The New Englanders

See it if Mixed race 2-dad 1-daughter family discover how isolated, lonely and disconnected they are. Some creative ideas & slice-of-life elements.

Don't see it if Not credible. The characters are too thin, and have inconsistent bizarre behavior. The teens are especially contrived. Band-aid ending.

See it if u want a front porch view of a seemingly ordinary (albeit mixed race & gay) family whose cracks in their cheery facade get a cursory probe.

Don't see it if u expect any deep insight re: mixed coupling, gay marriage, discrimination, teen angst, drug use or the perceived tranquility of New England

Also This well-intentioned play tries to tackle too many issues, but does so at such a safe distance that the "wokeness" I presume it is meant to display is distilled to a bunch of cliches and out-of-touch allegories that strain credulity. There's precious little drama here, and frankly there's just no there there.... Read more Read less

See it if you want a surface look at race relations, at marriage, at parenthood.Directing left some good actors floundering.Writing is weak.

Don't see it if you are looking for a show that advances the discussion of gay marriage, interracial relationships, parenthood.

See it if You enjoy an interracial comedy(?) about gay dads and their HS daughter. It hits notes when it is serious

Don't see it if A poorly developed piece with too many side issues is low on your list

See it if and only if you are a fan of Arnulfo Maldonado scenic designs, and then maybe then you might enjoy the wooden performances on stage.

Don't see it if you are expecting a REAL story about a modern family, because you will be DISAPPOINTED by this tripe, as I was.

See it if you like plays just about life and dealing with expectations and dreams vs reality.

Don't see it if you need an exciting plot with major themes and drama.

Also Overall the piece is fine, but they tend to bend the character to suit the scene and not an overall arc. One character is shown for an hour to be a loving parent who wants to spend a lot of quality time with his family all of a sudden is a horrible father who ignores them for a decade.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a play that is very relevant with some tones of humor.

Don't see it if you want to see something with substance. Way too many and ridiculous story lines with make no meaning with such serious subjects.

See it if you're ok w pointless plot & inconsistent chars. Strg staging, clever lines, rapid pace, solid acting. BUT early promise turns into a mess.

Don't see it if you want meaning, not just entertainment. Important issues dealt with irresponsibly. Tone shifts wildly. Script needs lots of work.

See it if See a good set, lighting and some good acting. You want s play that starts off okay but then goes badly. A very inconsistent play.

Don't see it if You want as well written play throughout. If you want something memorable.

See it if You like new plays that try and be about something.

Don't see it if You want a new play with a new voice on current topics.

See it if you like good acting, an interesting plot, the themes of racial and sexual discrimination in our society, parenting & educational issues.

Don't see it if you like good acting, an interesting plot, the themes of racial and sexual discrimination in our society, parenting & educational issues.

See it if You enjoy works exploring racial relations, LGBTQ issues and parenthood.

Don't see it if You are a highly discriminating theater-goer. Despite being occasionally funny and insightful, the script disappoints.

Also The set, cast and direction of The New Englanders are high quality, but the script is confused and misguided. My biggest qualm is that none of the characters act like real people. The daughter is beyond troubled. Her behavior is borderline sociopathic, but then she suddenly regresses into a contrite little girl. Since her parents are basically decent, we have no indication why she turned out the way she did. The black father is a strong, saintly stereotype. The Hispanic interloper, who is charming and ultimately irresponsible, is a “Latino player” stereotype. The white father is cartoonishly goofy and clueless. Even if the script does not seem worthy of such a polished production, it’s not completely without merit. I felt it succeeded in capturing the frustration of living in a small town. The clever dialogue had me chuckling fairly often. The playwright still appears to be learning his craft. I’m not sure his work is ready for such a prestigious venue as the NY City Center.... Read more Read less