See it if You want to see a brilliant play about the uphill climb faced by the Vietnamese who emigrated to the U.S. at the end of the war;with music
Don't see it if You are easily offended by offensive language and sexual acts; do not like rap or cartoonish action Read more
See it if You like controversial topics cleverly staged and acted & want to know more about human nature. Want a story from a different viewpoint.
Don't see it if Can't take profanity & aren't interested in the myriads of humans and their reactions to crisis situations.
See it if you like to see a wonderful ensemble of actors tell as story from a point of view you might not have thought of.
Don't see it if you are so politically correct that you cannot laugh at in appropriate words. Don't see it if rough language offends you. Read more
See it if Refreshing take on the Asian immigrant experience and Vietnam War; Qui Nguyen is a playwright to watch. Clever, Energetic, production.
Don't see it if Are uncomfortable with profanity; only like conventional theater; or can't follow a plot that is not linear.
See it if Want an Original innovative show. Humorous. Good songs
Don't see it if Insist on traditional ballads in a musical.
See it if you like a show that's a bit off-beat; interested in history from another point of view with a bit of rap thrown in for good measure.
Don't see it if you prefer the ordinary, run-of-the-mill show; hate rap, profanity, and sex; you are not interested in history from another point of view.
See it if You enjoy seeing modern plays that take a "hip-hop remix" attitude towards time and pop culture. You like plays from diverse perspectives
Don't see it if You don't like swearing and rap music. You don't like having preconceived notions challenged.
See it if You like serious themes presented in a campy way. It's a historical drama, comic book, romantic comedy, and rap musical. (!)
Don't see it if The combination of styles seemed a bit incongruous at first, but it grew on me. Read more
"A zippy production, brilliantly cast and well directed...Nguyen’s engaging characters and good dialogue would make for a riveting play even given the less than original adjustment scenes...He’s also brought his “geek theatre” sensibility – and his self-professed 'favorite things' (early ’80s hip-hop and comic books) – to this play, so there’s always something surprising going on. It’s a remarkable theatrical experience."
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"An electrifyingly innovative and ultimately quite powerful world premiere...Fortunately there is much more to 'Vietgone' than two hours of mostly gratuitous foul language...First and foremost are the thoroughly engaging characters who populate this 'entirely fictional' rom-com...Nguyen’s love of comic books, samurai stories, and hip-hop figure prominently...Adrales clearly understands playwright Nguyen’s style and sensibility, eliciting sensational performances from her entire cast."
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"'Vietgone’s' strengths are the themes it brings up, the Vietnamese perspective it provides to the audience, and its individual scenes...The irreverent dialogue captures the emotions the characters deal with. The unexpected moments of whimsy, fantasy, and fourth wall breaking also really elevate the play...'Vietgone' is not perfect, but it is surprising and unconventional and poignant."
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"I highly recommend 'Vietgone'...I really fucking enjoyed this play. I was fucking moved. To tears. To laughter. I was fucking inspired. And, though ever-suspended between two cultures, I, for two sweet hours, felt that I fucking belonged."
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"The play is entertaining, with great acting from the cast...The playwright’s inventiveness in using language to invert the power dynamic so that immigrants are now hip and cool is fun to watch...However, the absence of Vietnamese culture in this piece left me wanting more...This play is very interesting in that it reflects this particular writer’s search for his history and identity. Though at times 'Vietgone’s' self-reflection can feel like self-rejection."
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"I was impressed with his knack for dialogue, and skill at turning a play around on a dime from ridiculous hilarity, to sharp-pointed emotional drama, and back again. His writing is kind of a roller coaster that way, allowing for great theatricality and very human stories with flawed, lovable characters who carry their pain but are never weighed down by it...It's just an all-around wonderful show and that's all I can say...If you get the chance, GO SEE this!"
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