That True Phoenix

See it if you like witty, fast-paced and well-staged plays about historical figures, in this case Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart's librettist but much more.

Don't see it if you like straight-forward linear plays with a clear beginning, middle and end or dislike actors playing many roles

Also This is a little gem in a small downtown theater that I hope finds an audience. Curry Whitmire is dazzling as Da Ponte, one moment hilarious, another heart-breaking and he has his match in Samantha Fairfield Walsh as his longtime inamorata Nancy. Plus there are amusing cameos from Mozart, Salieri and Clement Clark Moore. What's most impressive is the light touch the cast takes to the material, which in less skilled hands could be dry and boring. This may be the only play I've ever seen where the second act is better than the first.... Read more Read less

See it if You like real histories told in a truly theatrical way.

Don't see it if You need a lot of fancy costumes & huge set pieces.

See it if high octane, non-stop laugh machine, that frappes DaPonte's epic story with story theatre technique & an uber talented company can thrill u

Don't see it if have pre-established rules what a "play" should be, if you can't see yourself in the con, can't appreciate a flight of fancy & new forms

See it if you like stories of little-known historical figures, self-aware plays that toy with timing/staging/characterization, spare but creative sets

Don't see it if you prefer linear/clear/more formal narratives that don't interrupt themselves, get confused by actors playing multiple characters

Also Da Ponte's story is not well-known but truly fascinating. If "necessity is the mother of invention," his agility in disguising his Jewish identity and rising above every obstacle says it all, out of self-preservation, then delight and habit.

To represent that, this play continues reinventing the way the story is told - with Da Ponte at the reins, then with Rachel guiding the story, both using the actors as kitschy, self-aware props. Very clever (check out the details on his shoes!), fun characterizations, interesting way to reflect on what it means to tell an authentic story.

Sometimes the jumping from vignette to vignette got confusing and manic, especially since actors played various characters who were distinguished only by voices or an extra prop/article of clothing. The energy switch from quiet/poignant to shouting was also jarring and sometimes seemed out of place. Lastly, the ending went on a bit long and felt disjointed. But overall an interesting biographical play!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to be entertained and you don't mind having to work a little for it. Fascinating story told irreverently but with heart.

Don't see it if You have sensitive ears, you get dizzy from breakneck action. You need sets, scenery and a linear narrative.

Also I initially felt "assaulted" by the volume and "in your face" manic delivery of the title character. I soon adapted and jumped on board. I really enjoyed this story, the presentation, direction, staging and unexpected complexity as Da Ponte's heritage was revealed. I loved the fact that there was a continuity with the actors so that I was instantly able to make assumptions about the next incarnation due to the previous character. I.e. one actress portrayed the revolving romantic interests, one actress played the antagonists and yet another key supportive characters. Interesting concept I've never seen before.
The first Act was 90 minutes and the second act felt truncated... Read more Read less

See it if You like historical farce or rooting for the underdog.

Don't see it if You don't enjoy a fast-paced show or multi-character actors.

Also It lost me a couple of times but overall a fun and worthwhile production.... Read more Read less

See it if avant garde bare stage techniques & blind multi-character casting amuse rather then confuse you. The love child of Candide & Hamilton!

Don't see it if you are looking for a true biography of Da Ponte whose embroidery on his complicated life has been further expanded for dramatic effect.

See it if You want to see an unusual presentation of characters' lives

Don't see it if You want details presented in a conventional manner

See it if you're up to learning about a real historical figure in musical history; enjoy "trunk" shows (minimal set/props/costumes).

Don't see it if you like your theater with all the bells and whistles; want to see something short and sweet.

Also Lots of laughs to be had here! The cast is very charming.

See it if You want to support a small theatre company with a lot of talent and potential.

Don't see it if You don't like extremely fast-paced storytelling.

See it if You want to learn about a librettist that worked with Mozart, Salieri, among others.

Don't see it if You prefer more mature actors, and less of a farcical approach to the subject at hand.

See it if an ok attempt to tell a story of a forgotten figure, lead actor was good

Don't see it if long, wordy, confusing

See it if This show was a bit longer than it should have been.

Don't see it if While learning about this unsung hero was interesting, the non-linear storytelling and over-the-top acting made it difficult to follow

See it if You want a modern take on a lesser known historical figure. You want to support a young theatre company.

Don't see it if You value consistency: the writing & direction swing between sincere interest in DaPonte, & mocking, hipper than thou nonsense.

See it if This play was an ambitious project for the team since it required a bigger budget. Although the storyline was good it was delivered by a ..

Don't see it if you do not like experimental theatre.

Also group of young actors with great energy and enthusiasm, but without the necessary prompts required for such a complex production. For example there were no changes from person to person in terms of playing a male or female role in terms of posture, costume, dialect, etc. It ended up to be played like a farce, and be funny; the emphasis on Da Ponte’s creative work was lost.... Read more Read less

See it if experimental over the top performance with fast paced and shouting dialog. Younger audience may appreciate the avant garde production.

Don't see it if inclined for more traditional presentation . Staging is minimalistic with silly costumed and portrayed Mozart. First act is 85+ minutes long

Also "Access" theatre is 4 floors high walk-up misnomer.

See it if you're interested in breakthrough theater about a complex, self-deluded yet culturally important character. Many contemporary parallels.

Don't see it if you think it's going to be about the opera, just because it's about Mozart's librettist. It's not.

See it if I really loved this show. The lead actor was amazing. Da Ponte was very talented. He was the man nobody knew, he was so talented. Must see!

Don't see it if N/A

Also This was a very interesting show as well. It really left me wanting more.... Read more Read less

See it if You like fun ensemble pieces and learning about history with a farcical take.

Don't see it if You don't like small theatres or farce or actors playing multiple roles.

See it if You would like to see a hilarious, dynamic piece of new theater. Whether or not you know Lorenzo Da Ponte, you will love this.

Don't see it if You're afraid of new things. Because the piece is so new, it is a little long. It felt like it should be a one act. But it's worth your time

See it if If you like interesting stories,unusual directing

Don't see it if Unusual directing,inconvenient theatre

See it if Entertaining history of L. Da Ponte from Birth to his NY opera house; predecessor of the NY Acad of Music and of the New York Met Opera.

Don't see it if No reason not to see this lovely production. The actors have entertaining energy which tell a historical story with strength n passion.

See it if You like new productions, want to experience creativity, like high energy acting.

Don't see it if You don't like experimentation, physical acting or get confused when actors play multiple roles.

Also A fun romp. I like this company and look forward to see more from them.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy pieces about the power behind the throne, or the sidekick who made it happen.

Don't see it if you don't want to climb 4 flights of stairs to see something that is not worth the effort.

See it if You like zany, chaotic romps through history.

Don't see it if You have a low tolerance for silly, loud comedy.