The Invention of Tragedy

See it if You want to see a play where a bunch of girls are dressed as animals. It’s very weird and zany

Don't see it if You like to understand what is going on. I was confused by the first 30 seconds and none of the play made sense to me

Also I did not intend to see this play tonight my plan was to see another play in the same theater written by the same playwright but that play was canceled for some unknown reason today. Rather than going home I decided to see this. When I looked it up I didn’t think I was going to like it and I was right. I have never seen anything by this playwright before and this was probably the worst introduction to him for someone like me. I was completely confused from the very beginning. I see a lot of shows at the flea and I love the bats. The entire time I felt terrible for all the wonderful actresses that were on the stage. They were absolutely perfection and they made the best out of this horrible script. The playwright should be ashamed that he wasted so much talent on this production... Read more Read less

See it if you're a Mac Wellman fan (and everyone should be, really), i.e., you know what you're getting into. Confusing but powerful, great production

Don't see it if you expect to come out with a well formulated idea of what you've seen.

Also The language is intentionally and exquisitely non-linear, at times obtuse with made up words, non-grammatical phrases and non-verbal utterances. The overall emotional arch does get through although reading through the notes/script might anchor you better to what's going on on the stage. The cat-dance will knock you out. The talk-back after the performance was phenomenal - I rarely saw director/actors being so eager to convey what they were trying to do and how they approached it.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy poetic language, physical comedy, and fables.

Don't see it if You like plays where people sit on couches and TV style naturalistic dialogue

See it if You like experimental. You have an open mind & imagination. You've never seen a Mac Wellman play before (like I hadn't). Fun before drinks!

Don't see it if Don't see it if you often find yourself saying "I don't get it" after a show

See it if you want to experience quirky, fun and experimental theater. It's beautifully directed with gorgeous music and amazing costumes & dance.

Don't see it if you only like traditional theater. This is different than what you may find on Broadway, but will still appeal to fans of musical theater!

Also To newbies of the playwright of Mac Wellman: Mac writes odd plays!! Going into it it is helpful to know that what you're going to see might not follow a traditional narrative outline--that is not to say that it is not entertaining. The Invention of Tragedy in particular is so amazingly directed with moments of laughter, heartbreak, wit and splendor. It's magical and weird and you will not be bored!... Read more Read less

See it if You're in the mood for a healthy dose of experimental theater in downtown Manhattan

Don't see it if You feel like being spoon-fed an easy show. The Music Man is probably playing somewhere...