Bella Bella

See it if Smart and funny. One of Fiersteins’s sharpest solo shows. Really enjoyed it. Learned a lot.

Don't see it if You don’t like Harvey Fierstein.

See it if Harvey F is both serious and hilarious, as he does a wonderful job channeling Bella Abzug. I didn't know much about her, but now I do!

Don't see it if You don't like solo bios. You are uninterested in a pioneering Jewish feminist social-justice NY lawyer/politician from the 1970's.

See it if you like Fierstein's trademark style; you want to learn (in a Wiki sort of way) about a prominent figure in 70s NYC politics.

Don't see it if u hope for a serious exploration of a complex woman (who deserves to be remembered as more than just a caricatured hat-wearing wisecracker).

Also Aside from a few poignant moments, such as the solemn, emotional story about Abzug's defense of a wrongly-accused black man in Mississippi, this "portrait" is as much a showcase for Fierstein's campy gimmickry as it is a celebration of a true New York original. It's hard to tell at times when Harvey is channeling Bella and when he's just living out a wholly-created fantasy (such as an incongruous Marlene Dietrich fantasia on the toilet).... Read more Read less

See it if Often humorous & poignant, other times strident & indulgent this "Intro to Abzug 101" works best in its reflective moments Bella's legacy A+

Don't see it if It's not the script's verbosity that fails it; it's two powerhouse talents - Abzug & Fierstein competing for our attention; to close to call

See it if if you're a fan of Fierstein or Bella Abzug, enjoy 1-person shows, want to get some 60's-70's NY history, curious how Harvey plays a woman

Don't see it if you don't like one person plays, not interested in politics or Bella Abzug specifically, don't like males in female roles

See it if You love Harvey Fierstein, are interested in feminist history or want to learn Yiddish. It's a well written play and a fun experience.

Don't see it if you expect to see a Bella impersonation. Harvey is delightful but he's definitely Harvey.

See it if Fierstein, a force of nature like Bella, is a good person to play her; reminds us of how far women have come b/c of Bella

Don't see it if broad caricature of Bella telling a lot of lame Borscht Belt jokes; need dramatic situation or foil 4 Bella to galvanize the play

See it if Great presentation of the passion that was Bella, a force of nature; HF plays the part w/respect/humor/intelligence; involves the audience.

Don't see it if you don't like one man shows or Harvey; you have an issue with a man playing a woman even without changing his physical appearance;

Also Harvey is so warm, funny and sincere I couldn't help but love both him and Bella; great writing.... Read more Read less

See it if Best play I’ve seen at demonstrating how to be a real ally to groups outside your own (Bella for blacks, gays, soldiers; Harvey for women)

Don't see it if uninterested in vanguard change makers. The only right you’ll exercise is the right to indifference.

Also HF says much on behalf of Bella so I’m defending casting/costuming. An important aspect of BB is that it can’t be misconstrued as an amusing tits-n-wigs crossdressing transgression. For many, men acting for a feminist cause is already seen as a mild gender transgression—a self-defeating suspension of their “normal” values. (Oddly, women promoting feminist agendas are often seen as violating gender norms as well.) But if the public only accepts men’s vocal support of women when clad in removable costumes & a shield of irony, it only confirms our worst fears that men’s participation in feminism is somehow insincere/unserious. With his admiring portrait of Bella’s wit & tenacity, HF affirms that women aren’t alone in finding solutions. I’m glad Harvey’s in our corner.

In lesser hands, BB would disastrously play into the unbroken tradition of men telling women how to be women. HF avoids this precisely bc his long career records his commitment to advocacy & inclusion. He’s a pro.... Read more Read less

See it if you like biographical comedies by a master portrayer of LGBTQ personalities and supporters

Don't see it if Shtick and droll humor are not your bag

See it if you want to learn about the amazing Bella Abzug. You love Harvey Fierstein.

Don't see it if you don't want to be preached at by a man "women can control the world if they would just vote for women." I love Harvey, but cast a woman!

Also I appreciate the writing to encourage us to vote. I enjoyed the script, but Harvey didn't do it for me. If you are going to make the point about women and their voting propensity to go with their spouse, it would be so much more effective being told to you by a woman. I love when Harvey writes work for himself, but this piece wasn't for him despite looking like Abzug and having a Bronx accent. Did I forget Harvey was a man as I did when he played Edna Turnblatt? No, not this time.... Read more Read less

See it if Animated monologue to get you to vote, esp. for women! Mostly a history lesson of Abzug's challenges and victories against the patriarchy!

Don't see it if Awkward to watch a man speak as a woman of how white, cis, hetero men and their egos have cause the US/world so much suffering.

Also Diversity: older Jewish man embodies the Jewish NY female senator.
Ticket from TodayTix online rush for $32.50. Seat on the side towards the middle-back.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a history lesson about NY politics in the last century, which encompasses feminism, styles of political thinking, and Bella.

Don't see it if you're not a fan of Harvey or are not interested in politics, especially local. It's a one-man show, so if that's not your thing either...

Also While I was never a fan of Bella, I had a respect for her that endures, and this piece highlights the reasons for that. Let me skate past the woman-issue stuff--enough already. This piece vividly portrays why the finger-in-your-face approach ultimately doesn't work, and ironically, this piece illustrates why someone like Moynihan was so successful, even though the Bella character doesn't get it herself. Many familiar names are woven into the tapestry of this piece, and it's a brave thing for a man to portray a woman when he's not in drag. It's also the first time I saw a lead character make an entrance with back to the audience. Harvey gave us a loving and respectful tribute to Bella last night, and I, who didn't really love her, loved Harvey as her.

This is one of the best things I've seen all year.... Read more Read less

See it if like to be reminded of a political character from the 70s that we'd need to day well researched and performed by Harvey

Don't see it if Wish for more than the highlights of a the career of Bella Abzug - not enough depth

See it if you are are interested in seeing delightful play about a fascinating woman (Bella Abzug) portrayed by a talented actor (Harvey Fierstein).

Don't see it if a story about woman who followed her interests in politics which lead her to run for political office herself doesn't interest you.

Also Despite the fact that Harvey Fierstein's name has become synonymous with drag, this Tony Award winning actor portrays the legendary Bella Abzug completely out of drag. This powerful 90 minute love letter play to the legacy of Bella Abzug is funny, touching, and and quite interesting. And who knew that one RED hat could say so much. It's a must see play this season. Don't miss it!!!... Read more Read less

See it if you're a big fan of Harvey and want to learn more about a legendary female politician.

Don't see it if one person shows where someone just gives facts about their lives aren't for you.

See it if 90 minutes of bravado,humor and great insight.Nig just about Bella,about the challenges faced by women in politics and society.Go Fierstein!

Don't see it if No reason not to see ... even Trump supporters (you may learn something).

See it if You love Harvey Fierstein and everything he does. You are interested in Bella Abzug, Feminism and politics of the 70's. You like monologues

Don't see it if You want a nuanced portrayal of a larger than life activist portrayed by a larger than life actor. Ain't gonna happen.

Also I guess I was expecting more depth and less razzle-dazzle, I should have known better. I kept trying to imagine Harvey Fierstein doing Mark Twain. "So Huck, you want some blintzes maybe?"
My biggest nit was why if you write a play about a major feminist who strove for equal rights for women in politics, in business, everywhere, you have a man portray her. There is a disconnect here.
I think an actress would have made Harvey's portrait just as entertaining but more substantial. Still, if you didn't know about Bella it was a delightful if indulgent introduction.... Read more Read less

See it if you're paying attention to America today. Fierstein holds audience in the palm of his hand as Battling Bella. Brilliant writing/performance

Don't see it if you're a misogynist, racist, homophobe, anti-semite or Republican. Not a drag show. All he needs is her hat and his powerhouse performance

Also Only knowing Bella by name and reputation, I was blown away by her story and chutzpah. Both timely and relevant, Bella Bella shows how little progress we've made since 1976 but inspires us to fight on for equality.
Harvey Fierstein has never been better! Hopefully the show will extend and/or find a house for an open end run.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Harvey Fierstein - even if you didn't particularly like Bella! You enjoy recent history packaged as entertainment.

Don't see it if you don't like Harvey Fierstein and didn't like Bella Abzug or if you don't like one-person shows.

See it if Interested in Bella's charge to Congress &what took place in 1976 Show correlates politics then & now. Much laughter. Harvey does it so well

Don't see it if Don't like Harvey & not interested in politics.

Also Harvey is not in Bella drag At first disappointed but then realized it would have detracted from the show. He is barefoot with red toe polish. Was amazed that none of audience wore Bella-like hats... Read more Read less

See it if you want to know more about Bella Abzug--and you do. See it for a terrifically funny, emotional performance by Harvey Fierstein.

Don't see it if history bores you.

Also It's Bella's words based on her autobiography that Harvey uses to tell about her political life and what is going on in the world at the time. Try to go on a Saturday matinee when they have a talkback. The audience's comments were enlightening.... Read more Read less

See it if You like New York political history, feminist politicians, or Fierstein.

Don't see it if You have problems with the obvious irony of a man playing a women who worked for women's causes.

See it if See it if you wanna see the famous actor writer Harvey. This was a show made from a Wikipedia page. The show did not deliver as theater.

Don't see it if I just did not like that Bella was played by a man. Down with drag just not down with this.

See it if You care about women, you like What the Constitution means to me, you like Harvey Fierstein

Don't see it if You’re not a theatre goer, by far it’s one of the best shows of this season I cannot find any other reasons not to see it

Also Some man writes a play without a female character, some man writes a play for the female.... Read more Read less