Bastard Jones

See it if Boisterous musical adapt of Fielding's epic novel Small ensemble play multiple parts causing confusion Ruggiero's exuberant Tom carries show

Don't see it if Far too many songs drag show's momentum & cause fatigue Sightlines often hindered by tight stage but directed w/ vigor by lyricist Acito

See it if you enjoy a musical based on the novel Tom Jones. Witty lyrics, catchy songs and a very talented cast. Great staging in small theater.

Don't see it if you like serious drama or dignified musicals. This has plenty of risqué humor but it's all in fun.

Also I would like to see this musical in a larger theater to do more justice to the musical numbers and the inventive staging.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a great small musical that could become a big one with a fantastic cast especially male lead.

Don't see it if You can't appreciate a diamond in the rough.

See it if you want madcap, raucous fun and bawdy humor - with clever staging. Impressive disability-inclusive casting and witty writing.

Don't see it if you're not prepared for a high energy (and, at times, exhausting) romp. A bit long, but enjoyably (if sometimes frenetically) funny.

See it if See a show that could have a further life staged in a very intimate space

Don't see it if Want big flashy musicals

See it if Some standout numbers satisfy you with this unique new take of an old tale

Don't see it if You expect a standard literary treatment of JONES.

See it if A spirited, fun, well-intentioned if obvious musical farce appeals, its fully committed cast largely fine with amazing vocal ranges.

Don't see it if You're disturbed by farce, a mostly unmemorable score or watching the lead actor literally screw on his actual prosthetic peg leg.

Also A lot of inventive staging manages to circumvent the extreme limitations of the small and oddly shaped stage at The Cell. That, plus a quick pace, a talented all-out cast and a very game and eager to please Evan Ruggiero as Tom Jones do much to cover the obvious farce and mostly unmemorable score.

Still, the vocal ranges are remarkable and surprising, particularly Matthew McGloin as Tom's jealous half-brother and most especially Crystal Lucas-Perry, who steals and owns the second act as the insatiable and lusty Lady Bellaston.

In all, Bastard Jones is a fun evening whose performances will stay in mind and sight much longer than its script and melodies.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like Rocky Horror to marry Anything Goes and go back to the 18th century in a tiny off-Bway theater

Don't see it if you hate silliness, bad jokes, a lot of simulated sex, and Shakespearean-comedy-level misunderstandings

Also With a little work, this play is going to a bigger theater and a lot of repeat viewers, a la Rocky Horror. The leads are outstanding.... Read more Read less

See it if you appreciate endlessly resourceful staging and an irreverent, contemporary approach that is in keeping with the novel's social satire

Don't see it if bawdy humor isn't your thing or can't relinquish your memory of Finney in the Tom Jones film--which was great in an entirely different way

Also Space is tiny, arrive early for best seats. Acoustics are not great: sound is audible but muddy at times and balance between singers and band not always great. But give it a break: this production is attempting a lot on a shoestring and for the most part pulling it off with great wit. Plus, proceeds benefit Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a truly amazing performance by a young man named Evan Ruggiero, who lost a leg to cancer. He is a real inspiration.

Don't see it if More contemporary musicals are your thing. This is a take off on Tom Jones. If you're not a fan of the story, you may not enjoy this.

Also The actors do a great job, although the multiple parts played by them make for some confusion. Also, a bit too long and the "theater " was a bit too small to put on a musical such as this. Very cramped and uncomfortable.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to feel like your friends are putting on a silly show in their living room; an admirable effort at acting, directing and composing.

Don't see it if you want a fully developed show in a traditional setting, you are in the mood for serious theater.

See it if I loved it. Well directed and baudy fun. Great cast. Stage the size of a postage stamp and yet everything fit and worked.

Don't see it if you're offended by sexual references. I found it delightful.

See it if You like social relevance in the style of Peter And The Starcatcher. Also, 50 seats in Chelsea in a classy environment!

Don't see it if You don't like a few actors playing many parts.

See it if Energetic, silly, vulgar. Likable cast & musicians, captured the story, cleverly staged, likable score. Lots of talent.

Don't see it if Runs out of steam, exhausting over-the-top-campy performances, endless dirty jokes, songs go on forever. Lose an hour.

See it if you like light farcical comedy, close-up view of some tremendous performing talent, innovative use of tiny space & minor props, diverse cast

Don't see it if raunchy humor does not appeal to you; you have an issue with small space and not very comfortable seating (such as bar stools)

Also GO SEE THIS SHOW! you'll enjoy it even if you don't like musicals: it's funny, fast paced, beautifully performed, imaginatively staged, and done in that wonderful flavor of camp that lightens the heart and offers hope for the humankind.

the entire cast is BRILLIANT, so here are just a few honorary mentions:
1. tom jones can only be believable and likable as an innocent at heart, and the lead of the show delivers this in spades (& also has a dance number that brought the house down);
2. the woman who plays sophia is basically the disney princess of my heart, and i wish i could buy the studio recording of her songs;
3. it was so great to see crystal lucas-perry again on stage this season - she has an extraordinary range and righteously steals the second act! <3

the production stumbles a few times: some of the light cues were off, sound was uneven, and there are a few blocking issues, but it's pretty tight overall. have a drink, try to get comfy, and ENJOY while helping a good cause!... Read more Read less

See it if You want a fun and silly show

Don't see it if You prefer a more sophisticated or serious show

See it if you enjoy quirky staging and clever choreography highlighted by a few excellent performances.

Don't see it if you prefer a more polished final product.

See it if You love Ave Q edgy style musicals , just more hard edge

Don't see it if Dramatic shows are what you are looking for that night.

See it if You like seeing very talented diverse actors in a small, scrappy, less polished/designed show. If you don't mind raunchy, vulgar sex humor.

Don't see it if You like things to be conservative and classy. If you only like big produced musicals! If you don't like tiny theaters w/only 40 seats!

See it if you want to see a raucous, rocking, re-telling of a classic tale told by a sexy/funny/talented cast in a unique style with a ton of heart.

Don't see it if you don't like pop rock musicals or you think you need to know the source material (which you don't!)

Also See it before it inevitably heads uptown. This piece has serious talent behind it and serious legs and is bound for bigger things.... Read more Read less

See it if You love clever, fast-moving entertainment , well-written and perfectly pitched performances.

Don't see it if You seek realistic representational theater- or don't have a sense of humor! Or don't like rock and roll...

See it if You love absurd musical comedies that have great singing, dancing, and farce. Incredibly funny and dirty, you'll really enjoy yourself!

Don't see it if You're looking for a nice; wholesome family show. Or if you don't like inappropriate humor and situations.

See it if You like crazy weird sloppy theater

Don't see it if You expect high production values

See it if you like a crazy funny musical w/ a lot of simulated sex on stage for art's sake! It reminds me of sexy fun of Avenue Q but w/o the puppets!

Don't see it if you feel prudish about sex on stage & in music ...but if you'll keep an open mind, ears & eyes, you will not regret any second of this show!

See it if You want to see a diverse cast, with diverse staging, rock out to some great music. Remember that it's a comedy!

Don't see it if You're not into more intimate experiences, and if you are opposed to some adult content.