Preexisting Conditions

See it if You want to see a cleverly staged edgy look at the odd state of our healthcare system and marriage in this sometimes great country of ours.

Don't see it if You don’t appreciate shows that are done on a shoestring of a budget. Great acting, script and lots of bang for their buck out of the set.

Also This was a little odd but I really enjoyed it.

See it if If you want a satire on how some live their lives... health care ,dating and jobs. Good acting for the most part.

Don't see it if If you don't like seeing blood on stage. If you want a big production. If you do not like plays that deal with dead end jobs.

See it if u want to see a cunning cautionary tale of an opportune dating service that matches people based on their practical, if impersonal, needs.

Don't see it if you can't stand fussy sets & awkward scene changes; you require a satisfying ending; you think the US healthcare system is above reproach.

See it if you’d like to see a good play about a pressing topic—though it could benefit from a little sharpening of its focus.

Don't see it if you don’t think social problems—even problems with a negative impact on millions of people—make good subjects for plays.

Also The Corkscrew Festival typically attracts smart, talented, engaging young actors, & the cast of 5 for Elyse Pitock’s “Preexisting Conditions” is all that & then some. The script is well worth seeing as well, engaging as it does a social problem that negatively affects millions, even in the age of Obamacare: No (or insufficient) healthcare coverage, a state of being especially precarious for women, underpaid in the workplace, with needs the medical establishment often seems inept at addressing in the best of circumstances. The basic storyline here is pretty high concept: A “feminist” dating service matches women who need insurance with rich guys who feel a bit guilty about being rich. As scenes & material proliferate, the playwright winds up juggling a subplot or 2 too many. But see this. We need more plays that address social issues lightly enough to make us laugh but seriously enough so we’re shaking our heads at the sorry state of affairs we’ve settled for.... Read more Read less

See it if the premise of matching women who need healthcare with rich men interests you. The actors are diligent in their efforts.

Don't see it if you if you lack patience with predictable and repetitive plots.

See it if You want to see a solid performance from Justin ahdoot in a small but memorable roll

Don't see it if You will be bothered by a play that is just not ready yet

Also I know there were some train issues in the city today but the play was supposed to start at 430 PM, at 435 pm we were still waiting in the lobby and I noticed at least one actor running by me who was clearly late and missed their call. If you want to advance in acting in this dog eat dog city there’s no excuse under any circumstances to ever be late. The show didn’t start until after 445 PM. The scene changes were excruciating. The most memorable thing about the show were the tables. Every actor struggled moving the tables on and off the set you couldn’t help but notice this the whole show. There were also loud noises backstage and at one point some of the actors on the stage reacted to these noises. There was also a mishap where a phone was off the hook and then rang. These are all things that should never happen. Aside from all that the play is just not good at all. Six years old which is a part of this festival is a very good solid show so it’s definitely not the festivals issue... Read more Read less

See it if You’re interested in healthcare and the compromises made when sickness is involved.

Don't see it if You need a tight show. The transitions drag the whole thing down. You want a clear or satisfying ending.

See it if you want to see what seems like a good concept go awry as it's written and preformed.

Don't see it if the idea of celebrating women prostituting themselves for health care benefits is appalling in 2019.

Also The male characters were well-developed and well directed and did an excellent job although they were pathetic creatures. The female characters were very flawed and filled with desperation and avarice. Its not a good thing for show that seems to want to be empowering for women.

The direction is not good and the set changes were not well conceived and exceptional slow.... Read more Read less

See it if you like quirky shows about dating and fraudulent business actions. Actors were quite good but I would have preferred a different ending

Don't see it if you don't like shows that leave the ending up to you

See it if You appreciate satire on the ways we live now and want to laugh at the absurdities of the workplace and the dating scene today.

Don't see it if You have no interest in a play that makes fun of dead end jobs and dating/matchmaking services.

See it if you'd like to see a piece where the way to deal with lack of health care is to get married. Skewers many major social issues of our times.

Don't see it if u are tired of Bachelor/Bachelorette themes, even w a twist and don't like small productions even if clever & well acted; quirky take on Now

See it if You are interested in why peeps want in &who should get it in a utopian worldCast is talented. Staging/specials effects excellent

Don't see it if If not interested in grassroots shows the while good base story needs to be tightened & defined more. Leaves a lot of unanswered questions.

Also Venue was so ACed it was wonderful. Has a bard. Comfortable seats. Needs better direction. I enjoy going to these new venues to be exposed to new theater💚... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in new writers; you like shows that explore difficult topics in a quirky way

Don't see it if You are looking for something totally light and fluffy. You would be upset by depiction of blood and medical issues.

Also This was very well written and well done. They did a great job with a very minimal set and kept things moving at a nice pace.

The acting was consistently good.

The characters were a bit cliched but still interesting, and the concept of a dating app that matches women with men who can provide them with health insurance is a good one.

The standouts to me were the lead actress (who I’ve seen in other things and was utterly believable in this) and the CEO’s assistant who brought needed comic relief and heart.

I was disappointed with the last scene - I think the ending definitely could have been stronger.

A very solid effort and I was definitely invested in what was happening and overall enjoyed the show.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a show about the healthcare system...ageism ..dating in the 21st century...good performances...confusing at times...

Don't see it if you don't like small productions on small theaters..

See it if want to support 5 talented actors, a good play about health and family problems, and what people can and can't force themselves to do

Don't see it if Fake blood, imitation of gynecologist visit, medical insurance related topics are not what you want to see onstage.

Also I liked everything, except an uncertain finale and...too much time takes furniture moving, like 1/3 of the play time. Just keep those desks onstage.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a small production with talented cast. Surprisingly well performed, the flow, sound effects & timing are just right, no complaints

Don't see it if Only the location is a challenge to reach. It's a well structured play with ton of funny witty conversations, give it a chance.

See it if You want to see a quirky new play with excellent performances and interesting insights on medicine, ageism and feminism. Plus, it's funny.

Don't see it if My only real complaint was that the set changes took too long and there were too many of them.

See it if Dealt with current issues regarding healthcare

Don't see it if .....

See it if You would like to see a play with many layers representing different facets of life from different perspectives

Don't see it if You are looking for a musical or a big production