City of No Illusions

See it if you enjoy offbeat stories. This one takes place in a funeral parlor whose workers have issues. Great musicians perform as a Greek chorus.

Don't see it if you hate looking at dead bodies and dislike the whole concept of death. But you'll miss a very clever, funny story!

See it if you want to experience an engaging, topical play brought to you by several legends of downtown theater & several much younger colleagues.

Don't see it if you are looking for high budget entertainment.

Also In the early 1970s I saw Tina Shepard, Ellen Maddow & Paul Zimet in a double bill from downtown’s most crucial troupe at the time, The Open Theater. Nearly half a century later, all are still doing splendid work (as performers, composer & playwright) for another classic downtown institution, LaMama. I found Talking Band’s “City of No Illusions” quirky, tuneful, topical, surprising, & totally delightful, though probably a bit too diffuse to pack a squarely landed punch. A diverse cast drawn from multiple generations of downtown performers shine. So many plot lines are going on that the playwright simply has to end the show with an abrupt narration of how it all ends. But the touchingly staged last few minutes will help you discount any dramaturgical shortcoming.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoyed the vibrant anti-war theater of the 1970's. Politics and social values with humor and imagination. Good music too.

Don't see it if you expect a traditional well made play. The characters and situation are all farcical embodiments of the message.

See it if You are down for a complex investigation of people on both sides of immigration issues with music and a great diverse cast.

Don't see it if You demand preaching from the left at this downtown institution, or if you seek your light entertainment without a core of serious issues.

See it if you like plays with alot of humor and live music

Don't see it if you need a clear well laid out plot

See it if You enjoy plays about current issues stitched together with elements of magic realism.

Don't see it if You are bothered by somewhat uneven acting and music that distracts rather than adds, & minimal character development. Enjoyable but weird.

See it if You are interested in immigration issues, or just like a rather simple show with an interesting variety of actors and characters.

Don't see it if You want something deep that will keep you thinking.

Also The music is nice - there is a 3-piece girl ensemble that plays music. I never did figure out why the exits and entrances were through a neon door that whish ed each time - if you know what that was about, please let me know! The ending was satisfying, if a bit rushed.... Read more Read less

See it if You like supporting new works with elements of multimedia, relevant political undertones, and great acting.

Don't see it if You're not a fan of plays with slightly abstract elements, you're uncomfortable with the discussion of immigration issues

See it if Experimental undocumented worker satire with live music. Make-up favouring funeral parlour attendant brings heart to hot-button issue.

Don't see it if No escaping terms/images/situations ripped from daily news cycle. Real casket. Dead body on a gurney switcheroo and other sit-com elements.

Also Sample dialogue:"You don't seem like an ICE agent.You don't seem like a cruel person."... Read more Read less

See it if If you want to see a show about illegal immigrants. Good music. A story told that is different

Don't see it if A show that needs work. Story that overshadows the characters. Bit slow at times.

See it if You want a work in progress that is all over the place.

Don't see it if You are looking for depth in developed themes. The acting leaves a lot to be desired.

See it if cute & quirky E Village ensemble of diverse actors & musicians use comedy to tell immigration tale set in a funeral home in Buffalo = Yes!

Don't see it if historic LaMama not fancy--in fact, no heat in the hallways last night (left my hat & coat on) No famous movie star actors--no intermission.

Also "Theatre of the Ridiculous" with a dash of magical realism, performed by very interesting diverse actors & musicians. When I saw a coffin pre-set onstage I knew I would love this! Well written, tightly directed, music throughout. Strange/sudden ending. A love poem about the imminent threat of death & the search for a forever home.... Read more Read less

See it if Very funny in the beginning, lagged in the middle but they made a Funeral home a great premis for drama and fun. Good plot.Incredible acting

Don't see it if If you are squeamish about dead people on the stage. Hate Buffalo. Have no interest in immigration and ICE and plight of refugees or music.

See it if if you want to see a show about immigrant/refugee experiences, if you like experimental theatre

Don't see it if if you don't like music and dancing, if you prefer something very serious (this takes the topic seriously but is still lighthearted & fun)

See it if You want to see a well written/acted play that’s got a lot of outside the box moments. Really engaging and likable then just abruptly ends.

Don't see it if If you’re expecting to see the same old thing. This felt new and unique which unfortunately also means it didn’t all work. But most did.

Also I really liked this a lot...till the end. Got the feeling the playwright just got tired of writing and came up with this odd wrap up that didn’t fit the rest of the play...big disappointment...but getting there was a lot of fun.... Read more Read less

See it if you like off-off B’way, good acting & singing. Funny & poignant story about illegal immigrants & delightful women operating a funeral home.

Don't see it if you’re not a supporter of off-off B’way or plays that are still in development. The author has made a good effort, but still needs some TLC

See it if you'd like some light entertainment on the immigration/discrimination/religion issues of the day with unique music woven into and around.

Don't see it if you want a serious play without the overused door hops here. There are quite a few basic scene changes and the ending is abrupt.

See it if you like shows with music in it, about relevant topics about immigration, shows that are told with a bit of humor.

Don't see it if you like a solid story that moves quickly and has a deep meaning to it or you like art with a lot of power to it.

Also I was expecting to really like this show but it ended up falling short. The characters were interesting enough but there were so many of them that I think a lot of their motivations were left unexplored. You never really got to know any of them very well and thus their actions felt a bit too contrived. I didn't feel like there was a really clear message to the play even if the plot was solid.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested to see a play on various issues ( illegal immigration, refugee crisis, ICE, family dynamic, activism etc, )

Don't see it if You arent open to new ideas, theater that explores and tries new things.Some parts were really funny, some were cliche,but oddly enough good

Also The play still seem to be a work in progress, but it could be a good one if few areas are changed. Also it makes us think so many issues (which I like) that is relavant today... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see new work and don’t care about content.

Don't see it if You want a thought-provoking night at the theatre.

See it if You want to see a play ( with music ) about illegal immigrants/refugees ( and they problems ) in Buffalo NY.

Don't see it if You expect a well written/acted play. Maybe because it was one of the first previews but unfortunately this play feels rushed and unfinished