A Brimful of Asha

See it if you enjoy stories about Indian match-making (eg Meet The Patels). Good-natured ribbing is the backbone of this intergenerational tug-of-war.

Don't see it if you want a theatrical experience. Here, you "sit" at the Jain's kitchen table. You're prepped by eating samosas and drinking chai. Low-key

Also I thoroughly enjoyed ASHA, but the story isn't new (maybe it was when first performed). There are genuine laughs and a happy ending. And samosas!... Read more Read less

See it if You like sharp funny sort of semi-autobiographical stories especially if you like to learn about what's probably a different culture to you.

Don't see it if You don't like being treated as an invited guest, treated graciously and told a lovely story about an Indian family's experience (the son).

See it if You want a charming, sweet story told by mother and son. You will laugh at the humor and warm-heartedness. Bravo! Loved it!

Don't see it if No reason not to. Everyone will enjoy this...unless you have no soul that is...

See it if you enjoy storytelling with back and forth banter between mother and son.

Don't see it if you want a lot of action as this all happens at a dining room table.

See it if you enjoy warm, funny mother-son stories played by the actual people it happened to, you'd like to learn about wedding customs in India

Don't see it if you don't like immigration stories or those that involve religious customs other than your own, you have mother issues-so maybe you should!

See it if son-comedian & his actual mother make you feel at home greeting audience, serving samosas and engaging in charming "Burns/Allen" repartee

Don't see it if 4 funnier more complex tale of traditional prearranged Indian marriage vs. modern love match, see "The Big Sick"

See it if You want a genuine, charming story about finding love & understanding through a culture clash between Indian parents & their Canadian son.

Don't see it if Unless you just don't like memoir stories, there's no reason to miss this.

See it if you enjoy an endearing, delightful encounter between a real life mother and son concerning matchmaking. I highly recommend this show.

Don't see it if you prefer serious drama.

Also I found this show very refreshing. The dialogue was real and the two people are so likeable. You feel like a part of their family, listening in and sympathizing with both mother and son. If you have been to India or know anything about their culture you will especially appreciate this show.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy plays dealing with different cultures and family relationships. Clever writing. Asha Jain, an unprofessional actress, is a gem!

Don't see it if you are not interested in other cultures or family politics. This play is a real gem from Soulpepper! Do Not Miss It!!!!

See it if You like memoir-type shows, cultural POV, touching & humorous chat between generations, anecdotal storytelling. It's a nice evening.

Don't see it if Need lots of staging,have trouble w accents. There's little action & a bit repetitive/slow/long. This is a warm look at tradition v modern.

Also There's a generous glow to this whole experience. You are greeted by Ravi and Asha in the lobby outside the stage and invited to help yourself to samosas and chai tea. There's a great Bollywood soundtrack playing when you enter. Already you like them both and they continue to captivate throughout. My minimal quibble is it feels long by about 15 mins and sometimes it's hard to understand the very charming Asha, whose accent is thick. But really, this works. It's quirky and dear, and if the description intrigues, the show won't disappoint.

Saw this at the Signature Center in July, 2017.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to be entertained by an Indian-Canadian actor and his real-life Indian mom, telling the tale of her attempt to get him married.

Don't see it if You have no interest in Indian culture, moms as ersatz actors, feeling as though you were a guest in their home - or you dislike samosas.

Also A wonderful, but not quite theater experience - greetings by mother and son as we entered a pre-performance party with samosas and chai, being entertained at their "home", almost feeling as if we were a part of the family.... Read more Read less

See it if You have an urge for Indian mother and son humor.

Don't see it if You don't want to feel like you are testing a new ABC TV comedy.

See it if you want to be entertained by a mother/son duo in a documentary style play about arranged marriages. Ravi & Asha are very charming and funny

Don't see it if you think you would be bored listening to a mother and son sitting at a table and discussing personal anecdotes for 90 minutes.

Also This is such a simple play, but it has so much heart. It is a great piece about human connections, family and culture.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy the humor of how 2 different cultures clash between a mother and son. Not really a play but a lot of fun.

Don't see it if You are looking for a straight forward play.

See it if You want to see a play about Indian culture and marriage. You want to laugh and hear great dialogue between a mother and son and marriage.

Don't see it if You are not interested in Indian culture. You do not want to laugh and hear a mother and son talk about cultural issues in the Indian family

Also This was a wonderful night out. It was so nice to meet Ravi and his mother Asha before the performance. They were hilarious. I learned a lot about Indian culture and marriage. I laughed a lot at this performance.... Read more Read less

See it if you like a show that deals with intergenerational family problems in a heart warming funny way, yet provides insights and a happy ending.

Don't see it if you expect a show that deals with human interrelationships in a serious and complex manner that requires challenging interpretation.

See it if Enjoy quirky theater that keeps your interest

Don't see it if Wish for a traditional play

See it if You enjoy a warm, funny and endearing story told by a real mother and son about marriage in the Indian culture.

Don't see it if You need more than storytelling or you are not interested in Indian culture.

Also This play is a delight! Another winning play brought by Soulpepper! The samosas and chai were a wonderful addition.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy generational conflict. Your favorite part of Master of None is Aziz Ansari's real parents.

Don't see it if You want dynamic action. You prefer to watch the story happen rather than watch storytellers.

See it if you want a charming, funny story - warmly told by the two actors who actually experienced their tale. Truly warm, wonderful theater.

Don't see it if you want something big and splashy. This is low-key but incredibly engaging and entertaining. Will make you laugh and see universals.

See it if You get a kick out of sweet, funny mother-son relationships or enjoy cross-cultural storytelling.

Don't see it if You want high drama or the unexpected.

Also Endearing performance by non-actor, real mother who steals the show from her theater-professional son. Very gentle despite the conflict, due to mama's amused, mild, ever-present smile.... Read more Read less

See it if What a happy show! A wonderful play that reveals the commonalities of all cultures and families from one family's point of view.

Don't see it if There is no reason to not see it - Ahsa steals the show!

See it if Mother/son. culture clash generational conflict interests you in ways you never thought of.

Don't see it if Intimate 2-handers bore you.

See it if you enjoy stories about family. This sweet play, written by and staring a mother and son playing themselves, is full of warmth and humor.

Don't see it if you want splashy production values. Or if you aren't interested in family drama and cultural/generational conflict.

Also I'm so glad I got to see this. The actors welcome you when you arrive and tea and samosas are served prior to the show. The show is presented as the mother and son having a conversation at their kitchen table. There is another opportunity to talk to them afterwards.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in an endearing story about a culture clash, cleverly staged as a discussion around a kitchen table, complete with tea.

Don't see it if You don't like family stories, happy endings, or stories about the culture of India, or if sweet and heart-warming stories turn you off.