Spoon River

See it if All-in-fun spookiness as graveyard spirits recount humorous stories from their lives. Good musicianship.

Don't see it if You are looking for something more dramatic or meaningful. This is a series of disconnected vignettes.

See it if you're a fan of the Masters work, you like ensembles that can bring to life a multitude of characters and a broad range of music, esp. folk

Don't see it if you wouldn't like a story told by town residents from their graves, you have a hard time being able to hear sung lyrics

See it if you enjoy a character-driven ensemble piece, and don't mind that there is no narrative (but there IS good music).

Don't see it if the lack of a narrative bothers you. Without one, I tended to tune in and out as different characters told their stories.

Also Did you like Come from Away? You may like this. Both are Canadian productions with "Canadian sensibilities." The music and character focus--and multiple actors playing multiple characters--is similar in both shows.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a fan of Masters's poems. This production adds a delicious score and stellar performances. Amazing choral work. Viva Soulpepper!!

Don't see it if you don't like musicals or inventive theatre. You can't deal with vignettes or a linear story

Also I have enjoyed Soulpepper's productions this summer—with a few more to go! I hope they make their visit to New York City an annual event!!!... Read more Read less

See it if You like a mix of folk, Appalachia, gospel, and rhythmic, stage-shaking percussion.

Don't see it if If you don’t like poetry. The script is based on poems so the “dialogue” sounds more affected than in a naturalistic play.

Also If you liked O Brother, Where Art Thou?, the musical mix, aesthetic, and somewhat alogical journey in Spoon River will appeal to you.

Smart lighting and design choices.

Reading the poems this musical is based on is not necessary to enjoy this show, BUT if you did read the poems this is a must-see. This is such a smart and satisfying adaptation. The music rises to the level of the text: several catchy songs, arrangements more complex than I expected, talented musicians, and powerful vocalists.... Read more Read less

See it if a musical that takes place in a graveyard & is a series of vignettes where those buried there sing or talk about their previous lives

Don't see it if you need a narrative, don't want actors playing multiple roles including playing instruments, don't want a musical staged in a graveyard

Also It is life-affirming despite its setting. That is one of its similarities to 'Come From Away.'
The music was great - all by the same person (Mike Ross) & with a few different types - bluegrass, a few gospel-sounding.
What an extremely talented theater company! Wish I had seen the other productions.... Read more Read less

See it if You like blue grass music, - short vignettes or songs about life and death, without a plot to move the story. A la "Cats" w/o choreo &story

Don't see it if Like me, you prefer a plot based experience. I was bored, didn't find anything profound, & didn't have time to get invested in characters.

See it if Enjoy poems set to music

Don't see it if Want a traditional musical

See it if You enjoy story telling in small clever vignettes. The songs are soulful and beautiful. This is an enjoyable evening out.

Don't see it if You want a full out Broadway musical. This was quiet and moving.

Also Soulpepper has delighted me with its multi-talented performers and unique and entertaining productions. Please come back to NYC every year!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see poignant character studies interspersed with foot stomping music

Don't see it if You insist on traditional linear plots

See it if You want to see a folk infused song cycle with combined with cliched narratives.

Don't see it if You are looking for engaging drama.

See it if you are curious about how the story unfolds, like talented singer/instrumentalists and have patience with a repetitive script

Don't see it if you are looking for insight into the stories of the individuals portrayed, want a varied musical experience

Also Worth the night just to hear Jackie Richardson - a profoundly talented performer... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy bluegrass music, outstanding singers, and a complex, moving story about life and death.

Don't see it if you're looking for a big, showy musical. This show has heart but you need to look past the imperfections to truly appreciate it.

See it if You like great singing, lively music, with good very short stories.

Don't see it if You don't appreciate good music.

See it if You enjoy bluegrass-style musical interludes interspersed with stories, and enjoy being transported. It's a period piece, early 20th century

Don't see it if You prefer a linear storyline and full character arcs. This is anecdotal, and characters are introduced but not connected, vignette-style.

See it if One of the best original performances.. a real treat.

Don't see it if You are a boring person

See it if This is 90 minutes of 'hootenanny' type music. Short vignettes - some of which are cute.

Don't see it if you are looking for a true musical or anything thought-provoking.

See it if you like morbid sweetness & classic country music. The onstage musicianship is a powerful component. The music & lyrics are a joy.

Don't see it if you want a plot. This is a compilation of short vignettes. It has moments that drag, but overall, it's a well paced, fun musical about death

See it if You enjoy a brilliant interpretation of a famous novel

Don't see it if If you'd rather read it than see it

See it if you love great music, fun story telling but without a great deal of narrative

Don't see it if you want your musicals big, sweeping, and with one solid narrative.

See it if you want a great production of a classic show. The immersive entrance to the theater was fun & set the mood. I loved it all.

Don't see it if you want something light and fluffy. It's very entertaining with a talented ensemble cast.

See it if You enjoy short stories on an array of characters, told by wonderful performers. You enjoy brief but rich glimpses into historical lives.

Don't see it if You prefer one strong thread of narrative instead of separate individuals' stories.

Also Beautiful, clever staging (including an immersive element at the beginning.)
Moments of brilliant staging that deeply enrich the story-telling.... Read more Read less

See it if You love a great cast of talented performers and feel good musicals.

Don't see it if You don't enjoy musicals with fluff.

See it if You want to see some decent music with a very boring story filled with stereotypes

Don't see it if You want to see a play that makes you think

See it if you like folksy music/song. You want lively entertainment that isn't too serious or challenging.

Don't see it if you don't like folksy music. You want a linear storyline, a drama, or 1-2 main characters to focus on (it's an ensemble show).

Also SPOON RIVER is ambitious in its breadth. Set in a small town cemetery you walk through to enter the theater (nice intro to the show's world!), you briefly meet & hear from the people buried there, incl. singletons young & old and couples (each tells their side of the marriage).

Many different lives are touched upon, & the fully-committed cast play & sing their hearts out, but ultimately this didn't move me. Maybe I needed something more serious that night (it's more humorous, despite most characters being dead & speaking from the grave). Maybe I needed something more thought-provoking (this doesn't rock the boat or rattle expectations at all). Or maybe I just needed better seats (from side mezzanine, you need to lean over the railing to see stage left).

I'd say SPOON RIVER is a safe bet if you're in the mood for a musically-driven show that isn't a formulaic (or expensive) Broadway musical. Hailey Gillis's song at the end is fantastic; everyone can sing, but her voice is a standout.... Read more Read less