Call Me Madam

See it if you want an escape. Entertaining Encores! Fun choreog/gr voices (incldg Cusack who hits notes, unlike Merman). Gr costumes. RandyR is wasted

Don't see it if you want substance. CMM is pure fun, w/memorable melodies. Needs cuts. Broad humor. Some lyrics get lost. Gr orchestra. Gotay/Worsham shine.

See it if you like Berlin's music and Great Singing. There are some very cute and catchy tunes. Terrific choreography​.

Don't see it if you want to see a comedy with a bare minimum of story tension. There is practically none in the entire show. Feels more like reading a diary

Also Even though the music is good, it really does nothing to either further or to create a plot. At any point you can stop watching and have very little to be curious about what will happen next. Bland.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy beautiful singing. The cast is great and the songs and the orchestra sound wonderful

Don't see it if You dislike slower shows with little action or excitement. The songs are pretty but most don't further the plot

See it if You like old style Broadway Musicals...with lots of fluff under furl, forbidden love and happy endings.

Don't see it if You want more than a fluffy good time. This is a fun old musical filled with fun moments done with a lot of fun actors seemingly having fun.

Also Keep your eye out for Jason Gotay who played the part of the assistant, Kenneth Gibson. In my opinion he was the star of the show.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd enjoy a jaunty, passé, old-fashioned Irving Berlin musical, staged with reverence & style by NYCC.

Don't see it if ur avoiding political(ish) theater, even if it strays about as far from our present political drama as possible; u hope to see Cusack shine.

Also Carmen Cusack, although wildly talented (and the sole reason I went to see this show), just does not have the "diva gene" that's required for this over-the-top musical -- best known, perhaps for Ethel Merman's only Tony win -- full of 11 o'clock numbers and outsized characters, not least of which is Cusack's Sally Adams.... Read more Read less

See it if Though very much of its era, quite tuneful & enjoyable Jones' choreo takes top honors while young lovers Gotay & Worsham charm us throughout

Don't see it if Cusack's Sally doesn't have the vocal power needed tho makes for a sexy Madam Political plot line is contrived w/ lame topical references

See it if Encores can do no wrong. Much talent gets to shine Sound system so improved. Male trio got to me. Dancing brings back memories

Don't see it if Seat location matters much. No Ethel Merman I prefer the first production of Call Me Madam by Encores..

See it if you want to see some warm, wonderful performances, especially from Carmen Cusack and Lauren Worsham.

Don't see it if you've already seen any other show from this era. It follows the formula for the plot points of a love story but it doesn't have any stakes.

See it if charming Irving Berlin score w several classic tunes/e.g., Lovely Day Today; normal Encores superb dancing and orchestra

Don't see it if thin silly plot; big hole in cast: Carmen Cusack tho engaging as lead does not have the voice or the “brass” to carry the show

See it if you enjoy a pleasant, silly, romantic musical. Beautiful costumes evoking the 1950s. Singing was excellent. Jason Gotay impressive.

Don't see it if you want a relevant show that makes sense. Not the best Encores! show, but still fun. A bit too long.

Also I try to see all the Encores! shows. My favorites recently have been Kiss Me Kate, Me and My Girl, Big River... I'm sure if I'd seen Brigadoon I'd have loved that too. This, however, was not at all in that league. Carol Kane was a lot of fun in a tiny part. Too bad she didn't have a bigger role. Note: Two days later still humming a few of the tunes. Very catchy songs!... Read more Read less

See it if Want to see a classic with refreshing update to a point.

Don't see it if If you hate musical and no interest in classic theater.

Also Encore refresh older shows and brings them to live again so you see great theater and if you love musicals, or like Irving Berlin work .... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a funny musical by Irving Berlin. A little dated but still relevant talk of politics. Some very wonderful music. Nice costumes.

Don't see it if you only like modern musicals.

Also Encores did a nice job with this musical and it was very well cast.

See it if You love Berlin’s music and his musicals staged. You are ready for an old fashioned musical in which you can actually hear the lyrics !

Don't see it if If you are looking for action in a super fast paced show this is not that style show ! It is though very lovely and typical of its era.

See it if you want to see a second-rate production of a third-rate musical.

Don't see it if you saw the previous revival with Tyne Daly. This one pales in comparison.

Also Why Encores! decided to revive this musical for the second time baffles me. It is a cub-par Irving Berlin show. It is missing a larger-than-life leading actress and a good, solid director.... Read more Read less

See it if Golden Age musical brought to life. Carmen Cusack is wonderful. Jason Gotay is charming and in great voice. Denis Jones choreography lovely

Don't see it if Old fashioned sparkle shines through book that creaks - though resonant to current themes of cronyism and democracy. Many songs we cherish .

See it if you like old musicals.This one has only 1-2 songs that you might know.Plot is predictable.Performances are wonderful.Choreo is amazing.

Don't see it if you are looking for something challenging.This one is dated, but has some fun things to say about politics.Singing is out of sight!

See it if you enjoy politically referenced stories albeit a bit dated. some solid supporting roles

Don't see it if well sculpted interesting shows that entertain and come to a point

See it if a fan of old fashioned musical comedies. Cusack tho no Merman (few are)gives a thoroughly professional, well sung performance. Gotay super.

Don't see it if you expect all the comedic bits to land. Some do, many don't.

Also Overall, an enjoyable evening if you don't expect too much.

See it if You like musicals. Costumes, choreography, singing ..all good. Orchestra great. Encores puts on good shows; bigger than most bdwy musicals

Don't see it if If you want a modern up-to-date musical; this is corny and silly.

Also The music is good, you will recognize some of the wonderful songs. The downfall is the book. It is a fun and enjoyable evening, but far from great.... Read more Read less

See it if a fan of Carmen Cusack and/or plucky 1940s-‘50s shows where women are a bit dumb yet sassy; you can overlook imperfect work for great music.

Don't see it if you dislike datedness; seek something more risqué or glamorous; or don’t want to sit through about 2.5 hours of fluff, with an intermission.

Also I felt underwhelmed by Call Me Madam, but not by the talent upon the stage—from the main actors to the ensemble to the magnificent orchestra that is the lifeline and heartbeat of the show. Before CMM began, the company’s Director gave an overview of the 75th Anniversary, explaining “why this show.” The political undertones (and overtones) feel timelessly applicable. But CMM feels clichéd, misogynistic, and even offensive to foreigners who always seem—in works of this era—to become caricatures and buffoons. Of course, Americans are poked fun of, too, which is fine; and there does grow between America and the fictional Lichtenberg at least a couple of romances (because love is stronger than politics). But we’ve seen it all before, anticipated it all from start to finish. Carmen Cusack and Jason Gotay could be showing their skills on Broadway rather than here. Ben Davis could also do with more fanfare in a juicier role. Still, I’m glad I saw Call Me Madam: enjoyable, even if mindless.... Read more Read less

See it if It is closed.

Don't see it if In today’s climate where politics are crazy, this old fluffy romp seems perticularly shallow. Dated and silly.

See it if Socialite becomes an ambassador but doesn't know foreign policy. Fun dance scenes to elegant music and cute predictable budding love stories

Don't see it if Light on plot, didn't feel relevant to today, romantic American nostalgia (if you're white, glamorous, and rich), uses European stereotypes

Also Ticket from box office for $35.

See it if you're looking for an old-fashioned musical. Thin plot, some lovely songs and dances, and a happy ending. Great costumes.

Don't see it if you want fast-moving action. However, the Berlin score is well-served by the talented cast.

See it if you want old-fashioned musical with lovely tunes and light, amusing tale. Great choice (again) for Encores. Gotay & Worsham esp. good.

Don't see it if You want something new or edgy - or you want lead w/powerhouse singing. Cusack's voice lovely for some scores, but not for belting Berlin.

See it if You like old musicals and are ready to take this in as a piece in its time.

Don't see it if You aren't ready to roll your eyes a little at the sexism of this show.

Also I once met the US Ambassador to Liechtenburg, and the portrait isn't that far off. Except he was a man.... Read more Read less