The Public Theater presents an encore run of this comedy starring Oscar nominee Nia Vardalos and based on the eponymous book by best-selling author Cheryl Strayed. Directed by Tony winner Thomas Kail ('Hamilton'). More…
Vardalos is Sugar, an anonymous online advice columnist (later revealed to be Strayed) whom thousands of people have turned to for words of wisdom, honesty, and hope. At first unsure of herself, Sugar finds a way to weave her own life experiences together with the deep yearning and real problems of her readers, creating a beloved column about the monstrous beauty, endless dark, and glimmering light at the heart of being human.
See it if you want to hear psychobabble about forgiving yourself and being deserving. The message that kindness counts is worthy, but not new.
Don't see it if you demand engrossing theater. This show has hot button issues (self-loathing, child molestation, alienation, etc), but little depth.
See it if You want to see a show that may be a bit contrived yet manages to touch on many emotional and heartfelt ideas with a genuine genius.
Don't see it if You have a cold, cold heart...or if you think theatre without much plot that deals with emotions and darkness should stay at the therapists.
See it if You wan.to be moved by raw and vulnerablse performances in this powerful show! Be prepared to dig deep...
Don't see it if You prefer narrative plays. This is a series of advice columns told through monologues.
See it if Advice columnist comes to terms with her own grief, regrets, and mistakes in life through interactions with her followers. Enlightening.
Don't see it if Plods along due to lack of character development, conflict, and plot. I checked my watch about an hour through. Enjoyable in a low key way.
See it if Fine ensemble work & Kail's yeoman direction provides interest for about 1st 30 minutes of this confessional style advise drama But then...
Don't see it if Despite its empathetic qualities & often heartfelt questioning, the play becomes rather static & heavy - losing interest & becoming boring
See it if You're a fan of Cheryl Strayed or Nia Vardalos, enjoy expository plays, don't miss character development, like sexually intimate stories
Don't see it if you expect linear storylines with character development, don't like s series of letters read on stage or actors playing multiple parts
See it if you are interested in seeing an advice column read aloud on stage.
Don't see it if you are interested in seeing a play.
See it if you’ve ever written to an advice columnist. Or even if you haven’t. The situations are varied; you’re sure to find yourself in at least one.
Don't see it if you prefer traditional narratives. This show has no singular story. There’s no action. But the words will move you.
See it if You want to see fantastic actors in a wonderful, thought provoking show.
Don't see it if You want a light time at the theater. This play will make you think. At one point basically everyone in the audience was crying.
See it if you are interested in what Oskar Eustis green lights when he is having an off day.
Don't see it if just don't see it—a waste of time and money.
See it if You enjoy slow plays without a linear story line. This is an advice column read out loud- masterfully. Well acted and beautifully executed.
Don't see it if You need a linear story and don't enjoy random snippets of story and a lot of just standing around.
See it if you want a talky play that has something to say.It had me in tears at the end, but there was a lot of laughter before that point.Very moving
Don't see it if you want a play with traditional plot.This is series of Dear Abby type letters, but on a deeper emotional, philosophical level. Excellent
See it if you'd like a staged reading of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Don't see it if No reason not to see it if the premise interests you, but no reason to feel bad about passing it up either.
Also Some people in the audience loved this show and were weeping loudly an... Read more Read less
See it if you like to read advice columns or enjoy hearing about various human struggles. Material probably most resonant if you're a mother/have kids
Don't see it if you're looking for a play with a storyline, not just a bunch of vignettes, you're expecting this to be very insightful or fresh
See it if Amazing performance by the whole cast, especially by Ms. Vardalos. Touching. Moving. Emotionally raw. Filled with humanity.
Don't see it if There's not much of a plot. It's more of an anthology of grief.
See it if letters to an advice columnist voiced by actors as they walk thru the columnist's living room & kitchen; emotional responses by 'Sugar'
Don't see it if you want a plot, drama, & well-developed characters; don't want a variety of emotional life stories
Also The vignette about a father's loss (son was killed in a hit-&-run) was... Read more Read less
See it if you'd enjoy a play that's not a linear narrative so much as an original, affecting portrayal of the human experience. The acting is spot-on.
Don't see it if you don't enjoy outside the box theater.
See it if The lonely/disappointed seeking online advice seems compelling. Their stories are touching, but the play structure leaves their reactions...
Don't see it if ...unknown and the plot undeveloped. Cheryl Strayed's intimacies become cloying. But Nia Vardalos and cast are adept at gleaning our empathy
See it if you would enjoy a play with a small cast that explores very human problems and moments.
Don't see it if Many around me were moved to tears, but I didn't feel the same emotional impulse. A sweet reminder of what makes life worth living.
See it if You enjoy well crafted vignettes exploring the human experience; willing to have the feels
Don't see it if You want a traditional play with a linear plot
See it if If you enjoy a good , complex story about people's lives. Beautifully written and produced. Bravo to the cast!
Don't see it if If you enjoy only musicals or light dramas.
See it if you like a show that can be summed up in 3 words: "Life Lesson Letters." Each character had a "poignant" letter.
Don't see it if you want to see something to keep you thinking after the show. The "poignant" parts felt a little forced and predictable.
Also I love The Public, but the vibrations from the subway beneath us every... Read more Read less
See it if self-help books are your favorite genre, and if you enjoy daytime talk shows. If you liked Tuesdays with Morrie, this is for you.
Don't see it if You require tension and drama when you go to theatre.
See it if You like a heartfelt and emotional play about life, grief, and forgiveness. Most people will find something relatable to their own lives.
Don't see it if You want more action. The plot is revealed slowly and beautifully in a series of questions and answers.