Weegie

See it if Truly unique, extremely reflexive, personal memoir about a complex Jewish family, and a mother with dementia

Don't see it if non-narrative, complex temporal setting, staged performances, broken fourth wall and scientific data is all used to tell a compelling story

Also with phenomenal acting--unlike anything​ I have ever seen, deeply intellectual yet still very close to all emotions. Truly worth seeing, but also not for everyone.... Read more Read less

See it if Quirky love story between two socially unaligned lost souls with a lot of baggage find each other.

Don't see it if Very talky, and although the backdrop features some political/social ​commentary there is nothing new or special here.

See it if Fabulous ensemble cast, with some truly laugh out loud moments, set in a banal middle-class cliched world, which is a commentary on itself.

Don't see it if Not all the characters are well developed and although quite pithy, some parts are way too slow and things need to be cut.

Also Michael Urie just shines, so does Jane Alexander but everyone is simply terrific. Just describing the plot outside of the theater makes you laugh, and although there are many​ cliches, there are a lot of surprises and some really funny lines.... Read more Read less

See it if This poignant complex story with multiple actors -- needs to be more consistent, it's too easy to lose the thread,

Don't see it if The subject matter and the historical plot make this worthy of being seen but need​s work.

Also Some of the performances were stellar and some were so weak, the actors were playing against a wall. I saw this in previews and I think when this ensemble gets on its feet it will be a very different experience. The night I saw it, it was hard to follow the thread--and distinguish between characters let alone let the meaning and significance of the plot resonant. I think there are a lot of subtleties that will come forward that are just not apparent now. A work in progress for sure.... Read more Read less

See it if This beautiful story is a perfect antidote to the malaise and political scene of our current everyday life. People care! People are kind!

Don't see it if Simplistic set that evolves over and over with characters playing multiple parts and clever charismatic​ music, an overall win.

See it if Clumsily acted and badly written depressing story about a middle-aged son addressing the needs of his elderly father

Don't see it if nothing new introduced​ in this depressing topic with awkward silences, and actors forgetting and tripping over their lines.

See it if Phenomenal reinvention and deconstruction of the Wizard of Oz as "lived" by so many. Clever use of multi actors and retellings and voices.

Don't see it if WO=onderful use of mixed media and digital devices and projections and layered characters. Would have liked more.

See it if gorgeous tableau in slow motion with exquisite special effects--and stunning singing---very romantic but slow-paced and no real content.

Don't see it if lovely to see emphasis on the written word and the value of the soul over the superficial although this message seemed lost to audience

See it if Why would you want to miss seeing this amazing avantgarde genius' show resurrected for 2019 in a fascinating​ dollhouse performance?

Don't see it if It's a wonderful cubic- no hexagonal show inverted and turned inside out and flipped around-- yet still tied up in a beautiful giftbox.

Also Wonderful costumes, great background music all throughout, crazy experimental fun, beautiful actresses-great acting--wonderful set--bizarre plot-- strangely dated but so poetic and atmospheric.... Read more Read less

See it if a tremendous amount of theatrical artifice is used to make a point, although the message is poignant and worth hearing

Don't see it if discussion of the construction of play and broken fourth wall are some of the devices used to tell the​ story

Also Ambitious construct with excellent acting. The story is relevant and important but agonizing to sit through. Not because it is sad, and painful, which it is, but also over told, overdramatized​, and drawn out as well as being slow as molasses and repetitive.... Read more Read less

See it if Immersive and fast-paced, you are quickly surrounded by puritanical America in all its severity and harshness.

Don't see it if Attendees are forced to sit in uncomfortable wooden chairs and harsh lighting sets the scenes, which is gripping but physically excruciating

Also Excellent acting all around-- very clever use of stage and sets​ and the semi-immersive environment was brilliant. The pace was insane--and initially just came at you with a bang-- but once you got into the flow it was hard to get off this fast-paced train ride.... Read more Read less

See it if Emotional drama told only through song/and pop music. Incredibly powerful and moving. Incredible performances.

Don't see it if The plot is not original—like a fifties noir movie. But the performances are so charismatic and moving the whole production resonates.

Also Based on the title LI made the assumption this would be a drama about current events (police brutality/African American men). It was altogether different. Everyone is fabulous but the three stars truly shine. The woman sitting next to me was seeing it for a third time and I can see why.... Read more Read less

See it if an emotionally painful story of a woman--told non linearly, by many women, with song, and poetry,

Don't see it if messy and complex, deep and painful and at times a bewildering script interspersed​ with beautiful songs but ultimately about relationships

Also fascinating set, great acting, but disjointed and nonconnective relationships, the story revolves around one woman trapped in a glass box, who is being communicated with by many women from her home village in Africa, who all take turns in the box, communicating with her about many different things, quite preachy and very dramatic, as well as employing quite a bit of magical realism and fantasy.... Read more Read less

See it if I’m a sceptic and I liked it. Derren Brown is a mentalist. He reads people and shares information about them. He was amazing.

Don't see it if Lots and lots of audience participation. No plot. Two distinct parts. Great buildup in second half to a very fun finish.

Also Everyone in the audience participates no matter where you sit. It’s fun to suspend your disbelief.
All the audience members selected were surprisingly attractive.... Read more Read less

See it if An intense political drama focused on Berlin in the early thirties paralleling current politics with two contemporary characters commenting

Don't see it if on the narrative as it unfolds as well as participating. Lovely cast, but very talky and full of long monologues that are long winded,

Also Interesting temporal dynamic --as the show reflects three times, the past (Nazi Germany), the 1980's when the play was first produced and now. It's quite ambitious and worth seeing, but also draining, and expects too much from the audience.... Read more Read less

See it if Brilliant writing, thoughtful denouement, and carefully melded story that stays with you long after it unfurls.

Don't see it if Complex character story where things are only shown, rarely told. Wonderful acting. This is slow and thoughtful

Also This a story told in nuances and gradually in stages as well as through beautiful ensemble acting. It twists and turns on itself and its characters and although everyone is exposed there is still a wonderful earnestness and sweetness to every character no matter his​ or her foibles. I found it riveting and will think about it long after seeing it.... Read more Read less

See it if Great friendship story set after the War in England, based on cult movie, is still satisfying with good singing and solid acting​

Don't see it if The sets and costumes are so bad and low budget they were distracting.

Also None of the songs are memorable, however, the story is still compelling, whether it is a first time viewing or you've seen the movie many times. This is definitely biased towards female entertainment. If the sets and costumes were better, and not quite as long (The show runs over 2.5 hours) it would have been an evening with less sighing​ from the audience.... Read more Read less

See it if A futuristic world with a love triangle that has pathos and intensity but much violence and raunchy sexuality including beastiality

Don't see it if Very slow-paced and intense drama between three characters with one in a cage the whole time, violence and sex very conflated,

Also Seems to be a metaphor for something, but the intensity, pathos and overall agony is not for many. The plot was confusing as well as dizzying, with very little action occurring, and what little there was violent and disturbing. A short passage​ entirely in Spanish may frustrate as well.... Read more Read less

See it if a person is a kaleidoscope of many moments, experiences and interests and this play attempts to show how one life reflects this

Don't see it if complex rotation of actors playing the same roles with flips on sex and variations on a name make this hard to follow for some

Also A brilliant and interesting attempt to show how one life is made up of both the mundane and large pivotal moments that make you the person you become--a fascinating concept, but this is both oddly slow-moving and too fast-paced to really resonate. The humor is very deadpan,​ and ironic, which is also not for everyone.... Read more Read less

See it if God and his angels are creating earth. Lucifer and Mary Magdalene are in a power struggle. Jesus is a pot smoker. Gary Busey is plastic.

Don't see it if Not sure what the point of this was. Lucifer wasn't really a bad guy. Not sure.

Also Despite the absurdity of the plot and the music, there was one very good dancer, an ensemble player, who was very talented. The actors all had good voices but had no songs to sing.... Read more Read less

See it if a tightly knit drama between two men and a teenager, with a constantly shifting perspective, leaving you wondering which narrator is true

Don't see it if an intense play where two men delve into long argumentative discussions about right/wrong good/evil is the pervasive drama

Also Flawless acting--a young Timothee Chalamet, great set, and wonderful misdirection of plot and story, leaving you with many questions at the end. I love unreliable narration and this subversive back and forth between all three characters is very clever, although very slow-paced. Good writing, and not predictable at all.... Read more Read less

See it if Poetry set to music and dance as told by multiple women performers about what it is like to be a black woman in America.

Don't see it if Created in the seventies some of this feels dated yet historic, not all the stories will resonate with you, many are very painful

Also The show will sit with you for a long while. Totally worth seeing.

See it if Fantastic imagining of a true story, with a fabulous set and good acting, the parallel to the Tempest interesting but the actual play boring

Don't see it if Nothing happens in a very long shipwrecked family saga --time expands and never ends

Also Based on the true story of the Principality of Sealand, a crazy almost mythologically bizarre story. Read the Narratively essay instead. The set is fabulous, but the plot circular and the pointlessness exceeds the dreams.... Read more Read less

See it if Clever and fun reworking of a musical Macbeth in a 1970's fast food joint, that somehow just falls flat.

Don't see it if Banal songs, uneven performances, okay sets and a lot of characters--just needs some trimming or adjusting, not as fun as it should be.

Also My audience loved the show-- it received a roaring standing ovation. It is based on a cult film I haven't seen, maybe I would have liked it more had I seen it. The McDonalds and Macbeth stuff were great, but it was overly ambitious and somehow​ just wasn't funny enough or clever enough. I found it actually embarrasing. I did love the intermission snacks (french fries) and the usher's costumes. The whole thing was ambitious, I just wish it was better.... Read more Read less

See it if you will be absorbed by a complex and intricate theatrical piece about challenging multi-layered historical subject matter

Don't see it if you want a straight forward narrative, or don't want to be challenged to think outside the box

Also This show is well worth seeing for the elaborate and incredible use of media, music, and technology used to tell a story. It's truly phenomenal.
It is also really resonant to see a show about Jewish history and the unpleasant history of blackface while you are at a historic theater on the Lower Eastside.
The show is fascinating, but exceedingly slow, deliberate and repetitive and draws out everything at a snail's pace for maximum impact. The message and analysis are valuable and excellent but I could not sit through it again. It was the longest two hours ever.... Read more Read less

See it if This sad mother-daughter tale is horribly written and overwrought, with a forced resolution.

Don't see it if There were potentially ways that this sad story could have been more compelling or even watchable

Also but they were all left out. Where were the photographs of the epoch/times and the daughter/ Why only backdrops of a cityscape?

This was therapy for the writer and I wish​ I hadn't seen it.

The daughter was physically difficult to watch-- clearly has serious health issues, as well so much facework she doesn't look human. Plus, the dancing sequences were truly agonizing to watch.... Read more Read less

See it if a helluva a one-man show, but one where you don't actually have a sense of who the performer is, and what the point of the 100+ voices are.

Don't see it if this is a 3D history lesson, although not sure what the point or purpose is or who intended audience is.

Also Rick Miller shines his Canadian lens on the boomer years-- and he speeds through history with three primary characters narrating the story, while they speak in turn, Miller uses, light, shadow, and projections to turn himself into a 100 + voices, and share his history.
Very nice touches included a very specific focus on civil rights, as well as world news (with a Canadian POV), but the point of the show is obscured, and you don't have a ​visual sense of who Rick Miller is. Despite watching him on stage for two hours, you might not recognize him in the bar afterwards,... Read more Read less

See it if Wonderfully dated melodrama making cinematic fun of every movie cliche in history.

Don't see it if Silly, light and fluffy, but with great acting, and fabulous costumes, just a fully entertaining evening. Nothing will resonate. Plain fun.

See it if truly the tableaux and the brooding moving gigantic scenery was worth the price of the ticket

Don't see it if but the allegorical plot is too simple--and although visually stunning, I kept wondering why all this?

See it if Just super clever in every way-- with its intensity and sensitivity, temporal playfulness, incredible acting, and unique plot.

Don't see it if Ther are definitely trigger issues for people, and although deep and thoughtful it is also tremendously sad and resonant.

Also I saw Judith Ivey's understudy who was excellent and I am sure that to see the show with Judith Ivey is really something. The set has this unnerving issue which is that there are several metal bars blocking just about everyone's site at some point during the play. I assume this is intentional​ but very frustrating. Otherwise, the complexity of the set is so clever-and the sound mechanics thrilling.... Read more Read less

See it if In the round and up close and personal, four minstrels sing, play and recant in clever verse the story of Orpheus and Eurydice.

Don't see it if You don't want to interact with performers, don't like modern and interpretive versions of classic stories, don't like intertwined stories.

Also This is the blending of two different one hour plays intertwined into two-- and stands at two hours with an intermission in an intimate loft space. The actors/singers are fabulously talented and their engaging repartee and enthusiasm are winning. Overall, a heartwarming and engaging love story (even though so sad), because the exuberance and talent of the performers was so inspiring.... Read more Read less

See it if Wonderful intermix of stories told by men in multiple cities in Africa (and London)--with great choreography and verve-- very resonant.

Don't see it if Hard to hear in the balcony as well as the complexity of many​ accents--wish I got a hearing device.

See it if A little song and dance on an epic snowstorm​ day--a little nostalgia and some charming performers. Light-hearted entertainment. Enjoyable.

Don't see it if This is a musical jukebox--one of the performers was ill but the four made it work and Maury Yeston came out and entertained with old yarns.

See it if Aspires to be the gay male choreopoem counterpart to Ntozake Shange’s Colored Girls is raw uneven messy yet delightful in an unabashed way

Don't see it if exposed and mired in minutiae-- don't see if you are uncomfortable with nudity and descriptions of sex

Also Somehow this play/choreopoem non narrative non specific experience is enchanting and delightful although it​ is meant to provoke and expose and linger-- I loved seeing it--not sure I loved it but wouldn't have missed it for the world.... Read more Read less

See it if Unsettling and provocative play about meaning, relationships and communicating w those present and elsewhere.

Don't see it if Many clever conceits and tricks are performed on the audience, provoking surprise, confusion and fear.

Also Incredible acting and complex non linear plot which has you here, there, elsewhere as well as past and present.
Super spooky, and complex on many levels. I’ll be thinking about this for a long while.... Read more Read less

See it if What polish! What sheen! What a scene! What a set! There's nothing like it anywhere and well worth seeing.

Don't see it if The music and performances are good too- but there is no substance and it's a jukebox world (60! songs coming at ya!)

Also I didn't LOVE the movie, and I didn't love the show. I wanted to. I really did. The set is truly outstanding, as is the ambiance. The costumes are fabulous too. The performances were great--the singing and dancing fun, but somehow the whole thing, even though so polished just lacked "heart" for me.... Read more Read less

See it if If you are a fan of larger than life musicals and Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice combo, love Evita and want to see any iteration

Don't see it if don't like modern interpretations of classic shows, don't like several characters playing the same part, as there is a dual Evita in this

Also The show has this young Evita who is onstage as a sort of ghost or much of the show, which​ you will ether like or not. I adore Jason Gotay who was wonderful in this performance. Enrique Acevedo and Solea Pfeiffer were also marvelous. The sets were a bit odd-- strange bars of flowers, and empty doorways that changed colors. Overall it was an enchanting evening and I don't regret it. The music will stick, whether you want it to or not.... Read more Read less

See it if This is a beaut of a duality story. Two stories. Two monologues. Same story bisected by point of view and temporality. Super clever.

Don't see it if Just very smart. Script. Acting. Set. And it’s funny. As well as quirky and very unexpected.

See it if Flipping great idea- really good cast- fun gender swap with main characters-- centered around Jimmy Carter's pivotal malaise​ speech.

Don't see it if Sentimental and trite ending, I wish it was more bittersweet, reflecting​ the actual speech.

Also I saw it the first night of previews and I imagine things will smooth out a lot-- the pacing was off--and things definitely​ could be cut.
The video and sets were well done as were the costumes which were fab. Excellent acting.... Read more Read less

See it if Entertaining teen and family musical drama exposing the real story of a suburban family accompanied by Alanis Morrisette music.

Don't see it if This is a funny and edgy script, and although predictable has many shining clever moments with great performances by the cast.

Also There are some standout performers, including the dad and the girlfriend-- who really bring down the house. Definitely a tearjerker and a lot of fun.... Read more Read less

See it if you like complex friendship plays where very little happens dramatically but much is revealed slowly through narrative and character

Don't see it if you don't want to think about who and what a person is, where and how life's decisions affect your future and don't want a feminist bent

Also A very challenging and clever way of showing the three-dimensionality of a human's life. Absolutely top-notch acting, and clever and witty writing, and a weirdly super-specific quirky and truly weird plot. Not for everyone, but I'm really glad I saw it.... Read more Read less

See it if an examination of the life of a complex artist and her legacy as it relates to her family and death --very profound and moving

Don't see it if splintered stories, complex relationships between family untold slowly through mundane life experiences, just brilliantly executed.

Also Exquisite acting, story-telling, incredible dance sequences, very layered and complicated but also subtle and deftly handled. Get the headphones when you go so you won't miss any of the nuances as there are many characters who speak softly and you don't want to miss a word or a movement.... Read more Read less

See it if Adolescent teenage girls are simply fascinating complex creatures & this group of upper-middle-class girls at a prep school in Miami are it!

Don't see it if lots of super taboo topics explored reverently and freely with some violence and a large passage entirely in Spanish may not be for everyone

Also A brilliant exploration of young passionate girls trying to making sense of life, death, ​and love--- very dark and passionate and very creative. Worth seeing just to see something outside the box and utterly novel--and some great acting.... Read more Read less

See it if Complex historic family saga set to music and sung, definitely not a musical. Very intense, with a non-linear plot.

Don't see it if Two soloists have separate monologues and sing/ tell their intertwined stories with an incredible string band behind them, music is haunting

Also Music is discordant and non-hummable, performers are incredibly talented and unique. Story is powerful but slow and very circular. A story where details are emphasized and although there are dramatic moments they are described in reflections.... Read more Read less

See it if One actor reenacts 39 different live taped interviews with people involved in the Crown Heights incident in 1992. No better way to see both

Don't see it if Incredible depiction of live history as told by both sides, but if you don't want to see a one-man​ show this is not for you.

Also Incredibly thought-provoking and powerful resonant drama that truly reflects our current political climate. Amazing acting. No caricatures. The energy is palpable. Well worth seeing. Unforgettable.... Read more Read less

See it if I love this period of history and this could have been an opportunity to parallel current politics but bad acting, & long monologues

Don't see it if dragged down this blurry confused production. With the exception of the fabulous artwork and amazing wall projections,this was excruciating

Also Mayakovsky is such a bold poet-- where were his words-- the state- of revolution. This was an ambitious premise that looked like it needed to be workshopped longer. The death of Stalin's wife as the catalyst for all the intricate storytelling was clever--and the characters chosen were compelling-- but it just didn't work as is.... Read more Read less

See it if a small show with great acting that tells the true and typical story of an addict and his attempt to get clean

Don't see it if you don't want to follow one man's redemptive story, however,​ this simple well-acted​ play really has heart

Also This is a dramatic story that is not complex. It has a very simple set, with three main players, playing many parts--but everyone is stellar and the message stands​ out. Proof that complexity is not necessary to make art.... Read more Read less

See it if major acting chops in this show, truly a master class--perfection. Very moving, poignant and reflective​ of current politics

Don't see it if this is based on a true story and is a reenactment of an actual transcript, with very​ clever use of staging and lighting to show edited

Also parts of the transcript and punctuate the process.
My only complaint was that the show has these two animal props that are odd and don't add anything to the plot--off stage sounds would have done te job just as well.
I'm glad there was no preamble or explanation preparing viewers for the show but I think it might have benefitted with a talkback or a historical expert after the show who led a discussion or more information handed out to people afterward about the current situation for the participants​.... Read more Read less

See it if this is the definition of a feel-good show. The tickets should come with a guarantee that you will leave happier and lighter and open

Don't see it if a lovely concert with a diverse group of musicians and performers dancing, playing instruments and singing unhampered by wires

Also David Byrne is unique and his lovely thoughtful patter that runs throughout makes you grateful that there are artists who care about the world and will do what they can to improve it.
The entire cast wears simple gray suits and dance, sing and perform against a grey wall--and this makes the differences among performers stand out in the loveliest​ of ways. Charming all around.... Read more Read less

See it if a personal jewel box of a story very small in scope but magnified with intensity will interest you

Don't see it if oddly affected mannerisms, unusual accenting and drawn out storytelling will distract you from the content

Also A solo performance with live accompaniment tells a true story of a long-lasting friendship, with detailed reflections on homelessness, artistic endeavors, creativity, life in the east village, and homosexuality all addressed.
There is a fascinating accompanying exhibit of artifacts in the lobby.
This is a story of feelings-- as there is no dramatic arc, or conflict. Very little happens that you don't already know by reading the program.... Read more Read less