Weegie

See it if A tremendous amount of fun, with STELLAR performances by every single cast member but life changing, no, but I'd see it again gladly.

Don't see it if You don't like fairytales, or broken classics, Sondheim and or long musicals.

See it if Complex interplay of family dynamics so many wonderful qualities and great characters but ultimately boring and too long

Don't see it if Tricky scenes within scenes —characters playing different parts, revoking around a tragic death not for everyone.

See it if Long complex family drama that should be a tour de force is not riveting, absorbing yes, but there are too many layers, it distances you.

Don't see it if You can’t keep track of characters as they age you don’t bring a dense knowledge of history with you and you are not prepared to concentrate

See it if A trigger subject for many (illness of a child) and marital problems and consequences will engage you

Don't see it if but this is boring, too long, and sort of embarrassing to watch. I would not recommend.

See it if Such good writing, such great performances, a dark and twisted super clever microscopically focused story that is deeply profound.

Don't see it if you don't like the mundane, don't like medical stories, don't like multiple themes, and where something takes place in real time.

See it if This is a play you want to like with a talented ensemble cast and a focus on black excellence but it is slow, messy, mundane and boring.

Don't see it if This play is like watching paint dry---whatever is there ---is so slow to emerge, you may miss it, but it's not terrible, just disappointing

See it if Predictably sad narrative about 1960's Ireland mangled with scary masks, pig snouts, gore and off key songs, memorably awkward

Don't see it if Tragic story about mental illness disharmoniously mangled with short scenes set in an ugly box of comic strip images with song and dance

Also I wondered how this sad and tragic book could translate to a musical, and it did not. The addition of song made an excruciating production hours longer than necessary. The performances were very inconsistent with many key songs sung out of tune--and none of them memorable. For me, one of those shows I will remember long after I see it because it was so excruciating.
Several things were great--the massive TV set as the back wall--was very clever, and Daniel Marconi had a several stand out moments that were truly show-topping.... Read more Read less

See it if A reflection on parenting, relationships, past mistakes presented through the lens of five characters playing the same role.

Don't see it if Five actors all portraying the same character can be confusing, the fourth wall is broken, and audience is asked to participate. Clever

Also Definitely resonates after the show—a lot to reflect on and talk about. Some extremely beautiful moments. Also some confusing and clattering moments. Not a fan of the loud Japanese pop music the show begins with. The acting was excellent. Very unusual. Truly different. Not only explores complex topics but presents them
In a very unique way. There are some surprising elements in the show—and great singing.... Read more Read less

See it if Much is painstakingly brilliant--and the spectacle will leave you absolutely breathless. It's a riveting modern take on the tragedies.

Don't see it if It is work, and requires endurance, and is an emotional roller coaster. Helps to do your HW before you go--and be prepared.

Also The acting! Stunning. The modernization--brilliant! The focus on the feminine role in the Greek trilogy thrilling--- so much to love and be blown away by here-- but at least a third of the audience left in one or two of the intermissions, so come prepared .... Read more Read less

See it if I am a big fan of ERS and would watch paint dry if they asked me too--and they might. This play required HW. Read Chekhov or Cliff-notes.

Don't see it if Be prepared to go anywhere starting with the opening monologue and all the asynchronous and dynamic but unique moments onstage.

Also I love the ERS shows they are square pegs--and always break every conformity--they make you think, and you can often feel your brain working while you are watching which is pretty neat. This one seemed to gallivant all over the place and I wish I knew a lot more about the Seagull than I did. Bring a sweater--- theater is particularly cold--and show is long!... Read more Read less

See it if This HAMMY in every way production is over the top in not always good ways. Although commentary is clever, and the momentum tremendous.

Don't see it if Breaking 4th wall, karaoke, charades, Broken Shakespeare, lots of clever riffs on tradition, this is way over the top, sometimes too much.

Also This was fun to watch-- fun to break down, never boring, but definitely did not meet my expectations. I was confused and disappointed, and in the three quarter audience could see many audience members loving the show and just as many perplexed. I wanted to love this--and loved the ending--- loved many things about it, but did not love the show. I really did not like how over-acted everything was--how precious and cliched so much of this was--almost embarrassingly so--with every stereotype employed. It was cringy at times. I did love much of the flipping of Shakespearean, the breaking of the 4th wall, and the modern language, I just found all the characters such extreme stereotypes, with only Juicy authentic and even he overplayed much of his role.... Read more Read less

See it if Despite predictable plot designed for a juvenile audience has clever twists for a typical bibliophile tale---great break out performances!

Don't see it if Such a light hearted fun show AND funny, seems good for grandmas and kids. Skip, if you don't like poofy shows, musicals and teenagers.

Also There were so many fun characters playing double roles--some marvelous moments--and wonderful singing--- great performances all around--- much funnier then expected--quite droll, and very clever. Really so much more fun then I expected!

This will certainly head to Broadway!... Read more Read less

See it if Rag tag whirlwind of body positivity- gay pride- talented cast of three that practically performed a marathon of cleverness.

Don't see it if A combination of live stream/live performance means that you are watching multiple screens and live actors ---It is busy and fast paced.

Also Many, many references to memes, TV shows, tiktoks etc--- some of it is hard to follow but when you get it is hard not to laugh uproariously. Lots of Fun!... Read more Read less

See it if A reenactment of a television program with James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni--with discourse on race and sexism. Profound. Contemporary.

Don't see it if Clever use of media but primarily a complicated conversation that required the audience to listen. An hour and half---no intermission.

Also I saw Reggie D White perform as Baldwin, he was filling in for Carl Clemmons-Hopkins. He was so incredible, his inflection and accent and ability to perform as Baldwin was beyond description. The audience was on their feet. Amazing performance. I was in tears. I overheard other audience members mention this was their second time to see the show. I left wanting to watch the television show and some of the books mentioned.... Read more Read less

See it if Wonderful ensemble cast, terrific writing, some of the funniest lines--and some great characters --poignant and sharp. Layered.

Don't see it if Definitely required you to listen--hard and pay attention--truly many laugh out loud moments-- long and not easy--but worth every minute.

See it if Sad generational drama with some violence in a very slow multiple strand presentation.

Don't see it if Typical bare bones set found at Classic Stage, doesn't lend itself as well here--where history I think could be colored in more.

See it if EVERYTHING was stunning__sound, music, staging, performances, lighting, costumes. Just stupendous. I was floored. Can't stop talking about i

Don't see it if It is long. Four and half hours long. Be ready--- but worth seeing for sure. I'm so glad I went. I would like to see it again.

See it if Slow moving but very sweet layered drama featuring an amazing performance by an actress with down syndrome. Great performances all around.

Don't see it if Somewhat homespun--quirky, but I think Will Arbery is a genius so why not see it? Worth seeing!

See it if It's rare to see women's friendship portrayed so honestly, I loved that about these characters, who all seemed so very real to me.

Don't see it if A bit choppy and slow and very sad to lose some of the characters so early--- politics are the framework for the narrative

See it if the story of three generations of gay black men dealing with illness and death will resonate with you

Don't see it if a bit cliched, a bit ponderous and very slow but beautifully acted--- most of the audience was choked up at the end.

See it if The life story of Miriam Makeba-- a bit predictable and hard to follow but the performances are AMAZING. Never heard a VOICE like this.

Don't see it if African accents are hard to follow-- identifying who is who hard to follow-- formula for story telling predictable but GO for the VOICE--WOW

See it if Brilliant use of language --- the concept of overlaying everything with translation is thrilling--loved every minute of this.

Don't see it if The relationship though between sisters is ridiculously cliched-and their life outcomes--- also way too long. Much could be cut!

See it if Something new-- fun to be part of -- great staging--music- performances --story. Well worth seeing! Talent abounds!

Don't see it if I guess don't see this if you are homophobic as you will be horribly uncomfortable.

See it if Corny relationship drama--fun for mothers and daughters. The story plays with time and some elements are poignant overall is insipid.

Don't see it if Reflection on familial relationships with lots of gimmicks--- not for me, but I could see others enjoying.

See it if Time travel with two incredibly talented actors who cradle you in the palm of their hands--- it's an emotional experience.

Don't see it if Painful and emotional family drama---slow and quiet---certainly not for everyone. Very thought provoking.

See it if Complete drawing room entertainment---David Greenspan's agility both physical and mental is absolutely charming. We left saying "Oh Tony"--

Don't see it if A dense one person play-- with an actor who plays six (was it more!) parts breathlessly in 80 minutes. It's whirlwind.

See it if A one woman show with extra characters-- great writing-- great perfomances and a funny slice of life rarely shown. Good job!

Don't see it if If you don't like something that revolves one time event--that this show is not for you-- all action takes place at wedding.

See it if If you like Billy Porter (and I do) because every actor is doing a version of him...long ponderous perplexing musical--- my question why?

Don't see it if Those top tier seats at City Center cut off half the stage--- super frustrating--- knock out performances by some--overall fun but ho hum.

See it if This is ponderous for a musical-- too much going on /too many threads-- great performances but no memorable songs---no real connection made

Don't see it if Major emphasis on Irish culture turn of the century NY--don't see if not a fan of Irish dancing--- weirdly like Newsies but darker themes.

See it if An in your face challenging topsy turvy confrontational exposition about race in America--absolutely gorgeous!

Don't see it if you don't want to be uncomfortable --challenged or want to think about how you fit into the equation as a whatever race you are theatergoer.

See it if Gorgeous Sets-- Clever Breaks- Great Acting-- seems cliche but actually flips and is more resonant and thoughtful than expected.

Don't see it if If you don't want to have a conversation about how workers and employers relate to each other in America this show is not for you.

See it if This show has al little bit of everything yet is delightfully original-- ice skating on stage! Singing! Teenagers! Great performances!

Don't see it if Not your usual meal--- this one although it feels familiar is clever, and odd and somehow deeply resonate. Great score!

Also Worth seeing because it is so different--- I think this would be worth seeing a few times.... Read more Read less

See it if Very funny stand up routine about an Orthodox Jewish man's encounter with a White Suprematist group.

Don't see it if Actually I walked away thinking this was a show for everyone to see--- very entertaining and digestible-- not angry- or didactic--

Also I felt like I was informed and I learned quite a bit--- definitely a way to see the world through another lens--- in a light hearted and funny way-- great for Jews and non Jews.... Read more Read less

See it if A real mixed bag for me, loved the music and the singing, love the profound setting and the mixed complicated cast but it was banal and long

Don't see it if I feel too many characters were shadows on the stage and the play was too long, it required endurance, but when it shown it was powerful.

Also I have no regrets for seeing this and my companion loved it. Mare Winningham was not on stage for the performance I saw. I think she would have grounded the show. Sorry I missed her.... Read more Read less

See it if An absurd and delightful jaunt into a magical and absurd silly moment in the past that is reflective and poignant. I adored this--everything

Don't see it if Well a musical about LSD---and real life people brought to life in the most absurd fashion-- not for everyone, but I found it magical.

See it if Harrowing one night of action where every second has impact and meaning--great performances, and poignant painful story.

Don't see it if you don't like political drama, you don't want personal stories to bring the news to life for you, and you want a happy ending.

See it if You want to see a heart-wrenching human conflict compelling spun into a musical, with vibrant unforgettable characters.

Don't see it if This will leave you reflective and hopefully, open to thinking about the world and those in it and around you in a different context.

See it if The holidays are the perfect time for a little dark blue collar humor and this one delivers in perfect time and pace

Don't see it if Some of the characters were a bit stereotypical and the structure of the plot was a bit predictable but fun nevertheless.

Also Sadly Uzo Aduba was absent from my performance but show was thoroughly entertaining.... Read more Read less

See it if Who would think to send up American cultural values seen through the lens of all the presidential assassins--as a musical-- only Sondheim!

Don't see it if Assassins and killers charming? Yes, they are--and the clever acting, is biting, and witty and deeply profound, but clearly not for everyone

See it if you want to watch two siblings banter about the fate of their father, their own lives and sad life choices.

Don't see it if two talented actors anchor a show with achingly long monologues and interesting visual graphics, some found it funny, for me, simply long.

See it if Incredible storytelling with old world values and real heart---requires the audience to pay attention. Moving story w colorful characters.

Don't see it if you don't like a one man show and you don't want to listen, I'm sure this plays a lot of different ways and has good nights and bad.

See it if I give this an A plus for subject matter but otherwise it is an hour too long and you can see everything coming a mile off. A real pity.

Don't see it if You would be annoyed by a 1000 unnecessary costume changes, and a wasted platform set that is "poetic" yet meaningless.

See it if How I wanted to love this show, but it is too long, and ponderous and somehow sags, even though it is theater history, and should be great.

Don't see it if You don't want to see a show that should have been staged long ago, and deserves to be seen. This is theater history. Go anyway.

See it if It is powerful storytelling to see and hear multiple viewpoints of the same story told in a kaleidoscopic way. Acting is sensational.

Don't see it if You don't want to spend time thinking about systemic racism in America, and police brutality.

See it if A reminder of how powerful live theater is-This was simply moving. The voices- the story-the layering-the complexity-the talent. I cried.

Don't see it if You don't like sung story, or multi-layed plot lines, child perfomances and plays/musicals that ask big questions and dig in a bit.

See it if Two stories told from multiple points of view--sadly ponderous and excruciating. The points of view never intersect. Excellent acting.

Don't see it if Are triggered by mental heath issues, want resolution and find broken love stories without resolution inane.

See it if This is a very twisted and clever play---utterly absorbing, as well as riveting, which will leave you wondering about so many things.

Don't see it if A very mimetic and cleverly dissonant show about very tough topics --- about itself as much as about its subject. Compulsively edge of seat.

See it if Modernized hipsterish version of Godot wants to be edgier than it is--- all of it trying way too hard for me. I wanted to love it.

Don't see it if Shouting, badgering, misanthropic, and confusing but also as it should be ponderous and circuitous. Was not subtle.

See it if A show about a pandemic in the midst of a pandemic, confusing and bewildering, but also poignant and powerful.

Don't see it if A sound show where you are cast adrift with a chair and headphone sitting in the dark alone but with strangers, is not for everyone.

See it if Unnecessarily complex family drama taking place off and on stage with a cast of ten characters with a lot of back-story.

Don't see it if Intellectuals philosophizing at a family wedding, with a lot of speech writing --and underlying drama.

Also This potentially fun complex family drama about two upper-class Jewish families in Manhattan with a lot of shared history and family feuds could have been great, but too many characters, too many threads, too much back history made this confusing enough to lose impact. The yiddishisms were embarrassing--they stuck out, why? They just sounded awkward and mispronounced. ,... Read more Read less