Red Emma & The Mad Monk

See it if You want to see a musical that is innovative in many ways. Supports trans/LGBTQ theatre. Have even a passing interest in political history.

Don't see it if You dislike shows that are at all meta. Dislike shows that are historical in nature but are not strictly biographical.

Also "What kind of revolution do you want today?" -Rasputin (Well, Rasputin in Red Emma.)

Good question Rasputin. Red Emma & The Mad Monk is a fittingly revolutionary musical for its radical subject matters. And it's revolutionary spirit is evident in its design elements, direction, and casting.

It refuses to settle into being a comedy, or a ham fisted morality play. And it is effective in part because of its sometimes abrupt changes in tone.

Drita Kabashi's, as the titular mad monk Rasputin, is impossible to deny. Her charm is simply too great.

Jonathan Silver's agent Surkov is a chilling and enigmatic specter who will almost certainly occupy space in the bak of your mind long after you leave the theatre.

The set, lighting, and costume design are great. The score services the story well but I wish the music itself were more daring and revolutionary. Rasputin's theme is definitely a standout.

If you missed this run fear not. I have a feeling we'll see this revolution again soon.... Read more Read less

See it if you love small, creative theater pieces that combine history lessons with modern-day messages. Talented cast

Don't see it if you want a Broadway-style, singing, dancing spectacular. This is a drama with a little music.

Also What happens when an overly imaginative teenager goes online to learn about Russian revolutionaries, and they come to life in her bedroom? Should she tweet about them, emulate them -- or question their impact and motives? Should she even believe the things they say -- or the internet says? And who's that Russian hacker manipulating their stories?... Read more Read less

See it if You have an interest in Rasputin, anarchy, or clever musicals. The woman playing Rasputin is fantastic.

Don't see it if You don't like musicals that are more talking than singing. You need all the bells, whistles, and impressive choreography of Broadway.

See it if You want to see a lively new musical before it gets to a bigger theatre and ticket prices soar. You love highly talented performers who are

Don't see it if Small theatre with narrow padded seats. You can’t go before they close on Sept. 1st.

Also undoubtably going to become stars of tomorrow. You like getting a lesson in how Russian anarchists influenced American social progress in the Twentieth century versus the Russian influence in our politics now. The lesson is sweetened with song, dance, laughter and outstanding performances from Equity as well as non-Equity actors. One in particular, Drita Kabashi, knocked me out with her amazing vocal skills and the best use of eyes since the silent movies! The actors work beautifly as an ensemble with each getting their own center-stage moment to shine. The show also asks if we can trust anything we hear or read about history or our own time since history is written by the winners and technology can fracture the facts. The basic plot has a 12 year-old girl’s mind being torn between Rasputin and Emma Goldman. A transgender female plays the tween and a cis female plays Rasputin and both are perfectly cast. In fact the whole cast is perfectly cast. Go!... Read more Read less

See it if You love little shows about big ideas

Don't see it if Ya dumb

See it if You want smart, thoughtful, intelligently written theatre; have been following the news at all; interested in theories of political protest

Don't see it if You want straightforward plots or large-scale productions, dislike nontraditional takes on history

See it if you like fantastical stories which bend time and space to explore our collective relationship to politics, history, technology, and truth.

Don't see it if you'd prefer to see a linear narrative with a conventional story. This play is offbeat and esoteric, and it's not for the apolitical.

See it if you want to see an amazing, utterly unique play that is smart, thought-provoking & well acted, directed, written & staged. I srsly loved it.

Don't see it if you have no interest in smart, engaging, morally ambivalent, utterly unique plays with a fantastic cast; you are expecting a typical musical

See it if This psychodelic absurdist show with a timely Russian theme was something I have never seen before. I would say a Revolutionary theatre!

Don't see it if Not for everyone, and not saying I understood everything, but the feeling was right! Close to orgasmic.

See it if Intrigued by the title, I found it lived up to the promised zaniness and historical relevance, but also made for a gripping story well acted

Don't see it if Can be confusing and boring if you are unfamiliar/uninterested in early 20th century history, Russian and US. Songs are not great/memorable

Also Incubated at Ars Nova, it reminded me of Great Comet in its earliest incarnation as a an intimate cabaret. If you like historical references and and well constructed pieces, do see it, you wont regret it even though its not David Malloy or Tolstoy... Read more Read less

See it if you're down for a relevant, well-written, impeccably-cast and hilarious new musical off-Broadway. This is a MUST SEE.

Don't see it if you hate laughing or being challenged by theatre.