Victoria 8155

See it if Jerry Herman’s best score performed by a great cast, an on-stage 28-piece orchestra, with fun choreography and classic comedic schtick

Don't see it if You need your romantic dramas to contain an ounce of believable romance or character development

Also Even putting the age gap of Mack and Mabel aside, considering that their romance was supposed to be the driver of this show’s plot, it was disappointing that no hint of romance in their developing relationship is ever shown. Mack comes off as a crueler version of My Fair Lady’s Professor Higgins from the outset, and his character goes downhill from there. The closest thing to a love song they share is tellingly, “I won’t send roses”... Read more Read less

See it if an intense legal drama exploring/questioning the ambiguity of medicine, the ripple effects of tragedy, and the very nature of justice

Don't see it if Triggered by depictions of difficult childbirth/blood. Seeking comedy. Not child-friendly

Also Yes, act 1 was almost entirely a dramatization of a troubled childbirth, and possibly a bit long, but it was still gripping and included a couple of comedic flashbacks to break the tension.

Act 2 really brings it home. The courtroom drama was completely absorbing, very well paced, and overall, a step above that of Mockingbird. There's lots of blame to go around in this plot and few clear answers, making this a great discussion piece.

I normally don't comment on sets/lighting, but these were both especially well done allowing for a wood/forest motif to double as both a rustic dwelling and courtroom. The staging, including a turntable, was cleverly employed to purposely allow or inhibit audience viewing of specific events.

Acting was great all-around, but shout-outs to Molly Carden, Armand Schultz, and Lee Sellars for exceptional performances.... Read more Read less

See it if a modernized reinterpretation of WSS with fresh choreography and sets that more realistically portray a harsh/ghetto vibe

Don't see it if a WSS purist, would be frustrated by too many scenes occurring completely off-stage, some distracting projections

Also I sat rear mezzanine and for certain moments, the 20ft-tall real-time projections were helpful in visualizing details of face/body tattoos plus every minute facial expression. During dance scenes however, these were just distracting. With a 30+ person ensemble of incredibly talented dancers executing on great choreo, additional visual stimulus is not needed. There were also far too many scenes taking place completely off-stage where the projections constituted the sole means of visualization of the action, thus partially defeating the purpose of attending a "live" theatrical event.

The tattoos/costuming, projections of real-life ghetto streets, and edgier choreography gave the entire production an overall harsher feel, and the relevant messaging on the role of police in a ghetto was a nice touch. However, if some suspension of belief was previously required to imagine gang members busting out the ballet moves/singing, these musical moments now come off as rather incongruent... Read more Read less

See it if a sitcom-like exploration of marital dynamics with great acting and many humorous moments, especially from Michael Urie

Don't see it if Desire something more thought-provoking or would be uncomfortable with sexually explicit dialogue; not kid-friendly

See it if a darkly comedic reinterpretation of MacBeth in a 1970's fast-food/stoner motif with a phenomenal cast

Don't see it if a Shakespeare purist, uncomfortable with death, murder, bloody visual effects, and suicide, especially when given a comical treatment

Also The score was clever and functional in helping to tell the story but also not the most memorable. The instruments often overpowered the singers taking a lot of oomph away from some otherwise powerful musical moments.... Read more Read less

See it if Joe Iconis' best score yet in a story that's feminist revolution meets one flew over the cuckoo's nest, powerfully performed by a great cast

Don't see it if looking for a classic love story or are turned off by themes of suicide or homosexuality

Also The score, containing at least five show-stoppers, really makes this show, with a mixture of doo-wop, power ballads, and rock. Amina Faye and Kelly McIntyre gave standout performances, Lauren Marcus' Miss Asp was delightfully creepy, and overall there was a lot of talent on stage. I saw this on the 2nd day of previews, and while the book/dialogue was quirky, funny, and original, it was slow at times and could use some tightening up. Some songs in the 2nd act were also a bit loud (as in lyrics were hard to hear). The audience was quick to give an enthusiastic and well-deserved standing ovation.... Read more Read less

See it if to experience a cute and touching 1940's themed coming-of-age tale with some great (albeit underutilized) singing and dancing talents

Don't see it if bothered by an emphasis on child actors, desire a memorable score, or need loads of big production numbers

Also There were definitely some fantastic singing/acting performances, especially from Bobby Conte Thorton, Will Burton, and Teal Wicks. There were also some fun/energetic dance numbers, though they felt like a tease due to short duration and overall scarcity.

The score was pleasant but largely forgettable; maybe one song had earworm potential (never have to say goodbye). Unfortunately, many of the lyrics and even some of the dialogue was missed, especially from the child performers.
I'm not sure if this was due to sound design, proximity to the orchestra (2nd row), or just poor enunciation.

The story certainly had its holes, and it wasn't exactly thought-provoking, but it was fun, cute, had plenty of laughs scattered throughout, and it made for an overall entertaining evening.... Read more Read less

See it if an original and thought-provoking piece that comically explores what it might be like if Americans were treated as 3rd world minorities

Don't see it if a MAGA acolyte or expecting a score as strong as that in Fun Home

Also Half of the appeal is in this show's uniqueness, starting with the structure (a musical within a play), an original Tesori score, and a plot that kept me engaged and guessing (I truly had no idea where the show was heading at intermission, and I loved that!).

Then there's the subject matter, where they essentially flip all the major racist, bigoted, and otherwise demeaning actions white Americans have historically employed against others on their heads (ex. Asian actors in "white-face"). It was all cleverly employed in a reverse-King and I- manner that made for a rather scathing rebuke of white privilege and some of democracy's imperfections. All in all, it's a great conversation piece that couldn't be coming out with better timing.

If some of the "musical within a play" moments seemed a little exaggerated or unrefined, maybe that's because the point of an effective propaganda piece isn't necessarily accuracy or high art.... Read more Read less

See it if want to see theater tropes collide with kung fu and high crime in a campy and high energy show with absurd plot twists

Don't see it if Desire serious drama or something kid-friendly

Also This show relishes in its own ridiculousness, often explicitly acknowledging the absurdity of certain plot points.... Read more Read less

See it if want to witness a historic sacrifice of morals and truth for the sake of profits that led to a pivotal shift in the nature of news reporting

Don't see it if seeking a comedy, have trouble with accents, or take issue with profanity

Also The talk back after the Saturday matinee was worthwhile. Both of the lead actors participated.... Read more Read less

See it if interested in a slightly updated Broadway classic wonderfully sung, performed, and danced by all

Don't see it if you're expecting choreography of the caliber seen in the movie or a fully satisfactory feminist re-envisioning

Also The way they had been advertising this, I expected an emphasis on gender double-standards, but alas, this was not the case. Yes, there were some tweaks to the original story, such as choosing not to show the spanking, even though it still happens, but all they really accomplished by building Lilli into a stronger character was to make some of her non-updated words/actions more confusing.... Read more Read less

See it if want to see a phenomenally versatile and talented cast dramatically portray the major events of Judy Holliday’s life

Don't see it if you expect Ms. Holliday’s life story to be especially interesting

Also The acting and impersonations were superb, but unlike 59E59’s previous Irving Berlin production, the material on which this story is based just wasn’t particularly unique or exciting. They covered such a great number of events in Holliday’s life that at times the telling felt rushed. I would have preferred a somewhat less sprawling book that took a deeper dive into some of the more distinguishing moments (ex. the communist component) of her life.... Read more Read less

See it if would like a beautifully performed mother-son drama with an interesting superhero theme

Don't see it if expecting the score to be as strong as that of Next to Normal, or even If/Then

Also Bryce Pinkham has a true talent for portraying awkward which made for some great comedic moments. Both he and Kate Baldwin were outstanding in their roles. There is a lot going on with the concept of superheros (literally, metaphorically, thematically, and with many references to the classics), and I enjoyed the perspectives of both superheros on the homefront and generally not being perfect. Nevertheless,I still thought they could have done more to convey a deeper message and make the show more thought-provoking. The ending was also a bit of a let-down, but I had also constructed some fairly shocking/exciting theories on where it was going by intermission, so that could be on me.... Read more Read less

See it if want a wonderfully imaginative interpretation of a children’s story with messages about love, life, loss, etc, brilliantly performed by all

Don't see it if You you want one cohesive message delivered in a clear manner

Also Having read the source material in preparation literally hours before the show, I felt I caught all the Alice references. Nevertheless, the story does bounce around both chronologically and between “real” life and dreamland, which in combination with some purposely rediculous dialogue, ample interpretive dancing, and allegorical characters did make the message(s) difficult to comprehend at times. The book could use some work, but it was an incredibly unique show, with a great score (similar in quality to Spring Awakening), wonderfully inventive choreography, fantastic use of a minimalist WWII set/props to convey dreamland, and top-notch talent all around. Definitely worth seeing if a Duncan Sheik fan or simply enjoy ambitious/unique original musical works.

The “partial view” designation of front row seats is not exaggerated. Your neck will crink and some choreography will be missed.... Read more Read less

See it if excited to experience a modernized reimagination of a classic that’s brilliantly executed by all

Don't see it if Your idea of good theater involves spectacle and/or you’re not a fan of Lerner & Lowe

See it if want a well-written and thoroughly absorbing thought piece on racism, justice, and the conflicting roles of idealism vs. pragmatism

Don't see it if you’re a Mockingbird purist, or are generally not a fan of Aaron Sorkin or plays with serious/dark content

Also Certain events of the book were re-ordered (effectively IMHO) to allow for a faster-paced stage production and to highlight specific themes. Ample humor was infused throughout which was a pleasant surprise. I love that the children were played by adults and that Jeff Daniel’s Atticus is a step closer to an impassioned and linguistically dexterous West Wing character than what I recall from the book. Case in point: “post hoc ergo propter hoc” makes an appearance.... Read more Read less

See it if Interested in witnessing a series of cute interactions between old/young characters with different world views

Don't see it if you’re expecting deeply thought-provoking material or you wouldn’t enjoy a 9-year-old delivering a majority of the lines

See it if an original medical concept musical with some peppy songs, enjoyable choreography, occasional humor, and a mixed-talent cast is enough

Don't see it if you also desire a strong book, lyrics, or character development

See it if interested in a sincerely laugh-out-loud funny and satirical exploration of cultural sensitivities in modern society

Don't see it if you don't enjoy satire/comedies or you're fundamentally opposed to the idea promoting a diverse representation of voices

See it if interested in a dramatic thought-piece on morality and the consequences of one’s actions

Don't see it if you want something light, fluffy, or funny

Also It followed the basic plot of the Vonnegut novel, but with a serious rather than a satirical tone. Nevertheless managed to promote a similar message.... Read more Read less

See it if interested in witnessing a historical account of women’s struggles beautifully told through gospel/blues/jazz music

Don't see it if looking for something light and fluffy, or would be disappointed by minimalist set that requires some imagination

Also This review is of the traveling production

See it if you like zany characters and fun, light, shows that don’t require too much thinking

Don't see it if Your concept of British humor is as an oxymoron or you simply have trouble with British accents

Also Rather than laugh-out-loud funny, it had some nice one liners and malapropisms sufficient to elicit a “that’s funny” response. Much of the first act dragged along, but the 2nd act was entertaining.... Read more Read less

See it if you’d enjoy a one-woman monologue that contextualizes the US constitution through a mixture of personal anecdotes and historical examples

Don't see it if turned off by feminist ideas or you’re expecting a proper play with a linear plot

Also Similar feel and organization to Leguizamo’s Latin History for Morons, but with an educational focus on womens’ rights. While Heidi’s performance was good, I would have preferred a somewhat more forceful and confident delivery. As it was, there were several awkward pauses where I couldn’t tell if she had forgotten her line or (understandably) was overcome by emotion.... Read more Read less

See it if you’d like to see an ensemble of supremely talented dancers artistically interpret a range of socially relevant issues

Don't see it if you’re expecting dancing throughout, comprehensive choreography, and clear cut story lines

Also As the creative director described pre-show, it’s 20% choreographed and 80% improvised. This fact, combined with some awkward transitions, means that these superb dancers were only actually showcasing their dance talents for what seemed like less than half of the show.... Read more Read less

See it if you’d enjoy seeing great acting talent run away with an original and madcap Victorian plot

Don't see it if you think you might get bored with a somewhat homogenously bland score

Also The lyrics seemed clever, but without any miked performers, they were oftentimes difficult to make out over the music.... Read more Read less

See it if a modernized true-ish telling of a remarkable woman's life in the 19th century, wonderfully portrayed with much vigor by Beth Malone

Don't see it if desire spectacle or a score that's more than merely serviceable, even if well-executed by all

Also Having never seen the original movie, I was thoroughly engrossed by the story of Molly Brown who, if a bit ignorant at times, largely came off as a strong-willed, kind-hearted, intelligent, and progressive woman who was ahead of her time. A couple of nice parallels relating to modern-day democracy and immigration issues made this show's message especially relevant. Staging was deftly executed such that a 14+ person cast did not seem overcrowded in the relatively small space, even during a fun-filled full-ensemble dance number.... Read more Read less

See it if to experience a phenomenally acted Shakespeare classic with some well-placed musical and other anachronisms to modernize the tone/humor

Don't see it if find original Shakespearean language difficult to comprehend

See it if A clever and hilarious modernization of the movie with bountiful insider theater humor, performed by cast with great comedic timing

Don't see it if The comedic songs were fun, but the rest of the score was utterly forgettable and failed to capitalize on the supreme vocal talents of leads

See it if to witness a full staging of one of Pasek and Paul's earliest works with a score as strong as that of Dear Evan Hanson

Don't see it if take issue with profanity or watching a group of immature men consistently and flagrantly disrespect women

Also I was already in love with this score before seeing the show, and it was great to finally see all the pieces come together in a fully staged musical. Rarely do shows posses such a density of cleverly written, catchy, and emotionally compelling songs as this.

That being said, the music, dialogue, and circumstances combined were insufficient to rationalize the offensive attitudes of the marine characters towards women, so it was difficult to really root for or sympathize with them. I'm talking beyond mere misogynistic disrespect, but full-on rape culture. It does take place in the 1960's, so maybe this was just a reflection of the times?

From a quality perspective, this surpassed my expectations as a first-timer to the Eagle Theater. At no point did I think I was watching Lindsay Mendez, but the singing was still very good all-around, the marine characters nailed their harmonies, and I was thoroughly entertained.... Read more Read less

See it if a trippy dream-like exploration of time and its various interpretations with some nice musical numbers and mostly great talent

Don't see it if an overall underwhelming and amateurish score, you actually expect to learn much about Einstein or his theories

Also Yes, they define E=mc2 and briefly address relativity at a very surface level, but this show is far from a lesson in physics (nor would I have wanted it to be even though I'm a scientist). Instead they use Einstein as a vehicle to explore various philosophical time-related questions including what if time stopped, what if one got stuck in time, what if you could live forever, what if you could see the future, what if your memory of past events was lost, etc. in tones ranging from comical to intensely dramatic. Basically, it's a very ambitious and somewhat scattered concept musical about time grounded by the historical figure of Einstein and very much lacking an emotional core. Credit should be given to Brennan Caldwell and Zal Owen for some great performances.... Read more Read less

See it if want a relatively saccharine telling of Garland's early days with fantastic vocals, superb choreography, and overtones of Oz throughout

Don't see it if expecting the density of big production numbers typically seen in "classic" MGM musicals

See it if you desire an avant-garde sung-through musical experience with breathtaking choreography. The cast could not have been more perfect.

Don't see it if not a fan of interpretive dance, or you require splashy sets, costumes, or special effects

Also If I had to criticize something, it would probably be the imperfect rhyming in the lyrics (ex. "Reno" with "evil"), and the somewhat repetitiveness of the albeit catchy songs in comparison to a more "traditional" musical theater score. Nevertheless, there's so much else here to love, including the inventive choreography, incredible vocal talents, and the poignant and original story that together were so thoroughly entertaining that the "flaws" hardly mattered.... Read more Read less

See it if to experience a classic made accessible through modernized dialogue, wonderfully performed by a cast with great comedic timing

Don't see it if would be bothered by a minimalist set, cast, costumes, and the occasional anachronism

Also Same cast/production, but at the Two River venue.

A clever fourth-wall-breaking opening scene helps draw the audience in making the statement that there's a bit of Cyrano in all of us.

The choice to non-literally portray Cyano's facial disfigurement leaves the extent of its severity to audience's imagination-- a nice touch in my opinion.

This was my first exposure to any production of Cyrano, so I have no point of comparison, but Act I was very much a comedy whereas Act II was very much a drama; I would have preferred a more even tone throughout. It was nevertheless thoroughly entertaining, and for the most part, I felt the anachronisms added to the production value helping to make the material more accessible.... Read more Read less

See it if interested in an innovative meta musical sung and performed by a fantastic ensemble and filled with original, sometimes scathing humor

Don't see it if turned off by raunchy humor, sexual content, or themes of homosexuality, religion, and/or black culture

Also This show was filled many a catchy song containing wonderfully witty and surprising lyrics. Several songs were performed in five-part harmony which was just a beautiful thing to behold. Make no mistake though; while this show is certainly funny, it also contains serious dramatic material.... Read more Read less

See it if want to be thoroughly entertained by a wonderfully silly show with some fantastic dancing

Don't see it if Desire a score that’s more than simply pleasant and/or well thought-out characters and plot

Also Sure, it was dated, there wasn’t much of a plot, and the generic characters were completely undeveloped, but boy was I entertained! It was worth it for the dancing alone (a step above that in Kiss Me Kate). Michael Urie’s comedic chops and Betsy Wolfe’s gorgeous vocals were nice bonuses. Overall, it was a fun glimpse of musical theater history.... Read more Read less

See it if interested in a cleverly told and sweet story that tackles topics of mental illness and co-dependent sibling dynamics

Don't see it if you desire a memorable score, big production numbers, high belting, or fancy sets

Also Bryce Pinkham dazzles with his many impersonations, physical comedy, and overall quirky performance. Hannah Elless as Joon was also quite good. My greatest disappointment was in the music, which outside of maybe 2 songs, I didn't think added much to the story-telling or emotional weight. It probably speaks volumes to say my favorite musical moment of the show was titled the "grilled cheese ballet"... Read more Read less

See it if interested in a modernized and original greek comedy with fun special effects performed by a wonderful cast with fantastic comedic timing

Don't see it if seeking serious drama

Also Brad Oscar as Dionysus truly embraced the opportunity to show off his comedic chops. He was more of a stand-out here than in Something Rotten, even though the entire cast here was great.

The humor itself was somewhat more intelligent than your average farce with ample wordplay and situational humor and not so much door-slamming and physical comedy. I also very much appreciated that the material as a whole felt fresh, and the jokes/tropes that did get repeated were not done to excess.

I saw the final preview, and while there were still a few weak jokes as well as a couple of pieces of awkward dialogue, especially at the very end, overall both the acting and writing were quite strong, and the show was a lot of fun.... Read more Read less

See it if interested in wonderful singing/acting plus a soulful & intelligent examination of the struggle for acceptance and its ripple effects

Don't see it if don't enjoy weighty material, LGBTQ themes, acapella singing, or are expecting a musical (it's really a play with music)

See it if love Irving Berlin & would like a flashback to an era where gentle satire was sufficient to capture the most egregious of political faux pas

Don't see it if you dislike predictable plots or minimalist sets

See it if would like to see a cohesive and talented cast with impeccable comedic timing give their all in a fantastically farcical show

Don't see it if Not a fan of door-slamming absurdist British comedies

Also Similar in content and premise to David French's Jitters, though I found this one to be a step above. I really enjoyed how it was divided into three acts that essentially captured three separate run-throughs of the same "fake" theatrical production that progressively build in the absurdity of both on- and off-stage mishaps.... Read more Read less

See it if you appreciate well-written original scores, multi-talented actors, interesting historical stories, or feminist themes

Don't see it if you desire spectacle or splashy sets and choreography

Also The score as a whole felt a bit upbeat for a war musical, but was nevertheless cleverly written, brilliantly executed, and thoroughly enjoyable.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a truly laugh-out-loud experience that pokes fun at parenthood

Don't see it if you don’t like one-man shows

Also While there was a nice central theme and a loose chronological “plot”, it felt much more like stand-up comedy than a proper theatrical play... Read more Read less

See it if you would enjoy exploring the internal thoughts of three very different characters in unique situations

Don't see it if You desire hummable tunes, or simply aren’t a fan of minimalist solo performances

Also Window Treatment was an incredibly unique and quirky concept exquisitely sung-through by Farah Alvin, though the overall plot felt a little flat and stretched a bit long

The Costume was endearing and had an engrossing if somewhat simplistic story

Scaffolding was easily the strongest of the three possessing a central concept that was unique, engaging, and thought provoking. The plot and character development felt dynamic and possibly could have been stretched out into two longer acts. Brilliantly performed by Luker. Definitely in the 90’s if scored alone.... Read more Read less

See it if interested in a theatrical experience that's pure fun as executed by two supremely versatile and talented actors

Don't see it if you desire a thought-provoking work of art

Also The quick character changes were half the fun and allowed for a well-paced show that seemed to fly by... Read more Read less

See it if you’re a Merman fan and would enjoy hearing parody versions of hers and other classic songs

Don't see it if you’d be disappointed by less than masterful, and not always comical, lyrical substitutions in said parodies

Also What there is of a plot mainly serves to introduce the various songs. Much of the humor will be lost on patrons unfamiliar with the scores of Book of Mormon, Gypsy, Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, etc.... Read more Read less

See it if you’d like to see an original, well-written, and emotional score performed by a committed and talented cast

Don't see it if you don’t appreciate minimalist shows or crying in public

See it if you’d appreciate a great score with clever lyrics performed by a dynamic and incredibly talented cast

Don't see it if you’re looking for splashy sets, big production numbers, or a serious drama

Also Max Crumm and Allie Trimm were especially talented vocalists. The storyline isn’t the deepest, but it’s certainly a big step beyond “cute” with some thought-provoking aspects comparable to Company. Several of the songs were good enough to stand alone as cabaret numbers or the like.... Read more Read less

See it if You’d enjoy seeing a talented and versatile cast portray WASPish charcters who explore their inner desires in three amusing short plays

Don't see it if turned off by themes of marital infidelity or absurdist comedic plots

Also The first (final follies) and last (love course) short plays were the most interesting and funniest. The middle (Bunny Stuntz) felt a little slow.... Read more Read less

See it if you’d like to see a wonderful cast sing a love letter to Broadway

Don't see it if you’re seeking something profoundly thought-provoking

Also This work is essentially a vehicle to showcase songs commenting on every aspect of theater as a craft, and the central portion of the show directly surrounding these songs was definitely a highlight filled with fun insider humor— though still paling in comparison to Something Rotten in terms seizing the full extent of theatrical references. The portion of the story leading up to and following this central part, and especially the dialogue therein, seemed a bit forced and unbelievable.... Read more Read less

See it if you would be interested in learning the inspiration behind Berlin’s famous hits as well as many more of his less-recognizable tunes

Don't see it if you’re hard of hearing. Felder was outstanding, but at times the volume of his singing was too low.