Tim F.

See it if you know ALW's music and want to hear it out of context (by INCREDIBLE singers!), introduced with video snippets from the Lord himself!

Don't see it if 2.5 hours of ALW music will drive you crazy or if revues without lots of fancy staging don't interest you.

Also The show is more "Sondheim on Sondheim" than "Prince of Broadway"--they're (thankfully) not trying to recreate any iconic stagings, but simply presenting great songs by great singers.
The a cappella intro should be cut, and the two new songs are achingly self-aware of the fact that they're not good (so I'm not even sure why they were included). BUT, they wisely chose to focus on all the big hits and great, if lesser-known ALW songs, without throwing in any unwelcome additions from the flops. The cast is truly incredible, so even if you don't know them, you'll want to look out for their names in shows moving forward. The interrupting video intros from ALW were actually pretty insightful and/or entertaining--they were well-written and never too long or self-indulgent. For the most part they were humanizing and show Webber in a good light in a way that I didn't really expect. The show is a little long, but has a ton of songs, so is truly worth it for ALW fans!... Read more Read less

See it if you like mediocre teen-based musicals.

Don't see it if you expect it to be funny, scary or remotely interesting.

Also The major problem with the show is that the creative team wrote the wrong show. It should be a somewhat scary but very funny and campy slasher musical, but instead the show is a basic, uninspired and surprisingly dramatic teen show that only remembers to be funny or interesting on occasion. I kept thinking about all the jokes and gags that should have been here. A total missed opportunity of a musical.... Read more Read less

See it if You don't like to miss new musicals and don't need an amazing, original story to get you interested.

Don't see it if You seek a musical covering new and exciting territory.

Also The staging works and the cast is very good. I especially loved Bryce Pinkham as the awkward man with a secret. But despite being about superheroes to a degree (and of course the reflection on what it is to be human), the music doesn't feel like it covers any new territory. The score is mostly good, but is also pretty basic at times. Not a must-see by any means.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy American history and commentary on legislation made accessible and entertaining.

Don't see it if you hate nice things.

See it if you like oddball plays that have something to say and do so in a unique way.

Don't see it if you don't like feeling weirded out or uncomfortable or can't stand piecing together some real commentary presented in a strange way.

Also In the end, I liked what the playwright had to say about many things, including being female in America, but the play makes so many aberrant choices that completely took me out of the narrative and even made me a bit uncofmfortable at times, and I didn't understand why they were necessary. It was a VERY strange play--hard to explain. But everything from the dances to the dialogue to the characters themselves are very odd at times. This was a tough one that many will not like, but if you are an aventurous theatregoer, I say try it out!... Read more Read less

See it if you love Waiting for Godot and would love to see a modern take on it, tackling race issues in America.

Don't see it if you hate Waiting for Godot-type plays.

Also The play packs a punch in its short run time, and I'm grateful to see plays that tackle America's race problem. The play itself wasn't my favorite though; I didn't feel it was always engaging, even if in the end I appreciated what it accomplished.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Joshua Harmon's typical characters (think Bad Jews and Significant Other). Or obviously if you love Idina Menzel--she delivers here

Don't see it if Joshua Harmon's characters and plays typically annoy you. Or if you want a meatier play that addresses youth and seemingly superficial love.

See it if You're interested in relevant stories about nationalists and their thought processes.

Don't see it if You don't care to see violent acts on stage or stories people driven made by stubborn hatred.

Also I enjoyed the play in the end, though it could be shorter--I feel it drags a bit. Also, there are some intense moments at the end, fair warning... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see wild antics, outrageous characters and raunchy humor all under the guise of a satire written as an opera.

Don't see it if you're offended easily or expect a thoroughly funny satire that isn't at times dated or overreaching.

See it if a masterfully written & performed '80s-set play about interpersonal relationships and goal-achievement among educators sounds fascinating.

Don't see it if hyper-realistic dialogue (often awkward, often funny) doesn't interest you or plot-heavy plays are more your cup of tea.

See it if you like plays with lots of characters working through emotional and psychological issues and traumas.

Don't see it if you can't sit through a slow, 3+ hour play that doesn't add up to much in the end or if you don't like play about mental health issues.

See it if an ambitious, period play that tackles contemporary and politically-relevant themes interested you.

Don't see it if long plays that add to the discussion of relevant topics without really providing new commentary would frustrate you.

See it if you'd like seeing a character with Down syndrome played by an actress who actually has it. Also, if a story of siblings intrigues you.

Don't see it if you expect a well-written, funny, engaging play as this one was marketed be. The play is more sad than funny actually.

See it if you want to see characters on stage representing the autism spectrum in a truthful way.

Don't see it if you prefer traditional plays with few characters and singular storyline.

See it if you're a Clive Owen fan. He's the best thing here. But be warned that this has very little of Julie Taymor's signature style

Don't see it if you're expecting a riveting story or a visually stunning one. The new text doesn't always work & Julie Taymor directs without any joy/style

See it if you like the Dear Evan Hansen/Next to Normal, damaged people singing poppy showtunes type of musical. Singing is good, but not the material

Don't see it if you expect good storytelling, above-average music or decent character development.

See it if you like well-staged plays or Chloe Sevigny, but otherwise, prepare to be disappointed by a mediocre play that struggles to be profound.

Don't see it if you're expecting what could have been a relevant play to be more than just "meh"

See it if you like excellent plays. Smart, profound, funny, sad, and really well done all-around. Insightful to the experience of young women too.

Don't see it if you don't want to see a play about young women?, but really, that's nonsense--everyone should see this!

See it if you like pop stars belting out poppy versions of Christmas tunes. The singing was great by the headliners!

Don't see it if you're looking for story, production value or any personality. Also prepare for awkward appearances by Kaitlyn Bristowe & Danny Aiello.

See it if you love immersive theatre, ambitious musicals, pop music in general or of course, KPop

Don't see it if you hate pop music and immersive theatre (you are asked to split into groups and experience the show in parts among different rooms)

See it if you love phenomenal ensemble acting and if you like Herzog's work. It has quiet moments of brilliance, beautifully realistic character.

Don't see it if you don't want to do a little work in relating the character's experience to something bigger.

See it if you <3 the score & would <3 anyone singing it, or if you've never seen a production. Also, if you like small musicals or are a young artist.

Don't see it if the cast recording is perfect to you and no one else could do these songs justice. Also, if you're expecting a big-scale musical like RENT.

See it if you want to hear powerhouse singing of showtunes, standards and even a gospel song. Also, if you like delightful and charismatic funny women

Don't see it if you don't like Kristin's voice or musical comedy (she is a comedic actress, even in concert), or don't like moments of inspirational music

See it if you're a fan of killer singing & some great (Sara Bareilles) songs. Also, if you like easily watchable, pleasant, resolved-by-the end shows.

Don't see it if you like more intricate, dramatic plots (there is drama, but the show still seems light in the end), and if you don't like pop music scores.

See it if You like stories that talk about sexuality and class no matter how poorly the adaptation is presented.

Don't see it if If you prefer theatre where you're shown and not told. This often felt like a lecture, not theatre.

See it if you love stories about the film industry and are interested by stories of people of color and their role in history.

Don't see it if you want an easy, thorough comedy (the play is only half that)

Also I remember seeing the 2nd Stage production less than a decade ago and I remember that production being much funnier (with a stellar cast). The cast is good here and the writing is still very strong, but it doesn't live up to what the play COULD be. Despite being a satire the whole way through, play switches gear for the second act and becomes much less funny and much more introspective. It's a really smart and interesting play, but I'm surprised Nottage didn't devise the second act to be more entertaining while still trying to accomplish what she sought to and ultimately achieves with a faux- documentary/seminar style structure.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see incredible singing and a play exploring faith, sexuality and self-exploration among young black men.

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with plays that tackle faith or homosexuality.

See it if you want to see great actors perform a classic that's actually still relevant and addresses many issues among gays then and now.

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with plays that address the issues of gay men including their relationships and even their own self hatred.

See it if you like silly, fluffy musicals that are true escapism.

Don't see it if you are ready to poke holes in plots and criticize a show for lacking originality.

See it if You love plays that tackles lots of LGBT issues or if you love Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

Don't see it if you hate plays that cover a lot of groun but don't seem to leave you feeling much.

Also The biggest problem I had with this play is that it raises lots of issues in the LGBT community, but I never really connected with any of the characters as people or liked them enough to feel anything much for their situations. The cast is very good as is the physical production. I just wanted to feel more though.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see thought-provoking stories of inclusion and representation at an always boundary-pushing theatre company.

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable confronting issues of race and representation in theatre.

Also This show is funny, smart, thought-provoking and ultimately makes an incredible point. There are some moments where it's absolutely wild, but it never loses sight of what it means to say, and I thought that was really unique. Also, we should all support fantastic writing and productions like this whose purpose is to makes us think about fair representation in everything we do and see, including theatre itself.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see INCREDIBLE singers sing their faces off to JRB's fantastic score.

Don't see it if you don't like shows that are song cycles and lack a running plot. Or if you don't like contemporary showtune music.

See it if you LOVE Uma Thurman (she has SOME good moments--worthwhile for big fans) or any kind of political-type play.

Don't see it if you expect highly intelligent, thought-provoking work from a House of Cards writer or expect an insightful political drama.

See it if Caribbean-set musicals w/ a knock-out debut lead performance (Hailey Kilgore) interest you or you love Michael Arden's stellar direction

Don't see it if you don't already know the musical and expect a top-notch score/book from Stephen Flaherty & Lynn Ahrens (this isn't their best work)

See it if you like discussion-starting plays about gay relationships and open relationships or want a good dose of full male nudity in a small theatre

Don't see it if you expect the play to fully explore a complicated topic in a thorough, multi-dimensional manner or if you find lots of nudity gimmicky.

See it if you series of genre-spanning short plays that follow a set of rules or you want to see new playwrights like Brett Epstein or Braden Marks

Don't see it if you don't like very short plays or only like to see shows with high production values--these plays are often brilliant, but done on a budget

See it if you want to see 2 stellar, high-energy perfs of characters so close they live in a world of their own or if you like short, fast-paced plays

Don't see it if you think having to keep up with a fast-paced Irish slang vernacular might turn you off or if a minimal design 2-actor play isn't your thing

See it if you want to see a great cast in an unlikely 90-min show about Harvey Milk's legacy & Jewish culture that comes together surprisingly well

Don't see it if you don't like musicals heavy in Jewish cultural influences or you expect a bio-musical about Harvey Milk (he isn't the main character here)

See it if you're interested in original, romantic, somewhat suspenseful writing. The cast was utterly convincing as well.

Don't see it if you aren't interested in plays about drug trials. Or if you don't like new plays that tackle love among extraordinary circumstances

See it if you like the movie, Tina Fey's writing or poppy musicals. It's true to the film and updated without trying too hard. Lots of funny jokes too

Don't see it if you felt "Legally Blonde" was too young for you.

See it if you like great folk/pop-rock music performed by a lively group in a beautiful, simple staging. But expect the storytelling to lose you a bit

Don't see it if you're expecting a traditional musical, or for the storytelling to be fully engaging at all times.

See it if you want to see Michael Urie & Mercedes Ruehl give masterful performances. An insightful play about romance & gay life that still resonates.

Don't see it if you're sensitive to any gay subject matter, though the play is tasteful while being truthful.

See it if you like the music--the cast is great. An excellent off-off-Broadway production that's performed all around the audience in cabaret seating

Don't see it if you don't like being close to the action or coming far into Brooklyn. Also, the show seemed a bit longer here than I remember it being.

See it if you want to see one of the year's most masterful performances and an engaging, wonderfully staged production in the beautiful St. Ann's.

Don't see it if you're looking for a recovery story that truly covers new ground.

See it if you absolutely love the book & couldn't have the experience ruined at any cost. Or if you like all-male productions (particularly buff men!)

Don't see it if you're expecting edgy, sexy, powerful theatre on par with the film or book. You will be disappointed.

See it if you want to see a brilliant ensemble brilliantly directed in a smart, thought-provoking and ultimately heartbreaking story.

Don't see it if you're not interested in stories about how a good person mistreated by the system and loved ones can turn sour.

See it if you love Janet McTeer (great here!), the play itself, or want to see Liev Schreiber (not at his best) in a beautifully designed period drama

Don't see it if period dramas aren't your thing, or if you couldn't bear seeing a production that isn't as sharp-edged and harrowing as it should be!

See it if you grew up in a religious family & can relate to how young people use religion in the search for themselves. And if you like intimate drama

Don't see it if if you haven't liked many past LCT3 shows. This, like many there, skews young, but is thoughtful and emotion-driven for all theatregoers.

See it if the idea of a play about people dealing with personal circumstances among a group they've been thrown into for a silent retreat sounds good

Don't see it if you've heard it's hysterical and don't want to be disappointed. Also, if you prefer more action- or plot-driven plays, this may not be ideal