How to Be an American

See it if you're interested in 1905 politics (w/ its 2016 echoes). HTBA wants us to like AND loath politicians; tough balancing act. Some good songs.

Don't see it if you have other options. The concept doesn't really work and the messages are muddled. The actors work hard and do fine. I liked my flag.

See it if it has good intentions but the comparison to today's politics albeit timely and real is still misconceived.

Don't see it if You don't want to sit through a work in progress or don't care for audience participation sketches.

See it if you feel patriotic yet cynical, enjoy satire with strong NYC history, enjoy some strong male voices but not crazy shenigans

Don't see it if You don't enjoy scores composed of patriotic songs used to uphold the tyranny of Tammany Hall, or readings with scripts of musicals

See it if You enjoy being one of the first to see an original musical. You enjoy shows with a historical and political theme + audience participation.

Don't see it if You only enjoy very polished, perfect productions. This show is a work in progress. You don't like shows that break the fourth wall.

Also I saw the 3rd performance of this brand new unusual style musical today. The audience participation aspect of the show does not, in my opinion, fit seamlessly into the story. However during the talk back the audience was told that the cast and director have been changing and increasing the amount of the separate inclusions of interaction with the audience. I am not sure that the idea of breaking the 4th wall works throughout but I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt since this is very much a work in progress. I found some of the dialogue very dry and a bit monotonous; possibly because one character has most of the lines. But with my criticisms I think this work has merit and will be watching its trajectory with interest.... Read more Read less

See it if A musical paean to Tammany Hall. Forgettable.

Don't see it if See the anti-Tammany musical, Fiorello, instead

See it if You like singing and political issues. I enjoyed the singing. They sounded great together. Entertaining and funny. Keep an open mind.

Don't see it if You can't laugh at political issues and the state of political affairs. Can't handle the political truth.

See it if like me, you thought Tammany was an Irish politician, and if you love learning about the history of our great city. Also, George M. Cohan!

Don't see it if You don't have patience for something engaging and charming, and makes you feel so good at the end. Or, if you're done with politics.

See it if The 2016 election has importance. An entertaining intelligent slyly relevant well executed & performed reveal of our present thru our NYpast

Don't see it if You don't like politics, history, electioneering (past or present) or well-executed & performed political campaign songs from the 1900's.

Also Slight of hand time travel sets up an easing into the gentlest bit of participatory theatre which makes the audience a fifth, very present, active and at times eager character. And in some ways, the most important.

There, in 1905, as immigrants herded into a Tammany Hall wigwam, a shiny American Dream success promised in exchange for a vote for, and participation in, a system of unsuspected corruption & greed; here in 2016, to be educated & reminded that not much has changed in the years since in our politics except, perhaps, the art of the deal.

The actors, still on book for this short run, are excellent, inhabiting their roles with deceptive ease & charming credibility — and great musicality, breathing life into the period songs with great vocal arrangements & harmonies.

The direction was both tight & fluid, a delicate, successful balance encouraging an apt spontaneity. Lastly a quiet authority in the script, based on actual campaign speeches, subtly draws all to the present.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to learn about politics in the early 20th century.

Don't see it if you are offended by rampant cultural stereotypes, or if you are bored by a show completely made up of political proselytizing.

See it if you like politically relevant subject matter. Unfortunately, like a one-joke show, the theme tires out quickly.

Don't see it if you want fully developed play. This is a first time showing that needs work.

See it if someone over 80 years old

Don't see it if You are easily bored

See it if You like history. Some fun songs.

Don't see it if You don't know anything about history. Writing has its ups and downs

See it if you like boring musicals that use uninteresting songs from the early 1900s...and you enjoy awkward, ineffective audience participation.

Don't see it if you want something creative, clever, and absorbing.

See it if If you enjoy shows that the audience is member of the cast. This show is about a Tammany Hall meeting and we the audience are in attendance

Don't see it if If you only enjoy tight-fitted, well-rehearsed big shows. The cast is on book and only performing for 10 days.

See it if you would like to know more about Tammany Hall!

Don't see it if you are tired of the political arena.

See it if You like audience interaction. Light-hearted political revue.

Don't see it if You like your political analogies to be more insightful. You don't like audience participation.

See it if You want to see how little has changed in political campaign; are curious about Tammany Hall; don't mind works in progress.

Don't see it if You expect: that a musical will focus on the music; a coherent concept; polished performances.

Also A big part of the message is that Tammany, which history associates with corruption, wasn't all bad. It was very pro-immigrant (for its own corrupt purposes) at a time that the establishment wasn't (sound familiar?). But the opposition to Tammy is portrayed cartoonishly as evil, when just like Tammany it wasn't all bad (its position on immigration notwithstanding). Last, to call this a musical review is a bit of false advertising. The music isn't central to the story or production, and isn't close to professionally arranged or performed. The actors are quite enthusiastic, but this production just isn't ready.... Read more Read less

See it if You're curious about Tammany Hall and prefer viewing this show to Googling it. You want to hear rare turn of the 20th century music.

Don't see it if You prefer showy choreography, hummable music and lyrics. Prefer to leave your history lessons for the books... or internet...

See it if You are a lover of Political History, and you don't mind seeing a Donald Trump-like character from over a Century ago.

Don't see it if You think that all politicians are truthful. You don't mind seeing a show that is a watered down production. You don't like sing-a-longs.

See it if You are interested in history with particular emphasis on government

Don't see it if You are interested in flashy productions with exciting plots.

Also The talk back provided extra nuances that added to the show. Perhaps if more of that background was provided in the intro to prepare the mindset for the setting in 1905, it may help clarify the message. The writers have much knowledge of the era to share with the audience, perhaps increase the opportunity to add it to the production?... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in American history, and early 20th century politics, enjoy songs of that era.

Don't see it if You don't want to be a bit bored at times.

Also Not the worst show, entertaining, but nothing special

See it if You care about politics/Election ; love American period music; love being up-close and intimate with terrific actor/singers; Like Americana

Don't see it if You only like serious work, don't like music, don't like charming wit, hate satire, don't want to have a fun evening, hate male ensembles

Also This is a terrific pastiche, perfect for this election period and has great performers, particularly the lead, Tim Jerome! Makes for a charming, fun evening! Typical, wonderful York Theatre production with minimal sets and props, but great actors, up-close & personal!... Read more Read less

See it if Tammany Hall antics integrated with period music. Entertaining and quirky, with good performances

Don't see it if You prefer big stage productions

See it if You enjoy history and learning.

Don't see it if You are looking for a huge big time musical.

See it if you appreciate clever jibes at Tammany Hall politics and great singing from an enthusiastic cast.

Don't see it if you prefer shows with a large cast and extravagant sets.