Canada's Soulpepper Theatre Company presents a musical adaptation of Edgar Lee Masters' 'Spoon River Anthology.' More…
'Spoon River' is an immersive, life-affirming graveyard musical. In a suspended moment during the burial of one who died too young, the dead come forth and share the unfiltered truth of their small-town existence. 'Spoon River' was named Best Musical by both the Dora Awards (Canada's Tonys) and the Toronto Critics Association. Part of the Soulpepper on 42nd Street festival.
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.
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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... 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.
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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 similarit... 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 uni... 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
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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 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 One of the best original performances.. a real treat.
Don't see it if You are a boring person
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.
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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 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 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 ... Read more Read less