Victoria 8155

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 You want to support a new work of art

Don't see it if You’re expecting writing or acting quality superior to that found in a high school production

Also There was a lack of a compelling central conflict, and thus the take-home resolution/message fell flat. There were a couple of moments that had the potential to be funny or sentimental, but this show needs a lot of work before audiences start connecting.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like an uplifting, funny, and original story about facing and being changed by the hardship of cancer

Don't see it if you'd be turned off by a satirical interpretation of medical treatments and chemo symptoms

Also Even though it was just a reading, the dialogue, acting, and singing were all so rich, that the story felt complete.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Woody Allen-like humor, stories of evolving relationships, and unconventional plot structures

Don't see it if you want something more straightforward, and you don't enjoy comedies

Also It's a play about the making of a play, which itself is a semi-autobiographical account of the main actor/writer's life, infused with countless romantic pop culture references. At times, yes, it was a bit confusing and difficult to separate the fact from the fiction and the good writing from the purposefully cliche, but I believe this was all intended. In a world filled with examples of seemingly perfect relationships on social media and in TV/movies, what should a "real" relationship look like?... Read more Read less

See it if you like intelligently written character-driven shows that take an emotional toll

Don't see it if you're just looking for escapism, don't enjoy dysfunctional family dramas, or dislike shows with LGBTQ themes

Also The unique story structure of essentially non-linear flashbacks performed by Alisons of 3 different ages heightened the overall artistry and entertainment value... Read more Read less

See it if you love Gershwin, a full orchestra, and a classic piece of musical theater performed to perfection

Don't see it if you dislike musical theater

See it if you enjoy original shows, big production numbers, clever songs, and the opportunity to laugh at musical theater cliches

Don't see it if you prefer heart-warming shows that make you think

See it if you love original works with strong scores performed to perfection

Don't see it if you expect big production numbers and fancy sets

See it if you want a show that's outstanding in every category: score, dancing, singing, staging, plot, and depth

Don't see it if you hate musical theater and the circus

See it if you like high-energy shows like Hairspray with fun songs and big dance numbers performed by a talented cast

Don't see it if you're expecting something thought-provoking with nuanced discussion of important social topics

Also It was an original and fun, though somewhat predictable, story that incorporated relevant themes like LGBTQ issues and the power of social media. Nevertheless, its handling of these themes is not yet at the level of other contemporary shows like Avenue Q/Kinky Boots (LGBTQ), or Dear Evan Hansen (social media).... Read more Read less

See it if can appreciate great singing and high-energy, large ensemble dance numbers set to pop music

Don't see it if you want a show with character development or any sort of emotional depth

See it if you want to laugh, witness great singing and acting, and generally be entertained by a show that's light and quirky

Don't see it if you want splashy sets, big production numbers, and deep, thought-provoking material

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.

See it if you enjoyed Mamma Mia but wished it had a better plot and more dancing

Don't see it if you don't like fluffy jukebox musicals

See it if you'd like to see some very talented vocalists sing a mixed-quality (some songs were really great) original score with some occasional humor

Don't see it if you need a well-written book, more than just a piano, or don't appreciate raunchy humor.

Also Surprise guest Ariana DeBose was outstanding! There wasn't much of a plot, which can be okay, but I didn't feel that it succeeded as a concept musical either. It had an interesting premise with potential, but the book in its current form is weak.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd enjoy a silly re-rendering of a Shakespeare classic with a Western twist

Don't see it if you're looking for a serious drama or something family-friendly

See it if you love the music of Cole Porter, classic musical theater, and fantastic dancing

Don't see it if you can't appreciate some silly/corny humor and/or want a show with some deeper meaning

See it if you're a fan of the book, want an evening of light entertainment, and you'd like to witness masterful use of dance to tell a story

Don't see it if you seek scores that showcase high belting or don't appreciate (even very talented) child actresses singing a good number of key songs

Also It's worth seeing if only for the ballet sequence at the very end-- you leave the theater with a huge smile while also wiping away tears.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy original, clever, character-driven a cappella songs performed by an exquisite ensemble

Don't see it if you enjoy more traditional linear plots and an orchestra

See it if you love original musicals that keep you entertained but also make you think

Don't see it if you need straight-forward plots or extravagant sets

See it if you have a heart and want to experience something that's not only profoundly entertaining, but thought-provoking

Don't see it if you hate musical theater

Also A tremendous improvement on the Maguire novel

See it if you enjoy original musicals with well thought-out characters, music, and story-lines.

Don't see it if you want extravagant sets and dance numbers and/or you can't handle some darker themes

See it if you want to laugh and be entertained by a superb score

Don't see it if you don't like romantic comedies

Also A significant improvement on the movie (which I found slow, depressing, and somewhat painful to watch). This is not your average movie-musical. The show is more funny than sad, and most importantly, the creative team found emotional core of the story-line, musicalized it, and transformed it into something truly special.... Read more Read less