Eco Village

See it if You're up for a good looking production, well paced and clever if ultimately unresolved, in the end rather fantastic story

Don't see it if You can't deal with themes involving hippies, idealism, communal Utopian living, lesbians, free sex, drugs, orgies or young adults.

Also Two things right up front: 1) this is a clever, constantly moving, well-written and funny if uneven script, inventively directed and given life to yet almost undermined by the young, game, likable cast that — in spite of miking — still managed to somehow be inaudible. No excuses, all round.

2) There was no warning listed anywhere for the clever if long, at times excessive, use of strobe lights at the story's climax; some people have, or could have issues with that and it's unusual for the production to not legally cover its rear.

That said, everything fits in with the youthful aspects of the evening, both conceptual and literal, and there's some good work here. Direction, set, lights and sound stand out, as do Lily Davis and Pearl Rhein, whose choices flesh out their roles believably and substantially.

The script of Eco Village, like its namesake commune, could use a little more plumbing, more work, and a more solid endgame, but it's a great start for a modern cautionary tale.... Read more Read less

See it if You are curious about life off the cultural grid

Don't see it if You like theater with a point. In this case what the main character derives from her experience is inconsistent with the experience itself.

See it if you would enjoy a look at a young people's commune in today's "green" society. Some good points made/explored on a fantastic set.

Don't see it if you expect to hear every word - actors talk in all directions and I missed a lot. Immature audience reactions made it difficult to enjoy.

See it if You can be entertained with a unique script, even if it’s flawed. Too many eye roll moments to be forgiven but not a bad effort.

Don't see it if You expect perfection. This is definitely a work in progress but there are a few things worth seeing here and the playwright has promise.

See it if you appreciate realistic, contemporary but timeless drama examining complexity and difficulty of relationships/adult identity development.

Don't see it if you limit live entertainment to large cast musicals, comedies, or light uncontroversial themes or cannot sit or focus for 90 minutes.

Also In my opinion, thematically unique, thought and conversation provoking plays like this one deserve more audience time and financial investment than Broadway shows pandering to the average intellect mainstream public.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see 6 distinct and well-acted characters in a compelling story. Everything about this one works.

Don't see it if There's some violence in it, though nothing nothing gratuitous. And there's some strobe effects that could be a bit much for some.

See it if you like love stories

Don't see it if you like lesbian themes

See it if Like the idea of a show that explores, whst happens, when you run off to join a non conformist community.

Don't see it if If you are offended, by people taking advantage, of those people Looking for something to hold on to, like a reak Family.

See it if You enjoy a nonconformist story and good acting regarding people trying to leave society but do they really?!

Don't see it if You like more conventional plots. The ending was a bit far reaching and unsatisfying

See it if You want to affirm that there's no escaping sex and jealousy.

Don't see it if You already know that sex and jealousy are part of life.

See it if you are interested in young adults issues and relationships or enjoy a bit of mystery and suspense with some twists.

Don't see it if you are sensitive to open sex relationships, drug use and their consequences or if you prefer more mature characters and intricate plots.

See it if You enjoy a fun show with interesting well played characters exploring why people who leave society can’t really leave it.

Don't see it if You mind a narration that seems pasted on due to problems with plot development and an ending that is a bit farcical and unsatisfying.

See it if you enjoy the hippie/dirty kid life. You like seeing utopias fall.

Don't see it if you don't like queer experiences. You hate hippies.

Also First of all, the set and lighting is incredible! They've created a beautiful world that I'm still thinking about over 24 hours later.
But the story itself is not the best. It's almost good. Probably about 80% there. The characters aren't fully fleshed out. The lead girl, while good, is way to clean and innocent to be a dirty kid. Very few of the characters have any kind of arc throughout the show. Parts of it were incredible, but I found myself drifting off. From the dinner drug-orgy on, it was a great show. They've got a few more days before opening. I hope they can pull it together. If they can get it right, this will be a fantastic story of idealism corrupted.... Read more Read less

See it if You like family drama comprised of the families you create. You want to see some young, talented, raw performers.

Don't see it if You’re looking for polished writing, directing, and acting. This show has some great, funny moments, but the writing overall is predictable.

See it if If you like quirky plays without any purpose. The acting wS good but the play itself needs a re-write.

Don't see it if You plan to take a minor because of unnecessary sex scene. Don’t go if you wNt ti see a well written and thought provoking play. Flop.

See it if you’d like to visit a contemporary hippie commune, 50 years on.

Don't see it if strobe lights bother you: only 1 scene has them, but they are intense.

Also Just before the climactic scene of this jumble of a play, “ECO VILLAGE,” Robin, whose story this is, turns to the audience to soliloquize about how “life is good.” We who’ve seen how dysfunctional & unrelentingly unpleasant life is in ECO VILLAGE, a borderline abusive hippie commune 50 years after their heyday, have to shake our heads in disbelief at Robin’s words. I am not sure what play this speech has flown in from, but it does not explain what we have seen so far. Robin in particular has been shabbily treated by just about everyone else. And after Robin’s monolog, that’s when things really get ugly. Not even the sex, the drugs or the kleptomania are able to save this one.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a great stage set only to be followed by childishly written and over acted play.

Don't see it if you are looking for a play that should make you think but just doesn't.