American Mill No. 2

See it if You're interested in non-traditional multi-media performance; are interested in the labor movement of the 1920s; you like political pieces

Don't see it if You want a traditional play presented traditionally; you don't like plays with music; you don't want to be disturbed by a true story

Also This was a short but compelling piece. It was very ambitious and worked well in some ways and not as well in others.

The story is a disturbing but incredibly important one about the birth of labor unions in the south in the 1920s, focusing on one very young woman who was highly involved and who didn't give speeches but sang at rallies and picket lines.

I'd say I enjoyed it but not because it was light or fun - it made me angry but in a good way. It relates so much to our current political climate and the push against unions - people have forgotten that not even 100 years ago workers (including kids 12 & 13 & younger) worked 12 hour shifts with no breaks.

This show really made all of the points I think it was trying to. Plus the songs were compelling and several actors played instruments during various parts. The cast was quite talented I thought.

It's definitely not for everyone - but if you any interest in labor history or worker's rights I recommend this.... Read more Read less

See it if Ur interested in learning about labour unions and the mills-specificaly in the 1920s deep South. Follows 1 woman's story who was leader/song

Don't see it if Writer. You want the usual play. This combines songs with history and short scenes-but you truly care about these people and their plight.

See it if If you like history and want to learn about mill strike

Don't see it if If you are not a fan for folk and blue grass music

Also This was a beautiful told history lesson on the mill stoke of the late 20s early 30s. It focused on a real women who helped to change labor laws. The songs were beautifully weaved in and the cast was excellent. If you like history and folk music go see this show... Read more Read less

See it if Appreciate good lighting design and interesting ways to involve the audience. The story was fascinating and very informative and educational

Don't see it if You get intimidated by actors speaking to you directly

See it if like stimulating your mind and senses with original singing, staging and media . The show gives you a "wow" mind blow when it is ends.

Don't see it if dislike intense shows that have a strong point of view presented ingeniously

Also I really hope the troupe can obtain a grant so that they can bring the show to schools and libraries.

My date said to me that of all the shows that we have seen, this is the only one she would really like to see again.

At the end of the show I could only shout "encore".

For a wonderful, exciting experience go see it.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in a musical that is not fluff and draws from a powerful true story

Don't see it if "musical" equals "high production value" for you. Also, if you get easily tired of the Southern accent.

Also An interesting venture into more traditional theater by downtown team versed in the experimental theatre: director-writer Gian Marco LoForte wrote this script inspired by oral histories of Southern labor organizers of the 1920s. The subject matter could not be more timely, and dance and modern songs based on traditional tunes do a great job tying the story together. If I have one complaint, it has o do with the sound quality - at the performance I attended the lyrics often were muffled by the poor sound system which made following the story a bit difficult. Still, it's an original and timely piece of musical theater, and boy, this cast can sing and dance.... Read more Read less

See it if you like devised theater, minimalism, folk-americana music, diversely talented actors and resonant stories.

Don't see it if you're not interested in history or educational theater.

See it if You like multimedia concept pieces in which the cast directly engages the audience.

Don't see it if You are uninterested in the history of the labor movement.

See it if you like small-scale, up-close-and-personal theatre, presented passionately

Don't see it if you only like Broadway-style shows, with elaborate sets and costumes, or if you don't like shows that deal with historical/political issues

Also This is a series of vignettes, loaded with factual historical information and performed by a small cast. The show is punctuated with well-performed solos and group singing, accompanied by guitar, mandolin and accordion. There is minimal character development, and no plot, except for the presentation of the sequence of salient events in a textile factory strike in North Carolina in 1929. But for most audience members, it will be a revelation of some American labor history in the last century, which is relevant to the situation of American workers today.... Read more Read less