get paid? As another person wrote-she is capable of writing great dialogue but it's meaningless and she leaves the actors dangling. The worst play I have ever seen at the Signature. Worst play of the season... Read more Read less

See it if want to have a worthwhile experience in the theatre.

Don't see it if Are expecting a great score, or a perfect book.

Also This show has heart. It's not perfect. The songs, especially in the beginning are not great pieces of Musical Theatre. The lyrics are often clunky or just bad. BUT.... I really enjoyed this piece. The cast is wonderful, some are better than others. The book is implausible, there are a lot of jokes that didn't land for me. But... at the end of the night I was really moved. I would recommend this if you can just ignore the things that don't work, and go for the ride with the very talented cast. It's an important story, based on a true, tragic event... it needed to be told. The set! did I mention the set! Delightful and beautifully lit.It reminded me of the way Off Broadway used to be. Quirky and imperfect. I'll that quirky and imperfect any day over the highly formulated stuff I see on Broadway nowadays. Go and support this show.... Read more Read less

See it if you want something different.

Don't see it if can't adapt to something different.

Also I enjoyed this more than most people here. I thought it was very interesting and well done. I enjoyed the submissive aspect of it. Better to sit a little farther back for this one. In the middle. I thought it was clever and interesting. Sometimes the language wavered between sounding like the original text (which is quite old) and modern language. It was fun. And it has a great moral to it. If you just let yourself go its great. I don't see the need to change actors every show. That's a bit of a gimmick and since you probably wont see it more than once, what is the point of this gimmick? I think it you are a member of Signature, as I am, it fits in great with the rest of the season. I love the Signature seasons. Each play is always quite different. Don't believe the bad or mediocre reviews here. I thought it was fun.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a magnificent performance by Michael Emmerson.

Don't see it if You don't like theatre that is different. It's very much a stream of conscience monologue, which I don't usually like. This was mesmerizing

Also Much like A Life from last season, Michael Emmerson gives a powerful performance of a man dealing with Death. He is much better than David Hyde Pierce was in A Life. It's an amazing performance. Mesmerizing. I am sure it's not for everyone. I have a subscription at The Signature for five plays. Taken in context of my subscription, it's something "different". I wasn't crazy about the play or the writing to be honest, but it certainly was a worthwhile piece of "short" theatre. It's only a little over an hour. It did have the feeling that Will Eno had a homework assignment to turn in with this commission. The ending is kind of fun. Small Spoiler: Where else are you going to get a cup of Kool-Aide served in a punch bowl on the way out of the theatre as a treat?... Read more Read less

See it if Like the Humans. It's similar, but better

Don't see it if It's very easy to watch. If you enjoy good theatre at all you will enjoy this play.

Also What a wonderful play and production! Everything about this seems effortless to me. The acting, the direction, the magnificent SET! (wow) and, most importantly, the writing. He keeps your attention for the entire play. Nothing about the characters seems out of place or gratuitous because the writing is so good. EACH of the actors are wonderful. Just a joy to watch. I do wish there was more for Larry Brygman to do, as he is such a wonderful actor.
It is similar to The Humans... I guess the two floor set (of a home) gives it the same feel. I think this play is funnier.
I think the plot makes sense and yet has many surprises and yet, it very much rooted in reality. It is a very captivating style of writing.. Much like Evan Hansen. It's the same writer.... Read more Read less

See it if You should see it flaws and all.

Don't see it if Want to see a perfect production of a perfect play. It's not perfect. Far from it.

Also Sometimes I see a play that is so beautifully produced I wonder what it would be like if less money and talent was thrown at it. I enjoyed watching this, especially the lead actress. The set was amazing. I think there was just too much going on. Too many subplots. Some characters were brushed upon but we didn't really get to know too much about them. Too many coincidences. At times the writing veered out of control. It should have focused on the main character and the main theme of a woman growing old in today's society. I felt at times some of the actors were fishing for their lines. I think this will take care of itself after a week or so. I like to find the good in all theatre so I would say go. It's a flawed piece of theatre, but I didn't feel it was a waste of time. The lead is terrific. I wondered why she had an Asian daughter. I am all for color blind casting if it makes sense. It just seemed really out of place here. I am sure many will disagree with me,but that is how I felt... Read more Read less

See it if you are very patient. It's slow. Nothing really makes sense.

Don't see it if Want to see a show that is well written. It's not. It's slow and never makes any cohesive statement.

Also When a play starts off with a twenty minute monologue, you are often in deep trouble. Nothing makes sense in this mess. You don't care about any of these people. I couldn't wait for it to end. The acting is very good. I don't blame the actors who give it their best. I could hear the music from Finian's Rainbow playing upstairs. I was wishing I was watching that. I love the Irish Rep, but this is dull, pointless theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if like Nicky Silver, want to laugh and reflect.

Don't see it if will miss Linda Lavin, don't like gay characters,

Also This is a tough one. I love Nicky Silver plays, but I love Nicky Silver plays with Linda Lavin in them. It's very close in many ways to The Lyon's. Nicky seems to create similar characters. There IS a part for Linda Lavin in this play....the actress is very funny who plays the role, but you can't help picturing Linda in the part. The first act reminded me very much of an old fashioned Neil Simon play...Only not as funny. It's a long first act and only really pays off in the second act. The second act is far more interesting and complex. The theme is how parents, who don't love each other, screw kids up... same as the Lyons. It was an enjoyable evening. I am not sure it will move any farther up the food chain than the Vineyard, but it's a fine production of an enjoyable play. Not the most gripping theatre, but fun.... Read more Read less