Signature Theatre presents a new revival of Pulitzer Prize-winner Stephen Adly Guirgis's brash and dark comedy. A vivid comic portrait of what happens when old friends meet old wounds and how old habits die hard. More…
After the death of the beloved Sister Rose, a group of her former students return to their Harlem neighborhood to pay respects. But at the Funeral Home, there's a problem—her dead body has been stolen. Directed by Phylicia Rashad.
See it if Dark comedy that grabs you with its humor, then sinks you with regret, pain and longing. Brilliant writing and language. Brutally honest.
Don't see it if You would not enjoy a play that explores lack of fulfillment in the human condition, where life gets worse and nothing is resolved.
See it if u enjoy Guirgis' crisp, biting dialog & sharply drawn, colorful characters, here in a poignant, funny, aimless story of hope, fear & regret.
Don't see it if you expect a play with the heft, substance and payoff of Guirgis' other recent works. [This is mostly a plotless multi-character study.]
Also Stephen Adly Guirgis is a masterful observer of urban life, and this s... Read more Read less
See it if An early gem....an exquisite ensemble does poetic justice to Guirgis' poignant, funny & scathingly satiric drama of "arias from the street"
Don't see it if Rashad's staging is haphazard; not aided by Spangler's extra-wide set which often hinders necessary intimacy of scenes Actors still triumph
See it if We attended with a group of students . They all were in the 90%-100% range for rating. .The various mini-sagas hit home for many .
Don't see it if Foul language may upset some theatergoers, stories of the various mourners although dissected are not solved. This may also present a prob.
See it if in raucous 1st act audience screams at 7 brilliantly comedic but vulnerable scenes mixing sense of God w wild profanity; fine ensemble
Don't see it if 2nd act/comedy abates as mourners try to atone 4 letting down deceased teacher/symbolically their “Lady”; some scenes/ending uninspired
See it if you have never seen a production of Stephen Adly Guirgis' gem of a play.
Don't see it if you have seen the original production. This production mines the humor, while missing the humanity in the characters.
See it if You enjoy plays about close community problems and situations. This play is structured around unique characters, each very believable.
Don't see it if Only reason not to see this wonderful play is if you absolutely cannot deal with rough street language spoken throughout.
See it if The funeral of a nun who touched many lives brings people together in twos and threes allowing the audience to discover who they are.
Don't see it if You want plot with a resolution rather than a continuum of real life interactions that leaves you wanting more. Rough & irreligious language
See it if you love good writing.1st act has marvelous short scenes that are brilliant character studies.Acting and set are top notch.Ending is not.
Don't see it if you want a play with an ending.In this one, they just turn out the lights leaving way, way, way too many loose ends.Very unsatisfying.
See it if you like good actors inhabiting undernourished characters. Audience laughed thru. Some moments I won’t forget...ever. But mostly superficial
Don't see it if You care what happened to Our Lady. You don’t like swearing and adult themes.
Also I think the problem with interweaving plots is that they are sometimes... Read more Read less
See it if you like getting involved with and interesting and intelligent set of characters.
Don't see it if you expect a cohesive plot. This is more like a series of vignettes.
See it if dark comedy about a variety of characters who return to a Harlem neighborhood for the wake of an admired nun; colorful characters
Don't see it if bothered by profanity even if it goes with the characters, or if you don't want acute social observations mixed with laughter
See it if you're interested in seeing a darkly comedic play by one of the greatest contemporary playwrights out there.
Don't see it if you're put off by colorful language or are looking for a play with a satisfying conclusion.
See it if you like urban settings and painfully honest tales about growing up in Harlem; don't mind imperfect characters; invested in human frailty.
Don't see it if vulgar language (within a church setting) upsets you; you're seeking uplifting, upbeat stories; disinterested in tales of grief and loss.
Also Our Lady of 121st Street is an earnest love-letter to Harlem, a farewe... Read more Read less
See it if Funerals find feelings and regrets from the woodwork to stop, reflect, and sometimes seek forgiveness.
Don't see it if Multiple parallel, slightly intertwined story lines without clean, real resolution irritate you. Sight of a coffin & profanity trigger you.
Also Ticket from box office for $30.
See it if You want to see what was edgy almost a quarter century ago on stage, or if you enjoy mindless TV comedies that go no where.
Don't see it if You are looking for intelligent dialogue and/or a decent plot.
See it if You want to see a well written play that is character driven and explores the behavior of people living in a Harlem neighborhood.
Don't see it if You are more interested in a plot with a conclusion. I enjoyed the humor and reflections of the characters.
See it if you are a fan of the writing of the very talented playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis.
Don't see it if a play on modern themes about fucked up characters in uncomfortable situations and all spouting humorous dialogue isn't your cup of tea.
See it if You enjoy interesting stories with unforgettable characters.The ensemble cast is outstanding.
Don't see it if You disapprove of plays that deal with issues such as religion,sexuality,drug abuse and disabilities. There is also much foul language.
See it if You like portraits of a community, rather than a narrative.
Don't see it if You dislike fragmented pieces. This feels more like a series of scenes than a play.
See it if You are a fan of playwrite Guirgis & his sometimes query, often surprising story twists. A very fine group of actors made it work!
Don't see it if you like even predictable story lines.
See it if you enjoy clever banter or a play that discusses very real subjects. The actors were all quite good and it was well directed.
Don't see it if you want to quality writing. None of the characters are likable and nothing really happens from start to finish. It was kinda depressing.
See it if You enjoy lively characters brought to life by fine actors and engaging dialogue.
Don't see it if You don't like plays with minimal plots and cannot forgive what feels like an unfinished ending.