ZAMBONI (FringeNYC)

See it if you are interested in the subtle handling of difficult subject matter.

Don't see it if the banality of evil disturbs you.

See it if You want a dark, dark, comedy about a very uncomfortable subject. You want to see a play in the early stage of developmnet.

Don't see it if You want to see a play that's more developed. You don't want to see a play about taboo topics.

See it if You want to see an exceptional, nuanced performance by Joseph Franchini in a difficult role that evokes both sympathy & revulsion.

Don't see it if You don't want to confront an uncomfortable subject matter and a somewhat disappointing denouement.

See it if seeking provocative, original debut work with actors who sell the story through talent, rather than excessive props; you enjoy risk-takers.

Don't see it if easily offended by tones of pedophilia, dislike minimal staging, looking for a rollicking musical, or don't want to leave feeling depressed.

See it if You can watch a play that becomes very edgy. Can deal with relevant current situations that might make you a little uncomfortable

Don't see it if You're not comfortable with relevant current situations brought to life on the stage that might be uncomfortable for some

See it if you're interested in watching an everyman's fall from grace and struggle with identity.

Don't see it if you want something clear, fast-paced, and streamlined.

See it if You're a fan of zambonis & are up for a solid cast & smooth direction in a quirky, very funny but ultimately dark comedy of self-discovery.

Don't see it if You're too easily disturbed by the sometimes darker nature of the human soul & where it might lead — even if you're laughing all the way.

Also Zamboni is a terrific evening of theatre, at turns & simultaneously quirky, funny, disturbing & slightly abrasive (but in a good way) delivered by a terrific group of actors creating very real characters that will linger in the mind. We get them instantly—we know these people, recognizing in them hidden aspects of our own selves. Joseph Franchini's Jamie is at once invisible, present, likeable, funny, sympathetic—yet creepy . Mickey Ryan brings subtle depth to what could easily have been a one- or two-note cliché as the rink manager, Dick, but delivers anything but; Dawn Magee is wonderful & hilarious as Leeann, her believable zaniness suddenly cut with an unexpected dramatic edge. Lucy McMichael looked convincing as Jamie’s emaciated dying mother & though her emphysema seemed a little less so, her speech recounting her mirrored reflection was startling. Finally,the lovely Mae Mitchell, as the candy store clerk Chloe/Lavender/Fantasia, with charm & wit almost stole each of her scenes.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate excellent acting, thought provoking scripts and do not shirk from difficult subject matter.

Don't see it if You are squeamish about sexual pathologies. Otherwise you should definitely go.

See it if Wrote excruciating cause I was uncomfortable from moment Go. Difficult subject matter w/creepy lead man made hard to watch, yet done V WELL~

Don't see it if U cant take a (believable) story of a budding pedophile. He is so uncomfortable in his skin-that yours crawls! Must b able to handle subject

See it if you like think it's important to empathize with pedophiles and like to watch awkward comedies

Don't see it if you don't want to watch a pedophile. He never acts on his desires... but it was still very rough to watch.

See it if You want to see some quality acting on a subject some might find uncomfortable but told with humor, sensitivity and pathos

Don't see it if You might be offended or uncomfortable by the subject matter (sexual predators.)

See it if you want to see phenomenal acting. The scene transitions were also very well done. This is not a light play so be prepared for deep content.

Don't see it if You are sensitive to or disturbed by sexual abnormalities. This story will make you pretty uncomfortable.

See it if you like quirky characters and a fine performance by Mr. Franchini as Jamie

Don't see it if you can't handle a play where the ending is a bit of a letdown. The finale made me forget why I liked the play for most of the performance

Also The play has some rough ice at the end , and it needs one more pass of the zamboni to clean things up. All in all it was an entertaining show with a fine cast... Read more Read less

See it if You can get out of your comfort zone when it comes to seeing theater. This play has a lot of cringe worthy moments but it is very well done

Don't see it if You're conservative and have a black and white view of morality/people. You need a concrete ending.

See it if You don't like obvious characters.

Don't see it if You like some resolution by the end.

See it if Can't see any reason to see it

Don't see it if Just don't see it. There is a reason they call it Fringe

See it if You want to see new plays deal with subjects that entice and disturb at the same time. When you wanna see a characters dilemma acted well.

Don't see it if You don't like explorations of new and dark territory even tho very well presented.

See it if You like to watch actors give strong committed performances in very difficult material.

Don't see it if You expect plays that deal with controversial subjects to have depth & authenticity. This felt exploitive & contrived.

See it if you can tackle topics not always pleasant and don't mind a surprise along the way.

Don't see it if real life and taboo subjects offend you.

See it if you want to hear a truly original story; you enjoy great acting in intimate spaces; you want to think about the play you are seeing

Don't see it if you don't enjoy watching plays focused on dark subjects; you don't like it when the "bad guy" isn't a black and white choice

See it if you empathize with characters who are down on their luck, a little damaged, and who employ dark humor to get through tough times.

Don't see it if you'd be terribly grossed out & offended by one of the main story threads, an adult man in an inappropriate relationship with a young girl.

See it if Startling, unsettling theatre. Excellent performances. It was off putting and compelling at the same time.

Don't see it if you like easy answers and black and white characters. Audience seemed divided and uneasy.

Also Dawn McGee, Mickey Ryan and Mae Mitchell are standouts but the entire cast is remarkable. Finally, the lead performance by Joseph Franchini is devastating in its humor and complex creepiness. He makes it all work.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy sharply drawn characters, great nuanced acting, and some dark humor

Don't see it if you are disturbed by dark material

See it if you want to see the psychology of an unhappy person laid bare

Don't see it if you want to leave with all questions answered

Also Excellent performance in the leading role

See it if you are not offended by morally questionable behavior, you like dark comedy, you like shows based around a few characters and their world

Don't see it if you need a show with a ton of plot movement, you're uncomfortable with material that explores taboo sexual desires