God Save Queen Pam

See it if you want to see a fun musical about an American that becomes the Queen of the UK. Lots of laughs

Don't see it if you're looking for a big production. Minimal sets here but lots of fun

Also I think if this show was cut down to a 90 minute musical, it would flow much better. Right now it drags at times and there are several scenes that don't really add anything to the story (one song about tabloid reporters in particular I would be happy to see dropped). Other than that, it is at a charming older theater in the Village so go have some laughs. The 3 musicians are positioned between the stage and the front row on the left side of the stage. I was in the 2nd row and at times it seemed as if the music was louder than the voices singing.... Read more Read less

See it if you are OK with seeing well-crafted pro-level new musical material being introduced in rather primitive community-theater "trappings"

Don't see it if you can't focus on the witty material and energetic acting well enough to disregard the primitive set/costuming/lighting/venue!

Also If you attend NYMF (NY Musical Festival) workshop readings, then you know what this is all about -- occasionally a gem of a new work appears, well along in its maturity, and it's obvious the creators totally get the musical-theatre genre and can create an original new work that has "legs" and deserves to be given full-production handling. That's what this feels like -- you can't help but be delighted if you work at not being distracted by the primitive "dressing". (Except in this case, there's a special rarity: a single woman did the entire thing on her own: book, lyrics, music, and starring role!) In this case, it's of course well more than a *reading* -- there's a 3-piece band (quite good!) and community-theatre-level set/costuming... but still: it's a primitive production, with an even lower budget than the full NYMF productions. (NOTE: Why this is not being exhibited via NYMF is a question I have - this could *win* the NYMF competition, it's that brilliant.) GO!! ENJOY!!!... Read more Read less

See it if you love small original productions with actors playing several roles with a quirky story and a lot of heart.

Don't see it if you don't enjoy silly musicals.

See it if you like pretty well acted musicals that are light and easy to watch.

Don't see it if you want a full out musical with great voices and production values.

Also Could be condensed to a shorter version. Many very short scenes get tedious after 2 hours.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to laugh and be entertained. The story is well written with the music and timing. You won't be bored.

Don't see it if You simply crave for grand staging. Give it a chance!

See it if If you are into Brit-royalty spoofs this is for you. If you like to root for the plain/not too bright girl to make good-this time as Queen.

Don't see it if You want a big, lavish production. It could be cut down a bit. Have no patience for banter and fluff.

See it if you are in the mood for some fluffy entertainment with a solid sense of humor helped by the comic timing of the lead performer.

Don't see it if you want a musical to tug at your heart strings or that features powerful singing performances.

See it if you like pretty darn good music and very good singing and a funny story packaged in an original, witty little musical

Don't see it if you're too serious, don't laugh easily and want everything to be a broadway mega production

See it if You like quirky alternative style theater. I loved the singing and trio live band playing- very energizing! Original play.

Don't see it if You don't like plays with fantasy plots.

See it if fish out of water comedies about people finding out they are really royalty and then have to fit into their newly discovered role.

Don't see it if you don't like shows like Me & My Girl or movies like the Princess Diaries or characters who discover they are royalty.

See it if love good British manners played off American brashness. This was an entertaining off broadway musical and I quite enjoyed it

Don't see it if you don't love the whole British v. American thing,

See it if you enjoy a light comedy about an unlikely person becoming queen and what results. Some cute songs, not memorable. Nice use of small stage.

Don't see it if you like sophisticated comedy or a big theater. There is no elevator in this small theater so there are steps.

See it if you enjoy silly plays that end happily

Don't see it if you are looking for real drama and a thought provoking play.

See it if It wasn't very good but I had a great time. It was pretty much high school quality but I really did enjoy it. Does that make sense??

Don't see it if You want a polished production. You want good music. The music was really bad. The story actually was pretty good. Better as a play.

See it if It’s a cute show with potential but it needs serious trimming and dances on the edge of “corny”

Don't see it if Remember in the show Friends when the gang had to endure Joey’s off broadway plays? By the end of act 1, it was like watching a Joey show.

See it if high spirited musical tells story of unpolished NJ cocktail waitress made Queen of England; genial/winning performances

Don't see it if predictable plot as King Ralph redux; singing not at high level, tunes meh, lyrics simplistic, 2 pianos/drums accompaniment thin

See it if you want to see a play that is mildly entertaining with a cast that really tries their best. Needs a rewrite and a partial recast.

Don't see it if you want a play is that fully formed. You get the feeling that this is a work in progress.

Also The only difference between this show and my kid's camp play is that my kid isn't in it.... Read more Read less

See it if This is a 2hr plus show that should be 60 min. A slight cuteness doesn’t overcome the underwhelming-ness. Most of the audience left at int.

Don't see it if You want high quality theater or didn’t like the movie King Ralph.... same plot.

See it if If you like a king Ralph theme to music. Some really good songs and some actors were good.

Don't see it if First 50 minutes were good, last 20 of ist act got slow. Second act needs to be reworked.

See it if you know someone in the show and want to support new musicals. Some nice tunes, but flawed premise. Needed more rehearsal and minimalist set

Don't see it if Expecting a polished production. Lots of raw edges to be worked out. Maybe should've been billed as a workshop production?

Also Imho, The show chooses the wrong protagonist. There isn't much endearing about the eponymous Queen Pam. She is irresponsible, selfish, guileless, and even when given the opportunity to rise to the challenge, she refuses to. It's clear from the beginning Pam doesn't want to be Queen, she just wants to be loved.

Ainsley, her private secretary, is a much more dramatically interesting character. She's also the only character that really changes over the course of the musical. While Pam gets a few good tunes ("Once, for Yes" is cute and memorable), Ainsley's character really is who you end up rooting for, yet we only get glimpses of her character's backstory. Recommendation: make Ainsley the lead, focus on her internal struggle between devotion to tradition/duty in backing Pam as Queen and her patriotism in knowing Pam isn't right for the role. Make the final reveal something Pam discovers on her own, and not a secret Ainsley is keeping... Read more Read less

See it if you accept amateurish singing and production values, very silly, non-nuanced farcical script with a cast that puts forth maximum effort.

Don't see it if you expect a "professional" presentation, some nuance in a farce, adequate singing ability and a spoof with consistent laughs.

See it if You want to see an underdeveloped and totally unbelievable musical with some fine cast members and some not so. Good band.

Don't see it if You have reasonable expectations of off broadway musicals. Like they should have some sense of verisimilitude & maybe some production values

See it if Great writing too! And Hilarious! And intelligent! And the songs are poignant and delightful! See it if you enjoy these qualities.

Don't see it if Don't see it if you are a grump and are determined to stay a grump.

See it if You enjoy light musical comedies

Don't see it if you only like serious stuff

See it if You want to see a musical which is not thought provoking, and have an interest in royalty.

Don't see it if You expect a totally professional performance by the actors with elaborate sets.