Classic Stage Company — Attraction in New York

@Classic Stage Company...was an interesting space, with weird energy front house staff. I got there and had forgotten to bring a mask. I waited outside the theater 🎭 awaiting the return of the gentleman that was sent to retrieve face 😷 for the guest. As he offers me a 😷...I accept and said, "thank you." He clearly heard my acknowledgement, but rudely turned away. Shady example 1. As far as the actual production...overly ambitious 🧐👀🚫🚫🚫. The plot was hijacked from a classic Chinese drama...a movie 🎥 made awhile ago. The ensemble is an entire Asian cast... the acting @ best was exceedingly over-the-TOP🎯🧐. The actors low level skill set (e.g. vocal production, enunciation etc...)was not 🚫 just lackluster... but also, subpar...the effect was a junior at a community college theater 🎭 program...(emphasis on the 'junior' in a 2yr program 😎🥸). No effort made in set design, costume design was devoid of any creativity!!! This production was wayyyyyyyy too long. It was excruciating and torturous sitting through the 1st act. When intermission arrived I couldn't wait to escape for fresh E. Village air...the dude @ the door 🚪 said return/resume time is @ 7:21 PM. I returned @ that exact time to 🔐 CLOSED 🚪. I knocked to no avail. Then just left & treated myself to McDonald's 💯🎯. The is EXPERIENCE is indictive to many black theater 🎭 goers...the only difference is that I write my experience and publicly publish my honest review. The production was SNOW in the MIDSUMMER. I suggest you take up a membership with your local @BLOCKBUSTER B4 patronizing this establishment or low level poorly produced staging & watch the ORIGINAL movie 🍿🎥🎯💜 #broadway #broadwaysback #blacksonbroadway...

I hesitate to begin writing, afraid that my words aren't adequate to accomplish the reasons for sharing my experience. First, I'd like everyone who took part in Carmen Jones to know how I was affected, sitting in that chair, captivated by every moment, listening so closely to even the most complicated text of group numbers to hear and appreciate each cast member's passionate performance. Second, and, this is most important, to encourage anyone who can, to see this show before it closes on August 19th. What do I need to say to let them know that sitting in this space, unencumbered by complicated technicals, this audience member was transported by nuanced characters, every movement with purpose, and WOW, WOW, WOW, vocal technique and dexterity from every person on the stage.

Classic Stage Company very wisely did not begin this show with a curtain speech, the content of which could have been many practical concerns. The cast simply assembled, began, and we were drawn in. So, let me say something that a curtain speech might have included - support this theatre. Sign up, follow their season, make a contribution, make the statement that shows commanding ticket prices in excess of $500 aren't the the only works that we want to see, and learn from.

I traveled from Kennett Square, Pennsylvania this past Friday evening to see this show, so it took some time and planning. I just might have to do it all over again...

I’m an avid theater goer, both on Broadway and off-Broadway. I would never in a million years record a show while it was happening. But I do often take photos of the set and the playbill before the performance. It creates a nice memory. I get there and there is no set and no playbill. Just a flimsy piece of paper encouraging people to take out their cellphones to scan a QR code for a “digital” playbill. I didn’t really feel like doing that since I didn’t want to be in a rush to turn off my phone as the show started. So because I had nothing to take a photo of at the beginning, I did take photos of the bows, which every person in a big theater does in 2022. Only to be given a “you’re in trouble and I’m going to scold you” look by an usher. He brought me into a dark corner and said I had to delete the photos of the bows, which I did while the usher hovered over me with the same face as an HR manager telling an employee he’s disappointed in them. I’m being punished for doing nothing wrong at a show where they were too cheap to give me a playbill. At a tiny theater that can’t sell more than 200 tickets per show for longer than its...