Pulitzer Prize-winner Stephen Adly Guirgis ('Between Riverside and Crazy') begins his residency at Signature with a revival of his darkly comic meditation on redemption and faith. More…
Angel Cruz is a 30-year-old bicycle messenger awaiting trial for the death of the leader of a religious cult. Inside Rikers Island, a terrified Angel is befriended by a charismatic serial killer named Lucius Jenkins. Lucius has found God and been born again, and now, Angel's life and the course of his trial will be changed forever.
See it if you like an engrossing prison drama, full of harshness. Lots of religious discussion, but what's Guirglis' point? Well acted, but often loud
Don't see it if you want to leave enlightened. Act I is stronger than Act 2. Very talky play, but often not insightful (1st D murder requires intent).
Also JHTAT is highly theatrical...lots of speeches and intense discussions.... Read more Read less
See it if riveting performances. intense, poignant and thought-provoking. Intelligent debate on the nature of good & evil.
Don't see it if you dislike gritty portrayals of humanity and/or profanity.
See it if You want to see great performances & are interested in a raw depiction of what it can be like in prison.
Don't see it if You have no interest in stories taking place behind bars or are offended by swearing.
See it if Unexpected sides of characters emerge in jail and work God’s will. What is freedom? Brilliant writing and acting. Mesmerizing dialog.
Don't see it if You are not up for a very intense experience that poses deep questions.
See it if Guirgis' dramatic talent comes into its own w/this work Superb acting & muscular direction power the drama into the spiritual realm intended
Don't see it if Ugly, dark prison drama unrelenting in scope Guirgis' impeccible instinct for dialogue studded w/profanity & sexual crudity Grim world view
See it if You like challenging, albeit gritty, work by a great playwright and outstanding leads about redemption, salvation and truth.
Don't see it if You don't like prison plays, discussions of Christian salvation, seemingly hopeless situations, lots of foul language and descriptions
See it if Realistic prison drama with outstanding acting from newcomers. Violent outbursts create threatening mood.
Don't see it if Very gritty outlooks of caged men. Pessimism abounds in the mind of a serial killer. This is a downer, but that makes it great.
See it if raises big questions re religion & redemption; brilliantly staged like prize fight w 2 prisoners in adjacent cells trading verbal punches
Don't see it if ending where prisoner accepts responsibility 4 crime works in concept, tho feels inauthentic; binary good/bad jail guards is facile
Also Two leads as prisoners explosively strong. Pacing of this verbal prize... Read more Read less
See it if you're interested in thinking about the intersection of the criminal justice system, morality and religion.
Don't see it if you're interested in great acting and exciting drama. There are a lot of ideas to chew on here but it's not the most compelling production.
See it if you find explorations of God and faith stimulating and worthwhile, especially when presented in an unconventional way.
Don't see it if you’re easily offended by language or find prison scenes disturbing.
See it if you like an engrossing story and exceptional acting in a play encompassing topics of morality, religion, justice, race and inevitability.
Don't see it if you have no interest in prison themes or those who are incarcerated, along with their reactions to themselves and their crimes.
See it if your want to see one of Guirgis' early plays performed by a first-class ensemble with astute direction by Mark Brokaw.
Don't see it if you don't like intense dramas or an overuse of the "F" word. This is taut, riveting theatre—not for the "Hello, Dolly!" crowd.
See it if You are a fan of intense theater masterfully done. Beautiful acting and awesome staging.
Don't see it if You don't like to be preached at or want a happy ending. This story is harsh and sad.
See it if You like good dramatic production. Could be a bit shorter.
Don't see it if You’re looking for upbeat entertainment
See it if you’re unfamiliar w/ Guirgis—solid production of an established hit. The writing makes a strong impression & whets the appetite for more.
Don't see it if you’re uninterested in a play re spiritual redemption; someone you know was killed in a violent crime; you want to identify w/ characters.
Also This play wasn’t what I expected. I thought the criminal justice syste... Read more Read less
See it if you love great performances of work by a playwright that knows dialogue. Real, refreshing, and wonderful.
Don't see it if prison dramas are not your cup of tea
See it if you are interested in discussions about morality, religion, justice within the prison system.
Don't see it if you don't want long monologues about serious subjects. Very loud, but not always clear.
See it if you want insight into the judicial system and wonder sometimes whether the law is just.
Don't see it if you expect a real plot and action. Dialogue is wonderful, but I sometimes wondered whether it meant anything or just sounded good.
See it if riveting monologues with moral arguments on belief in God, justice, forgiveness;
Don't see it if Offended by obscenity-filled dialogue even though it is appropriate to the setting and characters
Also Some parts seem right out of Law and Order & while they do add more co... Read more Read less
See it if ...tragedy of consequences of motives not being understood, of nature of faith, of falling on one's sword, set in prison. Beautiful language
Don't see it if - you may never hear the f word used so lyrically again - stunning acting, grim circumstances. Who is favored with salvation?
See it if An intense look ( possibly a bit dated ) of social class difference and injustice of the prison system and our society. Great acting.
Don't see it if Do you not see if you and only enjoy musicals or light dramas.
See it if If you want to see an expose of Christian Fundamentalism and the reasons for its undeserved strength
Don't see it if you, like me, are likely to only be able to think of Roy Moore and, more importantly, his Minister supporters during the performance
See it if you want to see outstanding acting by the entire cast. Great direction. Great script. Intense. Moving. I recommend it.
Don't see it if you are looking for a fun, fluffy show. The story about born again serial killer & the trial of a man who decides justice for a cult leader.
See it if you want to see a searing, physical depiction of prison life and a look into our judicial system.
Don't see it if raw, coarse language turns you off and you prefer not to focus on life's seamy side.
Also As I always feel after seeing a Guirgis play, I now want to read it. H... Read more Read less
See it if You want to see a well crafted and beautifully acted show about religion and redemption in a prison context.
Don't see it if You don’t enjoy thought provoking plays that keep you thinking long after you leave the theater.
Also All the actors were great but the two leads who played the prisoners w... Read more Read less