How to Be an American NYC Reviews and Tickets

67%

(37 Ratings)

Positive

49%

Mixed

43%

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Relevant, Great singing, Disappointing, Funny

About the Show

The York Theatre Company presents a turn-of-the-20th-century political cabaret featuring classic American songs. Presented as a staged concert reading as part of its New2NY Series.

Based on the book 'Plunkitt of Tammany Hall: A Series of Very Plain Talks on Very Practical Politics,' this new musical consists of tunes from the early 20th century American songbook. The year is 1905, one week before the next election in New York City. Tammany Hall politician George Washington Plunkitt has gathered a group of new immigrants for the purpose of educating them on the subtleties of the American political system. Directed by Bill Castellino, who helmed York's hit musical 'Cagney.'

Show-Score Member Reviews (37)

Clever, Great singing, Original, Interesting, Funny

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. Read more

Absorbing, Entertaining, Great singing, Relevant, Ambitious

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.

Thought-provoking, Relevant, Original, Entertaining, Great writing

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.

Generally amusing, Cliched, Tedious, Good singing

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.

Great acting, Funny, Confusing

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

Ambitious, Cliched, Quirky, Original, Slow

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...

Amateurish script, baffling choice of songs

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

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

Slow, Thought-provoking

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.

Critic Reviews (3)

Trailer

Creative team

George Washington Plunkitt