Sixteen

See it if You like shows that deal with controversial topics but don’t just preach out one side of the story. This gives a fair view to both sides.

Don't see it if You don’t like theatre that makes you think or perhaps maybe even change your mind about how you feel about some political hot topics.

See it if If you want to see a play about juvinelle justice and both sides making good points.

Don't see it if If you want to see something uplifting and happy.

See it if you want to see a staged debate about how society should treat juveniles who run afoul of the law.

Don't see it if you do not like message plays that cannot find dramatic means for expressing that message.

Also It is possible to agree pretty completely with the message a play is trying to convey, and still feel the play is not effective. “Sixteen” correctly tells us that the system of justice for juvenile offenders is broken. But the play has not found a convincing form for its message. Most of the playing time is taken up with series of actors, mostly juvenile “offenders”, who come downstage to tell their individual stories. This is not compelling drama and very soon feels repetitive. And the interstitial material, two doctors and one governmental bean-counter arguing about budget matters and the efficacy of types of therapy, feels at times like a staged debate, not an organic story. A very short dream sequence seems like an intrusion from another play, as does the militant rap at the end. Nothing that came before it has given us a hint that any of these young people, caught in a flawed, damaging system, have any inkling that there’s a political dimension to their plight.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy a good character-study; sort-of happens here. There are LOTS of characters, each presenting their vignette, most well-performed.

Don't see it if you don't want to hear about juvenile delinquency & how the system (medical & legal) is trying to help/support (or not) these 16yr old kids.

Also After "Case-Study", this was almost perfect.

Lots of characters (3 of the 12 actors play 2 different roles). Sadly, not every character gets their fair share of a story-telling moment & resolve. Either some characters need to be cut (can pick 2 that were not relevant at all), or hire more actors & expand upon the stories making it a 2hr show w/intermission between evaluations & assessments.

Of the 3 medical "professionals", the 2 male leads weren't very strong. Their characters were either annoyingly wussy (David Hilfstein) or unnecessarily over-the-top (Alfred Kemp). The 3rd, Melody Ladd, did an ok job as the lead Doctor.

"Juvenile" stand-outs were: the very young Phil Schneider (teen who shares nude pics of classmate, & the young trailer-park cowboy from Cali); the exceptionally strong Morgan Smith (outstanding as the hooker "Giggles", & equally strong as the young mom... shed tears, sitting center-stage, staring straight @ us), & the hysterical Michael Doliner ("The Painter").... Read more Read less

See it if if you want an intense view of both sides of the juvenile detention system, with great acting

Don't see it if you want to see an uplifting show with a happy ending

Also Positives: Show was very good, great topic, good acting.
Negatives: Sound wasn't great; difficult to hear some lines
Spotlights weren't on actors at proper times
Other: despite pre-show announcement to silence cell phones, several in audience texted, etc., as phones were lighting up throughout the show... Read more Read less

See it if You value theater re: a relevant social issue, in this case young people in our bizarre incarceration system. You work in counseling.

Don't see it if You wish a fluffy, fun comedy or musical. You dislike sampling new off, off B'Way shows of any type.

Also More clarification of the book would be wise, as to the outcome of the young protagonists, and who was determining it.
I thought the actors were uniformity excellent!... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy the argument/debate about the mental and emotional trials of being a teenager in the less than ideal situations.

Don't see it if You have trouble understanding the mindset of teenagers or the lack of understanding from those higher up on the government food chain.

See it if You want some good depressing justice system drama.

Don't see it if Want a light night at the theatre

Also Prostitute, art forger and kid who has the under age pics do great jobs!... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in plays about social justice and youth justice.

Don't see it if you prefer linear plays, or plays with a story rather than lots of individual character vignettes. It's a bit on the nose sometimes.

See it if you are interested in this topic of juvenile justice. The play does a good job of making you see both sides of the equation.

Don't see it if You would be annoyed by the poor use of lighting and stage placement of the actors, so that the audience can see.

Also During my show last night there were two gentlemen on the back row who constantly got their phones out to text. Highly irritating. Another lady's phone was blinking for a solid ten minutes, even though she didn't pick it up, still very distracting. It is a sad thing, but along with the announcer telling people to silence their phones, he needs to also say-"put your phone away entirely-unless it's an emergency'" but, people are just idiots, it needs to be spelled out for them. Simply not fair to other patrons. ok. my rant is complete.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in seeing a play that is passionate about a relevant social issue

Don't see it if You want to see light entertainment

See it if You enjoy examining how we should deal with 16-year olds who commit nonviolent crimes. Should gov't spend money to rescue them?

Don't see it if You prefer lighter plots or comedies or musicals.

See it if Great acting from a young talented cast.

Don't see it if You want a happy musical

Also Especially liked the performances of the drug carrying backpack girl the young man who had pix of classmates and the street walker.... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for an entertaining play that deals with a complex and timely suject

Don't see it if The subject matter may be triggering. Ideals with a mature issues that involve teenagers

Also Truly outstanding piece of theatre. While all the performances are very strong - Morgan Smith as a hooker/young mom and Alfred Kemp as the Justice official are outstanding!!... Read more Read less