Jamaica

See it if Arlen/Harburg's 1957 musical about what "island folks" are like Very dated (how could it not be?) Highly energetic choreography adds a lot

Don't see it if First act vintage 50's musical; 2nd act gets too socio-political but classic 'happy ending' Three leads work hard to keep show on track

See it if you like a boy-meets-girl play; you're a fan or Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg; themes of forgiveness & transformation warm your heart

Don't see it if bad acting or lack of excitement puts you off; you're from Jamaica because there were no Jamaican accents nor relatable West Indian themes

Also Saw it 12/22/2018. "Jamaica" is still onstage in East Harlem & not closed.

I went because I spent part of my youth in Jamaica & wanted to recommended this musical to my West Indian friends. Alas, that will not be possible.

Though I stayed until the end, nothing truly engaged me. It pains me to say this.... Read more Read less

See it if You are curious about the Arlen score.

Don't see it if You are a purist and cannot deal with semi-professional, essential community theater.

See it if Love good stories for the time and music.

Don't see it if Hate musicals and dancing.

See it if want to experience a refreshing trip to the west indies

Don't see it if do not enjoy calypso

See it if you want to support the HRT. Some cast members are really good.

Don't see it if you want a "broadway" experience. This was very low budget. Some of the mics were not working properly.

Also I like to leave the theater singing a song from the show. THis was not the case. The show ended 2 hours ago & I can't even remember one song!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to support an ambitious theatre company.

Don't see it if you're expecting the 1957 musical Jamaica.

See it if Harold Arlen’s music and Yip Harbug’s book & lyrics interest you.You enjoy an uneven, energetic cast try to make sense of a 60 yr old show.

Don't see it if You’re not engaged by community theatre performances, can’t stand bad sound design, or are not interested in the Arlen/Harburg collaboration

Also I am an Arlen lover from way back. He is the most sung yet least sung about composer of the American Songbook. This production is spotty. Some really lovely performances, uneven singing & wonderful dancing. But you can’t shake the fact that this show as written is a mess. Conceived as a vehicle for Harry Belafonte, he took ill. So the producer decided to star Lena Horne in her Bwy debut. The writers had to remake it for her with many disagreements along the way among the creative team. There is no star power here, so one is left wondering what is the point. There are many clever songs penned by Yip and beautiful ones written by Arlen. But even though the evening is enjoyable, the updates don’t quite work and there’s a malaise that even this energetic bunch can’t pull off. My companion thoroughly enjoyed it, so it is a good two hours spent. But ultimately there’s no there there. Thanks to HRT for taking it on. Anytime these forgotten musicals are presented is a good one!!... Read more Read less

See it if You like good singing and a romantic story line.

Don't see it if You don't like musicals.

See it if I THOUGHT THERE WAS A LOT OF GREAT EFFORT ON THIS MUSICAL CONSIDERING A DATED BOOK, THE LEAD ACTRESS WAS GREAT

Don't see it if IF YOU DONT LIKE CULTURAL MUSICALS THAT TOOK A CHANCE ON OLDER MATERIAL

See it if Because it was on Broadway in 50's and Lena Horne was the lead

Don't see it if you are expecting a cast of more than college quality.

See it if you want to support HRT or you are curious about the show.

Don't see it if You want to see a well-produced show. Cast needs more rehearsal time. Technical difficulties were very distracting.

Also I was surprised and disappointed with this show. There audio was terrible. Actors were mic'ed and their sound was very off - some actors were fine, some you couldn't hear, and some gave terrible feedback noise. I thought it was just tonight (9/23), but a previous comment mentions the same thing.

The cast also seemed not quite together - perhaps more rehearsal time is needed?

I saw Raisin in the Sun here and was impressed, so was hoping for more.

And I couldn't believe the # of people playing with their phones - person in front of me was actually watching videos and his screen lit up so much! (I was up in the "box seat" area) and his partner in front of him was having text conversations with someone. arggg... Read more Read less

See it if You want to watch a talented cast do their best to work with the show.

Don't see it if You don't want to see a very low budget rendition of a wildly outdated and comically illogical show.

See it if you are not familiar with this seldom seen musical. Has lots of heart, some wonderful songs/music, and a very enthusiastic group of singers.

Don't see it if you expect a big Broadway/style musical. Sets are simple but evocative with special video to complement the great singing and acting.See it.

See it if you are a student of historic forgotten musicals. The production did a great job with a dated and problematical book. Fun evening.

Don't see it if you are looking for a traditional happy musical. I applaud the company for bringing this musical to light and showing its relevance to today

See it if you enjoy a less than high school production of a dated piece!

Don't see it if you love Musical Theatre!

See it if you are curious about old Broadway musicals, particularly ones with African-American casts and ones by Arlen and Yarburg.

Don't see it if you expect a hidden treasure rather than one whose obscurity is well-deserved, notwithstanding that Lena Horne starred in the original.

Also The night we saw it there were problems with the sound. The actor-singers were miked (some with distracting microphones on their foreheads), not always to their advantage, as their voices were sometimes too loud to make out the lyrics. We weren't the only ones having trouble either. The best thing I can say about the musical's story is that it was predictable and silly.... Read more Read less

See it if You absolutely have to see every musical you haven't seen (as I do) but despite some nice dancing, this ones a big dud. Maybe w/ Lena Horne?

Don't see it if You hate insipid musicals books. The cast tries so hard but alas....You hate to ask yourself why?

See it if You want to visit a rarely-performed Arlen-Harburg musical that was a star vehicle for Lena Horne on Broadway 60 years ago. The band is good

Don't see it if U want grand sets. It's more community theater w/earnest but uneven performances & audio bugs. The play wants to be South Pacific-it's not.

See it if Love romance, dancing, singing and history

Don't see it if You have trouble understanding Caribbean accents

See it if mediocre acting

Don't see it if great perfromances

See it if You have an historical interest in outdated musicals and the occasional great song turn.

Don't see it if You want to care about characters and are curious about "50's mores

See it if You are from the islands and.will be able to understand the accents. And if you feel strongly about supporting the Harlem Rep theater.

Don't see it if You expect a polished musical production, strong visual sets, good choreography.

Also Saw Raisin in the Sun" Expected a better production. Some of the voices were good. Felt it was too amateur. Technical difficulties with sound was a deterrent. However the actors projected great enthusiasm. I will continue to support this theater. They need to be encouraged.... Read more Read less

See it if If you are a supporter Harlem Rep Theater. A family friendly show lots of singing an dancing.

Don't see it if You want a grand scale production . It dragged on at times. The theater is okay,but the sound system could use some improvement .

See it if you like not slick or fancy but sincere shows, and if you appreciate the genius of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, who wrote it.

Don't see it if You demand Broadway slickness and perfect sound quality and famous names who are frequently over-rated.