The Evolution of Mann

See it if you're looking for a fast-paced rom-com on stage.

Don't see it if you're looking for something that has something to say about anything. This is pleasant but not revelatory.

See it if you want to hear new songs that are hip (without the hop), sincere and touching and a story that is old, but made new here.

Don't see it if your heart has lost any notion of romance and/or sentiment along the way. This is touching in a way that old movies used to be--finally!

Also It reminded me of Company, in not only content, but I remember seeing it when it opened, and how fresh and alive it was, like nothing I had ever seen. We felt that about Evolution--refreshed in a way and happy.

The staging was great -- everything white made it feel like we were in a new territory--clean and unsullied. I particularly liked the skyline image that changed color -- so effective yet minimal and non-intrusive. I liked all the songs, particularly It's Only a First Date and The Unromantic Things. We could really feel heart coming through on every lyric.

Try to see this if you can--you won't be disappointed!

I asked my son, who was with me, if guys are really like that, and he assured me the characterization was spot-on. And I didn't see that ending coming -- what a delight!

Here's musical that's timely, new and hip (without the hop), telling an old story in a new and refreshing way.... Read more Read less

See it if romantic comedy is your choice of hill to die on.

Don't see it if romantic comedy is not your choice of hill to die on.

See it if you like funny musicals about the modern search for love

Don't see it if if you don't like romantic comedies or if you get claustrophic in small tight theaters

See it if you like fluffy, funs shows about the ups and downs of dating. Yes, it is cliched but there are some nice twists too.

Don't see it if you are looking for huge laughs, dance numbers or high drama. This small show is cute, pleasant, and charming.

See it if You enjoy seeing a new original musical comedy that is well directed and has endearing characters.

Don't see it if You hate musicals, need heavy plots and high drama.

Also I went to see this show and had no idea what it was about. But from the opening number I was absorbed into the story and the world of the characters. I feel all the actors do a great job at telling their story and Max Crumm is very endearing from begunning to end, even when his characters makes questionable decisions. The direction and use of the space was excellent as they do not have much room on a runway but are so creative. And the musical is fresh and original. It was a very enjoyable evening and I would highly recommend it and I want to go back and see it again.... Read more Read less

See it if ur curious & b aware it's a limited run; if u want 2 be part of a unique space. if u like 2 see costumes that both current & vintage.

Don't see it if cliche' lyrics r not ur thing; r if sometimes they get to "cutsy"

Also the company gave it their all & each actor was sincere & genuine in his and/or her performance.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in quirky characters, some awesome character development, some great songs and some rocking vocals.

Don't see it if if your looking for something super intellectual or you dont like songs at all,

See it if you enjoy shows in intimate venues off-Broadway

Don't see it if you prefer larger musical productions

See it if You REALLY like this genre and don't want to miss yet another entry into it. Like the cast, they're good.

Don't see it if You want an engaging plot, tuneful clever songs, a show with something new to say. Don't want to see unfunny comedy and filler side plots.

Also This was disappointing. Many previous shows in this genre like First Date and Neurosis were much more interesting, entertaining and engaging. This is bland where characters spend too much time standing around discussing their feelings and the dialogue for the most part feels too rushed and unrealistic. And the songs all sound the same with obvious lyrics. The side stuff that are supposed to be funny like a song about otters and a cuban Gatsby are just painful. Strong performances though and it does have it's cute moments, but overall meh.... Read more Read less

See it if You love hilarious musical comedies that are not only funny but also reflect the way people seeking relationships behave (and misbehave!)

Don't see it if You're looking for a serious drama or a show with a large cast.

See it if You enjoy seeing something new and clever, and where you get to see 3 performers with genuine talent, and you like good music and lyrics

Don't see it if You need to see millions of dollars splashed out on a stage, rather than a good product

See it if Must see for fans of contemporary musical theatre. Charming and endearing performances. A well crafted 3 hander.

Don't see it if If you are cynical about relationships and young 20 somethings looking for love.

See it if Joyful and “bigger” than the intimate space it was in. Lyrics were smart and funny, music hummable, and better than some Broadway shows.

Don't see it if Don’t see it if you only appreciate over-produced, frothy musicals!

See it if You want a lighthearted perfectly average little musical romantic romp. Some clever bits. Some interesting set and lighting design.

Don't see it if You’re hoping for anything new or original. You can practically write this one for them once you’ve seen the first few minutes.

See it if you want a small theater, smaller musical. Some good singing.

Don't see it if If you want something more seasoned, more complete. a bigger production.

See it if Cute characters, enjoyable music, smart and funny. Cliched theme, but well done. Allie Trimm was captivating in her multiple roles.

Don't see it if You have had enough of 30-something NY'ers seeking soulmates. You don't want to see a small lighthearted musical.

See it if u want to see a trio of talented actors playing amiable, relatable 30-somethings in a familiar story of modern dating woes (w/a cute twist).

Don't see it if you're tired of the typical sitcom/rom-com take on the "anguish" of millennial dating in the big city.

Also The lyrics (by Douglas Cohen & Dan Elish) are cleverer than your average relationship-based musical of late. But despite references to Sondheim throughout the musical, this show is much less Company and much more "How I Met Your Mother" (or the musical First Date, if you remember that short-lived Broadway show from 2013).... Read more Read less

See it if Lead guy is great singer & charismatic. Loved the lady who played different roles (the "girlfriends"). Fast-paced 90 minute musical comedy.

Don't see it if Harsh bright lighting, strobe lights, and poor U-shape seating area (plus 2 level "set"). Lots of uncomfortable "looking up" - neckache!!

See it if A millennial guy goes through several girl friends trying to find the one before it’s too late, and may be figuring it out in the end.

Don't see it if You want something more than a three-hander musical.

See it if you think originality is overrated, you like average sitcoms

Don't see it if you realize being 30 without any real responsibilities was actually pretty bland

Also There’s nothing really wrong with this, but it’s been done ad nauseam. How I Met Your Mother 100 Days of Summer Significant Other Why Aren’t People Tired of This Yet?... Read more Read less

See it if you are looking for a boy meets girl sort of show. Max Crumm is charming, w/ fabulous voice. Allie Trimm played multiple characters adeptly

Don't see it if A cliched piece will bug you. I Love You Your Perfect Now Change, and Blind Date do a better job with the subject. Staging had issues.

Also The theatrical space was a 3/4 thrust with the raised wide runway as the stage. The seats were regular height chairs and different hight bar stool chairs to make up the different row, so there was no obstruction from the people in front of you. However, The narrow end of the runway had 90% of the action directed toward it staged proscenium style, not on diagonals - and very far downstage so the two sides were looking at backs for a lot of the show. Fortunately, we sat at the end. I strongly recommend you sit a close to the entrance as possible if you see it. The actors were adorable. The story was eh. The score was ok, but only had one memorable song that fortunately was the only song that was reprised. Glad this is in a small venue. The team needs to figure out how to elevate the show to not feel like we've seen it before, and better. Hopefully with this talented cast, they can workshop it and take it to the next level.... Read more Read less

See it if You like musicals. You want to laugh. You want to see a fun, cute, enjoyable performance by a talented cast. You want to enjoy a night out.

Don't see it if You don't like musicals. You don't want to be entertained by a great cast in a great space.

See it if you like musicals &/or romantic-comedies. Very funny best-friend lite-fare, w/moments of warmth & tenderness. Ok damn-it, I teared-up twice.

Don't see it if you're not into cutesy 'he-better-grow-the-F-up-soon' stories. This one's worth seeing. Ok damn-it, I have a man-crush on Max Crumm. Sue me.

Also Rolled my eyes when we 1st walked into The Cell...

...yet ANOTHER freaking runway stage. THIS one works. No schizo back-&-forth, tennis-match viewing, no nausea, no neck-pains (set includes balcony over curtained-off band).

Best-friend relationship between "Henry" (Crumm) & "Gwen" (Leslie Hiatt) is believable, well-developed & executed. Max has my attention since Broadway's 'Disaster'. Generous intelligent actor: Listens Reacts Responds. Rarely seen today. Envious of his range, I absolutely love his voice (tailor-made for this score).

But, the star here is Allie Trimm, playing FOUR roles, often changing w/in seconds, then running back on-stage. As the jilted "Christine", she beautifully slays the show's best song & reprise ('It's Only a First Date'). A heart-breaker.

The ONLY thing predictable w/this show is Henry's "evolution". With only THREE characters listed, anyone who says the ending is predictable, is lying like a sack of merde.

SEE IT, if just for Allie Trimm.

(sorry Max)... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see show with good off-Broadway potential with a little intelligent editing

Don't see it if If you need a fully developed show with a cast with Broadway quality voices.

Also Allie Trimm is brilliant with a wonderful voice and handles her multiple characters and costume changes seamlessly.

The show needs to get rid of the "Jewish" ethic jokes. These are universal characters that do not require that additional identity.

The lead character "Henry Mann" needs to be much less cartoonish. Dan Elish needs to take a little lesson from Adam Rapp's main character in "Red Light Winter" to add significant strength to his book.... Read more Read less