Twyford 1003

See it if You just want to see good work and can allow for an evening that is not perfect, but perfectly delightful.

Don't see it if You feel that immigrants should not be allowed in the USA and could care less about the American dream, in other words you love Trump.

Also Remember this name: Andrew Mayer. He is the leading man in this show about coming to the USA and having dreams, and how they can be squashed by a system that is unwelcoming. But he triumphs. Andrew is a brilliant singer and actor and has this wonderful impish quality that reminded me of Lin Manuel Miranda. Many fine performances here, with strong vocals singing a score full of melodies, ballads and peppy numbers. So much stronger than a lot of nonsense on Broadway. James Morgan's set design is inspired, colorful, and it dances throughout the show. While a few of the performers put on the accents too strongly (and we miss some words), the story is sweet, and it needs telling: the American dream is alive in the hearts and souls of men and women in 2019. The book is filled with hope, yet it meanders a bit too much and could use some cutting.
A lot more about the true feelings of these characters would go a long way. Trust the hearts and souls. Great band led by Dan Pardo.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to figure out how relationships get messed up because of BDSM.

Don't see it if You want to learn something: this script does not enlighten: it makes a muddle of so much it is infuriating.

Also Hello Mr Gelman: Script writers are far better off hiring a good director to do their plays; you needed to learn this on Afterglow and you did not, and here we go again. I liked that you spent money on the set: it worked well (for those not in the first few rows). You needed, since you were also the producer, to spend money on sound: you did not (or your sound man failed you miserably). You allowed an understudy to go on in the only female and leading role and not work with her sufficiently so she could be heard! People want to hear the lines! We pay money for this experience. Study the work of George Abbott, one of the most successful directors in NYC history. He knew the secret and wrote about it: the actors need to be heard! And the way to do this is to pronounce the words fully. The play is weak: you did not know how to end it; life should not be this bleak. You have good ideas. You need to trust others to bring the ideas to fruition. Ego? Perhaps. Get a grip.... Read more Read less

See it if You are a fan of Maria Callas, opera nonsense, or Everett Quinton.

Don't see it if You do not like broad spoofs, have no interest in Maria Callas and expect across the board excellence in acting.

Also Lovely to see Everett Quinton doing his thing in a ridiculous theatre show from a while back! He is always a joy to watch, and his final scene was very intimate and touching. Jenne Vath as Bruna, the maid and confidant, is hilarious! She is a true vision of what the ridiculous company did best: broad acting, great use of the body to show immediate feelings and reactions, and a commanding voice that would never need a microphone. Pure joy to watch her. Some of the others in this festive cast are not strong vocally or physically: the show needs expert movement and vocal flash to bring out the truly ridiculous, and to make us laugh and cheer. Love the sets by Jim Boutin who does a lot with a small budget. Watch for the train! It is a hoot. Bravo to Pastor Mark Erson and the staff of Theatre At St.John's for providing space for theatre to live and thrive.... Read more Read less

See it if You have grown up as a theatre goer loving the real thing: this is it.

Don't see it if You are going to have a snit that the F word is used, or you feel Chekhov-Inspired works are not for you. But you will be missing out.

Also The acting (Nadia Bowers, Kim Chatterjee, Kevin Isola, Barbara Kingsley, Stacy Linnartz, Austin Pendleton, Michael Schantz) is superb, one of the best ensembles of smart, funny, committed and truthful actors you will see anywhere, all finding their A+ game with the loving direction of Jeff Wise (finally a director whose imprint is seen in every moment of this divine show. Yes, Life Sucks, to some, and the way out of it is to get out of the crap you are holding onto and spring free: it is quite "do" able, as this Aaron Posner (in fine form) play demonstrates. Everything is used in this quirky and adorable and at times explosively funny staging to get the audience involved (no, they won't touch you physically, but they will touch you emotionally, and isn't that what we want in the theatre? Yes!). What is good acting and directing all about: go to Theatre Row and find out. No! Life does not suck! The show will show you how to be a "life eater", not a life hater.
Go! Go! Go!... Read more Read less

See it if If you like soap opera with almost nothing new to offer.

Don't see it if You want to leave the theatre and say, "I love that I learned something new about life". We have seen and heard it all before.

Also What makes a great evening in the theatre? For me, my life has been changed or enhanced by something I have seen or heard. Sorry to report that did not happen for me with this play. That said, I loved every actor in this production: they projected confidence in this piece and made it authentic. The set is totally cool: four different places on a small stage, and it looked expensive, and there was not a stage hand in sight: it all moved effortlessly. A play without a significant ending is not much of a play. As much as I dislike the convention of giving actors a closing monologue, in this instance I would have loved to see each of the four actors in a spot light in different parts of the stage wrapping up the play with words about where they are or will be or might be, something to make us feel something very strongly about son, husband, wife, brother; we spent 90 minutes with these people and we should feel more complete at the end of the experience. Actors did very well.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to laugh

Don't see it if You don't like the GG's

Also Oh, how nice.

See it if You are more curious than most about climate change, what happens on a film set, and you follow Chavkin's directorial work.

Don't see it if You need to be inspired by something new about climate change, how the world is messed up, and you want a perfect play. Needs more work.

Also Beware: the seats in this theatre are not at all comfortable, nor is the play. But it is funny in many ways (when you can hear the lines, as some actors are not very loud and the sound design does not help, at least in the preview we saw.) I "got" this play a lot more than my companion did as I have worked on many film sets as an actor and the absurdity/fun of that comes across. What is still not here is a real reason to spend your money and see this play: all that the playwright offers in this buffet (so many plot elements) could be a marvel if there were a few absolutely new, knockout observations about climate change and the idiots who do not see, do not hear, do not care. None of this happened for me and for an intermissionless play you want that and more. Two lines to ponder: "show the f..k up" (or something like that). And I hate to see the evening sun go down. There is something in those lines that made the play resonate with me, yet I wanted quite a bit more.... Read more Read less

See it if You feel it is time to fall in love with Broadway again. You will. This is old fashioned Broadway, and totally fresh!

Don't see it if You have any kind of anti gay bone in your body. There are gays on stage! On second thought: you will come away feeling liberated.

Also Finally! A show to cheer for, and we did.
This is "insanely" good musical comedy, with the emphasis on comedy and laughs, but also a cleverly crafted book and a score with enough show stoppers to please anyone. Beth Leavel, Brooks Askmanskas, Christopher Sieber, and Angie Schworer.........all at the top of their game and they all bring down the house in their solo numbers. And into the second act, the curtain came down so an understudy could get ready (a regular player became ill). Seamless: on the stage came the delightful and oh-so-talented Gabi Campo giving her own take on the role and she was brilliant.........and totally adorable (playing a lesbian who is set on going to her prom with her girlfriend of 1.5 years). When you see the characters of Emma and Alyssa together (the girls in love), you can tell how right it is to fall in love with the person you love, no matter what. This show is great. I hope it will tour eventually. Go! Go! Go!... Read more Read less

See it if You have money to burn; better yet, give the money to the homeless.

Don't see it if You have any standards at all.

Also Ah, the Winter Garden Theatre has been home to real Broadway shows: Funny Girl, 42nd. Street, even Cats! It has made people famous and made the Shuberts buckets of money. Alas and alack, Broadway has become a place where almost any kind of garbage can "get on".
All you need is a ton of money and the belief that anything can be rammed down the throats of theatre-goers. There are first rate shows in town: this, obviously, is not one of them. Are the Shuberts this desperate for a tenant? Oy.... Read more Read less

See it if You want a carefree night out and can get in for a very low ticket price.

Don't see it if You expect something that says: "this is great musical theatre"; it is not.

Also Yes! The first five minutes had me loving this show. Then the humor started to go flat, the songs were all over the place and the book did not seem to know where it wanted to go. Merman: I saw her at least twice on Broadway; never to be forgotten. She had the goods. Carly Sakolove is fun to watch as La Merm but lacks the vocal fun and the steel belt voice needed to be convincing. The best work is by Chad Burris; in a different idea for this show, he would have been a great Ethel Merman, and he is a fabulous singer.
The peculiar set has a huge picture frame without anything in it; a lost opportunity. At least the famous all-year-round Christmas tree is upstage. St. Luke's Theatre is one of the worst spaces in town; too hot, no raking of seats in first 6 or so rows, very uncomfortable. The staff, however, is totally wonderful. The Book of Merman has some good laughs, but that is not enough to make strong theatre. But the performance by Chad Burris is worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to get mad that this should have been a good evening in a theatre.

Don't see it if You want to have any new insight into caring for terminally ill people in a hospice setting. Nothing new here.

Also What a mess. A few good jokes in a show that needed about 100 decent laughs. Lois Smith is always good and many of the players are quite accomplished in a play that is just terrible. And the actor playing the nurse whispers and most of her lines cannot be heard. The set is two levels with awful sight lines from some seats. Yes, families can be lousy to one another and there is always greed lurking in the nicest homes. But we know this! Give us something new to take home with us and chew on for a while. Vapid.... Read more Read less

See it if You love the score and the story.

Don't see it if If you are only into "new" musicals with flash and dash. This is old fashioned lovely theatre with quite a few problems.

Also Wonderful Joshua Henry and Lindsay Mendez and Renee Fleming, all with vibrant characters and wonderful singing. Jessie Mueller was bland and not helped at all by director Jack O'Brien who seemed to be sleep walking or just disinterested in making this superb; it is not. Justin Peck: what were you thinking with that opening number (and where were the horses or seats for a true carousel?) The ballet was simply awful and there were no little kids in this Snow family (perhaps it would have added too much to the cost of the show). The scenic design by Santo Loquasto (who is so good in other settings) was dark and dismal and looked cheap. And why was the Starkeeper walking around in scenes where he could have been backstage in his dressing room. Just strange. The daughter, Louise, was simply annoying.
This is the first time seeing Carousel that the final scene did not move me at all. Wanted to love this! Just could not. That being said, Joshua Henry was magnificent.... Read more Read less

See it if Loved it! Should move to Broadway.

Don't see it if You do not like to have fun. This is how the pros do it........the real pros.

Also Move this to Broadway! Christian Borle is totally brilliant, and he has the time of his life in this Encores production, fully staged with lots of totally original and blissful choreography that keeps this show dancing into our hearts! Impeccable taste......and that is something it is hard to find anywhere these days. What fun to know you are in good hands from the first bar of music. Fabulous.... Read more Read less

See it if There will never be an end to the mystery that is Trump. So it is good to keep chiseling away at this strange, sad man and this show helps.

Don't see it if You want a finished product; this is not. Some of it is just awful (and needs trimming badly). That said, some of it is simply wonderful.

Also A new Trump "event" by Gil Kofman at the Ars Nova space, always a delightful place to see new works. And the cast works their butts off to create the weird array of people surrounding Trump who, in this production, does not don (sorry about that) the usual mannerisms (no Alec Baldwin style here!). Some of it is just flat and needs serious trimming. There are some very good laughs, and one involving Chris Christie and how he eats meat loaf that will make some cringe, but I loved it. Of strong interest here is the end of the show: what actually happened between Donald when growing up and his very similar father, Fred, who appears here in a wheelchair (which I could have done without). A lot of Donald's lousy behavior could be a result of feeling"unloved", "abused" in whatever ways, and more during his "growth" years. But where did the truly nasty way he treated his son (as depicted here) come from? Enjoyable, but uneven. Find the points you want to make and stick to them.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to be part of a great theatre event. The audience cheered, laughed and cried. Moises Kaufman loved this show into being. Go!

Don't see it if You are not into true emotion......and if you do not want to have a good time at a very special event.

Also There is so much to embrace in Torch Song. Let's start with the set: brilliant. And the casting was just great. This is a very attractive group of actors, all of whom are at the top of their "game". (The actor playing David, the son, appears to be a tad too old for a 15 year old). Mercedes Ruehl is funny, and bitchy and just very real as the Jewish mother who needs educating........she gets her dose of gay-son wisdom, takes it well, and still loves her kid big time....the way she should. And now, Michael Urie: give him a star on his dressing room door. This is the best work we have seen him do. This is Harvey Fierstein's terrific writing, so some of the flavor of Fierstein will come through........and that is perfect. But be prepared for something more: Urie is adorable, funny, heartbreaking and totally right in every moment he is on stage, which is most of the evening. If you took him home to meet the folks, they would fall in love with him, just as we did. Amazing.... Read more Read less

See it if You love good acting. Deanna Dunagan (Tony Award for August Osage County) and Peter Friedman (Bway Ragtime, etc.) have enormous skill.

Don't see it if You want perfection........this is not there, yet, but Max Posner is a playwright with a lot to say and can keep us engrossed. Edit a bit.

Also How much is that pillow? Oh, only $700.00. Maybe I should have two. Any family that has a relative who loves to spend and does not know where the money is coming from can relate well to this story of a son and his aging mother (who eventually goes into dementia). The performances are wonderful. But the set up is still not fully realized: let us see some of the early relationship between son and mother.....it will build the tension later on. The set is strange. And cold, very cold. And the sight lines are not great for some of the staging. The seats in the Peter Sharp Theatre may be the most uncomfortable anywhere. Like being in a school lecture hall. Bad. Some great laughs, some lovely moments of bittersweet love (and lack thereof). See this for Deanna Dunagan: this lady is full of courage, focus and strength. And she can make you laugh and weep simultaneously. This show does not need all of those props being moved by stagehands in view. Takes too much focus.... Read more Read less

See it if You simply have to see everything.

Don't see it if You want the true story of Hal Prince; this is not it. Read his book.

Also This is what Broadway has become: throw it together and hope for the best. Now, Prince and Stroman are wonders! We all know that. So why did this not "come together" better. Probably a bad idea from the get go as there was no reason for this to exist on Broadway....not in this format anyway. What would have been fun, and more engaging, is a real book: the heart and soul and passion of Prince........why HE knew how to do it well when others could not. He has always been considered a master of casting...........but some of the performers were stretched in uncomfortable ways. And, gotta say it, the end of the gorilla number will offend some people, as it did when the original line about being Jewish offended many in pre-Broadway, and beyond. In this time of divisiveness in this country, Broadway does not have to add to the problem. This just was not well thought out..........it could have been brilliant.... Read more Read less

See it if You just love wordy and multi-layered plays that steam roll to a conclusion.

Don't see it if You don't want to have to concentrate. This one is not easy to take.

Also Faultless acting and direction. Personally I do not want to have to work so hard to be entertained or enlightened. Some will love this script as it looks at the selfishness of war, people in general, art patrons who are totally bereft of human feeling. A very cold script (and the theatre is freezing as well...take a scarf). Funny, perhaps, but not laugh out loud funny. Only an hour.....which is kind of a blessing.... Read more Read less

See it if You do not expect real off Broadway quality............this is more like off-off Broadway. That said, the cast is first rate!

Don't see it if You want to come away with something to hold onto.

Also Nancy Opel is great as a recent widow who is ready to jump into bed with a lot of men. Kind of funny. But what is the ultimate "take away"? Not sure. It would be great to have the witty lady who wrote the book, Bobby Goldman, give us a very witty yet touching final speech about what this all meant to her.........there is more here than what we have been given. The music is servicable at best, the lyrics less so. The staging by Peter Flynn is fluid and fun and dynamic. Would love to see this reworked so it was more than a "golden girls" kind of script. Some good laughs, for sure, but could be so much more.... Read more Read less

See it if You do not mind a very slow moving beginning........but stick with it, the story becomes more interesting as it moves on.

Don't see it if You fall asleep easily in the theatre and you expect something with strong surprises.

Also Cherry Lane Theatre......lovely with not very good sight lines (a lot of people moved their seats as it was not sold out). And it was too hot, then too cold. Nice work from a good ensemble, and Horton Foote always captures people with an affectionate eye and ear. Lynn Cohen as the funny seasoned mother was a hoot (s% he is just one of the best in the business) and PJ Sosko as the husband with many problems nailed the role and was just perfect (and we could hear every word: thank you!). The little girl playing the little girl was annoying: could not understand 80 percent of what she blurted out. With all of the young actresses in NYC, why was she cast (she looked right, but her vocal chops need severe coaching). A nice evening, but not the most memorable one.... Read more Read less

See it if You are sick and tired of garbage: this is good work and if you listen you will fall in love with the score and the struggles of two icons.

Don't see it if You are lazy (as some main stream critics seemed to be when they reviewed this show). This is for the true theatre lover with an open mind.

Also The two best original performances on Broadway this season with Ms. Ebersole and Ms. Lupone at the top of their game. The truth is these ladies WORK to make it a special experience. They sing the score the way a new star in the making would do it, and they commit to the characters so fully that you want to run up and hug them both. There is nothing wrong with a theatre event, as with Hello, Dolly. But this is different: this show is an event but it is one where the show is the center, not the performance of a star recreating a role. Douglas Sills and John Dossett are just right, and in great voice, too. Is the book the best ever? No, but it keeps your interest and listen for some great laugh lines that get applause. This was such fun, and I did not expect it to be after reading some of the main stream writers on the show. Writers need to look at the work in front of them and not compare it to anything else. It is what it is, and in this case, it was more than I expected.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to say you have seen it and have little or no interest in the history of good plays (which this is not).

Don't see it if You love Albee and Miller and T. Williams and Ibsen: this is not in that league. What we have is an excuse for a play and a production.

Also Once there were wonderful plays that had been crafted over time to make an audience gasp with delight as a result of great writing, plot details that made us say "yes", production values that just made us want to live on that set. What we have here is a bit of a mess: first there is just a back wall and some chairs and that really important door! No rugs, no lamps, no chandeliers, nothing to look at. So we look at four actors who sit on chairs, lie around on the floor, and chat about "what to do". What a missed opportunity to give us some new insight into marriage, feminism, love and lust, something!!! And the performances were all nominated. OK. But the male lead is so quiet he is almost not there. The others were fine, but would be better in a better play. And then, when it is over and the obligatory standing ovation is quieted down, the lovely ushers in the Golden Theatre tell you to get to the exits, FAST. We have your money, so GET OUT. Thanks for the hospitality.... Read more Read less

See it if You are gay or gay friendly and want some help figuring out what goes right and what goes wrong in a youngish 5 year relationship.

Don't see it if You don't want to see some great looking naked male bodies and if you are hoping for a play that is in best and final form.

Also Nice work! A small space with some audibility problems (can be handled with some actor notes). Loved the performances and there were some great laugh lines, too. And the shower scenes are great: real water, very sensual and done with great sensitivity.
Here's the thing: not every couple should have kids (gay or straight) without absolutely knowing that everything is totally, and I mean totally, solid in their marriages. Here we have a five year gay marriage and the guys are not on the same page. They want different things, they have different sexual appetites, and their affection levels need adjusting....if that is possible. Where this goes: you will need to see the show to find out. There is real passion in this writing and that is lovely to see. The set is a wonder for a small space, and do not let the slowness in some moments bother you too much. This can be fixed. Good work, ladies and gentlemen.... Read more Read less

See it if Straight and gay couples grappling with a world full of uncertainty and senseless violence makes you curious.

Don't see it if You want a fully realized piece of theatre: this needs pruning and shaping, but there is enough here to hold your interest.

Also Robert Bruce McIntosh is full of fire and sensuality as the director of a college production of Romeo and Juliet. But this is only the beginning........ Why is Fletcher (the director) drawn so strongly to Jeff (his love interest)? Good sex perhaps. But there is a lack of true chemistry here.......the playwright should go back and explore this. And while doing so, perhaps eliminate some of the plot points. Tell one story brilliantly, and the rest will follow. Uneven, but still worthwhile.
Keep working on this script. There is still a lot to discover here.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a bit of the old Ludlam magic on stage. Some good laughs and the "fish" nearly steal the show.

Don't see it if You expect a well balanced cast and hope for the old and brilliant Ludlam style. It is only hinted at here.

Also The fish nearly steal the show! Bravo to the fish "wrangler". Everett Quinton found some wonderful laugh moments in his direction. The women are stronger than the men in this cast. And the mother, in Act 2 had us in stitches.
The set is just right. This production gives actors with disabilities the chance to show their talents and that is a neat thing. The show will get stronger and the style will evolve even better as the actors work with each audience. Smiles, but not cheers.... Read more Read less

See it if You did not see the set on youtube and you have money to burn.

Don't see it if You want a new score (oooodles of oldddd songs), want value for your money.

Also Broadway GREED has reached a new height with the prices for this show. The $299. for a seat in the orchestra is a new height for Broadway greed. What are we paying for? Yes, the set is gorgeous, the large windmill and elephant are fun, the colors are lovely. The cast does it's work well. But the thing, to me, is not worth the high prices (tried to get cheap seats for a friend and told they have none until October (seems there are only two rows of cheaper seats all the way up high in the mezzanine). Is Broadway testing the waters for a $300. top seat? Think of what you can do with the money to see this show: lots of decent meals, some wonderful new clothes, help a relative in need, give to charity. I, personally, will not support such greed. Look at Youtube excerpts; you can decide for yourself, and you will certainly see the star of the evening: the set.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to laugh at and with all of the online dating pathways.

Don't see it if You expect a play in the traditional sense and you have no interest at all in online dating.

Also Unless you have been catfished, you will probably laugh a lot with this entertainment in two acts (it could easily be one act and, if so, it would be more tight). Big laughs, especially in the first half, which is more strongly scripted. As the evening goes on there is more audience participation (on stage....so beware if you are the shy type.) People seemed to be having a very spirited time.
If you dislike improvisational shows, avoid this one, as there is a good deal of improv, but it is so skillfully done you can relax and just enjoy the silly postings that have, indeed, resulted in many marriages
(and perhaps some divorces.) Sterling performances from the six on stage guys and gals, and great use of digital screens.
Perfect sound design. The sight lines in the Westside are not great..........and there are some poles in the way. A lot of fun if you do not expect a "play" with music.
Kudos to the music director, Jonathan Mastro, for keeping up with the lunacy with great style.... Read more Read less

See it if You value great ensemble acting and a very important message from Arthur Miller.

Don't see it if Just see it.

Also Someone recently and wisely said that the world is a corporation. No news there. What is news is that Arthur Miller years ago predicted just that: and that the corporate minded can and will be dishonest at times, to the point of causing tragic consequences, with the least amount of guilt because it is "business", and business is bigger than morals or ethics. Sound familiar? In the age of babies who think they know everything sitting in high seats of power in Washington, DC, it should sound very familiar. This cast gets the Twyford Award for the best ensemble of any show currently running in NYC. And, yes, I am Twyford and have reviewed dozens of shows in NYC, having begun in 1959 seeing shows in NYC and acting in shows all over the USA. Ms Bening, Mr Letts, Mr Walker and all the others are giving the best acting lessons in NYC. Go and see. And while you are at it, you will fall in love with good theatre all over again.... Read more Read less

See it if Brilliant acting (Cranston and a few others) is your thing, and you cannot stomach what has happened to "democracy".

Don't see it if You love Trump. A lot of this can be seen as a direct slap at the idiot in the White House (which one??).

Also Obama was cheered and Trump roundly booed at the conclusion of the evening (after the bows were over), and rightly so as this seasoned story makes many claims that the world is now run as a corporation. Of course, Trump falls into the play book for that. But, as the show hints, the USA is not for sale! Get that Mr Trump? Not yet, I suspect. Brilliant script as it shows disfunction in so many places.
Rage is needed to overcome complacency and there is plenty of rage on the stage at the Belasco (truly one of the most gorgeous and intimate theatres anywhere; look up at the ceiling when you are next in that "house." Stunning!
I found distracting the 10 chairs and five tables on stage left where people willing to spend a lot of money (at least $400. each) were having a full supper and drinks.) A lot of the staging is hard to see from some seats, yet there are large screens that keep you with the flow of action. This is one of the best evenings of theatre in NYC. Cranston=Tony.... Read more Read less

See it if You like a clever twist on casting and you are not easily confused.

Don't see it if You want a play that will knock your socks off. This does not deliver much of a punch.

Also First, will the sound man please make some adjustments. Could not hear a lot of the dialogue especially from Mary Elizabeth Winstead (making her stage debut, and the lack of stage experience shows: she is bland except in a few moments of rage, and with a "two hander" both actors must shine. She does not. Colin Woodell (playing a set of twins, one gay one straight, is marvelous, and has a good strong voice). It is important for the audience to know that one actor is playing twin brothers, and if the playwright made this clear somehow at the beginning, I missed it. But caught on pretty fast. And it is a clever thing (done many times before). There is something devastatingly real about the plot: Dying City....a metaphor for a lot of places, a lot of people, a lot of relationships, a lot of times (not just during the wars abroad, but the wars in our own apartments in this or any other city.) Playwrights who direct their own shows: not always a good idea.... Read more Read less

See it if Like most of the Universe, you are in love with Harry and all of his brilliant, strange, macabre and all-consuming ensemble of "friends."

Don't see it if You expect the "punch" of the movies: it is there, but not to the degree you might desire. If you are on a tight budget.

Also Many moons ago, a family of four could see a Broadway show for under $40.00 in the best seats. Now it might be over $1000.00 or more (or much less if you are willing to sit in strange seats way up high.)
Speaking of that: go in comfort.......it is a long process, this HP, and you cannot walk away and get popcorn from your kitchen. Wear pajamas! Be a kid, totally. It will help your enjoyment. Now, is it worth the money? Yes if you want to join the millions who have to see everything Harry, no matter what. Does it need to be two parts? No! I would have loved to see one long play with a decent interval as most of the best special effects are in part one (for my taste). Then, of course, it would not be the "event" it is. So this is a very personal choice. The acting is interesting: a few absolute "knock out" performances, and a few that are bland.
Pretty much everything else is in the middle. The ending is lovely: quiet and tender. Yes! I was at the "event".... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see every show ever produced.

Don't see it if You want to see every show ever produced done well; this is not done well.

Also Bathing Beauty Ballet! Act 2: Finally after a long time this show came to some life. The dance, in the original 1947 production, was a real Mack Sennett success, and it was one of the reasons that Jerome Robbins won the Tony. It is done very well in this Encores show. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is about the only thing to cheer about. Phil Silvers was the original Harrison Floy, kind of a sweet and funny con man. Silvers went on to do a few great roles on Broadway including the lead in Do Re Mi (not a great show, but Silvers nailed it and sang with gusto and a great command of every moment he was on stage. At the top of this Encores production, Michael Urie arrives and we could not have been happier to see him in a musical: he is one of the great talents on stage and television. But this was not his night, and it was not his role. No one in this cast stood out except Kevin Chamberlin, because he delivered in every way. Win some, lose some. Onward.... Read more Read less

See it if The score, the story, a new view of the material.......and you are sick of the crap that Broadway brings along all too often these days.

Don't see it if You are a boring person who likes the same thing on his or her "plate".

Also What NYC really needs is a look at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival gay Oklahoma! Why not have 4 or 5 Oklahoma productions running at once: this one (which is a very mixed bag), the gay one, an all Asian one, an all black one, and one that is just done with mimes. Well, after the awful Carousel last season, at least this has some ideas that could help in the future (a more complex and perhaps illuminating view of Jud Fry). The Jiffy corn bread: I guess this is what we have become. Oylahoma.... Read more Read less

See it if A show like Cradle Will Rock needs a brilliant staging to make it work for today, in "trumpworld". This is obviously not it.

Don't see it if You enjoy good theatre where you are inspired and you want to cheer.

Also Mr Doyle: at what point will you spare the theatre world from your inane "work".
Would love to watch your rehearsal process for a show like this: if you do not find fire in your belly for a show, why do it? There are hundreds of directors looking to work in NYC who have zeal, have new ideas, are not sleep-walking. Some people like your work; I am not one of them.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to forget a little about the absurd Trumplife and enjoy the truly funny Gurney magic.

Don't see it if You have little imagination and want just one longer play.

Also Three one acts, the middle one is very boring and slow and the lead actress does little to enliven it. But the first and the last are great good times, and the acting is just right on. Betsy Aidem is an acting force of nature: go just to see her (most of the others in this ensemble are terrific as well). For anyone who has been on a college faculty, you will laugh out loud at the absurd goings on in the classroom and out of it. Often the best professors are the ones who are on the edge of a certain kind of madness: but it is really not madness, it is a telling force of inquiry which is essential for fertile minds to grab onto! You have to watch Greg Mullavey in the first one act as he views his grandson acting in porn. Priceless. Many gems here, and a missed opportunity as the second play just does not have the power or the precision of the other two. PS: the theatre was freezing at the start of the evening, then got too hot, then cold.
Surely this can be avoided.... Read more Read less

See it if Gurney fans who want to see every production of his work might feel happy. And actors with some challenges are to be applauded.

Don't see it if You expect a totally professional show.

Also Have you seen the small Gural Theatre on 10th. Ave and 53rd. Street? If not, you must. It is only two rows of comfy seats and it is lovely. The set for this show by Bert Scott is brilliant and it looks very expensive. Gurney is an acquired taste for some; I love his work, although this is not top of the line Gurney, yet there are some great laughs and super fine moments (when the 4th. wall is broken, for example). If only people would learn how to walk through walls, stop bitching about every little thing, and know that we survived Bush 2 (how lovely if we had him back considering the idiot in the White House right now). The acting is all over the place and it really did not have to be (director Chris Burris needed to work harder, either in casting in making the ensemble seem more unified in approach). Some could not be heard well in such a small space; strange. This is a very special company with a brilliant concept. But it takes a bit more work to truly make it sing.... Read more Read less

See it if You love the Broadway musicals with heart, passion, wonder!

Don't see it if You enjoy Broadway junk. This is quality stuff in every way. It takes immense talent to make a show like Anastasia.

Also I am so sick of the Tony awards dismissing shows such as Anastasia with a score that is wonderfully conceived (the Tony voters, unless I am remembering incorrectly, did not even nominate Ahrens and Flaherty for this show. How stupid of them. The audience went crazy for this show. And so did I! I was not sure I wanted to see it after so many idiotic main stream reviews (I notice that real theatre people understand the genre of musical theatre better than a lot of the writers who get paid). Great voices in this show, all around. Christy Altomare is lovely and has one of the best Broadway voices around. Zach Adkins playing Anastasia's love interest is simply gorgeous to watch and listen to, and the guy can act! Mary Beth Peil has the role of a lifetime: simply grand! And Vicki Lewis is funnier than ever. Everyone in the cast is terrific. The projections by Aaron Rhyne take your breath away: the best I have ever seen. And thank you Peter Hylenski: great sound design.
Go!... Read more Read less

See it if It is lovely to see decent people with all their flaws triumph and make the family unit work: tradition lives!

Don't see it if You are such a picky theatre snob that you let the imperfections bother you. It does not have to be perfect to be perfect.

Also Sitting in the Actor's Theatre Temple space with lots of historic stained glass is a real treat (and the staff in this theatre is absolutely wonderful!). Yes, as a gay Jewish (raised) guy, the family situations resonated with me very strongly. I lived with these people! Or at least visited them many weekends and heard all of the arguments and took in some of the strange customs. But, there was an underlying amount of humor, and ultimately there was real love (as in this piece of theatre). Moreover, I sat there and thought: these people are so decent! What has happened to decency? (Well, eventually, it will return in a better way once the current White House is purged.
This cast is terrific: and can they sing! The book, at times, meanders a bit too much. But there are some wonderful surprises in the music: wait for the song about visiting mother....you will laugh a lot. With so much of Broadway being given over to splashy junk, this show is a little jewel. Enjoy!... Read more Read less

See it if If you love everything Jewish, even when it is in somewhat questionable taste and you have to see every musical in NYC.

Don't see it if You do not mind a hodge podge of plot points that can be very irritating.

Also Great set, lovely orchestra playing on the second level of the set. Adam Heller and Julia Knitel bring the sweet, honest moments to a strange little show that is in search of its true center. It hovers back and forth between the great possibilities that Harvey Milk struggled to create, and the idiotic sense that gay and lesbian people should be pushed back into their closets. Choose one path and keep to it. I was totally annoyed by the role of the wife: why would Harry, our lead guy, stay with the lady (well actually fate caused that to end) as she was so annoying, judgmental and loud! And some of the staging makes her overstay her welcome, especially in delicate moments between Harry and his writing instructor Lesbian friend Barbara. The show would like to be funny, touching, historically relevant, gay friendly, not gay friendly, and a lovely homage to the life and sweet nature of Harvey Milk, this and the Holocaust, too.
Sweet, but very confused show.... Read more Read less

See it if You are into gay male relationships and the reasons that lives can go off kilter, and can come back on track.

Don't see it if You are not interested in gay characters and might be offended by a few bare butts. The play can still use some work.

Also There are some very fine performances here, especially Tyler Jones in the leading role of a gay guy who was adopted and found himself with a risky cocaine problem. A lot of good writing here as the playwright, Andy Halliday, writes from a very vivid and personal viewpoint with elements from his life. The script would benefit from more humor just to give more balance to the evening, and the set is dark and static, but used well for the many different locations by the director,
G.R. Johnson. Some of the music was much too loud, and when the AC system clicks on, it can be hard to hear some performers. But this show is worth a visit. Just do not expect perfection.......yet.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to learn a bit of the story of Marlene Dietrich.

Don't see it if You want a fully realized Marlene......you will not get it here.

Also You will be asked to wait in a small lobby until almost curtain time; not very comfortable. Nice little set and the pianist is wonderful. Marlene had a definitive way with a song.....she had a somewhat husky but very musical voice and knew how to phrase so well.
The performer playing Marlene is not a very strong singer, and the Dietrich legato is missing here. Still, there are some effective acting moments, especially in the strength Marlene had to strongly oppose the Nazi regime. With a stronger singer, this would be a very effective cabaret show.... Read more Read less

See it if A lot more of a production than you might expect, there is a lot of fun to be had, and many sobering moments. Quite wonderful.

Don't see it if You expect "Broadway"............although you will get some of that, too. The audience loved it.

Also Michael Moore has a lot to say, and with a fine director has honed his skills for the stage (still a bit nervous but that will go away). I liked that this was not just a stand up and deliver comedy act. No way. There are a lot of good ideas here that make it very satisfying as theatre. (They might want to rethink the audience participation game........the show is long enough without it). Favorite moments were the introspective ones where he would just sit and remember events in his life. Neat way of making us warm to Moore as a very human human. Great story about a librarian, and amazing thing he did to get rid of a lousy school administrator (wish I had done something like it when we were all denied membership in the National Honor Society because we spoke up about a lousy principal). And the "finale" is the best on Broadway. I won't tell you more and spoil it, but it is great fun!). Go, if you can get a ticket.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy good ensemble acting, a few surprises along the way, and do not expect a great (but pleasant) play.

Don't see it if You are easily excitable (I won't tell you why), expect something totally original or are squeamish.

Also The opening is slow, and the play needs some major laughs early on to break the tense spirit. The lead actress, the mother, gives a brilliant and clear and many-faceted performance. The actor playing the father looks right, but his accent is too thick, and he does not project his voice well (even with ear buds it was hard to know what he was saying). Some lovely plot twists. The mother is the driving force in this show: she is able to take a lot of abuse, and yet she is able to "let it go" and be the rock of strength for her daughters.
We led a standing ovation.......the cast looked happy! Yet, there were some who just did not "get it".........and that is fine. But if you like a play that could still use quite a bit of work, and would like a pretty good view of 1960 in Brooklyn (and a major event that changed lives), Napoli Brooklyn could be a winner for you.... Read more Read less

See it if You need to see every play ever written. This has a lovely story, poorly executed.

Don't see it if You want first class work........this is not it.

Also First, the sound design is awful. On house left in the orchestra there was almost no audibility........and even with ear buds, it was still uneven. Next, the set design was idiotic for an intimate show. The one highlight was a round disc that appears with a sense of magic for a theme park adventure. The leading ladies did the best they could with flaccid direction, the doctor was funny (thanks for that), but the older son was so lacking in charisma (yes, he is in an institution for a crime he committed, but he is not in a coma). I rarely feel that community theatre has come to Broadway, but the creatives and the producers allowed this uninspired revival to be far less that it could be. The house staff at the American Airlines is welcoming and gracious and fun. When your best part of a review is for the house staff, something is off. But we did appreciate them a lot.... Read more Read less

See it if Brilliant acting and a story that needs to be told and heard and held close to our hearts (and minds).

Don't see it if You want to grow as a human being (liberal or conservative).

Also Wonderful ensemble playing (Kathleen Huber a special treat as the grandmother with a hot tongue and a loving heart). Hello world: stop guns from killing kids (you can have your voice heard). And please do not let religion blindly guide your life: religion is fine, and so is the principle that every life matters. Do not fear all the facets of love: it is what makes us connect and prosper. This play should be seen by everyone who wants to grow a bit more (it is too late for Trump to get this lesson as he is stuck on bending down to his baseless base.) Theatre management: fix the seats, and do not let the idiots above on the 4th. floor ruin this experience with all of the running and the banging (was it from the not so brilliant Perfect Crime? playing upstairs?) Dewey Moss could tighten the first act a bit, but the play is quite wonderful. Enjoy.... Read more Read less

See it if Loved the music, lots of energy on stage, nice performances, lots of laughs.

Don't see it if You are a prude and want a finished product; this needs lots of cutting and refocusing.

Also Two outstanding performances from the lead and his Asian love interest. And let Evan Ruggiero do a tap dance: he is brilliant at it (you might want, as creatives, to have less running up and down the stairs for the lead to give him a respite to do that tap number.) Refocus the book: it is too much right now and we lose some interest. Might work better as a one act. Nice performances, some good laughs, and a fun night. But not ready for prime time.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to fall in love with excellent work on the Broadway stage.

Don't see it if You feel Hello Dolly was the best thing since chocolate cheesecake.

Also The big question is what is going on with the Tony people who did not nominate the two male leads in Miss Saigon, and the voters who gave the revival Tony to Hello Dolly! Dolly was fun, but it was the Bette Midler show. Leave the politics of theatre to the DC crowd. Recognize brilliant work (not just names who are familiar to people........a name is just that if their performances are subpar. The audience was on their feet. Why? Because they were genuinely moved and wanted to send back the love across the footlights. Go! Especially if you have never seen the show.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to love Ibsen's message: stupid people hate facts and the truth (does this ring a bell?). And you enjoy energetic stagings.

Don't see it if You love Trump and a lot of the other imbeciles who elected him. This is a wordy play, but there is a fine payoff.

Also Jeff Wise has staged a one act version of the Ibsen play with a wonderful surprises and enormous energy (some of the actors take this energy too far). There is a star performance by Michael Schantz (Dr. Stockman) and he should have a solo bow at the end. His passion is just right and he shows how "standing alone" is very isolating, but ultimately victorious.
The set by Brittany Vasta is fascinating and spot on as is the lighting. This one act version of the play is just right for those of us who have found that stupidity is not just an American thing: Ibsen was obsessed with this and rightly so. How do people learn to be ignorant: do they not read? Do they listen only to their preachers and the Fox News channels (all over the world!). So many people have a "flat line" approach to life: perhaps it is easier than becoming a fully realized, thinking individual. This play has a lot to offer: some of the acting could be stronger, but it is well worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if You love seeing government officials making fools of themselves.....does this remind you of anything??

Don't see it if You are expecting to be wowed. That wow factor is missing, although a lot of funny lines, especially in the set-up in Act I, do land well.

Also Michael McGrath (the mayor) and Arnie Burton (the postmaster) steal the show: they are just perfect and naturally funny with great timing. Michael Urie (playing an imposter) has many funny moments and is great in physical comedy (watch for the end of Act I!). Yet, this is not the ideal role for this talented (and delightful) actor. The set is on two levels and it becomes a bit claustrophobic........and it would be a good idea to sit higher up in this theatre so you do not have to strain your necks to see the second level. This is a fun and funny adaptation, but the second act seems to weigh a bit heavily after a much firmer first act.... Read more Read less