Cardinal

See it if you want a play that is jam-packed with social ideas but often tries too hard to be "millennial."

Don't see it if you want a drama/quasi-comedy with suspense and characters (except Jason) you might really care about.

See it if If you are interested in social and political issues and even possible solution

Don't see it if Looking for great acting

See it if you feel the pain of gentrification and its effect on communities. Or if you are open to shows with a slightly kooky premise.

Don't see it if expect your theater experiences to be completely believable, or have no patience for an exaggerated premise.

See it if you care about revitalizing small cities and urban development. There are good actors in the cast and some interesting characters.

Don't see it if you expect a coherent story where everything ties together and reaches for a meaningful resolution.

See it if You like Anna Chlumsky

Don't see it if If you don't enjoy watching hyper active people

See it if You are a fan of the actors or want to support new plays

Don't see it if You want to see a well written, exciting or comedic show. It has a little bit of everything with not enough of anything.

Also The whole show felt a little lacking, the actors did a great job with what they had but it was hard to connect with any of the main characters, the story felt a little disappointing.... Read more Read less

See it if you like young talent: the actors are pretty good, while the show is shallow and plain weird.

Don't see it if you are not into slow pieces that remind you of your school productions.

See it if You happen to get low cost tickets and have nothing better to go to, otherwise you will be disappointed spending money to be disappointed.

Don't see it if you have better things to do.

See it if You want to see a somewhat different take on current events and the growing urban/rural divide.

Don't see it if You hate cliches about “Rust Belt” towns; you don’t like convenient plot turns

Also I thought Cardinal was an interesting take on the same issue Whoriskey tackled in directing Sweat. While the characters are written somewhat broadly and borderline stereotypically (arguably crossing the line at points), the supporting actors do a commendable job of bringing depth. Pierce asks a lot of relevant questions and does a fine job of articulating the various complicating factors, but is ultimately unable to say more than what has already been said.... Read more Read less

See it if you live in a dying small town

Don't see it if you don't like cliche characters and a save the town Hallmark movie story line.

See it if You are interested in seeing the millennial transformation of a town in the branding era. Very real and relevant.

Don't see it if You refuse to open your mind to racism underlying communities who fear change.

Also My partner and I really enjoyed this play and don’t agree with the negative reviews. It was refreshing to see a unique plot, great actors, and is so relevant to politicians today who fear change and fear immigrants.... Read more Read less

See it if You like Anna Chulmsky, minimal sets, shows with relevant topics, a story that raises questions and that things don't always go as planned.

Don't see it if You want a story that isn't complicated and strong theme to a play that makes a point.

See it if you are curious how small towns function, and your interested in some messed up relationships

Don't see it if you want something fast passed or overly entertaining

See it if you want to see Anna Chlumsky and Adam Pally.

Don't see it if you want to see an engaging, interesting play.

See it if you're a fan of new plays, director Kate Whoriskey, the actors, or Second Stage Theater. Not much is here otherwise.

Don't see it if you have the option to see a better play. The acting and the direction are great individually, but the writing fails to tie them together.

See it if you like an infinite number of contrived situations. Started to watch the clock after the first 15 minutes

Don't see it if if you don't like contrived situations and exaggerated emotions

See it if very good charachter work from the entire cast

Don't see it if you are not forgiving of a narrative that gets lost. it starts off as a rom com and then gets lost while trying to make a point

See it if You like the author, Greg Pierce, and his previous plays. It's got some interesting writing and good moments.

Don't see it if You have other plays you'd rather see instead; don't make it a priority.

See it if you feel the need to see Anna Chlumsky, Becky Ann Baker and/or Adam Paley even in a bad show.

Don't see it if you like interesting theater.

See it if You want to waste your time and have nothing better to do.

Don't see it if You enjoy acting and thoughtful plays.

See it if you can't settle on what type of show you'd like to see tonight.

Don't see it if you need at least one of those types of shows to be done being written.

See it if You like a clever semi-fantasy about topics in the news.

Don't see it if You want a play with an ending that is reasonable.

See it if You want to see an imaginative younger generation trying to solve problems of urban renewal.

Don't see it if A linear, rather improbable, plot is not for you.

See it if you'd like to see a thoughtful new play with some great talent

Don't see it if you're expecting a comedy based on the actors - this is a drama with comedic elements

See it if I'm not really sure who this play was written for... fans of "My Girl" and "Happy Endings"?

Don't see it if This show lacked originality and was written/produced about 10 years after it could have been refreshing and relevant. Pass on this.