"I Spy A Spy" is a wacky musical comedy about immigration, unexpected romance, espionage, and the best chicken-tikka pizza in NYC. More…
From the show:
In a “melting pot” neighborhood in Hell’s Kitchen, José Rodriguez, an undocumented Mexican delivery guy has an American Dream – to become “a someone”. Alina Orlova, a beautiful but inept Russian spy, also has an American dream – to save the family’s “Fluff N’ Fold". Speeding through one hilariously preposterous plot twist after another, José and Alina embark on a wild adventure to fulfill their destinies – and live the American Dream!
I Spy A Spy is a wacky comedy of immigration, unexpected romance, espionage, and the best chicken-tikka pizza in NYC. It takes us on a musical rollercoaster ride (on which our duo encounters Mexican Thugs, Russian spies, a Pakistani pizza proprietor, a Korean deli owner, and the Department of Homeland Security!), while lovingly examining the power of the American Dream, the challenges we all face, and the universal love for “home”!
See it if you love all musicals. Some good performances, given weak material. Nothing makes sense, even in this created world. Tone varies wildly.
Don't see it if you want a coherent, meaningful story. Also, if you want strg music/lyrics. How did the show get this far w/o a decent book? Clever set.
See it if Songs 85, book 65. I enjoyed every one of the songs. Lots of humor with strong vocals. The big Russian number was a hoot. Left w/a smile.
Don't see it if The story and characters are a mess. The show is a rom-com farce w/two immigrant couples finding their way, but it makes no sense.
Also Comp tix if you show up at the door this last week near showtime & ask... Read more Read less
See it if u want a goofy, innocuous comedy about immigrant life in NYC with some catchy songs, an endless series of madcap plots & a touch of gravity.
Don't see it if you expect a meaningful, fully-realized musical about immigration & acceptance; you hope for a coherent caper; you appreciate subtlety.
Also Stereotypes abound, confounding plot points proliferate, the overstuff... Read more Read less
See it if you are looking for a charming performance with some complex themes, amusing plot devices & excellent songs.
Don't see it if you want something deeply meaningful. This is clever but covers too much so is thin.
See it if Modern inclusive original NYC immigrant Russian-spy caper musical from another era. Very large cast.
Don't see it if For fear of its own topicality and to offending anyone -- all points and rough edges are sanded down to a dull finish.
Also Amplified mics & humour are telegraphed past the audience & down the l... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy a very funny show with wonderful lyrics and very strange story which actually works. Very relevant to our times. Great staging.
Don't see it if you like a traditional comedy or drama. This show's plot is all over the place but is fantastically funny.
Also Very talented cast and great singing. This venue has a lot of steps. I... Read more Read less
See it if The lead lady is a great singer.
Don't see it if Rest of cast is amateurish & one-dimensional. Plot ridiculous & hard to follow. Way too long at 2 hrs 20 min. Closing over a month early!!
See it if enjoy complicated comedies re exchanging social places. You’ve clocked time in a paper hat industry. Affectionate ode to immigrant life/work
Don't see it if you expect ppl who deliver meals, drive cabs, clean facilities, & run local restaurants to sing only about how miserable they are
Also This is light and Summer-y but with a fantastic cast. Sort of hokey, b... Read more Read less
See it if You like stories about immigrants in NY, if you like well sung new songs and NY character portrayals.
Don't see it if You are not interested in immigrant stories or dislike the stereotyping of NY residents, or if you prefer a serious show.
See it if you don’t mind an underdeveloped, disjointed musical about the American Dream, NYC as Melting Pot, and Russian Spies that's awkward yet fun.
Don't see it if you need super-clever writing, can’t stand hackneyed lyrics/rhyme, or need a set-design with “wow” factor. What “wows” here? The voices.
Also I Spy a Spy feels forced, absurd, predictable: a bad parody of a spy t... Read more Read less
See it if you want sweet off-Bway musical by hardworking, talented cast with good voices. Clever and simple sets, visually appealing.
Don't see it if Anodyne music; occasionally clever lyrics. Show TOO LONG: should be 60-75min show - NOT 2hrs20min. Painfully over-amplified & sharp.
Also Over-amplification had audience members putting fingers in ears - and ... Read more Read less
See it if To see a fun, delightful show with a talented cast. Relevant to current events, to have a great night out.
Don't see it if If you are racist, close minded, are clueless to race relations in this country, if you don't like musical comedy
Also First of all...i loved the set. It seems so simple, but they utilized ... Read more Read less
See it if you want a silly yet fairly entertaining farce.
Don't see it if you want a more serious or elaborately staged production.
See it if you enjoy musical farce ala early Ahrens and Flaherty. Serious topics are handled in lighthearted way but still make their point.
Don't see it if you need to live in anger and outrage about issues facing America. It has the "problematic second act" is still fun summer fare.
See it if you want to see a show with great production values, great singing and great acting. The music is standard Broadway type.
Don't see it if you need a musical with a compelling plot clearly structured to make you care about the characters and their outcome.
See it if You want to see a new, original musical with catchy songs, great singing, and a fun, relevant story.
Don't see it if You don’t like shows in small theaters, want huge production values, only enjoy serious musicals.
See it if You enjoy wonderful singing and actors who are hoping to make a difference.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals. The book fails to make the story important.
See it if you don't mind spending 2 1/2 hours at a show that should be 90 minutes at most.
Don't see it if unless you can see if for free & will want to waste time on a show that pretends US immigration laws & borders don't matter.
See it if a let’s-put-on a-show enthusiasm with talented newcomers compensates for secondhand material with verve and occasionally heart
Don't see it if broad ethnic stereotypes—even in a show that purports to celebrate inclusivity—offend; score is weak and lyrics subpar; badly overamplified
Also I SPY seems to want to marry the loose-jointed political satire & stoc... Read more Read less
See it if You like a musical with many great singers and actors
Don't see it if You prefer dramas
See it if you're open to something surprising and weird. Bright production and sweet sentiment. Voices are spectacular. Some clever staging.
Don't see it if Needed to be more fun and a little long and rambling. Might be too quirky for some.
See it if you want to see a work in progress. The story is interesting and the lead is great but the show needs some serious editing.
Don't see it if you have problems with shows about immigrants or are looking for a polished production.
See it if you enjoy musicals about NYC, immigrant stories, or can enjoy making fun of stereotypes.
Don't see it if you have no sense of humor, dislike accents, or stories about immigrants and the "American dream."
Also The whole cast was talented, but Andrew Mayer and Emma Degerstedt blew... Read more Read less