Awake

See it if you want a fresh look at 9 masterful 10min plays about current issues. Mostly not black&white but exploring the gray zone, making you think.

Don't see it if you are not interested in current issues our country deals with these days or if you only like 1 long play per night, not 9 short ones.

Also We were absorbed by Awake from start to finish and were sad when it ended! Excellent writing and acting. All actors seem to be deeply involved in their roles making the scenes come alive. Simple but effective staging. Highest recommendations!... Read more Read less

See it if You like vignettes on timely and "PC" issues. A large and talented ensemble. Seeing the director/ playwright in one of the pieces. Stand-

Don't see it if Alone pieces, which are part of a larger theme. This was reminiscent of George C. wolfe's "The Colored Museum". There was slight use of the

Also "N" word, some cussing, race and gender talk, and a beautiful male torso, but, if none of that offends you, this is a must see! Of the 9 vignettes, some stood out more, but, well done. 1 intermission. A God mix of humor and pain. Brava! I'd definitely see again, except maybe a little father back. I was right in the front, basically a cast member.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see controversial issues explored fairly, not giving one-sided opinions

Don't see it if you don't like a series of short plays, preferring a continuous plot line. You don't like shows about controversial topics (they cover alot)

Also The acting is generally very good but a little uneven in spots

See it if You want a somewhat intense show that makes you think about current political and social issues from a number of perspectives.

Don't see it if You want a musical, something light & fluffy, something to escape the current political & social issues, or want a straight play.

Also I enjoyed this show, but it's not a straight play, but a series of vignettes that highlight a number of different political and social issues, which are thought-provoking, without taking a specific side per say. I thought it was relevant and powerful... Read more Read less

See it if you're into challenging vignettes dealing with race, gender, terrorism, & many other current social issues. Very entertaining, if unfocused

Don't see it if you just want a light entertainment or if you prefer a full-fledged narrative to unrelated vignettes. Some resonated more than others.

See it if Dramatically drawing nuanced shades of gray on like 20 current polarizing issues: sex, immigration, school shootings, white supremacy, etc.

Don't see it if Current politics are triggering / annoy you. If you’re already generally aware of the issues, it feels unproductive to feel sad wo solutions

Also Free ticket from Show Score.

See it if you are interested in seeing a series of short scenes about current events that sometimes brings new information to the topics

Don't see it if you don't want to think or be challenged

See it if A powerful play with current life struggles.

Don't see it if If you don’t want to think.

Also For many years, I have seen some of my favorite plays & musicals Off Broadway or Off-Off Broadway. Those shows do not cost an arm or a leg to purchase tickets to enjoy a wonderful evening at the theatre. Certainly, there are some great Broadway productions like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen & The Waverly Gallery and others that are worth the high cost. However, there is an alternative for all of us.

‘Awake’ is a beautifully written and well-acted drama encompassing 9 vignette of daily life struggles. The writer and director, K. Lorrel Manning successfully had us engrossed with topics of the ‘isms’. By the end of this workshop, I was begging for more.

This is a fine example that you do not need to spend $100-$300 or more per ticket on Broadway to see something transforming. Off or Off-Off Broadway is alive and well. Do yourself a favor and go see “Awake” at the TBG Mainstage Theatre, 312 West 36th Street in Manhattan. You are in for a real treat.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to challenge yourself confronting different prospectives of our identity-group separated world and our failure to “get” the “other.

Don't see it if you prefer comedy, single linear plot to many 10 min. one-act plays and solliloqueys, or musical, avoid race/immigration themed/conflict.

See it if Excellent conversation-starter whilst being thoroughly mesmerizing. My brain is totally stimulated and all wired-up now!

Don't see it if You may be inclined to feel guilty and exposed by some twists but that just says about who you are as a person, right?

Also Friend and I have immensely enjoyed this play, definitely one of my favorites. Can’t wait to tell my friends all about this gem. TBG never disappoints... Read more Read less

See it if An important play told in a “you are immediately hooked and can’t look away” manner ! You want a fresh take on contemporary societal issues.

Don't see it if You are looking for a feel good, laugh a minute style show. Don’t see it if you can’t face the very troubling serious issues in our nation !

Also I was unprepared for the stunning brilliance of both the succinct writing and powerful acting on display in this show ! I hope you will see it and that it has a long performance life !... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see 9 excellent thought provoking short plays with good actors talking about relevant things.

Don't see it if You like musicals or very light plays.

See it if You are a caring sensitive person, even if you’re not it may help you and the way you petceive the world we live in.

Don't see it if If you subscribe with hate and racism.

See it if 9 short topical plays, all good! I enjoyed the variety. Insightful writing, good characters/acting, and a bit of mystery in each one.

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy short vignettes with 1 or 2 characters each. You are uninterested in social justice topics.

See it if A real surprise!!! Nine very short plays delve into today's psyche better than any one (1) play that I've seen in a long time. BRAVO!!!

Don't see it if you are looking for something light or do not like to think in the theater.

See it if Nine plays 10 minutes each topics that are complex issues that have two sides, not saying who is right or wrong.

Don't see it if topic terrorism, racism, gay, police. Want a whole story or musical.

Also All of the play were good some standout for me.
My mine favorite:
Carlos, The Protector
Saving Souls... Read more Read less

See it if you like diversity

Don't see it if you dont like short acts

See it if You want to see short acts about relevant issues. Wonderful actors. Well written material.

Don't see it if You are closed minded regarding what continues to happen in the world around us.

See it if You want to see thought provoking play, many current issues that we deal on a daily basis in US,not earth shattering but make you stop&think

Don't see it if You are not into politics, takes offense of racial, homophobic commentary. Barebone theater, small theater is not your thing.

Also What an amazing, refreshing cast. It’s been so long to see such young and very promising actors in one place. (Few outshine the others). They touch so many subjects that are still considered hot topic on news today. (Still nothing changes) terrorism, racism, gay, education, police brutality, discrimination you name it. Some parts might seem cliche but all around it is a good play, not uplifting for sure but if you think about it, you might enjoy and be awake and answer some questions... Read more Read less

See it if well written take on racism, hate, police brutality, immigration and gun violence from unique, thoughtful, moving and challenging angles.

Don't see it if you care little about these issues, or want a standard play. Though, if you don't see it, you will be missing a pivotal production.

Also Some of the best writing I've seen in a long time, by K. Lorrel Manning, who also directs. At least three of these could be expanded into a full play, which I would eagerly pay to see.

These viewpoints are pivotal to the ways in which we should be presenting and discussing the topics covered within. It puts human faces, the details, and impact statements front and center, and leaves out the "expert" commentary or opinionated lectures.

I can only think of one vignette that was clearly one-sided, and even then, it had you thinking what you would do, or what you may have failed to do, in a similar situation.

That is the beauty of Awake! It challenges you to look at charged issues through a slightly different lense and makes you question the stances you take, or politically correct viewpoints you preach, without actually knowing the specifics or the people involved.

The play about the school paper gave everything Labute's Fourth Reich failed at, and spared the hate.

Great show.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy thought provoking plays with relevant, racial and political undertones as well as seeing good acting.

Don't see it if You really only want to be entertained without being stretched and broaden at the same time or like musicals better

See it if 15 actors sit on the side of the stage as 9 short plays unfold on a minimal set. Racism, homophobia, immigration and other hot-button issues

Don't see it if Terrific young actors including Trey Santiago-Hudson, son of Ruben, in an auspicious off-Bway debut with lots of charisma and riveting eyes.

See it if You enjoy reality in your face, the truth about racism of all kinds in our society. Disturbing yet some times uplifting.

Don't see it if YOu can't handle seeing art imitate reality about the ugly parts of human nature. Or if you don't like vignettes.

See it if You appreciate great writing and acting that challenges our prejudices in an intimate setting

Don't see it if You want something light and easy with a big fancy production

See it if your interested in new ways to deliver an overall plot into a cohesive presentation of challenging contemporary issues

Don't see it if you prefer comedy or a play with a single linear plot to multiple one-act plays and soliloquies.