Platanos and Collard Greens

I recently saw this play with my friend and we really enjoyed it. You will get a positive message while laughing out loud from beginning until the end. The play does not deserve all the negative reviews I read here. All the actors did a great job. Please be mindful that this is not a big budget production; it is an off broadway play. Thus big stage and luxurious additions are non-​essential. The play is not for you if you are uptight and live in a bubble. But if you are down-​to-​earth, open minded and in touch with reality, you will enjoy it as much as we did. Go see the play with an open mind and have fun!

I was sooo disappointed with this play! First off, let me say in short, that this is a lovestory portraying an African American man dating a Dominican woman and the racism he experiences from her family etc… That is such an interesting dynamic and something I have experienced in my own life as a bi-​racial woman.
However, the way the story was played out on stage was weak, dry humor, poor acting, bad jokes… singing stunk… I feel bad, for writing such a poor review but, I didnt like it at all. Terrible, just terrible. It came off as a cheap show written rather quickly, with basic thoughts. and .portrayed by some high school teens in some cheesy high school auditorium.
I left feeling that I could have done a better job in writing, and directing that type of play – and given it the realism, emotion and dynamic that would have madeit a fabulous portrayal of a biracial love story that survived in spiteof the nay sayers. first off, I would have made the Dominican cast all OF DARK complexion which most of them are (in the play she was Fair/​white and so was her mother)– and an African American man with the exact same skin tone-dark…to really explore the racism within communities of COLOR… We are so used to the Black and White theme, which is very real, but rarely have we explored –on stage — Black on black racism and the realistic emotions that it touches… I gave it one star for the concept and what could have been a far better performance.

I definitely enjoyed it. If your looking for a funny romantic play then go see this. This play is something I can relate to during high school days because I used to date a black guy and I’m Hispanic.

Wow… Wow…wow…wow…this play is sooooo bad… the actors are talented at a junior high level, I really don’t understand how in the world any one in they’re right mind could rate this play any more than one star. I read these reviews before purchasing tix’s for myself and two other people. I decided to believe the positive reviews since I feel like there are always people out there that have something negative to say, I figured they didn’t get it or maybe they were overly critical… or maybe they were not from a spanish or african american descent and couldn’t relate to the story line, WELL, let me tell you… I wish I had because I could’ve saved a ton of money and most importantly my time which I’ll never get back. Wow it is a terribly written play, myself of Spanish descent (Nicaraguan and raised in Little Havana Miami, my best friend who is African American, and my boyfriend is Italian American grew up in Coney Island), all agreed. First of all, the seats are so uncomfortable, I couldn’t see since the metal fence like railing from the balcony seating were too high, the set up was so ‘ghetto’, for real… the set looked dirty, I understand its just the floor (and I also understand that the different colored tape on the floor were the marks for the actors) but it just seemed uncared for, this is a show, presentation and visuals should matter.
There were absolutely no props but a chair, a small radio, and a bench. All of these things could’ve been better for the 60 dollar tix price but they wouldn’t of mattered AS much if… and only IF the play had substance, and talent… It all came down to the writing. They only talked about Puerto Rican, Dominicans, and African Americans, I mean REALLY? there are 15 other latin countries that are completely excluded from the play. I felt the play mostly exposed how latinos are racist against Blacks, but there is racism in every culture, when my friend (black girl) started dating a white latino her family wasn’t happy, so I assumed the play would expose this issue overall. This play had no substance, the jokes were immature, In their defense we did chuckle three times, but men… i really thought this would be an intelligent play, a play that would make me proud of my ‘platanos’ background, via a great script that would call out racism between our communities and help change the world one by one with laughter and fun. Instead we got this… Is this truly the best we can do in NY CITY? REALLY? And the fact that its been running for seven years, REALLY? obviously some people like it, and not to offend anyone, but I this play is so bad that I just hope that the writers bring up their standards a little bit… or a lot… they are truly stealing money from your pocket. For a few dollars more I could go to a real theatre with real actors and a real play with visuals and most of them have a moral to the story leaving you warm and fuzzy inside with something clever to ponder about once its over… Platanos and Collard Greens, is an unkept play, with no heart, but bad acting, no message but basically that kinky hair is not a bad thing, and a sore butt from the bad seating, I was literally falling asleep, this play is soo long for the lack of substance. (On its defense, there is a deeper message that about kinky hair but of course I will not write about it since it would be a spoiler, if you do decide to see it). Save your money, go see Memphis, there are no props for that one either, but I hear (haven’t seen it) that there is more talent in the actors, i would take my chances with Memphis if I had a choice)

Loved this play! I’ve seen it 3 times already and I keep going back because I want to share it with more of my friends! It hits all the right notes of funny and serious while focusing on some really heavy issues. This play takes you into the real behind-​the-​curtain worlds of Blacks & Latinos and peels back layer after layer until it gets to the root of the dynamics between the two cultures. It’s thought-​provoking so if you and your friends are anything like me and mine, you’ll leave the theater in full-​on animated discussions about the show. And it’s a thoroughly entertaining production with something for everybody — poetry, music, singing. Like I said, I’ve seen it 3 times and I’m really impressed with the way they tweak the play periodically to keep the political and cultural references timely and fresh. Treat yourself — the price is right and you’ll definitely get way more than your money’s worth :)

Uhmmm… can I give it ZERO stars?! Yes that bad. Really, I don’t understand how this is still running. It’s by far the WORST performance I have ever seen. It’s something to expect from an elementary school, maybe a junior high school. I wanted to leave less than half way through it. A lot of people did leave, however SURPRISINGLY there were a few people during intermission that i overheard say «wow what a great show». Uhmm… are we watching the same thing? I stayed only b/​c I really had hopes of it getting better.
The actors were horrible. There wasn’t true feeling to the situation. It was more of them reading off lines versus taking character into the performance. There were no props (ok maybe a chair), no scenery, no wonderful singing… i mean really it was a little kids play. I wouldn’t see this play even if it was FREE!

Price: N/​A
Highlight: The singing
This play is a good time. It is a play that women could watch and smile and men could watch and not want to kill themselves. If you have any iota of insight into race relations or prejudices nothing is surprising or eye opening but the way it was done was entertaining. And boy could these women sing, as in belt notes — absolutely beautiful. The jokes were truly funny. Anyone with appreciation for entertaining earthy live performances sprinkled with some musical theater will have a good time. If you are looking for a big budget production that will change the way you look at life and all things animate, this may not be for you.

This play is awful. A total waste of $ 50. It reminds me of watching a lost episode of Good Times. The script is pathetic, there is no set, little creativity, and bad actors. Why does the radio keep advertising this garbage play? It’s a after school special at best, straight to video. One of the characters does his best Martin impersonation which was how long ago? Get over it people and put this minstrel show to rest.

Here it goes: I’m sorry to say but I was a waste of time. The set up is horrible, no stage props. just an empty stage with foldable chairs. The story line sucked, plain and simple. I was expecting something spicy and interesting but it was far from that. I’ve watched college plays that were 100 times better. I gave it ONE STAR because of the local actors who did a good job considering what they were working with, aside from having the pleasure of watching CUNY graduates up on stage… there’s no enjoyment in watching this play.

Hmmm… where do I begin?
This play reminded me of something my high school production would have put on. I can’t believe this play has been running for seven years and they still have not set, no original music, no good actors.
The only good thing going for this play was the actor who played the character ‘nawmean’. I guess there is an audience for ‘these’ types of plays, so if you like the genre that falls in with the Tyler Perry, «Oh Lord My Momma Done Trip», and anything with an entire gospel score… then this is the play for you.
Just not my cup of tea.

My friend and I were looking for to see a play, preferably a comedy and ended up seeing Platanos and Collard Greens. It was pretty good, A-​Ok with me.
The storyline was not revolutionary, but the dialogue and the messages were very inspiring. They were not afraid to put stuff out there and call out where people can be wrong on all sides. Slam poetry, singing, and jokes were interspersed throughout. The characters were believeable and genuine people that the audience empathized with. While the audience definitely grew and perhaps the main characters did too, I felt that some of the other characters remained somewhat one dimensional. It was close to 3 hours and it was a break from the usual musical circuit on broadway. Though we were slightly distracted by the couple arguing beside us with the woman accusing her man of cheating and him sulking practically in my seat, we enjoyed the show quite a bit.
My suggestion: get your tickets from the box office to avoid all the convenience fees on ticketmaster. The show might have been a bit more enjoyable if the $ 12 slapped on top was avoided. A cheaper, fun, eclectic alternative to your typical broadway fare. I recommend.

Soo surprised no one’s reviewed this!
What a great show! Really funny, the actors are believeable, and the storyline is easy to stay interested in. Lots of cultural references, but I think that anyone can still find the play very funny. I loved it!