Midwives

See it if you want to see a show dealing w/ life and death, right and wrong. which does not have a conclusion w/ moral certitude

Don't see it if you are triggered by the death, perhaps preventable, of an innocent.

Also a brilliant 2nd Act overcomes a largely unnecessary 1st Act. The play would be much better as a 70-75 min 1 Act.

George Street productions still seem to be overwhelmed by the desire to use all the new toys present in the NBPAC. They need to go back to what made George Street great. That is using what the production needs to maximize its effect.

David Lander's lighting design here is head and shoulders better than he used in Percy Jackson on Broadway, but still needs work

Using the entire depth of the Laurents stage for the set makes scene changes too slow and takes away from the intimacy this drama needs.

The use of amplification once again is completely unnecessary and removes the audience from intimacy with the actors..

SEE this if you can. The 2nd act makes all of the production's flaws tolerable.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to support NJ theater and are open to disturbing subject matter. Well done. Good job bringing the novel to the stage.

Don't see it if you are pregnant or someone you love is.. would be deeply disturbing.

See it if you like a good courtroom drama with a fulfilling ending that still makes you question right from wrong.

Don't see it if you're not prepared to witness the trauma of a failed midwife delivery.

Also Giving this a 79 because it's right on the cusp of "good" and "great."

Act 1 seemed long mainly because going into it I knew something bad was going to happen, so it was filled with suspense. The intensity of the courtroom scenes in act 2 was nicely broken up by several flashbacks and flash-forwards.

The cast was uniformly terrific and the production values were Broadway-quality, especially the gorgeous set and mood-setting lights.

This was my first visit to George Street Playhouse's rebuilt home at the brand new New Brunswick Performing Arts Center and it was a good one. What a terrific facility!... 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 You enjoy Chris Bohjalian's books. This play from his book Midwives was beautifully interpreted and performed.

Don't see it if You don't want to be included in a challenging birthing experience portrayed on stage.

Also Not for children or young teens.

See it if You like intensity at the theatre - you like courtroom drama - you like intelligence

Don't see it if You're pregnant - looking for a light-hearted or musical evening

See it if you like an absorbing yet disturbing story performed by very good actors

Don't see it if you are looking for a feel good show

See it if you want to see a powerful staging of Bohjalian's riveting novel.

Don't see it if You are looking for a light-hearted night of theater.

See it if You like serious, thought provoking story line

Don't see it if If you only want to see musicals

See it if You you enjoy and good drama, and an ending with a twist. I found myself sitting on the edge of my sit.

Don't see it if If you are squeemish I would not recommend. The childbirth scenes are realistic and intense

See it if You like small, dramatic shows with elements of controversy and ambiguity. You don't mind a somewhat predictable ending.

Don't see it if You're looking for a big show, a musical, you're uncomfortable with ethical dilemmas or depictions of birth.

See it if You like suspenseful courtroom dramas with great actors and a compelling, relatable story.

Don't see it if You are triggered by blood, premature death, or surgery.

See it if Good acting, brisk direction and a lovely theater at the new NBPAC

Don't see it if If you don't want to watch intense scenes regarding childbirth

See it if You like a thought provoking play that you will use your imagination.

Don't see it if You don’t like a mystery.

See it if First half was slow moving and boring, The second half was better and quite a bit more interesting.

Don't see it if you don't care for some controversial topics.

See it if you enjoy absorbing plays and courtroom dramas

Don't see it if If you prefer comedies or musicals

See it if You enjoy an intense play with some aspect of medical ethics and emotional decision-making. Heavy topic to process mostly in the second act

Don't see it if You are queasy about childbirth. There is a real-life labor and delivery scene during Act 1. so be prepared if you plan to see the show.

Also I know the show is based on a book.
Since I did not read it beforehand, I did not know what to expect. The story is interesting and sad at times.
This was a world premiere performance, and the actors seemed to portray their roles very well. However, I am not sure that all theater fans will be in favor of seeing it. I thought Act 1 was good, but Act 2 had more depth to it. Definitely worth the Show-Score price!... Read more Read less

See it if You like serious dramas, a show with a twist, and leaves you thinking.

Don't see it if You want to be entertained.

See it if a thought provoking story- This is not a musical or a comedy - for adults - it is serious but very well done. The acting was incredible

Don't see it if This was a serious story - could be disturbing to some

See it if you like a thought provoking show.

Don't see it if don't like shows that make you think or are intense dramas.

See it if You enjoy drama that is worthy of Broadway.

Don't see it if If you want something light & uplifting.

See it if If you enjoy real life intense court room drama and keep you on edge of your seat play. You decide what your verdict would be!!

Don't see it if If you prefer a light hearted , less intense and thought provoking play.

See it if you like very detailed and explicit shows

Don't see it if you don't explicit and literal plays

See it if You’re in town and want to see a good show.

Don't see it if You are uncomfortable watching labor or birth scenes.

See it if You enjoy thought-provoking dramas.

Don't see it if A childbirth scene gone wrong will be stressful to you.