See it if You love musicals, fun stories and appreciate great talent and harmonies.
Don't see it if You want a large staged production. Read more
See it if you like wonderful singing and acting in a musical that is heart-felt, funny, clever and performed in an intimate setting.
Don't see it if you don't like fun, clever musicals with meaning.
See it if you want to see a very different show--a show about how the show itself was made. Very meta, but very clever
Don't see it if you are looking for a more traditional musical
See it if Musical about its own making, from inception to festival & ultimately Bway. Fun music and dancing, well performed by small cast.
Don't see it if Rise to the big time goes through the usual cliches, e.g. how much do we compromise artistic integrity. "Meta" device sometimes drags.
See it if If you want to have a fun time
Don't see it if If you don't like shows with few actors
See it if REALLY original Broadway theater that is different from the average Disney show. My favorite show EVER
Don't see it if You are the slightest bit homophobic or if you need a formula approach to Broadway shows Read more
See it if You love the history of theater, weird chaotic beauty
Don't see it if You don't love self-referential shows
"The script is clever, funny, a bit raunchy, and full of admiring nods toward some classic musicals. Although the story takes a little while to get going, the show eventually finds a pleasant comedic rhythm. The music is mostly upbeat and conversational, the writing is very self-aware...While the cast could, at times, blend better in their singing, and balance better with the keyboard, this shouldn't detract much from your overall enjoyment."
Read more
"Some of the show's references are dated, but it actually takes up that very issue as it chronicles a writing duo's struggles to create an original musical with Broadway ambitions...Guthrie leads a full-tilt cast of five crisply through the sharp and funny series of twists and turns that make this epitome of self-referential shows shine...This show is about process. In a sense, it is process. But above all, it's a really good time. The music is sophisticated and fun, the performances prime."
Read more
“A one-act musical that chronicles the 3-week creative process that went into the show's submission as a possible entry in the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and then follows its journey off-Broadway, and eventually to it being produced on Broadway. The production features a perfect cast of extremely talented actors with superior vocal abilities. The dialogue is fresh and realistic. I give it my highest recommendation. It's all very clever and entertaining. Not to be missed!”
Read more
"A generally delightful musical...Cleverly quirky...The show is about more than what it seems...The production gets off to a rousing start...Remains quick-paced...though it does lose steam, just as the possibilities of success seem real...For the most part, the show is clever...several musical numbers that stand out...Aimed at theater aficionados, with inside references providing much of the humor. However, the characters' hopes, fears, vulnerabilities and interdependence are universal."
Read more
"Some pleasant harmonies, clever dialogue and a small cast with disarming, likable performers...Delightful musical comedy...Guthrie's players use subtle gestures and turns of phrases that add frequent smart touches and a great deal of humor...Barker and Swiderski are both outstanding...There are quite a few musical numbers that are generally unassuming but definitely relevant to the theme...A charming presentation."
Read more
"A humorous spoof on what needs to be done to execute their dreams...The dialogue proved to be witty and comedic, especially with one subplot: the casting of the show...The acting and singing talent of the cast was enjoyable to watch. They were excellent, though a little more enunciation would have further enhanced the show...Started with a fast pace and continued that way through most of the performance, but the end of the play dragged on just a bit."
Read more