The Price of Thomas Scott

See it if you want to see another rare, lost play by a mostly-forgotten playwright, lovingly & elegantly produced by Mint; u want a 1913 Footloose.

Don't see it if you're in it for the play itself. [The play is overstuffed, flimsy & implausible. The production is saved by wonderful acting & directing.]

Also Kudos to Mint Theatre Co for finding another obscure play to introduce to new audiences, but... This play -- full of plot holes, improbable motivations, completely unnecessary characters, and an unsatisfying ending -- probably should have stayed packed away in the back of the attic.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of the Mint & enjoy the discovery of forgotten plays from the early 20th century, linear, socially-relevant plots

Don't see it if plays from early last century are not your thing, prefer less talky, more action plays, don't enjoy linear plots

See it if fine production values such as lovely costumes & excellent direction appeal. The Mint never disappoints in these areas. Always lovely!

Don't see it if you want theater with current themes, political relevance or social commentary.

See it if You are a fan of the Mint Theater (as I am). Acting was good. Fun to see a period piece (in the positive sense of the phrase).

Don't see it if You want something up to date. Of course there is usually something relevant in a old play and that is the case here.

Also 90 minutes

See it if The last 5 minutes of the 90 minute piece are fun (an interesting argument/dilemma and a nice post-curtain dance)

Don't see it if But the pacing beforehand is catatonic. All talk & no action.

See it if You want to see play that remains amazing even though it was written in a very long time ago

Don't see it if You don’t have the ability to put your mind back 100 years ago and be able to feel what much simpler times were like

Also I just saw a play yesterday that bothered me because it was so old and outdated and should be put to sleep. This play is even older than that one and it’s incredible how well this holds its place. In the crazy technology world that we live in where nothing is off-limits and not much shocks or offends us it’s hard to believe that the main character in this play is disgusted by the fact that some people are starting to dance! This had me at the edge of my seat the entire time and I felt bad for the main character because he was so torn over something that no one would think twice about today. Everything about this play was exceptional. I want to make special mention of the performance by Donald corren. Everything about his performance was exceptional!... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Mint Theater Company works; want to see a female-written play with a spirited female lead, or travel back in time for an evening.

Don't see it if expecting exceptionally riveting, shocking drama; dislike early-20th-century British “parlour-room” plays; or you need something longer.

Also Elizabeth Baker’s 1913 The Price of Thomas Scott only had one initial run in its own era: what I love about Mint Theater is how it resuscitates plays that may easily be dismissed as “stale” or “uninspired,” elevating them into both a) accurate and believable reflections of their contemporary era and b) usefully-provoking regarding ruminations about our own lives now. TPfTS may have an outdated main plot (the eponymous figure is super-religious and, although his family desperately needs money, will not sell his draper shop to a company wanting to turn it into a dance hall). While, today, most people would hardly think dancing is one step away from hell, the play asks us to consider the difference between “prejudice” and “conviction.” What price is high enough that we may bend our morals? Is it right—to self and others—to stick to a code even if suffering is sure to follow? Some will dub Scott courageous; others will find him a fool. I left reflecting upon my own beliefs and judgments.... Read more Read less

See it if you are interested in the social concerns of 100 years ago. Nice, enjoyable play but no fireworks.

Don't see it if you have no interest in anything from the past and only like modern plays.

See it if You like classic plays with the wonderful mastery of the Mint Theater Company with all that’s keeps things fresh for today’s audiences.

Don't see it if You want to see contemporary shows.

See it if you enjoy a really good play with a hint of comedy about sticking to our principles

Don't see it if you're looking for a musical although there is a cute dance scene after the show.

See it if you enjoy Mint's brand of resurrected vintage dramas. It is of historical value and nicely done, if not particularly riveting.

Don't see it if you expect lively drama or don't like talky period pieces. It is preachy and old-fashioned, but rather interesting and diverting in its way

See it if you enjoy seeing old plays brought to new life in beautiful productions, with fine acting and direction, though seemingly dated issues

Don't see it if you only like contemporary plays and are not interested in issues of another period that MIGHT actually have relevance to our own.

Also "A Man for All Seasons" is playing in another theater in the same complex. I couldn't help but ponder what are the differences (or are there any?) between what may seem prejudice and narrow-mindedness to us and "commitment to principle". And in both plays, the central male character seemingly gives no thought to the price that will be paid by his family.... Read more Read less

See it if you like period pieces

Don't see it if want to be entertained and leave the theater feeling fulfilled

Also I love the notes that the Mint Theater includes in their playbill - but I have to say the notes made me expect something more than what I experienced.

I found the script to be repetitive and was very disappointed that the daughter yielded to her father's position when he was so closed-minded even about something as simple as dancing - and in her heart, she was much more open to new adventures.

I saw this play at Theater Row in NYC in Feb 2019.... Read more Read less

See it if You appreciate mint’s attention to detail in costume, scenery, dialogue. Are ok with talky play that’s not deep or resolved

Don't see it if You can’t stomach the fundamentalism even if it fits the time period. Very abrupt ending and no reaction by the family members, but missing

See it if Mint fan who needs their periodic fix. Great company in a cozy and convenient theater.

Don't see it if Price is a mint at retail.

Also Geezer Theater. Average patron is around ancient. TS opens a series with the umbrella title "Meet Miss Baker," three plays that all look promising. Hopefully this is the least impressive. Sprawling cast for ninety minutes. Don Corren is a stern patriarch, who wrecks his family's future for his misguided ideals. Tracy Sallows is ultimately broken and resigned as his victimized wife. Emma Geer is the firecracker daughter, whose looks will surely go before a suitor comes. Nick LaMedica is a fine ambitious son, more steamrolled collateral damage. Arielle Yoder is a pretty, bubbly customer, dandy eye candy. Ayana Workman is distracting non traditional casting as a friend. TS starts and ends with dancing, so how bad can it be? Mint is determined to please its own customers, come hell or high morals. A notch below their usual level is still mighty swell. Back rows do disengage. Up close is my ideal deal.... Read more Read less

See it if You like show that consider questions of conscience and morality

Don't see it if You like shows That don’t sacrifice character and drama for argument

See it if You enjoy family drama plays

Don't see it if You like musicals and comedies

See it if you like old-fashioned plays that are light & not too challenging. This is a very slight offering, but has its charms. Goes by quickly.

Don't see it if you don't like old plays that are somewhat creaky, regardless of being well-mounted. The author seems to be divided on her central thesis.

See it if Great production of a very dated show. Mint always does great casting. The show was very slow but the issue was the play not production.

Don't see it if You want silly, fun or a fast moving show or something contemporary:

See it if I love all the mint Productions. For me this is the jewel of New York Off Broadway Theater.

Don't see it if Prefer something more current. This play takes place in early 1900.

See it if you adore remounts of older outstanding plays

Don't see it if you dislike older plays

See it if you want a play that has some heavy ideals, but still has some light moments. Basically, if you like "regular" plays, you should like it.

Don't see it if you are tired (the person next to me fell asleep...1st row...oy) or want a more modern comedy or musical. Light fluff, it is not.

See it if You enjoy old fashioned English morality plays dealing with hard to relate to issues.

Don't see it if You are not interested in a period curiosity that is really a very slight play.

Also This play would have been best left unrevived. The immoral dancing was the best part of the play.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy the story background in 19th century, the costumes, the settings and the small town feel.

Don't see it if You prefer more intense and thought provoking stories.

Also Although it was based on the culture and the social values in that era, the moral dilemma should not be there, I guess I would not understand why social dancing during that time was considered sinful and against the God....... Read more Read less

See it if you like expertly acted period pieces even if themes are extremely outdated, but relevant to how much one will stick to one's convictions.

Don't see it if you only like contemporary settings and are unable to connect to old-fashioned ideas.