Gently Down the Stream

See it if you like livingroom drama-dies about (male) gay lives, past and present. Some moving moments, but the action mostly feels artificial.

Don't see it if you want sophisticated structure. GDS cheats, using monologues of "video" sessions and a toast. And it doesn't miss the baby trick (awwww).

Also Harvey F's voice is more gravel-ly than ever and his accent comes and goes. Still, all the actors are likable. Derek MacLane's set is terrific.

Although I felt like the play was a bit easy (not a lot of revelations), I also was touched by it.... Read more Read less

See it if I appreciated the work as a whole. Performances were absorbing. That said, it was slow. Listening to Harvey's voice for 100 minute is TOUGH.

Don't see it if Gay-themed shows bother you. Shows with heavy monologues bother you. Harvey Fierstein bothers you.

See it if You are a fan of Harvey Fierstein. Very nice, realistic set.

Don't see it if You are not a fan of Harvey Fierstein.

See it if You're a Harvey Fierstein fan as he really carries the show. Poignant drama - what do you do when a man proposes to you, etc?

Don't see it if You can't listen very closely as some monologues can be confusing & lengthy.

See it if you want to see a riveting Harvey when performing his well crafted monologues; you're interested in gay history and a glimpse into the past.

Don't see it if you want all three characters to be as well defined and well written as that of the main character; you enjoy a play with a sense of drama.

See it if You want a thought provoking play dealing with the history of the gay movement.

Don't see it if You don't want to see another play about the history of the gay movement.

See it if You want to see Harvey Fierstein live, being awesome. A solid story with a real heart and awesome set.

Don't see it if You need things to move quickly. It's a gentle trek down the stream and you have to enjoy the view.

See it if you enjoy yet another show about the problems of gay men of a certain age and their young lovers; the only reason 2 C this show is Harvey.

Don't see it if you can't stand Fierstein's scratchy voice doing a passable New Orleans accent; you are bored to death of gay issues.

Also Although I enjoyed this show, it was old hat an a bit tedious. The set was gorgeous.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy stories of non traditional families & love Harvey. He's especially wonderful & subtle here. The rest of the cast is also stellar.

Don't see it if you're bothered by homosexual themes and you're expecting a tidy happy ending. I saw it early in previews - I expect it to tighten up a bit.

See it if I enjoyed this show, and I liked its message - that gay peoples' lives were often tragic on times past, but are not so now. Positive.

Don't see it if Harvey Fierstein's voice can be grating. It took awhile to make its point.

See it if A "History of the Gay Man in the Latter Part of the 20th Century" is fascinating to you. Harvey Fierstein excels.

Don't see it if the mysterious fact that the lead character is like Zelig or Gump, injected in every gay crisis annoys you

See it if you are interested in the gay rights history and to see excellent performances from Gabriel Ebert and Harvey.

Don't see it if you would rather get the message by seeing the characters evolve and interact rather than being preached at.

See it if Wonderful essay on the clash of generations in the evolution of gay acceptance. Beau cannot escape the anger & hurt of his experiences in...

Don't see it if ...the 50's-90's, young Rufus only knows today's acceptance. Best Harvey Fierstein ever in remarkable monologue sections. Really special.

See it if you want to see a moving story of a gay couples relationship over a number of years. Harvey Fierstein's character's past is heart breaking.

Don't see it if would like a comedy. Don't like gay themes.

See it if Want to see Harvey on stage

Don't see it if Want more substance. The monologues were distracting.

See it if You want to be challenged , entertained , and educated at the same time by the impeccable Harvey Fierstein

Don't see it if You want to avoid thinking about LGBT issues

See it if you enjoy a moving piece of theater.

Don't see it if aren't comfortable with allowing people to be themselves - faults and all.

Also BRAVO to Martin Sherman for a BEAUTIFULLY written play. BRAVO to Harvey Fierstein, Gilbert Ebert and Christopher Sears for BRILLIANTLY bringing to life these characters who inhabit the world of Martin Sherman's play. BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO to Harvey Fierstein for delivering - CONSISTENTANTLY throughout the play- these heart-wrenching monologues with their very NECESSARY emotion gut punches. It was a one POWERFUL moment after another and I LOVED every minute of it. Harvey Fierstein, where the hell have you been hiding all these years? We need more stage actors of your talent caliber working in the theater once again.... Read more Read less

See it if You love Harvey. Are interested in gay history told frpm a personal perspective.

Don't see it if Are offended by gay storylines. You don't like storytelling wrapped in a love story.

Also This show grew on me through the hour and forty minutes. The wedding scene is surprisingly touching. Hang in for that and the baby!... Read more Read less

See it if you've any interest in the history of gay life in America, or just want to see two people change together in love over time.

Don't see it if a mostly solemn (and sweet) play that leapfrogs through time and doesn't rely on happy endings isn't your cuppa tea.

Also Although Fierstein's monologues were the most powerful, I found the depictions of aging, of getting to know someone, of casual tics you pick up with a partner to be the most memorable.

A poignant take on aging, but ultimately an uplifting one, even if the act of getting older isn't pleasant, nor is the past.... Read more Read less

See it if Harvey Fierstein. Truth.

Don't see it if Prudish and insensitive to the personal lives of others.

See it if 4 wonderful ensemble exploring gay history in beautifully staged and well acted intimate production ; Fierstein shines in dreamlike monologu

Don't see it if You are uncomfortable with long monologue rather than pure theatrical explication - and gay intimacy

See it if you are a fan of Harvey Fierstein and/or you enjoy a heartfelt, moving story.

Don't see it if are not in to plays, drama or are looking for a lighthearted time at the theater.

See it if you love Harvey Fierstein; you like plays involving gay men; you like plays that deal with past problems of the gay community

Don't see it if you don't like Harvey Fierstein - you must like him or you will not like the play; you need a play that zips right along

See it if you're interested in gay history or are a Harvey Fierstein fan. One forgets what a versatile talent he is. The entire cast is superb.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy laughing and crying in the same production or are completely turned off by plays about gay men. Otherwise, it's beautiful.

See it if for a moving & important look back at gay history via a touching (if not fully realized) relationship. And any chance you get to see Harvey!

Don't see it if you dislike monologues - there are many - or want something frothy and light. it's quite funny, but very serious too.