This New York premiere for Atlantic is a surprising tale of kids raising themselves and making something out of nothing in the land of plenty. More…
In the not-so-sunny side of California, Alix bounces between motel rooms, taking care of her brothers for her mostly MIA mother. Mason is a budding songwriter trying to keep off the radar of his absent father in Hong Kong. Together, they must learn to scrape by without giving up their dreams.
See it if You want to see an absorbing show with interesting characters you’ll find yourself caring about even though they are cliched.
Don't see it if You can’t overlook some glaring flaws to see what is basically an interesting well done topical story.
Also This was too long. I couldn’t tell you what to cut but I can tell you ... Read more Read less
See it if you'd like to spend an evening getting to know several quirky, endearing characters so well that you are rooting for them all.
Don't see it if you want a perfectly constructed play: This one is a little baggy, & 1 character is under-used.
Also Carla Ching has a great gift that should serve her well in the theater... Read more Read less
See it if Caught the last performance but found it enjoyable, the two leads did a good job, the play is a bit unreal as characters move between motels
Don't see it if The growing relationship between the 2 leads was tender & the resolution satisfactory but it took too long to develop, parents monstrous
See it if Camaraderie of two (plus 1) teens with parents, but no parental control or influence, embark to the land of displacement and individuation.
Don't see it if Character studies somehow at least still need arcs and they need something at sometime to be said about someone.
Also "First you flail, then you figure it out." Samantha Mathis has a small... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy stories that explore the dynamics between parents and their teenaged children.
Don't see it if you have a hard time buying adult actors as teenagers.
See it if Good basic story line that veers off into too many cliched directions. Play feels contrived & simplistic.
Don't see it if Needs better character development, editing, revisions & stronger direction; acting feels forced except for Ian Duff;
See it if You like attempts at interesting subjects.
Don't see it if You want a well written play.
See it if are interested in the effects of poor parenting on talented teenagers trying to make something of their lives.
Don't see it if you are expecting any new insights about homelessness, parental neglect, police discrimination, undocumented status and financial hardship.
Also The two lead characters are sympathetic, but their story is cliche-rid... Read more Read less
See it if Broke, hungry, homeless, and little parental guidance complicate coming of age story. Still pursuing dream is hopeful in the long run.
Don't see it if You hate seeing people that lack job skills, personal capabilities, & financial resources to be adequate parents - living in run-down motels
Also It feels like this play needs another rewrite to shorten and tighten i... Read more Read less
See it if you want to take a nap for 2+ hours.This is a waste of time. Atlantic usually does a lot better.The script is over written, bloated. Dull
Don't see it if you want an interesting show.Plot idea is excellent--homeless kids.Execution is tedious.3 male actors are very good.Women are inconsistent.
See it if Appealing teenage characters in a confusing muddle of parental dysfunction. Plot devices of injured bird and sword fight are fun but aimless
Don't see it if Couldn't figure the point of an Asian-American author writing about a Chinese teen left by himself in California by widowed gangster father
See it if you like plays with a lot of character development, exploration of loneliness, teens with negligent parents, citizenship, racism.
Don't see it if you're expecting a fast-paced show or don't like character-driven-plays. Some may find it boring, but it's much better than reviews suggest.
See it if Lovely set, nice staging. A sugar coated look at homelessness. Episodic. Clear characterizations that mostly feel fresh.
Don't see it if You want a linear narrative. You need your characters to make sense throughout and not just be winning.
Also I really did enjoy this play. I dont think it is brilliant in any way ... Read more Read less
See it if you like experiencing what poverty in our society is like and how it effects the lives and aspirations of a segment of our population.
Don't see it if you dislike the depiction of the failure of the "American Dream" in our society today and the sad struggles that people go through.
See it if Coming of age indie film vibes (esp. with the lighting) of 2 high school kids without their parents and learning to survive.
Don't see it if Slower, less plot bores you. Characters relied on some racial stereotypes without much transformation, which was a missed opportunity.
Also Diversity: Asian American playwright. I appreciated the Hong Kong undo... Read more Read less
See it if for a new writer with insight into being an outsider expressed by a fine cast with clearly defined characters in a complex family story
Don't see it if a poorly crafted through line of action with a really weak ending will annoy you. Needs some serious dramaturgical attention in act 2.
See it if You like stories about growing up in difficult family situations. The acting is sincere and well done , good sets
Don't see it if You are in the mood for a fast paced lighthearted evening out. It’s a bit slow
See it if you enjoy off-beat plays involving family relationships; you like the intimacy of a small theater
Don't see it if you expect a crowd pleaser; you prefer musicals to dramas
See it if you see everything.
Don't see it if you have access to a different air-conditioned space.
Also lovely actors, but this two hour cliche cannot be saved.
See it if Your interested in a new play.
Don't see it if A play that moves at a slow pace and just doesn't deliver.
See it if your heart goes out to young people in need to a degree you're willing to sit through 2 hours of agonizingly bad dialogue & mediocre acting.
Don't see it if you expect a mature, rich, play with complex characters. Many scenes are laughable, including father-son martial arts battle & finale 'run'
See it if You want to see an interesting play about teens who are forced to be on their own. Actors give their best with what was given to them.
Don't see it if You are not into the topic of teens on their own and dysfunctional families.