The Sea Concerto

See it if you like a long-winded family drama. The story of a pining daughter for her long-lost father gets lost in the multiple plot lines.

Don't see it if you like a concise, well-crafted story that has a linear plot line. Needs some serious editing.

See it if You want to be pulled in by a story and gripped.

Don't see it if You want something huge in spectacle or set or any of that. Everything derives from the actors and what you are watching on stage.

See it if You like the idea of a family drama.

Don't see it if You want a well written, compelling story

Also The actors were enjoyable to watch and tried their best. Didn't think the writing was strong. More focused on metaphors and flowery language than telling a compelling, tight story.... Read more Read less

See it if strong writing acting directing.

Don't see it if family drama.

See it if You enjoy very well written & well acted shows

Don't see it if You need fancy effects or cannot use your imagination to envision the story.

See it if You are interested in new plays but understand that many times they haven't smoothed out the rough edges yet. The acting is great.

Don't see it if Memory plays aren't your thing. You don't like direct address or plays with narrators.

See it if You do or don't already know Flux Theatre Ensemble. They do consistently good-to-great work.

Don't see it if You don't like rituals and spirits

See it if You like an intimate setting, the use of symbolism appeals to you and you like good dialogue and effective set design.

Don't see it if Themes of family dysfunction and mixed race issues bore you, and intense characters are not your cup of tea

Also The acting was superb. Especially Choppie and Lynnie. Strong performances. I particularly liked the idea of a narrator. The ending was a bit of a disappointment. It sort of fell flat.... Read more Read less

See it if BRAVO! Story captures human relationships and the decisions we make. Had me at the set to the lights and the first word spoken.

Don't see it if After something light. Long. Could tell the story in 90 min. It's a great new theatre but seats are not very comfortable. Bring a pillow.

Also This is an off off Broadway gen. Potential to move up to next level. There were great choices made from all areas of production. It was clear there was sound colaberation amoung the team. Could truly see this piece at Playwrights Horizons
as they have a wonderful lighting set up in their main stage. I suggest the producers invite the Artistic Director.
You are welcome to quote my comments for your publicity. Big fan! Christen Omantra Callahan, Director and Producer.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate great acting

Don't see it if You like your off-off Broadway short and fast paced

See it if You support local small productions, you likeplays with intimate family stories

Don't see it if You look for perfectly executed production, spectacle theatre experience

See it if You enjoy intimate, soul-searching, poetic-realism, memory plays staged with a sense of "ritual theater."

Don't see it if you don't like to (a) think about your own family dynamics and (b) feel and be moved deeply to tears.

See it if If you want to see a show about family dynamics and how your life choices can affect those close to you.

Don't see it if If you are looking for light entertainment with an uplifting plot or don't like when playwrights use artistic license to depict elements in

See it if you like poetic, memory plays, not unlike the plays of O'Neill or Miller in style. If you like ambitious work that has very strong acting.

Don't see it if you have gotten used to briefer, concise plays that have impact on their audiences in about 90 minutes with no intermission. This goes slow.

Also I commend this playwright for evocatively handling complex issues at the level of family and the individual human heart. It meanders quite a bit. I am not sure how the motif of "ritual" really worked here, especially as it relates to Lynnie's mother. I couldn't see exactly how Lynnie's poetic discussions of them really added to an understanding of the characters and what they were experiencing. The emotional scene in the second act between Janet and Penny was very effective and beautifully acted. But overall, I needed a little more clarity on who these women actually were as sisters, wives, daughters, or distinct individuals. The playwright strives to show so much here, but maybe gives a little too much time to the characterization and presentation of Cappie. He seems to live on a very long time. The actor's performance is excellent though. All the performances were very strong.... Read more Read less