The Secret Life of Bees

See it if you are looking to be viscerally moved by the music talents of the cast. Also a cool aesthetic in terms of design.

Don't see it if you are a more classic or traditional fan of musicals.

See it if you read the book and would like to see the story brought to life on the stage.

Don't see it if you expect a fully dramatized musical of the story. It hits the highlights and moves quickly between scenes on a fun but minimal set.

Also There is top notch talent on the stage - acting, singing, musicians. The songs are moving and beautifully composed. The story needs more nuanced scenes and a bigger stage to be fully realized.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a well done musical adaptation of the book. You like great music, singing and a poignant story.

Don't see it if You like traditional musicals, or straight plays.

See it if You enjoy musicals with emotional power and a range of musical styles.

Don't see it if You cannot tolerate presentations of violence.

See it if Vibrant production with very good Duncan Sheik music, Lynn Nottage book, and wonderful performances all around.

Don't see it if You don't like musicals with a message and religious undertones (although I thought it was more spiritual than religious).

See it if You loved the book or want to see a stellar cast with amazing voices. Duncan Shiek’s score is hauntingly beautiful.

Don't see it if You don’t like stories about prejudice or violence or a play set in an intimate setting.

See it if You like musicals that are intelligent and thought provoking with an engaging plot and beautiful orchestration and overall performances

Don't see it if You are expecting a show with bells and whistles. You get soulful performances about overcoming the challenges of racial inequality

See it if you'd like amazing singing and musicality by all, very creative and empowering for women

Don't see it if A tale of racism in the south is too upsetting or you don't like musicals

See it if terrific adaptation to musical. Excellent cast. Didn't look at my watch once. Saw a 2nd time and like it even more, they've fixed any issues

Don't see it if if you don't like hearty singing - some of it soulful, some in a fabulous barnstorming way. If you don't like humanity/ emancipation themes

See it if Great adaptation of the book, Strong female characters, coming of age story.

Don't see it if If you don't like folk lore. Females leading the show, teenage angst.

See it if you love a great story and innovative music

Don't see it if you don't want a serious plot

See it if amazing vocalists and wonderful band perform a new book with deep and beautiful music, great acting and staging. you will be moved

Don't see it if you prefer a play, not interested in an emotion driven intimate musical that centres racial tension, or don't have 2.5h to spend in theatre

See it if you want experience a new musical with original content, outstanding performances/vocals, and an intriguing production stuffed with heart.

Don't see it if You are racist or closed to a moving story about civil rights. Avoid if you don't like music, drama, or thought-provoking shows.

See it if you want to see an amazingly talented cast amazingly underused, or you *REALLY* like atmospheric background music - Sheik's is amazing.

Don't see it if you value decent plot or decent songs. The book and lyrics are laughable.

Also What a missed opportunity. This story has potential and WOW this cast. But they're just standing upstage doing nothing most of the time. I felt as bad for them as I did for the rest of the audience.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re into period pieces with incredible scores

Don't see it if You got stung recently...

See it if You like stripped down show with high and low points and a few strong performances and song numbers that will probably win a lot of awards

Don't see it if You aren't into musical theater that relies on and champions exotic cult christianity or a weak lead ruins the whole thing for you.

Also Some very strong performances and one quite weak performance create an uneven evening of theater. The plot revolves around a mysterious virgin mary so if you don't buy that myth, good luck. LaChanze is fantastic as are her two beekeeping sisters and the "gospel" inspired group numbers have all the energy of a tent revival. Elizabeth Teeter was too weak to be the center of this musical and probably should be replaced. The subject material is generally thin and this shows. The performances elevate the questionable book and score and create an evening worth attending. This still feels like a workshop production. It's hard to equal a musical like Spring Awakening and Duncan Sheik hasn't done it here or anywhere else. Too many unmemorable songs make you feel he's phoning it in. Sam Gold is an okay director and this is sure better than his disastrous King Lear but let's just say he's no Trip Cullman. A happy ending honey dripping civil rights plot where nobody gets hurt too bad.... Read more Read less

See it if You loved the book or movie. Wonderful cast ...singing and music is outstanding and clever. Very absorbing and profound.

Don't see it if You don't like an honest story that resonates in today's world. Race relations then and now!

See it if If you liked the book or the film,and curious to see what great writer and musician create

Don't see it if Don't like book of film

See it if You enjoy beautiful music from African culture, wonderful acting and a hint of the absorbing story from the original novel

Don't see it if You're not a fan of obvious on-the-nose lyrics, simplistic plotlines, and religious iconography. Or violent racist bullies using the N-word

See it if you are a Duncan Sheik fan and anxious to see more of his amazing work.

Don't see it if you prefer to wait until a show has worked out all of its kinks.

See it if You want to think in an evening at the theater, you like intense musicals with great casts, you want to hear really expert music.

Don't see it if You want something light, you expect Sondheim-level lyrics

See it if you are a fan of the movie, or if you are looking to experience a new, beautiful musical.

Don't see it if you only enjoy large-scale musicals.

Also I've been a fan of the book for years, but this musical still blew away my expectations. It was fantastic. The talent of the cast was literally booming out of the tiny theatre that this show is performed in. The cast's singing and storytelling abilities are superb. I also thoroughly enjoyed the new score by Sater and Sheik; it was incredibly soulful, resonant, and memorable. Mark my words, this show WILL be moving to Broadway in the future because it is that good.... Read more Read less

See it if you love Duncan Sheik's gorgeous music. Singing and music are fantastic.

Don't see it if The story and staging are conventional, and one wants more from the writer of Sweat. Still a perfectly beautiful, traditional musical.

See it if You love an intimately staged production and top-notch ensemble performances.

Don't see it if You’re uncomfortable with genuine emotion and/or bee puppetry.

See it if You want to hear some of the best vocals in NYC. The acting is also quite good and I was engaged.

Don't see it if You want a big musical and if you don't do well with the topic of racial injustice.