I'm the Man You Meet Before You Meet the Man You Marry

The single most disappointing, irritating theater experience I have ever endured. To paraphrase Roger Ebert's occasional lament (when faced with a truly dreadful film)... "I hated, Hated, HATED this production."

I have serious doubts as to the origin of the positive reviews below, and suspect they come - every last one of them - from individuals directly associated with the show.

Normal ins and outs on opening night, overall more than worth the so-called entertainment dollar/budget. Highly recommend, a departure from the norm, in fact a movement in theater. Nowadays we see so much drama, this has laughs, which everyone needs at this time in history, as well as the true life thing. I really liked it alot!

We really enjoyed it. Really something that Manny creates this whole show and story all by himself with so much passion. Excellent second half, where the production is wrapped up with a great message about life at the end.

My son and I, while visiting Atlanta, decided to take the long walk (across the street from the W Hotel)to the 14th Street Playhouse last Saturday night to catch Manny Oliveira's show. We didn't know what to expect, having been enticed by the clever title. We found the show to be very funny and Manny Oliveira was OUTSTANDING. I have never seen a performer who related to and interacted with an audience this well. As far as language and subject matter, we heard worse on the street with the car's windows down.
Bottom line for us: Lots of laughs in a fast moving evening. We would see it again in a heartbeat.

This comedy play will tickle your funny bone.Content and delivery superb.Ladies...we've all dated this guy....and married someone else.Great story.insightful.

I and a group of friend went last Saturday night and had a great time. Manny is very funny, the play was funny and overall it was a good time. The language and subject matter were what I expected and did not detract from the humor and overall experience.

Manny is very funny and if your looking for an interesting time that makes you think every once in a while this is for you.

I must admit that until now I haven't read these reviews. I make it a point not to, however, I feel compelled to comment here. There have been many comments regarding the content of the show. Allow me to clarify. The show contains ADULT LANGUAGE AND MATURE SUBJECT MATTER!

Is it for everyone? No. Are there things some may find offensive? Yes.
Every artistic endeavor is subjectively assessed. I accept both the positive and negative comments with a grain of salt. No one person is the ultimate critic.

I want people to share their opinions. It is how we grow and learn. I don't believe that there is any need for bickering because we all don't share the same opinion. People need not criticize the criitques. Hold true to your opinion and agree to disagree.

Now you know why I generally don't read reviews!

Manny Oliveira

Umm, I don't want to be the skunk at the picnic, but I notice that "Sarah Gardiner" is listed up top on this web page as the creator, I assume of the show, yet she's written a review?? Gave it 5 stars! I wonder why? Because she liked it??

I saw this show the first week it opened and it's not very good but this isn't the only dog that will hit the stage this season, and won't be the last.

But I'm a little suspicious when most of these reviews use virtually the same words and phrases to describe it. A number of these 5 start reviews were defensive in tone, refuting earlier negative reviews, point by point, which implies they they took the criticism personally.

But for a show this weak and offensive to get so many 5 star reviews each without a SINGLE objection or criticism?

It's a tough one to buy.

I certainly hope I'm wrong about this because I don't want to think the intent here is to mislead ticket buyers to pay $40-$50 a seat to see a show that is none of the things claimed here. That goes beyond puffing up your own pillow. It's not right.

I really enjoyed the show. Manny has a great range as an actor. This is a play that is evolving, make sure you catch it in Atlanta, before it leaves to go the road. The play is now an adult one-man- show. The dialogue pulls you in and makes the time fly.

I went to this show not really knowing what to expect. I was immediately amazed by how funny and entertaining it was. This show is hilarious and with so much heart. I loved hearing about his overbearing family and the path of finding himself. Totally worth checking it out!!

Delightful! Entered in a bad sour mood, left uplifted and smiling. Relates to all our collective experience of love, loss and finding happiness.

I got a chance to see the show a couple weeks ago with a friend of mine and we both LOVED the show. It was really amazing, as a woman, to hear the inner thoughts and dialogue of the male perspective on relationships. Not only was the show entertaining Manny also offers a great insight to culture and dating americana. In a society that is so obsessed with finding the "perfect" mate it was nice to be reminded that we must find ourselves first.

OK, here's the deal... From what I understand, the first couple of nights were rough for this show. That's probably what those first reviews are about. They worked it out. Got the kinks out & now it's just wonderful!!! Besides, they offered those folks free tickets to come back...
Yes, there are some "F" bombs. But this is an adult show. About real life. Manny takes us on his journey. The reflections & lessons are beautiful... Manny is a pro, stand-up comedian. So yes, there are elements of this which is SWEET! But he's also a great actor. A two for one!
I & my fiance had a fantastic time! We had a blast!

Manny does an incredible job of connecting with audiences with his unique style of humor. He touches emotions and brings back memories of relationships past, all the while making us laugh and reflect on the journey of life. This play is a must-see!

I don't know what play the earlier people saw (maybe they thought they had bought tickets to Petter Pan) but the show I saw Saturday night was fantastic, very seldom do I leave a play with a side ace from laughing but I sure did from this one. And how did one actor memorize a 90 min Monolog and never miss a beat with the audience. If you haven't seen this play don't walk to the ticket office RUN!!! it will be worth the exorcize...

I came to this site to relate a remarkable theatre experience I had regarding this show when I was quite surprised to see such negative reviews. I went to the Feb 4 performance and to tell you the truth I did find it lacking (though not nearly as bad as some of the reviews here would indicate).

Then came the remarkable part. I received an email from the production company stating that they were themselves dissappointed in the thur and fri shows as they fell well below their standards, and felt an obligation to reach out to their audience, offering free tickets for a future performance.

I was so taken by this gesture, one I had never witnessed before (and I've seen some klunkers) that I decided to make the return trip with a friend I had visiting. I'm here to tell you now that we're both so glad I did as we were treated to an evening of instrospection and enough laughter to last us for the rest of the week. I also found some of the historical information quite interesting, all in all a unique evening of theatre.

The title of the show tells it all and Manny just explained why he was the man women date before they date the man they marry. He pokes unrelenting fun at his very strict up bringing and to those circumstances which have added up to his single life today. At his best when toying with the audience, he does so with the same gusto he applies to the rest of his script.
I enjoyed his trip down his memory lane and recommend seeing his show.I have a funny bone and he bumped it HARD.

Witty, hilarious and worth it! Manny Oliviera was great at creating a fun atmosphere between himself and the audience. I really recommend it!

I and a group of good friends enjoyed a marvelous Saturday evening watching Manny Oliveira perform his new play. It kept us laughing from the beginning to the end as Manny took us on a journey of hilarious anecdotes starting with his childhood and ending at the present day. I could relate from my own experiences to many of the events of his life that he depicted with such a humorous portrayal. I highly recommend it.

I had the honor of attending opening night for 'I'm the Man You Meet Before You Meet the Man You Marry', and we are going back for a second night of entertainment this weekend! Manny's humor, quick wit, intelligence, and accurate depiction of the pitfalls of dating resonated with all of us! To be able to laugh about life's challenges is quite refreshing! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I took my wife to see Manny Oliveira's play and was transported back in time to when I first met my wife and could fully relate to the story line. The performance was witty, funny, and hip. The interaction between Manny and the audience was worth the price of admission. He made us feel like part of the play. Great way to spend a Saturday night

I related to this play because Mr. Oliveria spoke about growing up in an urban setting under harsh conditions and made it tolerable with humor. I have been to many plays where the "F" bomb was dropped gratuitously. Not so here. I have driven on the highway with the window rolled down and heard a lot worse. I think it was a real glimpse into the psyche of a middle aged man on the ropes and how he deals with not being able to cement a relationship. The section where he goes into the audience is inspired as well as difficult to do. has anyone ever seen "Cave Man"? I thought Manny was great and think it will play well in the future. It is not for the faint of heart but then, life isn't either for those of us who do not surround ourselves in a cocoon usually administered by others who face the world head on.

I have never left a play at intermission in my life...until this one. For some reason he feels it is necessary to us the "F" bomb and the word "whore" constantly. It was uncomfortable,uncessary and didn't add humor to the particular line he was reciting. It just wasn't funny. I was shocked how bad it was.

I took an out of town friend to as a thank you for a gift. We were both disappointed that it had nothing to do with the title. We were hoping for funny dating stories instead of personal reflection on his family throughout the years. When he did solemn reflection, it was uncomfortable for the audience.

Do not go!. This is awful. We went there for an anniversary and wanted to walk out. Watch the comedy channel at 4 in the morning and you will have a better time.

Mr. Oliveira gives a mediocre performance of a very bad play. There were more four letter words than in a sports locker room and the "F Bomb" was used so often I lost count. Problem is, this really isn't a play, it's a comedy act but even then, it's unpolished, uneven and had Nothing to do with the "show's" title. Oh my.

A group of single, middle aged friends who enjoy laughing together went to celebrate two birthdays expecting an entertaining play. We left laughing at the play not about it. It did not meet expectations of the title and did not flow. It was not good. Better luck next time.

Manny is a very funny guy. But it is his insight and intuition [not just his height] that set him - head and shoulders above the crowd.
He is truly a Pro at working his audience!