Matata and Jesse James: An American Tragedy

See it if You want to see a show that’s interesting, well staged, well acted yet feels unfinished or still in a workshop phase.

Don't see it if You want a fully realized piece of work. This feels like the ending was rushed and doesn’t match the rest of the pace.

See it if you'd like to contemplate relationships of the Civil War era and juxtapose them to current times. Some standout acting.

Don't see it if you cannot appreciate the possible tug and pull of white-black relationships following the abolition of slavery and today's continuance.

See it if you enjoy a fascinating drama about life after Reconstruction.era. Very powerful and original. Excellent acting and staging.

Don't see it if you not like dialogue about struggles between blacks and whites. Very frank words on both sides.

Also There are two sets of rows for seating and action takes place mainly on right and left sides so better to sit in middle so can see both sides and hear dialogue better. I liked that the characters sounded so down to earth so could sympathize with both even if disagreed with some. Jesse James became a real person not a legendary bandit.... Read more Read less

See it if You want some interesting background on Matata, Jessie James and Billy the Kid. You want to see that some things are hard to change.

Don't see it if You are not interested in historical pieces. You are not interested in what was happening in American during the Reconstruction Era.

Also Although this was not a musical I truly enjoyed what little singing there was and I enjoyed the banjo and guitar playing. The set was interestingly set up and the costumes were great. I enjoyed seeing that Jessie James was not just a bandit. I enjoyed the performers and I feel that they did a very good job in this performance.... Read more Read less

See it if You're interested in history. You want to feel what the Confederacy was really about.

Don't see it if Well it's a bit slow.

See it if You would like to see imagine another side to Jesse James in reference to social issues of the time.

Don't see it if You want to see a more historical play.

See it if you are interested in historical dramas, especially the Reconstruction Era. You like plays that explore racial issues in this country.

Don't see it if you are looking for lighter fare or are deeply offended by a few n-words.

Also The play includes actors performing authentic period music, although it is not a musical.... Read more Read less

See it if You'd like a compelling tale set after the Civil War ended but the racial divide never did. In modern dress, this could be a 2018 story.

Don't see it if You can't face the fact that many of the problems of race, class, and poverty after the Civil War are still with us today.

See it if Great nugget of fictionalized era. Two fine leads. Smart production design.

Don't see it if Chairs bound together. Difficult to escape neighbors. Choose an aisle.

Also Choose the right entrance and get a better view of the sweeping background. Plaintive a cappela singing is a nice touch.... Read more Read less

See it if You’re interested in the Civil War and or black history

Don't see it if You’re not interested in the Civil War and or black history

See it if you want to see relevant focus on race relations from the Civil War and which can apply to today.

Don't see it if you only are interested in mindless performances.

See it if you have an interest in American history as it pertains to the Civil War and it's aftermath.

Don't see it if you are not interested in historical plays.

See it if Intriging themes and characters interest you.

Don't see it if You have no imagination.

See it if you would like to know more about the infamous James brothers, train & bank robbers. There is aslo racism with Civil War overtures.

Don't see it if you expect a story that holds your attention and captivates your interest.

See it if The play was adequate.Matata was really quite good as well as Jesse James.The story itself was questionable at best.

Don't see it if if you don't like historical figures as well as black history info.

See it if you like a historical drama about an important subject and can tolerate some (not all) sub-par acting and somewhat sluggish directing.

Don't see it if you want things polished and perfect.

See it if You want a reminder of why the difficulties of the Reconstruction period continue to taint racial relations in this country.

Don't see it if You would rather be entertained with out doses of harsh reality.

See it if you have an interest in the civil war period of US history and if you are curious about Jesse James and his role as a Southern patriot.

Don't see it if you have no patience for slowly unfolding stories.

See it if You are interested in the experiences of different types of people in the Civil War era that molded them into who they are

Don't see it if Issues of race and class disturb you, no interest in history, need a large production

See it if You want to see something historical that’s relevant today

Don't see it if You get annoyed when some actors don’t project and enunciate their words.

See it if You want an America’s historic drama with some songs.

Don't see it if If your looking for an upbeat musical

See it if you love plays that have a historical message with a socio-political relevance to today.

Don't see it if you don't like plays that dealswith socio-political issues.

See it if You enjoy small intimate theatre productions and historical themed plays.

Don't see it if You want a romping musical and don't want to see a play about Jesse James and race relations in the Reconstruction era.

See it if You desire to see revisionist history

Don't see it if you seek truth

See it if you like historical stories, excellent acting.

Don't see it if you don't like straight-ahead storytelling, unconventional staging/production.

Also Many good things about this show, but was missing a climactic moment, unexpected turn or reveal, or dramatic climax, final revelation.... Read more Read less