Unexpected Joy

See it if hearing great singers/musicians satisfies. Plot is cliched, lines/lyrics clunk, but the music (CW/soft rock) is good.

Don't see it if you want a believable story (this isn't!) Best songs are inset; plot-based songs thud. Spare set works; staging is solid. Strong female cast

See it if Three generations of female singers work out relationship and child rearing issues finding common ground in music.

Don't see it if You want an elaborate set. You want a musical that is longer than one act.

See it if a musical about family, diversity acceptance, lesbian themes & religion is of interest. Cast & musicians all 1st rate.

Don't see it if you want to be surprised. Somewhat predictable plot, occasionally preachy.

See it if you want to see a show that's definitely of its time with a talented all-female cast .

Don't see it if you need big production values. This cast of four (and four musicians) acquit themselves beautifully.

See it if you like family dramas with music. Nice to see 4 strong women onstage, all individuals. Great voices.

Don't see it if you are a member of a evangelical church--you might be offended. If gay themes bother you or can't stand to see a show of only women.

See it if Well acted and thoroughly entertaining production with original music and funny stories even though they are a bit far fetched.

Don't see it if You do not like small-scale musicals intertwined with funny anecdotal stories that are a bit over the top.

See it if you like a show about the trials of family and that are female lead/driven.

Don't see it if you don't like musicals or hippies.

See it if You want to be a person who"saw it first". An original show. Great music, great voices.

Don't see it if You don't like unfamiliar songs and controversial subject matter.

See it if you want an evening of pure fun. The four singers are fabulous and when not singing, they tell their story in a funny and entertaining way.

Don't see it if you don't want to see a family of three generations confront each other about sexuality, individual choices, & religion (in a joyful way).

Also Each of the four singers had their own style and a terrific voice. They lived up to the title in more ways than one - it was an unexpected joy to hear the singing but you will have to see it for the full meaning.

The plot was not deep but it was funny and entertaining and did expose current issues that divide families (including mine).

This was not a thought-provoking show but it was very entertaining and did touch on real issues.

It was a good night at the theater.

I saw this show at the York Theater in Apr 2018.... Read more Read less

See it if you love a good family story full of great country style songs.

Don't see it if you don't like country music or nontraditional families.

See it if Another delightful musical from York. Great singing- with tunes where the words matter.

Don't see it if Upset by unconventional lifestyles and/or swearing

See it if You want a night out with very good performances. You like to see new productions

Don't see it if You are tired of the same old generational biases - there are much better ones. This has nothing new.

Also This still needs work. It would be fine for a college production, but is not ready for NY. I was expecting a production on par with Desperate Measures [which we loved] and was sorely disappointed. Dont pay more than $25-30/ticket. The girls are definitely talented.... Read more Read less

See it if You like musicals and lighter story lines

Don't see it if You don’t like feminist or lesbian stories or content.

See it if you want to hear great music sung by 3 generations of a family and significant other with diverse world views trying to connect and love.

Don't see it if female relationship musicals are not your thing even if the songs are great and the ideas are thought provoking.

See it if You are looking for a new musical that deals with modern day issues (this tries at least)

Don't see it if You are looking for a show that takes a hard look at prejudice and hate

Also This show tries but keeps skirting the issue. Good performances do the best they can with the material but unfortunately it is never convincing. If you are going to deal with prejudice and hate in todays world, then do it. An unbelievable romantic relationship never feels real and the pat ending is most disappointing. A decent score is teamed with a weak script. After 7 years this is what they came up with? Moving on.... Read more Read less

See it if You like pop rock tunes sung by solid voices about unexpected joy and finding common ground

Don't see it if You're looking for a deep-dive into the issues

See it if You like great music and great singing. Wonderful portrayal of family drama.

Don't see it if If you don't like a cast of all women.

See it if you want an entertaining thought provoking 90 minutes of joy. The music is scrumptious. You will laugh. You will cry. You will cheer.

Don't see it if you don't want to be entertained by four wonderful actors sharing a story that should be shared and thought about.

See it if You would like a great singing intimate show.

Don't see it if You want a serious elaborate musical.

See it if You enjoy great singing/ well written lyrics and dialogue detailing three generations of female family members with dissonant values.

Don't see it if This lived up to it's name, "Unexpected Joy". See it.

See it if you wish to hear a great soft rock/country score. Music/ lyrics/singing are spot-on. Book is certainly timely even with lawful changes.

Don't see it if shows about homosexual/religious issues frighten you; if you are expecting a musical on a grand scale. If an all-female cast is off-putting.

See it if What a joy to see this great casts of a show. It brings uplifting energy and poignant social issues without being preachy. Don’t miss it!

Don't see it if Talking about Christianity and gay issues offended you for 95 short minutes.

See it if you like: small musicals where you can get to know the characters; wonderful music and great singing; story lines about family dynamics

Don't see it if you are expecting a large Broadway production; don't like one act plays; don't like shows about family dynamics and/or social issues.

See it if you enjoy musicals, an all female cast,

Don't see it if you want a major production, don't like the idea of same sex marriage,

See it if you enjoy musicals and stories about family tension and overcoming differences

Don't see it if you are very conservative, or if you are expecting something very emotional. the story was nice, but not gripping.