Small Acts of Daring Invention NYC Reviews and Tickets

64%

(12 Ratings)

Positive

66%

Mixed

17%

Negative

17%

Members say

Slow, Quirky, Ambitious, Confusing, Indulgent

About the Show

An imaginative journey through life's mysteries, exploring the blurred line between reality and fantasy.

Draws inspiration from Dare Wright's life and work, particularly her renowned children's book series "The Lonely Doll." This visually captivating and musically infused performance delves into the boundary between life and afterlife, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

With a cast comprising one actress and four puppeteers, the play intricately explores the intersection of adult and child consciousness, posing questions about confronting the past, finding solace for the soul, and daring to create our own realities. Through a journey that is both tender and perilous, the production ultimately seeks transcendence as its ultimate destination.

Show-Score Member Reviews (10)

Great design, Ambitious, Disappointing

See it if Nice idea, i guess. Beautiful design. Serious committed performers.

Don't see it if Way too ethereal. And the main performer was really irritating with squeaking for 90 minutes. Okay with no dialogue, but cut the squeeks! Read more

Empty, Slow, Disappointing

See it if You like a slow slow play with no plot. Simple use of puppets.

Don't see it if You want a meaningful experience

During previews

Entertaining, Absorbing

See it if You'd be touched by a woman who appears to be going mad, but sees objects and puppets that hold deep meaning to her from her past. Great set

Don't see it if You don't like 75 minute shows with music, without dialogue, and with 5 talented puppeteers whose expressions help move the story forward.

During previews

Riveting, Slow, Quirky, Great acting, Great staging

See it if you like buttons, bears, puppets and libraries-here a children's book characters are merged with the author's biography in a wordless play.

Don't see it if you are not up for something different, need dialogue to help tell the story, do not like puppetry, multiple projections or to be jolted.

During previews

Ambitious, Intense, Confusing, Quirky, Slow

See it if you want something different. Know the backstory before going; I did not and was confused. I thought I was going to see a puppet show!

Don't see it if a one actor performance with puppets with no dialogue, no music and a sad subject will bother you.

During previews

Very dark & very sad, Dialogueless, Puppets, props & falling buttons, Quirky, Very very slow

See it if ONLY if you know the backstory of Dare Wright ( The Lonely Doll); this play shows the story of her life backwards-every prop is significant

Don't see it if you don't know Dare Wright's bio. Otherwise, it will just be about an anonymous mentally ill woman & will try your patience Read more

During previews

Well staged, Slow, Indulgent, Confusing, Ambitious

See it if A haunting, melancholic scenic design (kudos!) sets the perfect backdrop for this opaque saga of a former dancer slipping into madness

Don't see it if The wordless story feels deliberately dense leaving us to fill in many blanks, captivating puppetry helps immensely in holding our interest

During previews

Slow, Indulgent, Exquisite

See it if Into weirdness - an unkempt woman explores a deserted house and interacts with puppets. Atmospheric, gorgeous, patience required.

Don't see it if Well... I lost interest in this mystery after an hour; but If an exquisite slow burn is for you, do go.

Critic Reviews (2)

"...unsettling puppet piece visually stunning but emotionally ephemeral."
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"too abstract to be a biographical drama, although Dare Wright’s life is in every moment"
Read more

Trailer

Creative team