ZTheatre

See it if You like small character driven plays. You like space. You like shows that are visually stimulating.

Don't see it if You’re looking for a well paced play. At an hour forty-five it felt long. The script has nice moments but long stretches were it’s not inte.

See it if You like see new musicals not based on previous material.

Don't see it if You want to see a musical that is more fleshed out. A lot of the songs sound similar. The plot is underdeveloped.

Also Bryce Pinkham turns in a lovely understated performance. If you’re a fan of his it may be worth seeing.... Read more Read less

See it if You like supporting the Off Off Broadway community and smaller shows.

Don't see it if You want a play that works.

Also The entire evening is stilted; writing, direction, performances. It may be on purpose, but it doesn’t feel like it. The dialogue tries way too hard to come off as witty banter, instead sounds silly.... Read more Read less

See it if You like ensemble based plays with both heart and laughs.

Don't see it if If you aren’t interested in a play that rehash’s some well worn material of sexuality in an all boys school.

Also Fantastic cast. Even at 100 minutes, some scenes feel a beat too long. Well staged.... Read more Read less

See it if You like new plays big on character and realistic portrayals of addiction and anger management

Don't see it if You like fast paced plot heavy plays.

Also Great performances by the entire ensemble. First Act hums along, but the Second is sluggish and doesn’t pay off. It’s advertised as a dark comedy, there are laughs, but it’s definitely a drama.... Read more Read less

See it if You would like to see a small character play about modern racial issues.

Don't see it if You want a play that pops. Often the dialogue and performances seem flat.

Also The final moments of the play are manipulative.

See it if You enjoy the material and know it well.

Don't see it if You are less familiar with the material or don’t already love it.

Also Once you get past the Yiddish, nothing new is really being done. Very safe production.... Read more Read less

See it if You like realistic dramas. Can emotionally get through a realistic portrayal of dementia and those caring for the suffer.

Don't see it if You Want happy and upbeat throughout.

Also Kenneth Lonergan is a beautiful writer who takes so much care of characters. The entire cast is great, but I will never forget the beautiful, detailed, funny, and heartbreaking performance by Elaine May!... Read more Read less

See it if You don’t mind seeing a story you’ve seen before.

Don't see it if You want something fresh and exciting.

Also The acting and lighting were nice, but the play didn’t compel me.

See it if You like dark comedies with extreme characters.

Don't see it if You like heavy dramas.

Also Had a blast. Laughed throughout. The leading couple very great.

See it if You’re super curious. Or can live with spectacle with no substance.

Don't see it if A fleshed out musical. The songs and performances don’t live up to the visuals.

Also The Lighting Design is the unsung hero of the show. Without the lightning so many of the tricks and puppet visuals would not work.... Read more Read less

See it if You like a safe, fluffy, energetic musical.

Don't see it if You want something challenging.

Also I call these “smile musicals”. You don’t necessarily laugh out loud or get emotional invested, but you smile a bunch.... Read more Read less

See it if You like a slow gesturing show about family and secrets.

Don't see it if You’re looking for something slick and lean.

Also I couldn’t get past the length and predictablity.

See it if You like a bit cabaret, with a bit a gay history, a bit of melodrama.

Don't see it if You prefer flashy musicals, or traditional musicals.

Also Enjoyed the beginning and enjoyed the ending. The middle could a bit less “tell” and a lot more “showing “.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re looking for a comedy.

Don't see it if You’re looking for something fast past.

Also I enjoyed the play. Plenty of funny. The only reason I didn’t score it higher is the first act is too slow. There’s a lot of necessary exposition, but it could be delt out better.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re a fan of Sara Bareilles’ music. If you enjoy the movie.

Don't see it if Looking for deep characters. With the exception of the leads, the supporting cast is one dimensional.

Also Not sure the source material lends to musicalization, but a valid effort.... Read more Read less

See it if You like silly. You like the music catalog.

Don't see it if You want something beyond silly.

Also At times entertaining, but uneven. At times starring at my watch. The songs and book just don’t mess well. At times show is trying too hard. But definitely has pleasant moments like “Heaven is a place on Earth” number.... Read more Read less

See it if You like satire. If excellent performances excite you.

Don't see it if You are looking for a play that doesn’t comment on itself.

Also The framing device feels unnecessary. And the play hums along nicely as a satire, but in the last half turns in on itself and comments too heavily. Lovely performances from all.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re familiar with the song catalog and can enjoy performers singing the hell out of songs with no backstory.

Don't see it if You’re looking for a traditional musical.

See it if are interested in a play about one woman’s life where different actresses play her throughout the years.

Don't see it if You want to see a traditionally structured play.

Also Because of the time jumping and different women playing the title character the show never gets a chance to build. Scenes of conflict or drama just feel like acting class scenes where people yell because it’s their 10 minutes of the play.... Read more Read less

See it if Want to smile for 60 minutes straight. A great mix of high and low comedy.

Don't see it if Parody and satire aren’t your thing.

Also I noticed a few folks saying the show was sophomoric and too silly; come on, you went to see a show called “Police Cops”, get over yourselves :)... Read more Read less

See it if Have a desire to see a new play, heavier on character than plot.

Don't see it if Wanted to see a finished play. There’s moments here, but a lot of work to be done.

Also I ‘ve liked the playwrights other work. This one feels like an idea, not a play. The Second Act is more successful than the first.... Read more Read less

See it if you know and appreciate the play, Denzel Washington, or ensemble based plays.

Don't see it if a play clocking in close to four hours about alcoholics, isn't your idea of time well spent.

See it if have a desire to see any of these actors.

Don't see it if if you're looking for a play that holds up.

Also The play feels inconsequential now. Most of the characters are unlikable without having any true depth to them. Unlikable is fine if it's supported.... Read more Read less

See it if I can’t recommend anyone see it.

Don't see it if Just don’t.

Also Groan worthy every step of the way.

See it if You’re curious about all new musicals. If you’re curious what “Little Shop of Horrors” would be like if the plant was a computer instead.

Don't see it if You’re looking for a serious musical.

Also I may not be the demographic for this show, but I still hoped to find more to enjoy. The score and book aren’t particularly clever, so to make up for it they cranked the sound, lighting, and performances to 100.... Read more Read less

See it if You like supporting new works. Environmental themes interest you.

Don't see it if You are expecting a finished, polished play. This feels like a workshop production.

Also Even at 80 minutes it feels slow. Perhaps due to lack of staging; in many scenes characters sit opposite one another and talk for long stretches. The play also ends too neatly; angry characters basically accept things and shrug.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re a fan if Shepard or the actors. You like plays about human behavior and psychological games.

Don't see it if You aren’t a fan of Shepard. You want a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

Also It’s been a while since I read or seen “True West”. This is a good production but it’s missing some pop. The direction and actors sit in the pocket too often and don’t always drive the show.... Read more Read less

See it if You like new works that are more about ideas then a through line.

Don't see it if You like a straight forward plot.

Also There’s an interesting play here, but the production let’s it down. Unsure why the director thought having such unrealistic portrayals of the girls at young ages was a good idea. The first 3 scenes are practically just screaming. Once that passes and the performances get more grounded, the play is much more interesting.... Read more Read less

See it if You can’t resist all things Cher.

Don't see it if You want a compelling book. You want more then a bullet point bio musical.

Also There’s a lot of talent on that stage in both performances and design craft, but the book falls flat and all amazing costumes and belting can’t save it.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a modern day, small play, heavy on the drama.

Don't see it if You want a play less about now. And more balanced script, acting, direction.

Also The characters spend a lot of time taking about the past and characters we never meet. While some of this necessary for exposition, it happens so often it drags the play down. Characters in moments of peril wax poetical and tell stories from their past instead of investing in the moment. Performances are mixed. Staging is uneven. There’s promise of a better play/production, just needs more work.... Read more Read less

See it if You will be pleased with good acting, but only that.

Don't see it if You want a complete play.

Also The vagueness of the play was very annoying. When was it, where was it, what was one of the characters doing that was so wrong. The play spins it wheels and never goes anywhere. The 3 actors do their best with what little they have.... Read more Read less

See it if You like intimate character dramas. Small on plot but big on people and emotions.

Don't see it if You like large sprawling theatre and are uncomfortable being so close to the action.

Also Like most here, I agree, the second play is the richer more satisfying play. But both offer lovely performances and dialogue that will tug at your heart and mind.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in a play that shifts in tones. And is a look at protest culture.

Don't see it if You want a play with a clear message or clear story.

Also There feels like there’s a 40 minute play surrounded by 50 minutes of filler. I think the play needed to either be a straight drama or a satire; straddling the line didn’t work.... Read more Read less

See it if You like strong comedies with heart.

Don't see it if You prefer a play that is one thing; a comedy or a drama.

Also Very enjoyable, still could have used some more trimming. But plenty of laughs and heart.... Read more Read less

See it if You like compelling character dramas with a slight twist.

Don't see it if You want something lighter or an outright comedy.

Also A lovely contemporary drama. Compelling throughout.

See it if You want to support small Theatre Companies. You want to support a play with a feminist message.

Don't see it if You want a compelling plot. Theres very little plot. Many jokes fall flat, very gimmicky.

See it if you like to take in any and all Shakespeare the city offers.

Don't see it if you're looking for a polished production

Also The actor play Romeo was decent and fight choreography was good. Otherwise a total miss.... Read more Read less

See it if You like ensemble plays. You like small plays. You like plays about characters, not plot.

Don't see it if You like big plays. Or plays heavy on plot.

Also I found the leads to be incredibly charming. I also found the subject matter of self diagnosing interesting.
The play finds humor and pathos.... Read more Read less

See it if You have an insert in Theatre history, Shakespeare, or enjoy Janet McTeer.

Don't see it if You want to see a play that is finished.

Also There are so many delightful scenes and exchanges, but they are done in by the fact that play chases it’s own tail. Too many scenes where characters recap scenes we’ve already seen. Another workshop and some cutting would do this play with so much potentially a world of good.... Read more Read less

See it if You love classic musicals. Lavish sets, costumes, and performances.

Don't see it if Your looking for something contemporary and pared down.

Also Lovely performances and on all around lovely production.

See it if I cannot recommend anyone see it.

Don't see it if Just don’t.

Also The only reason this isn’t getting a zero is because a few actors charming. Awful score, and a book they may have been written by teenagers. Cliche after cliche.... Read more Read less

See it if You know some involved in the show to be supportive.

Don't see it if You don’t anyone involved.

Also The play is in desperate need of editing and a dramaturg. Many mistcast actors and poor direction.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re interested in a play about present day issues and concerns.

Don't see it if You’re looking for a play where the characters are more than 1 dimensional.

Also A lot is being covered, but I fear a lot of it is being glossed over. I would like to see a production of the same play where less is tackled plot wise but the characters are more fleshed out.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re a Carey Mulligan fan. Enjoy solo dramas.

Don't see it if Want a play that is more than a monologue.

Also There’s stuff here I loved; first scene, last scene. But so much of the middle feels false or tacked on.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re in a silly mood. Love parody and satire.

Don't see it if You want traditional theater.

Also The 3 actors are sensational.

See it if You’re looking for a a lite, fluffy musical.

Don't see it if You’re looking for something deep.

Also The score is fun, the performances are fun, but the show as a whole never really got past “the smile” phase for me.... Read more Read less

See it if You like dance, and stories told through dance.

Don't see it if You want any surprises in the plot; paint by numbers. Are looking for a musical.

Also Wasn’t for me. Found it very boring. But beautiful lighting.

See it if A play that utilizes a talented ensemble. And at times can be very funny.

Don't see it if You don’t like “outside the box” casting and structure.

Also The scenes in the dance rehearsals/competitions work best. When the play is a pitch black comedy it soars; when it’s played dramatically, it stumbles.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re a fan of quirky characters and dialogue.

Don't see it if You’re looking for a play/production that satisfies across the board.

Also The ladies of the cast outshine the men. The script never really takes off, every time it starts to feel like it’s coming together, it just spins it’s wheels.... Read more Read less