The Vineyard Theater presents this new cross-generational comedic drama by Colman Domingo and directed by Tony Award winner Susan Stroman. More…
The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.
See it if you enjoy heart warming family sagas, are happy to see diverse casts, appreciate "coming home again" sagas, want to laugh amid problems
Don't see it if family reunions are not your thing, can't imagine a comedy about Alzheimers, you have mother issues
See it if you've already seen everything else you want to see. It's nice but not worth prioritizing.
Don't see it if you'd be frustrated by the writing fluctuating from insightful to cliched, or the performances ranging from masterful to inconsistent.
See it if you like a "full-bodied" show that's just as heavy on the laughs as it is in meaning. It's funny and sad and deeply moving.
Don't see it if you're looking for fluff.
See it if you want to see a hysterically funny play that is ultimately very moving.
Don't see it if you want to be emotionally moved by a play.
See it if you enjoy hilarious comedy with a serious edge.
Don't see it if family fights during the holidays make you restless.
See it if An American family in all of its complexity deal with Alzheimer.
Don't see it if If looking for a musical. This is a true drama.
See it if Excellent acting, often humorous yet loving portrayal of a family dealing with a mother's Alzheimer's disease. However, ran too long.
Don't see it if You want something light, or don't want to sit for 2 1/2 hours.
See it if You like dysfunctional-family dramas with some comic relief thrown in and have two-plus hours to spare.
Don't see it if You like cogent storytelling.
See it if you want a heavy plot
Don't see it if cannot handle topics such as dementia or homosexuality.
See it if If it ever comes back, and you like really good theater, it's a must.
Don't see it if You can't deal with the subject of Alzhemier's.
See it if you want to see a heartfelt and very well directed comedy drama of family life. It's really a joy to experience the honesty and truth here.
Don't see it if Well..some might say it's a mess, but, so is life and facing hard truths of an aging parent. Too much love and truth? Come on people...
See it if the new normal of stageplays - incorporating diversity, gay identity, & dementia - concocted w humor & brio cracks your code for bracing fun
Don't see it if you crave a dash of true innovation & insight. Act 2 is 2 on the nose & sentimental.
See it if you like to feel things. you like stories of families. you're sensitive.
Don't see it if you're going to complain that you'd rather be watching TV. you're expecting perfection.
See it if You enjoy a entertaining, unusual, family play
Don't see it if You want everything tied up in a neat bundle.
See it if You like good writing and good acting and you are or anticipate dealing with aging parents.
Don't see it if You don't like conflict.
See it if you like to belly laugh and ugly cry at the same time. This is a brilliantly funny and deeply affecting show. I can't stop thinking about it
Don't see it if you aren't up for family drama mixed with (some might argue) slightly over-the-top comedy. Personally, I loved the show.
See it if you want to watch excellent acting or you want to laugh and have your heart torn, sometimes in the same moment. The characters are very real
Don't see it if you like "tight" shows; while I disagree that it should have ended with the piano, I do think there was more in the play than necessary.
See it if A worthy theme but too many sub-plots.Excellent acting by "Dotty" but much of the acting over the top by the other women. Needed editing!
Don't see it if You are unhappy with plays that go on much too long needlessly.
See it if The issue of Alzheimer"s has touched you or you just like good theater
Don't see it if You're prudish about cursing. There is profanity in this play.
See it if you like stories of family relationships. The focus is on alzheimer’s and its impact for all concerned including the patient. Not a downer.
Don't see it if just want comedy. This play has both but the heart of the story is touching.
See it if You enjoy shows centered on family with well-developed characters, and great acting.
Don't see it if You don't want to see another show about aging or family dysfunctions, or don't enjoy the (ever so) slightly cliché.
See it if You want a clever, yet heartbreaking portrayal of a very three-dimensional family. Beautiful, emotional and thematically diverse.
Don't see it if You want something that pushes the boundaries of theatre. It's very worth seeing, but doesn't bring much new to the theatrical cannon.
See it if You love great ensemble acting (although Marjorie Johnson is the show's core), and if you like shows that keep you awake and involved.
Don't see it if No reason.
See it if You want to see a dynamic family drama that can make you laugh or at least smile
Don't see it if You can't stand preachy monologues
See it if you like the subject matter and seeing some good acting , for the most part
Don't see it if you want something that is riveting or simple comedy