This joyfully anachronistic retelling of the 1869 Powell expedition, originally produced by Clubbed Thumb, transfers to Playwrights Horizons as part of its Company Residency program. More…
Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. 'Men on Boats' tells the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. After 2015's hit Off-Off Broadway mounting, Jaclyn Backhaus's play transfers to Playwrights Horizons for a limited engagement.
See it if you like unusual subject matter.Based on a true story, MOB has thrilling moments. Strong cast. You'll root for the men, and google at home.
Don't see it if high concept plays don't appeal. This is not a slice-of-life, but a very theatrical piece. Well-staged, but too many cheap laughs.
See it if you like fresh new ideas presented in fun original ways. No bells and whistles but that adds to the charm. Immense story from small stage.
Don't see it if you don't like small stories. This is the kind of show that you're not really sure where it's going till you've gotten there.
See it if edgy, innovative, skillfully written theatre
Don't see it if preconceptions shattered
See it if you're a history buff, enjoy the Grand Canyon, like theatrical twists (the men are all played by women), like satire and inspired commentary
Don't see it if you can't wrap your head around gender switching satire and history bending, must have literal staging
See it if History made easy and fun! See it if you like to laugh, see great acting, staging, direction and creativity. I thought it was wonderful.
Don't see it if you are bothered by a show's occasional wanderings or you dislike history being presented in a very humorous fashion.
See it if you want to see a gender-bending take on Powell's expedition. Ingeniously staged by Will Davis. Powerhouse ensemble acting! Do not miss.
Don't see it if your taste runs to the more conventional. Also, if you do not like historical plays.
See it if you want to see a cleverly staged, somewhat satirical recreation of a great adventure
Don't see it if you don't like to see an important event trivialized as an extended, rather pointless skit
See it if you enjoy slightly over-the-top satire and acting; witty lines; original choreography; history with a twist.
Don't see it if you are looking for a serious historical drama; dislike men's roles payed by women; don't enjoy in-your-face loud productions.
See it if you enjoy theatre that challenges your assumptions. Staging is almost as brilliant as the writing and the original concept.This is a gem. Go
Don't see it if you want a straight line, realistic history lesson. At 90 minutes, show is a bit long. Point is made early; could trim some things.
See it if You enjoy historical plays presented with a significant amount if humor.
Don't see it if women playing men is not for you or if you prefer large traditional productions.
See it if You like original theater that is well done, thought provoking and makes you think in new ways.
Don't see it if You are put off by gender reversals or making fun of male macho stereotypes.
See it if A quirky, spoof-ish telling of the true story of an 1869 Wild West river expedition - macho males played by an all female cast. Very funny!
Don't see it if You're annoyed by over-the-top parody and silliness. Which is the whole point. Ensemble acting was excellent.
See it if You enjoy strong ensemble pieces. You enjoy design that feels low budget/creates space without using exact replicas of the items.
Don't see it if You're looking for a kitchen sink drama or typical Broadway staging.
See it if You long to think, be challenged, and entertained by a talented cast!
Don't see it if Are challenged by non-traditional staging and casting.
See it if you enjoy reenactments of historical events or if you ever explored a river in the 1860's.
Don't see it if boating accidents, anachronisms or cross-gender casting disturbs you.
See it if you would enjoy a half-serious half-goofy version of accurate [!] Western macho adventure history, performed [very amusingly] by women.
Don't see it if you prefer literal sets, plays with character development, or dislike shows that play with/comment on gender roles.
See it if you enjoy plays that re-examine history and gender roles from a contemporary perspective
Don't see it if you object to gender-reversed casting.
See it if u want grand staging, super casting & a large canvass. Hey, it's explorers going down the Colorado River in 1869 and the guys are girls.
Don't see it if Well...it's rather assaultive, though you do become involved in many of the characters. They're coming at you for over an hour and a half.
See it if you like historical plays, play featuring a great all-female cast, humor, and fun.
Don't see it if you're not in the mood for a fun, funny show that both celebrates & pokes fun at the American myths of frontiersmen and exploration
See it if you enjoy new, original, different theater
Don't see it if you need a lot of action or dialogue. But the silence says so much!
See it if skewing gender, historical sagas
Don't see it if slight camp, no real plot
See it if you are looking for a fun bit of history done with an all female cast of women actors who will knock u off ur feet!
Don't see it if You want true to form history lessons and don't want an all woman show.
See it if insightful and amusing commentaries on historical legacy and masculinity. top-notched ensemble. smart and fun time overall.
Don't see it if some action sequences got a little repetitive. the cast was unparalleled and they truly delivered though!
See it if you're into seeing a brilliantly staged, deliciously acted & poignantly provocative show; one of my faves of 2015 beautifully remounted here
Don't see it if you prefer not to use your imagination when encountering a historical story; if you just can't with adventurous casting; if you need realism
See it if you're after the perfect summer show. Ingeniously staged and designed, featuring a strong (and hilarious) female ensemble, MOB is terrific.
Don't see it if you're looking for a traditional well made play. This show is edgy in its storytelling and humor.