Williston

See it if Ruthless oil land acquirers meet in a remote trailer. Older generation fears being replaced by younger. Cruel business, cruel people.

Don't see it if Foul disrespectful language from unlikable characters. Not believable that locals are so stupid, or that so much transpires so quickly.

See it if you'd like to spend an entertaining time in a trailer with 3 characters, except for a couple minutes mimed outside of it, in a twisted tale.

Don't see it if you do not like rough language argumentative or immoral characters.

See it if All three actors were excellent. The play was well written and engrossing. Set was simple but perfect. Didn't need anything more elaborate

Don't see it if If you want Broadway. This is a very small, intimate theater in the East Village. Very satisfying theater experience.

See it if You'd enjoy an 85 minute comedy/drama that flies by with superb acting & a "twist" towards the end. Free sunflower seeds or honey too.

Don't see it if You don't like shows with Broadway stars in them.

See it if you enjoy drama with an interesting plot and well developed characters, subject matter not normally in your realm of knowledge.

Don't see it if you have no interest in the oil industry, wheeling and dealing, and unlikable characters who swear a lot and (front row warning) also spit

See it if Well plotted tale of corporate carnage. Characters a bit exaggerated but the show gets a lot right about threats to power at middle mgmt.

Don't see it if The show’s resolution is its Achilles heel. Moral is rendered ineffective. Instead of hefty conviction you get wishful thinking.

Also Pros: 3 recognizable characters to anyone working in a declining industry (not just oil). Enjoyed seeing their rationalizations, guilt, & animosities unfold. Another reviewer compared it to Lifespan of a Fact—I agree there’s a similar dynamic, but this show’s better value for your $. Flawed ending, but good time getting there.

Cons: The verdict on each character is announced at the end and we know how we’re supposed to feel. A plea is made for respect & dignity—who would disagree? But it’s made as a sentimental plea, not a rational one. You want to agree, but don't have very good reasons.

*Spoiler Cons* A too weak case is made for why Larry’s entitled to respect after he spends the play withholding it from everyone else. His supposed virtue of never lying is specious given his earlier manipulation tactics. He fails to close the deal. So it seems uncharacteristically sentimental/misguided when Barb falls on her sword (women, amiright?), and not heroic/righteous as probably intended.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see the very talented cast using the high quality writing and direction given them to the best advantage of the show.

Don't see it if small shows attacking corporate greed and insensitivity seem unAmerican to you.

Also extremely well done. Definitely needs a new "blurb" - the one here makes the show sound insipid.

The only thing needing change is minor. Princeton has no business school so it is unlikely that JP Morgan and an oil company would be actively recruiting a Princeton undergrad. Better schools might be Columbia or Cornell for the woman and the Wharton School, with its limited quality undergrad education, for the young man.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy morality plays, intimate theatre (LOVE this venue), strong acting, discovering audition-worthy monologues (can't help it).

Don't see it if you're only interested in grand Broadway shows, don't like tight spaces, are easily offended by F-bombs, don't enjoy exploring new plays.

Also Re-read official show description when I got home.

Made zero sense after seeing the show. This was NOT a dark comedy.

Morality play about: funky negotiations, greed, corporate take-overs, the environment, lease of North Dakota Indian land for oil-digging... discussed, argued & bandied about by dismissive obnoxious old stalwarts VS nerdy young blood.

All 4 scenes are done inside a trailer (2nd scene is a very short cleverly lit & mimed dinner conversation). You feel like you're in there w/them, amidst the shouting & spitting. Good script, although the moral take @ the end left us twisted (we didn't feel sorry for the old stalwarts nor did we support the young blood). Hypocritical? True to corporate-form?

We went to specifically see Robert Lupone ("Larry"). We left completely mesmerized by the magnificent performance of Kate Grimes ("Barb"). A master-class in giving, listening, reactive expressions & body language. Completely believable & natural.

This show must continue somewhere!... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see a new, well-performed drama that doesn't have the "same old" plot; you won't mind some cursing and violence.

Don't see it if you prefer lighter fare, more complex sets

See it if 3 brilliant actors in a hotel room, reminiscent of THE BIG KAHUNA.

Don't see it if If you only like Broadway musicals

See it if You're interested in an intense drama about corporate greed in America. Great writing and acting - delivered more than I expected.

Don't see it if You don't like being almost on the stage - this is an extremely intimate venue. But you would be missing out - this is well worth your time.

See it if Not a bad story but trying to make two immoral, obnoxious characters sympathetic heroes is contrived and silly.

Don't see it if Some truly awful Mamet-esque dialogue. Ridiculous stereotypes. Forced dialogue.I couldn't even tell you if the actors were any good.

Also I'm pretty sure one of the characters actually said "I wouldn't TRUST him with a ten foot pole." (not as a joke) Enough said about dialogue.... Read more Read less

See it if Good acting and a great script...surprising ending.

Don't see it if You want a splashy set.

See it if you'd like to support original material that covers social, political and climate issues within the context of a good story.

Don't see it if you want polish, perfect writing and flawless delivery. Despite well known actors, this is still black box theater, early in it's run.

Also Good story, good issues (corporate greed, unethical and deceptive business practices, sexual harassment, environmental profiteering) are covered by just telling the story, not lecturing.

Lupone stumbled over a few words, but the acting was great. Loved the hardened, sarcastic female lead (played by Kate Grimes) early on, but thought the writing let her down later on.

The end felt oddly edited and rushed. I think a lot of the early humor could have been edited down so that the ending can be more fleshed out.

Liked the set and thought the use of pantomime was a very clever way to more the play along.

Theater is down a staircase, outside of the main doors to building. Looked like there was a small elevator inside.... Read more Read less

See it if It’s refreshing seeing a new American play packed with emotion not about lgbt rights or gun violence that captures a timely topic.

Don't see it if You don’t like small theatres in east village.

Also There were a few glitches but it was first preview. But despite all that, I thought this was a great piece of theatre. See this play now so that when it’s on broadway you can say you saw it when. This has potential to be a big time play.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see an original play with some great acting

Don't see it if You want to see a big production or are uninterested in new plays

See it if you enjoy intimate off off broadway production, if you want to see great acting.

Don't see it if you are into big Broadway and musicals

Also Cute little play with some big awkward ideas on politics, business and environmental challenges. The script is ambitiously tailgaiting Glenngary Glen Ross but a playwright Adam Seidel, while showing a good ear for monologues, is no David Mamet, and the whole enterprise seems unbelievable and simply naive. Multi-million dollar oil contracts without a single lawyer in sight, anyone? Dale Carnegie techniques as a Bible of "closing"? The author has obviously never participated in one. The sales people hustle and delusions of grandeur are depicted quite well though, and played with gusto by a strong trio of actors, where Robert LuPone is a standout. The staging is brisk and assured. The play has potential, provided the script is adjusted accordingly. I wouldn't be surprised if it makes it to a bigger venue, it deserves viewers.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy a well-written, well-performed dramatic ensemble piece. It is engaging,compelling and intimate experience in a 50 seat theater.

Don't see it if You don't like good theater. It's a just a gem of a production. Everyone should see it.

See it if Solidly written, solidly acted in a small space so you are right there “living” the story in all the right ways.

Don't see it if You are not good with drama’s performed at a high pitch with you as part of the room

See it if you want to see a new play early in the process, you want to see talented actors up close in a small venue and a plot that moves along

Don't see it if you want a grand spectacle or a musical, if the subject matter turns you off or if you are put off from the basement atmosphere

Also Tonight was the first preview of this new play which is very well cast. Unlike in The Lifespan of a Fact, the characters in this play do evolve, they are affected by the unfolding of events and that's what held my interest. I love a small venue and didn't mind the basement feel - small quarters added something to the tension in the plot... Read more Read less

See it if You're interested in the way corporations are dehumanizing the workforce and local populations.

Don't see it if You are not looking for an intense, topical 3-hander

See it if Fast paced, funny, well plotted three hander about the oil business in North Dakota. Relevant and entertaining.

Don't see it if You don't like straightforward narrative drama.

See it if You live in the neighborhood and have nothing else to do

Don't see it if You enjoy good theater You aren’t in the neighborhood and don’t feel like making the trek to that theater

See it if You want to see powerful funny clashes between very different characters strip ea other to their essence amid oil company greed, ND Indians

Don't see it if You can’t find 64 east 4 st (R, F,or 6 trains or cab) in Manhattan, don’t want to be in a small intimate off off off Bway theater

Also Excellent writing, direction and acting - dramatic every second as we absorb interesting political challenges without any exposition or preaching... Read more Read less

See it if you like an engaging 3-character play that has interesting and plausible twists, while tapping into ever-present American themes.

Don't see it if you like fluffy Broadway musicals or Disney-type fare.