Wickedest Woman

See it if you like intelligent, thought-provoking dramas with a feminist slant.

Don't see it if a pro-abortion play would turn you off.

Also A biographical drama about one of the first female abortionists in the United States--the mid-19th century Englishwoman who called herself Madame Restell--"Wickedest Woman" is informative, compelling, and (thanks to the hateful opposition Madame R. regularly encountered) deeply unsettling. Jessica O'Hara-Baker portrays the wife, mother, and former pharmacist's apprentice as a clear-eyed and altogether formidable feminist pioneer who not only takes on the press, the police, and the courts with every ounce of resolve at her command, but seems to enjoy the battle, as well. A six-actor ensemble shines in a wide variety of supporting roles, and under Melissa Crespo's deft direction, and with some meaty dialogue by playwright Jessica Bashline (and even some tuneful songs of the era), "Wickedest Woman" is more topical today than ever. It closes February 2nd. Don't miss it.... 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 you are a champion of women's rights and are interested in the history of the movement for choice. See it if you appreciate story-theatre

Don't see it if I can't think of a reason why someone --even if they don't believe in contraception or abortion - wouldn't at least be interested in the

Also history of the medical issues involved here or in New York State history.... 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 you like engaging stories, great acting and design elements. Also, if you're interested in New York stories.

Don't see it if you aren't interested in plays with strong female characters and stories.

Also This is a really beautiful production, the cast is exceptional and there's not a moment when I lost interest. It's especially relevant with what is going on in politics today, with reproductive rights.

There's also a great use of live music/songs which adds to the plays uniqueness.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in a beautifully written, beautifully acted play about a 19th century midwife and abortionist in NYC.

Don't see it if you want a light evening of theater that won't make you think.

See it if you like to learn about unknown parts of history - esp as far as women's rights are concerned.

Don't see it if You need a purely liner story, or hate the characters talking directly to the audience.

Also This was an interesting piece of history I didn't know about and thought was fascinating, especially in light of the new abortion law that was just passed in NYC,

This is, more or less, the story of Madame Restell, a NYC ladies doctor, midwife, and yes, abortionist, in the 1800s before abortion was illegal.

On top of the interesting subject matter, they have put together an amazing show full of traditional music used with great effect.

It also has a small cast that doubles, which makes interesting commentary on the gender politics of the time, and this one. I really appreciated that cross-gender doubling was NEVER done for laughs and that the actors did the roles with heart and humanity.

All in all, go see this!... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy learning about cool true stories. If you like NYC stories, stories of strong women. Great set & costumes. Love the writing & cast.

Don't see it if you are not open to gender-neutral​ casting.

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 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 stunning lead performance as Ann Lohman AKA Madame Restell, the notorious 19th century abortionist. Whether conveying strength, love, or anger, she’s always convincing. I’m never a fan of characters directly addressing the audience. I find it jarring and artificial. She makes those segments tolerable by being so compelling. The occasional singing is a nice touch, and manages to flow naturally in the story. Ms. Lohman’s tragic end is slightly mishandled. By disclosing her fate twice, it loses some of the impact. This is a quick fix. The show would also benefit from making Lohman less virtuous at the start. Her subsequent greed and conflict with her daughter come off as a bit out of character. The most glaring flaw is one picked up by other reviewers. All the actresses are fantastic, the men less so. Still, the good far outweighs the bad here. I would encourage anyone to go who isn’t completely put off by the subject.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re interested in the history of women’s reproductive rights—the story is so moving!

Don't see it if You are offended by abortion and can’t emphathize with the humanity behind the beginning of the legality debate.

Also I saw this on opening night and it was already very polished! The set was interesting, the acting was great, and the story was really profound and moving...and especially relevant because of what’s happening now with Roe vs. Wade. Inspired me to do my own research on the main character—hats off! Highly recommend!... Read more Read less

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 You want to see a powerful story about one of the most famous women to perform abortions in the 19th century and the problems she faced

Don't see it if You're anti-abortion or don't like stories based on true stories.

Also I thoroughly enjoyed the show, as I thought the story was absolutely fascinating. I had only marginally heard of Ann Lohman/Madame Restell, but her story was so damn interesting. With that said, I thought the female lead was phenomenal and it got me engaged, but something still felt "missing" and I'm not entirely sure what it was. Maybe it was that the escalating conflicts were negated by slightly opening with the trial...maybe it was the flippancy with which the major events were moved past (ie., death of her husbands), although that may have been done on purpose to show her strength, or maybe it was that you could see that the play was trying to make a point, as opposed to letting the story make a point. I don't know, but overall, enjoyable, interesting, and super informative.... Read more Read less

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 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 captivating from beginning to end. When concentrating on her rise to wealth as an abortionist, the play excels. The relationships with her daughter and husband are less interesting. Cut down their roles. The supporting actresses do a wonderful job, particularly Jasmin Walker. None of the male actors rise to their level. The end needs to be more powerful. I feel the director was afraid to go too dark. She should have. Still, for a small production, this was very impressive. This show has a lot of potential and is easily fixable.... 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 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 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, good lights and a stellar cast. Nice surprises included a little bit of gender bending and quite a bit of beautiful a capella singing.... Read more Read less

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 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 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 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 mob.

This is more a biographical story about "Madame Restell" than it is intended to make statements or address all motivations to prosecute, and especially, for making the women testify, in detail.

The doctors' financial motivations were addressed-- and they went on to perform an estimated 2 million abortions after making it illegal, prosecuting, and trying to rid the country of midwives.

But it failed to address an issue that seems to line up with some of today's motivations. White, native-born, Protestant births were down in the late 1800's, immigration was booming. Would the country "be filled by our own children or by those of aliens? This is a question our women must answer; upon their loins depends the future destiny of the country." --physician and anti-abortion leader Horatio R. Storer 1868.... Read more Read less

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-Baker carries the show well. Kudos to Bashline for bringing Restell to light. The play is a breezy bio of a profitable midwife/abortionist living at a time when obstetrics-gynecology wasn’t really a thing (maybe I’ll see Behind the Sheet for better insight on how that was going).

WW is also sort of like a goddaughter of What the Constitution Means to Me—it harnesses the primal scream that comes from evaluating the history of what’s been legally afforded American women. This show is a lot rougher around the edges. I didn’t care for the songs or the cross-gender doubling. Anyone indifferent or even just moderate on abortion will probably chafe at WW’s polemical leanings. But the show’s raw appeal is precisely how unconcerned it is with making itself attractive & agreeable to everybody. The right to control your body/future is voiced with a decisive, unrepentant roar.... Read more Read less

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 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.