Every show, a new star (including Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, and others) takes on a unique challenge: the actor is handed a script onstage to perform without the help of a director, rehearsals, or a set. More…
Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour is a conscientious objector who refused to take part in mandatory military service and was denied a passport. Forbidden to leave his country, he transcribed his experience of isolation into this unique stage work, an absurdist adventure blending comedy and drama. Each performance features a different actor who sees the script for the first time while stepping onstage.
See it if you enjoy "theater" with no fourth wall. Lots of audience participation. This self-conscious play has a couple of diffuse messages.
Don't see it if you want full engagement. I was bored by the script's repetitiveness. Whoopi was commanding, but couldn't save the often meh material.
See it if you want to see a story of oppression written as an unusual allegory; you want to see a particular celebrity in an intimate setting.
Don't see it if you expect anything notably profound; you need a tidy story; you hate audience participation; you roll your eyes at the meta-theatre trope.
See it if you're more interested in compelling ideas than a well-polished show (the performer has never seen the script before stepping on the stage).
Don't see it if you aren't open to a unique, potentially flawed performance.
See it if You're willing to go on an unknown journey w/the performer & audience. You're curious about the play: if you're reading these reviews-go.
Don't see it if You hate audience participation. You hate meta plays. You want to know the plot before seeing the play. You don't like the scheduled actor.
See it if I was disappointed in the show although it was still fun. Mike Birbiglia was very funny and charming.
Don't see it if You are not interested in the actor performing that night. Only a few aspects of the show were interesting.
See it if I don't trust this show. The actor is not supposed to have read the script before they perform it. when I saw this in boston I believed
Don't see it if this could be the case but I think the word is out on this.
See it if you like experimental theatre or are a fan of the particular actor. The play is thought-provoking , but also messy and underdeveloped.
Don't see it if you don't like audience participation, don't like watching actors on book, want a straightforward story, are expecting something profound
See it if Funny in parts. Could be good with a performer who is good at improv. Unusual. Entertaining. Bobby Cannavale is fun to watch.
Don't see it if But ultimately didn't have much to say. Was kind of a stunt. And Bobby Cannavale stuck mostly to the script, so nothing too exciting.
See it if You like original theater that makes you think and laugh.
Don't see it if You like theater with a well constructed plot line.
See it if you're eager to see a specific celebrity live. I saw Alan Cumming, and he did a great job, but the experience depends on the celebrity.
Don't see it if you aren't one for existential storylines or experimental plays. Don't see it if you shy from audience participation.
See it if Go to this interesting theater experience when the actor invited is one that you want to experience up close and in a spontaneous manner.
Don't see it if Do not go to this if you expect a well rehearsed linear play.
See it if If you like experimental theatre where the actor/reader has not seen the script. Some audience participation. Fun time. Saw it last year
Don't see it if You want a polished performance and a directed piece. The actor only had stage directions to rely on.
Also I saw George Takai who was a great sport! And it felt like we explored... Read more Read less
See it if The concept (actor sees script for the 1st time at the show) is interesting but the show wasn't. Martin Short was charming, did his best.
Don't see it if You don't like audience participation - there was lots. If you need a coherent plot - there was none. Celebrity names can't salvage this.
See it if You like creative theater-writing, improvisational-type surprises, and thought-provoking themes amidst humor.
Don't see it if You want linear story-telling or character development. This is almost like scripted stand-up work - albeit with some twists.
See it if you are a fan of the actor performing, but there are more reasons to see this unique, thought-provoking piece. Expect the unexpected!
Don't see it if you are not looking for something to make you think or if you are looking for a more traditional theatrical experience
Also I have been thinking about this show a lot since seeing it. I saw it w... Read more Read less
See it if The visiting actor is someone you really like and who entertains you no matter what.
Don't see it if You aren't up for a little risk.
See it if you like monologues, thought experiments, and/or have an interest in Iran. Or if you really like the actor performing.
Don't see it if you want a narrative or a play with characters; if you sighed throughout the entirety of your college metaphysics class.
Also Nassim Soleimanpour's first play in English, written (at least partly)... Read more Read less
See it if you like the actor in it and you're good with odd shows. Go in open minded. I saw Reg E. Cathey who was great.
Don't see it if you aren't into weirder shows and don't want to see something that isn't linear or practice.
See it if You're looking for something different, like things that don't end wrapped in a pretty bow, and like the actor in the role.
Don't see it if You're looking for a straightforward, linear show. Don't go if you don't want to think. It's funny, but thought-provoking. I've seen it 2x.
See it if experimental, improv, audience involved theatre excites you! This is a very unique experience. Part existential part stand up.
Don't see it if you don't like free wheeling, seat of your pants evening leave you cold. The performer you see makes ALL the difference in the experience
See it if it stars a talent that is particularly appealing to you. The show relies on the actor connecting with the audience.
Don't see it if you don't have an open mind. Especially don't sit in the front row if you're not into audience participation.
See it if you like the actor doing it that evening; like on-the-fly performances (think improv); don't mind a distracting read of the script;
Don't see it if you don't like improv; don't like interactive theatre (don't sit in seats 1-10 but you don;t know where those are); don't like readings;
See it if you truly like the featured performer (as his/her personality makes the entire show) and want to jointly engage in a unique experience
Don't see it if you're expecting a solo performance as there is significant audience participation
See it if you like the person scheduled to perform...
Don't see it if you are expecting any kind of a show, and don't like wasting your time...
See it if you like improv, or have a particular actor you'd like to see. The play varies with every actor who performs it. It's thought-provoking
Don't see it if you aren't interested in a particular actor. The play is really informed by who they are. Be prepared for meta.