This new drama follows the epic story of New York City midwife and abortionist Ann Trow Lohman's life in the 1800s. More…
When Lohman started performing abortions in 1838, they were legal in the US. When she committed suicide, almost 40 years later at the end of her career, they were illegal. "Wickedest Woman" traces Lohman’s rise to notoriety and her struggle to keep her life intact as the scrutiny and even physical danger became ever more intense. A story about the history of abortions, reproductive rights, and a forgotten legacy.
See it if you're interested in abortion history. Theatrical presentn of info w/oft-broken 4th wall. Gr story of strg woman, staged creatively. Singing
Don't see it if you get impatient; loses focus. Some scenes drag. Uneven acting skills. Sad (true) ending. Effective gender-bending roles. Google-ready.
See it if Well researched, written & acted bio. Excellent characterization of Madame Restell. I didn't know that abortion was legal in 1850.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy bio shows. You are uninterested in the history of abortion and how today's controversy relates to the late 19th century.
See it if to see a riveting 19th C historical musical drama about a fascinating (& shockingly unheralded) abortionist who became a NYC socialite.
Don't see it if u expect an abortion debate [This is notably non-political]; ur stridently anti-abortion & apathetic to the history of women's health issues
See it if Sharp, intelligent writing from Bashline infuses docu-drama about 'infamous' woman abortionist & health advocate O"Hara-Baker shines in lead
Don't see it if Strongest when following facts of Lohman's life & career; gets a little questionable when going personal esp around mother/daughter conflict
See it if you're interested in the abortion debate, curious about a historic figure in the birth control/abortion movement in NYC, strong female lead
Don't see it if you're not interested in a play about a proficient abortionist in late 19th century or biographical works that are repetitive or strident
See it if To learn about a historical figure you probably have never heard of. Totally gender fluid: women playing men, men playing pregnant women.
Don't see it if A bit amateurish. More like a history lesson than a fully realized play. Acting was good. Serious, not for you if you want something light.
Also The unique casting choices worked. Very interesting to learn how women... Read more Read less
See it if A fascinating portrait of a woman who makes history in 1800’s New York. If you enjoy realistic drama see this it’s your kind of play !
Don't see it if You are looking for escapist drama and or you can’t deal with plays that portray the subject of abortion. Otherwise see it, you will learn !
See it if Like dramatizations of historical people/events. This a good example of when that works. Direction/lead good, nice use of music, interesting
Don't see it if Don't want story re women's health rights/abortion. This does slow down in the middle and could use some editing. Not all cast measure up.
See it if Seven actors portray multiple roles in a bioplay of Ann Lohman in 19th century NY who provided birth control and abortion services.
Don't see it if Unfortunately still relevant, freely available birth control & abortion when needed was & is a political issue rather than personal decision
See it if In your face regarding your right to choose! Historical provider of reproductive choice who could also play the game as well as anyone.
Don't see it if dislike having to be ideologically aligned to the show to like it. Coherent production but rough edges.
Also The existence and obscurity of this person is fascinating and O’Hara-B... Read more Read less
See it if interested in 19th century positions about abortion & one woman's crusade to help those in need. Based on Ann Lohman's life. New to me.
Don't see it if you don't like gender bending actors playing multiple roles. Some better than others.
Also Lead actress, Jessica O'Hara-Baker, was terrific.
See it if Based on historical facts of early American attitudes and laws on birth control and abortion.The female lead is a standout .
Don't see it if Do not see if you expect a polished presentation or have rigid attitudes concerning abortion.
See it if You want to learn more about women's medical history. You want to support new work.
Don't see it if You want a polished product (it's trying to do too much right now, and is a bit muddy).
See it if you are interested in a historical tale of women & empowerment issues re.: birth control, abortion, midwifery in pre- Margaret Sanger days
Don't see it if You have strong moral/religious/political issues about women in "medicine": want to see uniformly polished acting
Also It was an enlightening story I had never heard before. I thought Jessi... Read more Read less
See it if To understand more about the history of women's rights and reproductive health in the US and to get inspired
Don't see it if If you are not open to seeing abortion as a way to protect women's health and economic liberty
See it if You want to be surprised by a historical event that is deeply relevant with what’s happening now; strong leading actress;
Don't see it if You’re too sentive with abortion-related topics or are not into shows with strong political message;
See it if In late 19th century abortion & potions for it, were legal. Who knew? That woman's (who rose to become a multi millionaire) story & tragedy
Don't see it if It's clumsy-writer seems caught between actual court records & patching in rest of her story to fill play. Her personality/relations uneven~
See it if You are drawn to feminist-themed and/or historical works. This is a solid, intelligent, well-written, well-acted piece.
Don't see it if You have strong pro-life convictions. You are a highly unforgiving theater-goer. There’s some subpar acting. Could use tweaking.
Also This is a fascinating, thought-provoking work. O’Hara-Baker gives a st... Read more Read less
See it if Interesting, unusual, unfamiliar subject matter done in a compelling way. absorbing performances.
Don't see it if you don't like actors playing more than one role, opposite sex, etc. Or, if actors talk directly to audience.
See it if You are interested in the history of legal and illegal abortion in 1800’s New York personified by Madam Restell, immigrant & single mother.
Don't see it if The mixture of styles including musical interludes, Greek chorus and men playing women, actually quite well, is just too much. The story,
Also is based on an actual historical figure who gained notoriety and a hug... Read more Read less
See it if You like historical pieces. You like feminist pieces. The subject of a female abortionist in 1800s New York intrigues you.
Don't see it if The abortion theme puts you off. The acting is uneven. Very good as a whole, but some elements need work.
Also Jessica O’Hara-Baker is incredible as Madame Restell. She’s captivatin... Read more Read less
See it if you want to be surprised. This play was wickedly good. Entire cast was multi-talented and the production was tight with no glaring miscues
Don't see it if a biographical drama about a female abortionist in 19th century NYC would not interest you, but you would be missing a worthwhile night out.
See it if interested in a pioneer of women's reproductive health and choice. You like a biographical play dealing with relevant issues.
Don't see it if you feel you are entitled to control women's bodies, decision making, birth control, health care and reproduction.
Also Enjoyed the acting, song and staging. Slows a little after the angry m... Read more Read less
See it if you like historical dramas or are passionate about women's equality or reproductive rights... or if you're a fan of Jessica O'Hara-Baker.
Don't see it if you prefer upbeat peppy shows or if you're squarely anti-choice.
Also For a small production this show is exquisite, with a nice big set, go... Read more Read less
See it if you like true stories about historical women, shows without intermission, costume/period pieces and plays which features folk music.
Don't see it if you are pro-life, don't like biopic plays, need an intermission, crave accent consistency or will get distracted by a weak script.