Something Clean

See it if you'd like an intelligent, engaging work about aftermath of sexual assault. Strong characterizns/mostly credible plot. Good acting/staging.

Don't see it if you need bells-and-whistles prodn (SC in sm black box/barebones) Or the subj is triggering. Or you want more attn paid to the victim.

See it if Insightful, intelligent and moving writing. Very relevant. Great acting.

Don't see it if issues of sex crimes, its consequences and aftermath are too disturbing to you.

See it if You enjoy intense shows. Excellent performances and some riveting moments. I'm always impressed w/ Roundabout Undergrounds play selection.

Don't see it if You aren't in the mood for a heavier subject matter and would prefer something light or comical.

See it if Parents try to cope with their son's sex crime, which also triggers a midlife crisis in their marriage. Compelling acting tears you apart.

Don't see it if You don't believe that a child you have raised for 20 years could hide a dark side from you. Alas, they can. Which makes this play so scary.

See it if Fan of actress Erbe, enjoy cutting edge topics from a different perspective, enjoy tales of bonding between people who might never meet

Don't see it if Rape is a trigger issue, can’t understand a parent’s sympathy for a disreputable child, don’t like unresolvable moral dilemmas

See it if The mom & dad are great actors & give very believable performances. Perhaps high school audiences will enjoy this show.

Don't see it if The young kid gives a one-dimensional overacted performance. Too many statistics are given over & over. Feels like an after-school special.

See it if you want to see a work by a very promising young writer. Also, if you want to see Kathryn Erbe give a stunning performance.

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with discussions about sexual assault.

Also "Something Clean" is a very impressive debut play by Selina Fillinger. I look forward to seeing her future works. This is a young writer to keep your eye on. The cast of three—Kathryn Erbe, Daniel Jenkins, and Christopher Livingston—all give exemplary performances. I especially enjoyed watching the relationship between Erbe and Livingston develop over time. Margot Bordelon's directions keeps the play moving. Roundabout Underground has another winner!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see a play about the effects of sexual assault as seen from an unusual angle or it you are a fan of the marvelous Kathryn Erbe.

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with the topic and if you require having all the loose ends neatly tied up.

See it if you like shows that deal with real issues.In this case it's sexual assault.Very, VERY good acting.Touching. Ending is very weak.

Don't see it if you want something light and frothy. This will touch you and upset you and move you. I really liked it, with the exception of a blah ending.

See it if you're interested in a play about a woman trying to reconcile the guilt she feels about a crime her son committed. Great and nuanced acting.

Don't see it if you're not interested in serious subject matters or prefer a large production.

See it if Kathryn Erbe gives a power-house performance as a mother dealing with the after-effects of a sexual crime. Gripping.

Don't see it if It takes a while to figure out what exactly is going on. You have to pay close attention. The ending was unsatisfying.

See it if you like challenging theater that makes you think about difficult subjects - in this case the lives touched by rape.

Don't see it if you want something light and entertaining.

See it if about victims of sexual assault - in this case mostly from a very different perspective - that of the perpetrator's parents*

Don't see it if sexual assault topics are triggers or don't like relevant important topics, want something light

Also * effect on their marriage, questioning whether there were any signs, guilt & shame.
Some contrived bits but minor because of fully formed characters. Great performances especially by Erbe. Very moving.... Read more Read less

See it if A mother's journey reflecting on her role raising a white male athlete who raped a woman in college & learning more about sexual assault.

Don't see it if Sexual assault (college rape and pedophilia) is triggering. What's the accountability of the perpetrator? What's the role of parents,society

Also Diversity: 1 person of color, a young gay Black male survivor of sexual assault character. Story's about a white upper/middle class woman, but she begins to learn about how sexual assault intersects with race and class.
Ticket from website for $30.... Read more Read less

See it if you are up for seeing people struggle that their son has done something unimaginable. Thought-provoking, powerful & well done

Don't see it if You are seeking a happy go lucky experience.

See it if you are interested in an intense play that looks at a perspective of sexual assault that is often overlooked, the parents of the attacker.

Don't see it if themes of sexual assault can trigger you. It's extremely intense and centers around a horrendous crime against a child and a college student

See it if You want to see a finely acted show that explores issues related to sexual assaults in a thoughtful and compelling way.

Don't see it if You don’t like plays that address serious social issues.

Also All three cast members are excellent, but Kathryn Erbe’s outstanding performance is especially notable.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate awesome acting in an intimate setting about a serious subject sensitively portrayed from a point of view not often discussed

Don't see it if You want a light easy evening at the theater with a big broadway vibe

See it if you are interested in the experiences of collateral victims of violence & masterful writing, funny, frightening, emotional intimate theater.

Don't see it if you're looking for light hearted comedy or a big Broadway musical. Otherwise this is a show that should not be missed.

See it if you like a very powerful piece about the effects of a heinous crime on the family members of the perpetrator. Very Intense and very dark.

Don't see it if you like light, bouncy shows instead of brutally honest and dark pieces. You need the trappings of more than bare bones basic theatre.

Also Kathryn Erbe (Charlotte) is exquisite as the mother of a young man convicted of the rape of a college student. Torn between love of her son, and the deep guilt in having raised someone capable of such a heinous act, she seeks answers in a Sexual Abuse Center and meets abuse survivor turned counselor, Joey (Stupendously portrayed by Christopher Livingston). Something Clean shows that not only the victim can be deeply traumatized, the crumbling of the marriage (Daniel Jenkins as husband Doug was a perfect casting choice), the hounding by the media and the loss of intimacy due to guilt are explored without minimizing the plight of the actual victim. The presentation was stunningly performed by the three cast members. All brought sincerity and depth to their performances. This is not a feel good night at the theatre, it will give you pause for thought and an In-Your-Face examination of the peripheral effects of sexual assault and the extreme ripples it can cause. A must see production.... Read more Read less

See it if ..you enjoy seeing intimate, emotional situations. Beautifully acted. Fully deserves NY Times rave review.

Don't see it if .. you don't like raw emotions, up close and personal.

See it if you are interested in seeing a relevant, timely topic explored through a new lens. Surprisingly funny, and very moving. Strong performances.

Don't see it if discussions relating to sexual assault are particularly triggering for you. It's handled well, but it may hit very close to home for some.

See it if Exploring the collateral damage of a violent act, eventual healing and rebuilding of lives, where the survivor and perpetrator are secondary

Don't see it if Stories of sexual abuse are triggering, particularly when seen through eyes of those who bear guilt and shame without having harmed anyone

Also Really different, for me, perspective on the long term damage of sexual assault. Kathryn Erbe does a stellar job. Some of the scenes with her friend/mentor Joey seemed forced, contrived. But overall a script with very real, honest portrayals.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a riveting drama with great acting. Interested in how parents deal with their son's crime. Like Kathryn Erbe. She's amazing

Don't see it if You want something light and fluffy. Don't like plays in intimate settings. You can't handle shows about sexual assault

See it if you want to see the best of NY theatre. Great writing, acting, staging. Nobody moved for 85 minutes.....and for $30/seat it's a bargain

Don't see it if there is no reason not to see it