Fifty Million Frenchmen

See it if I enjoyed this early Cole Porter show, with its clever lyrics and feel-good fun. Impressive small production given just a week of rehearsal.

Don't see it if Some of the singers are much better than others. The story is a cliched “two young men make a bet on a girl” plot set in the 1920's.

Also Some history from the playbill: this show debuted in the fall of 1929 right before the stock market crash. It was a huge Broadway production with almost 100 performers. It features a prosperous middle-class American family from the midwest, vacationing in a nice hotel in Paris for a month. No depression yet...... Read more Read less

See it if you're a Cole Porter fan & curious about this show, you enjoy the York's minimal Mufti stagings, you want to see what can be done in 5 days

Don't see it if you expect a large, fully-staged show or more modern plotting, want elaborate dancing, more than a 3-man combo or the feel of the original

Also This musical dates from 1929 and is noted historically for being Cole Porter's first big hit, after toiling in the business for over 10 years--he genuinely needed this hit and got it. It had over 100 people in the cast, many playing the staff of a hotel in Paris. This is a pared down, adequate adaptation that reflects the the comedy and punch lines of the period but does contain some splendid and familiar Porter songs. But these are early Porter and rarely rise to the wit, wryness and melody of his later scores. So this production is quite different from the original, with only 12 people in the cast and 3 musicians, and as the Mufti overall title indicates, the barest suggestions of costumes (some drawn from the York's collection) and sets, thanks to some effective projections. This adaptation tightens the material, but does leave out some key plot points and a few numbers from the original. But what can be accomplished with 5 days of rehearsal is astonishing... Read more Read less

See it if Silly book draped around early Cole Porter score. Two pianos and a banjo made a nice sound. The male singers were weak.

Don't see it if The show's best song, "You Do Something To Me," was spoiled by feeble singing. It was fun to see and I'm grateful to experience this rarity

See it if you love American musicals and would like to see one of the early ones written by a true master. Or, if you like French-themed pieces --go!

Don't see it if The silly plots of early musicals bore you, or if you don't want to hear beautiful songs from the last century, or if you want more polish.

See it if you want to hear some great Cole Porter songs. I liked the 2 pianos and banjo accompaniment.

Don't see it if you're looking for more than bare-bones staging, as are all Mufti performances. Several singers lacked projection.

See it if you enjoy musicals that make you happy.

Don't see it if you do not enjoy plays where everything turns out perfect.

See it if you want an old fashion feel good musical with songs by Cole Porter and a happy ending.

Don't see it if you want a musical with elaborate stage settings and costumes; this is all about the music.

See it if You really are a Cole Porter fan and interested to see a pretty much never performed piece with some wonderful songs. A few talented singers

Don't see it if You are looking for a musically balanced show with talented performers and full production values.

Also I was so looking forward to this show, but I can’t believe two outstandingly disappointing things: the two pianos and often wasted banjo were way overpowering of the unamplified cast. Three or four had voices that carried, but most did not, despite the lively intimacy of the theatre. Secondly, it is rare that in NYC, a production could not find a male lead, THE male lead, with a solid voice and an ounce or two of charisma. His blandness was extremely obvious. The two thee lead men, though all were earnest, did not seem to have the voices required for their roles. The lovely soprano was...lovely, though not a theatre singer. Other supporting roles were by far the best vocalist of the evening. I applaud the York Theatre for what they do, but after this show, it is doubtful I will return.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to experience a show with classic Cole Porter songs. It's informal and charming with a fun cast.

Don't see it if you need a full production with a big orchestra, sets, costumes, etc. This is focused on the original show and the CP songs.

See it if You like Cole Porter or old time musicals in general. Cozy theaters. Musicals for the music not the special effects.

Don't see it if You are looking for something flashy. Or with a story that is believable. Or great singers.

See it if You are happy

Don't see it if If you are sad