Surely Goodness and Mercy

See it if u want a well-intentioned & generally uplifting morality play about compassion & generosity that strains credulity & never really satisfies.

Don't see it if you are expecting a polished production (as one can usually expect from Keen Co.), 3D characters, or age-appropriate actors in kids' roles.

Also The concept of placing all seven (or was it eight?) of your sets on one cramped stage may work on a TV sound stage, but it does not work on a theatre stage. The endless, all-too-brief scenes (half of which could be cut), along with the cheap, overcrowded set design & the inevitable clunky direction that forces the actors to work around it, make for awkward, slow transitions and the feel of amateur dramatics. There's a decent play (or should I say, TV movie) with a lovely message buried beneath the heap that is strewn across the Clurman Theatre, someone just needs to tidy the mess a bit.... Read more Read less

See it if you don't mind seeing something in which the character has no flaws.

Don't see it if you want a strong concept and story.

Also When we got to intermission I was still wondering what the story was about. There is no central conflict and the main character is too perfect and doesn't change. His acting is also fussy and business-y. The supporting actors are good.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to support a seemingly amateur production with decent acting ~ Good music piped in.

Don't see it if You are looking for a riveting, exciting show.

See it if You're looking for a positive story about a protagonist's relationship to religion. Coming-of-age stories tug at your heartstrings.

Don't see it if You're not interested in teenage perspectives. You're less than enthusiastic about organized Christianity.

See it if you find religion--esply the Bible--inspiring. You like happy endings, even if unlikely. You don't mind long, off-stage voice overs.

Don't see it if you want a polished, coherent script. Or dislike adults playing 12 y/os. Story doesn't ring true. Short scenes w fussy stage biz. Nice set.

See it if Hmmmmmmm. This was not really painful but not very entertaining either.

Don't see it if You want an arc in your story. You don't want to listen to long recordings while no action takes place. Audiobook?

Also Making it a 2 act 90 min play was a HUGE mistake... Half the audience left.
I still don't know exactly what this lukewarm ramble was all about. Little scenes take place but nothing evolves nor comes to any cliff hanger nor anything you need to be curious about on the second act.... Read more Read less

See it if You like slow paced shows w/ religious themes. Seems like the type of show that would be performed in churches or church communities.

Don't see it if Very Slow -. By the end of act 1 there is no hook or direction of what story is trying to be told. Doesn't hold attention. Needs work.

See it if You find Bible stories to be inspiring & enjoy plays that are a series of (oddly short) vignettes w/o much purpose. Are easily moved.

Don't see it if You can sit with unlikeable characters, adult actors playing 12yo kids, or Christian teachings are profoundly meaningful to you.

See it if You want a sweet, slow, story heavy on religion. Some stellar acting and interesting idea.

Don't see it if You want a well executed story. Heavy use of voice over when I'd prefer to see it. The book needs work and the play needs shortening

See it if Short scenes are choppy making the drama difficult to follow. 19 year old actor playing the boy is good but the character is not credible

Don't see it if As an alum of Newark public schools, I really wanted to like this. Alas, it's amateurish and mis-directed. The ending is utterly abrupt.

See it if you like sentimental stories that lack dramaturgical drive but are intended to "feel good." Older actors playing kids were not credible.

Don't see it if cursing or long inactive sermons delivered by offstage characters bother you. Hodgepodge narrative feels contrived but is well-meaning.

See it if you like supporting Keen or new playwrights

Don't see it if you’re looking for a fast paced evening

See it if you'd like an uplifting story about faith and unusual friendships

Don't see it if you don't want a play with multiple scenes that are poorly staged

See it if An honest story about a troubled young man. Stellar acting by the youngest & oldest actresses in the cast. Writing was in/out; great ending.

Don't see it if Set design/transitions hurt momentum. Acting was unbalanced; young man and guardian were not as strong. Play should start later in story.

See it if You want to see a great performance by a 19 year old actor.

Don't see it if You prefer a well-made play. It’s a play of many ideas, but the storytelling fails to engage.