Vagabond

See it if you appreciate one of those 'Where is this one going?' narratives.

Don't see it if you're uncomfortable with the possible consequences of dementia.

Also Jack Neary has written a spooky story. It has demons and victims and secrets and is told with flair. The first act has a delightful black comedy atmosphere and is topped off with a wonderful cliff-hanger. The second act morphs into a dark dramatic tone which is well-earned and segues seamlessly from the preceding events. The cast is terrific, the set is impeccable and even the artwork on the program has a nice, theatrical touch. If you like Martin McDonagh's work, you'll probably enjoy this one. It premiered last year at Northern Stage in Vermont and is haunting Off-Broadway for a limited time. Go and get your candy!... Read more Read less

See it if you're up for a 2-hour character study, with some characters being better fleshed out than others.

Don't see it if you have high expectations in the plot department. The most interesting bits are in the backstories of these characters.

Also Abby Rosebrock's play certainly has good intentions. Putting a handful of damaged people into a room together could make for some interesting theater, but most of the drama has already occurred before the play begins. The audience in this case is witnessing the residual effects as opposed to the main events. The dialogue is strongest when it ventures into comedic territory. Unfortunately, it leans towards (unearned) high drama in the second act, which becomes perplexing and belabored. Also, there was a missed window of opportunity (literally) with respect to the set/lighting design. For inexplicable reasons, the blinds are drawn on what is revealed to be a lovely, remote vista in the last ten minutes. An odd choice which echoes the quirky proceedings.... Read more Read less

See it if you're willing to settle for amusement over amazement.

Don't see it if you're looking ground-breaking wizardry.

Also Having seen a previous version of this show, I was curious to check out the new lineup. The current conjurers are charming, but only Shin Lim, with his astonishing sleight-of-hand card effects, brought the 'wow' factor to the evening. The rest is rather standard-fare, from the old-school razorblades swallowing trick to prerecorded video/live action duets. The Ukrainian dance troupe, Light Balance, added some pizazz, but the show at large failed to maintain a consistent thrill level. Magic is an art form that continually raises the bar for itself. Not an easy trick to pull off.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to take a sentimental journey.

Don't see it if you require your holiday entertainment to be on a Radio City Music Hall scale.

Also Charlotte Moore's adaptation of the Dylan Thomas story is becoming a traditional installment at the Irish Rep with good reason. This is the third incarnation of this show that I've seen, and it never fails to conjure up a heartwarming temper like an old black and white Christmas classic. The ensemble is terrific, and it's especially nice to see Nicholas Barasch again after his great work in the recent Broadway revival of She Loves Me. It was also a treat to hear Margaret Dudasik's violin contribution to the arrangements. It made me pine for a harpist for the next revival.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a fine group of triple-threats (actor/singer/musicians) in a smart, original musical.

Don't see it if you require your musicals to be big-budget affairs. This one is not, but it certainly could be.

Also The Prospect Theater Company has got a wonderful show on the boards. The women of WWI is a story I knew nothing about, so it was great to be educated while being rigorously entertained. The cast is fabulous, and some of the vocal and musical arrangements are outstanding. During previews, Act II felt a bit dilated, but by the time I publish this it's possible that improvements have already occurred. I can fully imagine 'The Hello Girls' being developed into a large-scale, Broadway musical with multiple sets, chorus, etc.... Read more Read less

See it if you've never heard of Gloria Steinem and would like to get the bullet points.

Don't see it if you're willing to wait for the film or miniseries. Either of these would be much more befitting to the GS story.

Also The Daryl Roth Theatre is currently decked out with colorful pillows on arena-style bleacher seating to evoke a mod 1960s vibe. This is certainly a cozy ambience and a good visual hook to grab the patrons as they enter the venue. Unfortunately, what is revealed theatrically comes off as a Wikipedia page being disseminated in mostly chronological order. This is largely a one-woman oration presented directly to the audience with a supporting female ensemble intermittently employed to fill in as various historical and/or prototypical characters. The desultory post-show 'talk circle' only punctuates the already belabored lecture-style presentation. An odd bird, this one.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like a little bit of levity to ease you into the holidays.

Don't see it if you don't have an appreciation for ironic humor.

Also The great American tradition that is the fourth Thursday in November has finally become the subject of a hilarious new play. Larissa FastHorse has devised a four hander that is both mindful and silly. Each actor is brilliantly showcased, and there are some intermittent visual bits that are nothing short of laugh out loud funny. This will undoubtedly become the go-to seasonal entry for many regional theater companies at this time of year. Happy Thanksgiving!... Read more Read less

See it if you don't want to miss a fantastic production of a rarely-performed play.

Don't see it if you can't appreciate 1970s theater, culture, kitsch.

Also Entering the venue, there is the sensation of immersive theater as you walk through a jungle mock-up and then into a 1970s living room in order to get to your seat. This perfectly sets the tone for the over-the-top, dark, absurdist, sit-comesque narrative that is HBWJ and is the most creative use of the Duke space that I've seen. And yes, Jason O'Connell deserves all of the accolades that he's getting for his performance. See it before it once again becomes a bygone theater piece.... Read more Read less

See it if you're curious about Ezra Pound. I knew nothing about him, and was quite intrigued.

Don't see it if you are expecting a 'finished' piece. Unfortunately, this appears to be a work in progress.

Also It's frustrating to sit through a production that is well-written & well-cast yet not completely primed. As indicated in previous reviews, Christopher Lloyd is reliant on having his script in hand for much of the performance. In spite of this, his portrayal of the titular character is dynamic. Kate Abbruzzese is equally vigorous as the substitute psychiatrist assigned to deal with him. Their rapport is good theater, and this is fundamentally their story. However, the two supporting characters might have been given a bit more stage time to add some more variety to this imagined tale. Perhaps this production will one day evolve into a film adaptation for which Mr. Lloyd might be more in his comfort zone.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of musicals. There's some good material here and it's presented with heart.

Don't see it if you're hoping to have a fervent emotional experience. This is entertaining but not electrifying.

Also Ordinary Days is an unusual little show. While it does have elements that coalesce beautifully in terms of music and performance, there is too much which starts to feel repetitive both in tone and sentiment. This is partially due to the absence of a book. Having scenes between songs would add some much needed variety to the mix and also offer breathing room for the characters and the audience. The piece does serve, however, as a wonderful showcase for the fine quartet of actor/singers who are pouring their souls into their work.... Read more Read less

See it if you're willing to sit through a missed opportunity. The play starts off with such promise and loses engine thrust.

Don't see it if you're not willing to accept drawbacks, i.e., casting choices, nonlinear storytelling, etc.

Also Lots of preparatory research went into this play. However, some other facets seemingly escaped scrutiny. The out-of-sequence narrative clearly doesn't serve any purpose and winds up calling overt attention to itself due to the accompanying projections. Also, while the actor playing von Braun is certainly good, he obviously bears no resemblance to the historical figure and his 'German' accent is horrible. (I was astounded to see that the production employed a dialect coach.) I'm a big proponent of 'suspension of disbelief', but I also need to believe just a little bit, especially when I'm watching a biographical play.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a hard-working and highly-disciplined performer at her zenith.

Don't see it if you're expecting perfection. The book could use some polishing.

Also Leenya Rideout is a beautiful and super-talented actress-singer-musician. She has some fabulous Broadway credits and can certainly engage an audience. Having said this, I feel as though this show would benefit from some concision both in terms of anecdotes and overall running time. While the narrative focuses intensively on the relationship between Rideout and her mother, the title of the play certainly implies no boundaries and I think it would be great if a future version of this piece realized this.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of Rebeck's plays and don't mind that this is not her best work.

Don't see it if if you're expecting much more than a protracted (2.5 hour) character study. What it lacks in plot is supplanted by McTeer's performance.

Also Theresa Rebeck is certainly a seasoned, imaginative & intelligent playwright. Perhaps my expectations were skewed by her solid body of work. There is nothing inherently wrong with this piece per se, it simply lacks (ironically) drama. The play takes an interesting choice in the legendary Sarah Bernhardt's career and then focuses on her artistic and egotistic sensibilities in lieu of giving us much of a conflict in terms of a storyline. It would have been more satisfying to explore other aspects of Bernhardt's life outside of her theatrical career to get a better sense of what drove her. Maybe that's where the real conflict was.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see an excellent performance by Kristine Nielsen.

Don't see it if you're attending just because it's by Tennessee Williams. You're better off reading his short stories.

Also This play is probably best described as a character study, but it comes off as derivative of better-drawn characters in other TW plays. The actress playing Dorothea was mostly inaudible and the cavernous space that is St. Clements abetted by the hum of the ceiling fans didn't help. (Additionally, the director inexplicably allowed her to deliver many of her lines facing upstage.) I completely understand why this play is rarely revived.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to be rigorously entertained while learning about a show-biz icon.

Don't see it if you have no appreciation for a class act.

Also Hershey Felder is the epitome of a one-man show. As producer, playwright, star, accompanist & set designer, he is in a category all his own. (George M. Cohan is the only other person I can think of who might have worn as many hats with similar grace.) Take a nostalgic ride back in time when both Broadway and Hollywood were nascent and talents like Irving Berlin were literally just off the boat. This show is elegant in all respects.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see an engaging ensemble perform a winning interpretation of a Chekhov classic in an intimate venue.

Don't see it if you plan to rummage through a paper bag throughout the entire performance. (The woman behind me did just that!)

Also The multiple scene locations have been consolidated into the kitchen of the estate for this production. It is definitely a bare-bones version of the piece, and has more of a filmic rather than theatrical quality to it. As a result, it takes a while to adjust to the low volume of a few of the actors which can feel slightly alienating especially when he or she is playing a scene with his/her back to you. (However, there is not a bad seat in this small theatre-in-the-round.) My only misgiving was the director's choice to occasionally break the fourth wall. A little jarring, especially for a Chekhov play!... Read more Read less

See it if if you're up for an evening of lesbian sketch comedy that loosely achieves play status.

Don't see it if you're expecting nuanced writing with multifaceted characters.

Also This show is definitely for an acquired taste. While the five actresses were all quite good and committed in their respective roles (Ana Villafane a standout with her rapid-fire comedic line delivery), the 'play' itself is sophomoric and ultimately without much resonance. This being said, the mostly female audience in attendance seemed to eat it up. Maybe I'm just the wrong demographic for this sort of fare. Oh well . . .... Read more Read less

See it if you don't mind sitting through a weak aperitif and a bland appetizer to get to your main course.

Don't see it if you'd rather invest your time in a cohesive theatrical outing.

Also The annual Summer Shorts at 59E59 is always an interesting way to sample a collection of playwrights & actors, many of whom have some impressive credits. However, I suspect that some of the work is produced based on politics rather than merit. My score for Series A is an average of my individual scores for the three pieces: 'The Living Room', a confusing and alienating absurdist piece earns a score of 50; 'Kenny's Tavern', a meandering and ultimately unsatisfying narrative made bearable by a good cast gets a 70; and 'Grounded' to which I give a score of 90 for an engaging script and stellar pair of actresses. I shall now review Series B!... Read more Read less

See it if you've earned a good time for yourself. I haven't grinned this much in one sitting since 'Honeymoon in Vegas' a few seasons back.

Don't see it if you can't appreciate a new, old-fashioned musical.

Also In this era of juke-box banality, how refreshing to have an original concept musical back on Broadway. This is a slickly-produced show with several showcase performances. (Brandon Williams is one droll antagonist.) There is a satisfying underdog theme that is spiced up with MANY laugh-out-loud comedic bits, a couple of surprising character arcs, and a rock performance that would make Spinal Tap envious. And yes, Marilu Henner looks great. ; )... Read more Read less

See it if you are open to an interesting concept. It's described as a 'theatrical collage' and that is exactly what you get.

Don't see it if you're put off by collages. They can be a bit abstract and ambiguous but usually contain some wonderful elements.

Also A great Brecht sampler. Most theatergoers will be familiar with his work via 'The Threepenny Opera', but it's certainly interesting to take a tour of his philosophical and poetic sensibilities led by a spirited ensemble. I was, however, confused by there being eight cast members when four were largely unused. Some lovely singing and thoughtfully-delivered monologues, not to mention an exceptional piano arrangement of 'Mack the Knife'.... Read more Read less

See it if you have some idea of what you're walking into. The 'fourth wall' is not broken, it's simply not there.

Don't see it if you're a conservative type who might be squeamish. The inmates are running the asylum here.

Also Once in a while, I find myself venturing into New York's theatrical underbelly just to see how unflinchingly deranged things can get in the shadows of shows like 'Frozen' and 'Wicked'. The cast gave it their all (perhaps to a fault), and the audience was quite riveted. Or maybe we were merely collectively nervous and geared up to dodge the next onslaught of airborne whatever. Either way, this is clearly 'alternative' theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you're patient and forgiving. The material is there, but it seems as though the production team didn't realize it.

Don't see it if you're expecting anything more than mediocrity.

Also The tone of this play is rather erratic. It has farcical bits and poignant moments. But unfortunately, there is no artistic direction that ties it all together. It is visually drab whereas it could have (and should have) been cartoon-colorful. It stagnates instead of percolates. I'm not sure why the producers chose to put this one up. Maybe somebody lost a bet?... Read more Read less

See it if you want to unwind and revisit or perhaps stumble upon some oldies but goodies passionately performed by fabulous entertainers. See it!

Don't see it if you have no appreciation for classic pop songs. Even that's a stretch because 'don't see it' really doesn't apply here! Seriously, see it!

Also Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller wrote many hits that ushered in the baby boomer generation, and this revue lovingly and playfully celebrates those songs and that era with panache. Joshua Bergasse has assembled some blazing talent, and really makes them work hard for that paycheck! If a vintage jukebox in a roadside bar suddenly acquired self-awareness and came to life after closing hours it would be 'Smokey Joe's Cafe'.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of Rebecca Naomi Jones.

Don't see it if you're expecting any kind of coherent, engrossing storytelling.

Also I realize that this play is in previews and that there is still the opportunity to fix it, but right now this one comes across as if the playwright had a collection of unfinished scripts and decided to throw them all together as one. Even the set was weird. Sometimes I think that New York audiences are victimized by work that is touted as 'edgy'. I would stick to the Delacorte this summer.... Read more Read less

See it if you're staying at the Marriott Marquis Hotel and don't want to venture out in the heatwave this weekend to catch a better show.

Don't see it if you can see better theater, which you can.

Also As much as find the 'jukebox musical' concept a bit abhorrent, I once enjoyed seeing Jimmy Buffett in concert and was able to get a heavily discounted ticket to this show. Even so, I found the entertainment value of this production marginally less exciting than the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Kudos to a talented cast, however.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of the writer.

Don't see it if you don't like having your buttons pushed.

Also Neil LaBute never fails to entertain. Not in an escapist way, but quite the opposite - he entertains by agitating. His unpretentious writing manages to invoke just the right level of irony, highlighting the perpetual undercurrent of angst within our so-called civilized lives. This is typical of his work in general and is brought to the fore in the second piece, 'Great Negro Works of Art', which I would categorize as being classic LaBute. It is bookended by two expertly-performed solo pieces, which I found to be just as engaging but not quite as theatrically fulfilling. A very worthy 90 minutes.... Read more Read less

See it if all of the other holiday-themed shows are sold out through the end of 2018.

Don't see it if you're expecting this one to align with the York Theatre's typically high caliber of stage offerings.

Also I'm a big fan of the dark side of holiday entertainment. American movies such as 'The Ice Harvest' and 'Bad Santa,' the wonderful Finnish film, 'Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale,' as well as last year's brilliant Off-Broadway production of 'Who's Holiday' have all been first-rate antidotes to the seemingly interminable onslaught of mass-produced seasonal convivialities we endure each year. Naturally, when I read that the York Co. was putting on a show called 'Christmas in Hell,' well - my inner Grinch was titillated. As it turned out, the proverbial bark was bigger than the bite. While the show has some intermittent cleverness and handiwork, it is ultimately lacking in a strong central idea. What we are given is an assortment of modestly amusing stocking stuffers, but not the “official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle" as hoped for. Maybe next Christmas.... Read more Read less

See it if you like disposable drama.

Don't see it if you're expecting parallels with Ibsen's "A Doll's House" as intimated.

Also When I looked at the remarkable set before the show began, I was struck by how inhospitable it appeared for someone's home. It had all the warmth of a public library. This actually was a portent for the play. The playwright's note in the program encapsulates the themes that she was musing over when she wrote it, but we are never given the emotional distillation of these ideas. Instead, the characters seem to be mostly verbalizing their individual inner monologues. At one point, the husband bemoans having lived in the place for years without owning a couch. Likewise, a narrative without a place to perch winds up wandering aimlessly.... Read more Read less

See it if you've had a double espresso.

Don't see it if you're not prepared to have your neurons doing gymnastics.

Also Sitting through a Stoppard play is like riding a bicycle through an art museum. There's simply too much content to absorb and it all passes by at a brisk pace. I am consoled when I read that even some of the creative personnel involved with his material don't understand it. In the current edition of the Lincoln Center Theater Review, director Jack O'Brien reveals that even he didn't comprehend this play after seeing the original London production. However, he does provide a lens with which to view Stoppard's work: "Tom's plays are never about one thing. They're centered on an energy or a subject, but that just gives him an excuse to layer various aspects of philosophy, science, emotional connections. You can't say what the plays are about, because they're not really one thing." Thanks, Jack - I'll be running this notion through my mind on my next trip to Stoppardville.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to observe the banter & behavior of a cadre of codependent, competitive boarding school adolescents.

Don't see it if you don't like acerbic humor.

Also Jocelyn Bioh's delightful play gives us an off-beat location (Ghana) and time (1986) to present a universally familiar coming-of-age story. While several of the characters might come off as 'stock' types, the unique setting gives them a fresh spin. This, in addition to the commitment of a very competent and well-cast group of actors makes for an extremely enjoyable sit-down. The ear takes a bit of adjusting to the accents and the naturalistic delivery of some of the performers, but this is a minor distraction. This could make for a good feature film.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to be transported by a moving (true) story and exceptional singing.

Don't see it if you'd rather miss out on a limited engagement of a powerful, heartwarming theater piece.

Also It takes a congregation of century-old ghosts of Christmas past materializing from the ethers to teach us mortals that something as hellish as war will cease to exist when we submit to our humanity instead of our brutality. After reading the many excellent reviews prior to attending a recent performance, it was hard to imagine that I would actually leave the theater with my expectations having been exceeded. The audience was in a collective spell.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a pair of hard-working actors run a comedic marathon.

Don't see it if you're expecting profundity. This is like watching a cartoon come to life.

Also During the opening scene, I felt slightly uneasy about the prospect of watching two actors play multiple characters. However, I was able to quickly adjust to the conceit by virtue of the sheer commitment and zeal that Adam Heller & Tom Souhrada employed. Production-wise, it is played on a lovely and serviceable unit set, but I was hoping there might have been a few more surprise scenic elements to complement the frenzy. Part theater, part sketch comedy and all charm.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a well-handled two-hander.

Don't see it if you like a good thru-line either emotionally or stylistically.

Also While both actors certainly invest themselves, the play at large is a bit unsatisfying. There are surreal elements (explosions in the sky) interspersed which almost give the piece a sci-fi veneer. There is a great deal of text referencing a love affair which would have been better illustrated (and more theatrically engrossing) by having that character appear on stage in flashbacks, etc. While it starts off with promise and has some terrific moments, 'Fireflies' would definitely benefit from some retooling.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to feel what it's really like to 'eat, drink and be merry' all in one sitting!

Don't see it if you have a reluctance towards exceptional theater and delicious gourmet treats.

Also From the pickled carrots to the vanilla custard, from great physical comedy to introspective musings, prepare for the Shake and Bake gang to relentlessly seize control of ALL of your senses. As I settled into the evening, I actually experienced a mild sense of hedonistic guilt which was fortunately thwarted by a well-timed shot of Jagermeister dispensed by one of the boys from Navarre. This is one hard-working company, and they will make you feel like a VIP at a private party. A perfect event for the holiday season. Bonus tip: Avail yourself of a post-show stroll along the Highline which has an entrance across from the venue. It will help you walk off a few calories, and will give you some astonishing views of remarkable architecture in this exquisite part of Manhattan. (You might even get a glimpse of Pete Davidson packing up his belongings and moving out of Ariana Grande's 16 million dollar luxury apartment.) Bon appetit!... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see a lustrous ensemble. Each actor is strong and compelling.

Don't see it if you're not up for a civil rights story circa 1960.

Also For a first-time effort by William Jackson Harper, this is a terrific play. However, the early scenes are a bit cryptic and don't serve to disclose much insofar as plot. The play really picks up speed once the concept of 'Travisville' is revealed. Excellent use of a small playing space, both in terms of an uncomplicated, effective set design and moody (at times film noir) lighting. Fabulous performances, especially Brian D. Coats as a world-weary minister. I would love to see this acting troupe performing Shakespeare together.... Read more Read less

See it if you are going for the performances. The script is a bit of an endurance test.

Don't see it if you're expecting a comedy. Even though it is billed as such, there aren't many laughs in store.

Also Unfortunately, the premise of this play is not worthy of an evening of theater. What is essentially a footnote in the life and career of Richard Wagner is conflated and misrepresented by the playwright to such lengths that it becomes tedium. The set and costumes are lovely, as are the performances by a diligent group of players. Eddie Korbich as Wagner is certainly the life of the party.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see an excellent ensemble do justice to a simple yet well-crafted premise.

Don't see it if you're not accustomed to 'downtown' theater. This reminded me of Adam Rapp's work.

Also Hurricane Party is a dark little romp that combines sex, drugs, infidelity, a lost dog and, of course, a massive approaching storm. The characters are pretty much all shattered to begin with, so there's not much damage that the oncoming tempest can inflict that will make matters much worse. Or is there? I had never heard of The Collective NY theater company before seeing this play but I will look forward to future productions by them.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to get a sampling of A.R. Gurney. He will certainly entertain you.

Don't see it if you like equilibrium in your comedy. His is a hybrid of sit-com, absurdist, high-brow and low-brow.

Also I was only familiar with Mr. Gurney via the wonderful Broadway revival of 'Sylvia' a few seasons back, so I'm happy to have seen more of his work. My overall score is an average of the individual scores for the three one-acts. 'Final Follies' is a fun premise, but I was hoping for a better payoff. It's a good way to open the festivities and I give is a 75. The second play, 'The Rape of Bunny Stuntz', was too experimental for me and seemed out of place, hence, a low score of 60. (However, Deborah Rush is very well-cast and does a fine job in the title role.) The final, post-intermission play, 'The Love Course', is certainly the best of the three in terms of writing. Also, the performances by the two leads were spot-on. A great way (score of 90) to end the night. I think A.R. Gurney would have enjoyed this production.... Read more Read less

See it if you're up for something fresh. At each performance, the end of this play is determined partially by chance in spite of meticulous plotting.

Don't see it if you're not a fan of comedy with a sprinkling of thrills & a couple of twists.

Also I was hooked by this play when I had previously read that the title referred to the fabric on the game table. The clever title was indeed a forecast to a very crafty and fun piece of theater. I attended a talkback after today's matinee and learned that there is a great deal of improvising that takes place during the snooker competition. It is a seamless integration and certainly adds to the 'edge-of-your-seat' experience. I hope to see this show again after the official opening.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to experience what feels like a very good work in progress.

Don't see it if you want to have an emotional epiphany.

Also Dementia is certainly a prevalent and mysterious illness. Chemotherapy-induced dementia is something I didn't even know existed. In this regard, it would have been nice to have experienced a more elaborate exploration of the subject. I feel as though 80 minutes was too cursory. The flashbacks were interesting, but should have had more emotional impact. The male love interest seemed contrived and the actor playing the role looked a bit young for the part. Overall, a terrific effort that I hope receives a future incarnation with more development or 'unraveling', if you will.... Read more Read less

See it if you are bound by a Playwrights Horizons subscription.

Don't see it if you are free to choose much better theater for the same price.

Also The author's rambling program notes should have been the tip off. I don't think Mr. Lucas had a great deal of inspiration for this piece other than wanting to write a play for one of the actors in it. The 'shadow' actors come off as gimmicky since there are supertitles throughout, as well as several of the regular cast members already performing ASL. The chronic biblical references seem forced and nothing more than filler for a weak script. The unit set design is unimaginative and confusing. In my humble opinion, the most interesting thing about this play is its title.... Read more Read less

See it if you can't decide whether to see Series A or Series B.

Don't see it if you're not up for a 'pot luck' type of entertainment.

Also As with Series A, my overall score is an average of the three individual pieces: 'The Plot' gets a 75, but would have benefitted by the offstage character making an onstage appearance; 'Ibis' seems to be lost in a fog in search of its own identity and earns a 50; 'Sparring Partner' gets a solid 100 for its highly-engaging characters, naturalistic dialogue, unpredictability and fabulous performances. Looking forward to Summer Shorts 2019!... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to leave the theater humming tunes from the show. (How often does that happen these days?!?)

Don't see it if you've lost your taste for old-school musical theater. This is definitely a throwback, but in a most endearing way.

Also The Irish Rep is one of those stalwart companies that knows how to charm an audience. This production is packed with fabulous singers (both principal and ensemble) and musicians (a fine quintet including a harpist) who make the Lerner & Lane score sound absolutely crisp. While the set is minimal, it is whimsically dressed in superb watercolor projections by James Morgan. The direction and choreography are straightforward but effective. A delightful way to spend a summer night.... Read more Read less

See it if you're up for something light. This is definitely a low-calorie snack.

Don't see it if you need substance in your musical theater diet. You'll need to satisfy your cravings elsewhere.

Also While the talented cast gives it their utmost (especially an earnest Kevin Zak), the underlying material leans towards vapidity. The set is a bit oddly-conceived, which I found distracting. Also, the producers would be better served by not having an intermission. The break only slows things down which makes the show feel even more tenuous. While it may be 'a musical that gets in your head', it unfortunately leaves right after the curtain call.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see an epic-style musical on a budget.

Don't see it if you're expectations are high. I think the potential for this show is quite good, but it's not yet fully-realized here.

Also This is an exceedingly young cast, which gives the show a kind of 'collegiate' aura. This undermines the material, which is inherently mature in terms of theme. The music is serviceable, but not very memorable. The staging, especially for a relatively small space, is superb. Also, there are some fabulous vocalists, Leana Rae Concepcion being my favorite. Certainly worth seeing to support an obviously hard-working and passionate theater company.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a cerebral sort who can let your hair down.

Don't see it if you are adverse to leaving the theater feeling a bit more intelligent than when you came in.

Also I believe that this is the third 'Rap Guide to . . . ' show written and performed by the brilliant Baba Brinkman that I have seen. He is simultaneously erudite and down-to-earth. His playful way with his material and the audience is a delight to behold. The wonderfully-crafted supporting visuals perfectly complement the audio. A pleasureful way to feed your brain while all at once being entertained. (Yes, that last line was my attempt at rap.)... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see/hear a talented ensemble. The actors are fine singers and musicians as well.

Don't see it if bluegrass music is not for you. It's not the kind of music you hear in a theater very often.

Also This is a rather off-beat piece. I attended the first preview and thought that in spite of many fine elements, the show could use some tweaking. I wasn't sure why the protagonist was drawn to the title character, given that he is written and played so misanthropic. Some of the songs felt as though they were 'shoe-horned' into the narrative. Also, the sound needs some adjusting because many of the lead vocals were mixed too low causing the lyrics to be indecipherable. This being said, MNNIJ is good theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you have appreciation for a well-crafted, innovative spin on a classic. This one TRULY has soul.

Don't see it if you prefer a jukebox musical. (Btw, the supertitles are projected, not backlit, so they are quite easy on the eyes.)

Also When I walked into the auditorium, I was slightly disappointed to see the bare stage which led me to assume that I was in for a concert version of this show. Little did I know that the stage was about to be filled to the brim with theatrical enchantment. I was thoroughly moved with laughter and tears by this stellar cast and creative personnel. I rarely feel inclined to participate in standing ovations (which are often indiscriminately doled out these days), but had no reservations about jumping to my feet for this curtain call. Exhilarating theater.... Read more Read less

See it if you've ever enjoyed watching a lava lamp while listening to music.

Don't see it if you have no tolerance for the avant-garde. Note: While they are referred to as 'puppets', they really are 'forms' in essence.

Also There's certainly more than meets the eye with this one, and happily you'll get a chance to literally peek behind the curtain after the performance which will give you a great appreciation for the hour you've just spent in front of it. The dexterity of Christopher O'Riley at the grand piano alone is worth the price of admission. This is definitely one of those 'downtown' experiences.... Read more Read less

See it if you're up for a musical theater gem.

Don't see it if you scoff at good times.

Also I saw this show when it was first presented by the York Theatre Company this past October and am delighted to see that it is getting the commercial run it deserves. This is a wonderful show in all aspects: conception, writing, staging, performances and design. Here's wishing it a long tenancy at New World Stages.... Read more Read less