Message in a Bottle NYC Reviews and Tickets

93%

(121 Ratings)

Positive

97%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Great staging, Relevant, Resonant, Delightful

About the Show

ZooNation's dance extravaganza, featuring the hits of Sting, comes alive to tell a harrowing story.

Experience the electrifying fusion of Sting’s iconic hits including “Desert Rose,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” and many more in an enthralling dance-theater spectacle. This sensation, which first wowed audiences on London’s West End, now arrives in New York City at City Center with its debut.

Renowned choreographer Kate Prince, a five-time Olivier Award nominee, and her acclaimed company ZooNation have garnered acclaim for their previous dance-theater successes like Some Like It Hip Hop and Into the Hoods. Prince, lauded for her choreography in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, showcases her latest masterpiece—a poignant narrative that weaves Sting’s timeless melodies with it. The compelling story follows three siblings forced to flee their home due to war and is told through the mesmerizing athleticism of top-tier dancers. Complemented by fresh musical arrangements from Alex Lacamoire (known for his work on Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen), this contemporary performance merges street-dance influences to tell an uplifting tale of humanity and hope.

Show-Score Member Reviews (25)

100

Unique, Absorbing, Delightful, Creative, Extraordinary

See it if you want to see amazing dancers with boundless energy, unique and incredible moves - all with exceptional choreography.

Don't see it if if you are very sensitive to loud music Read more

100

Resonant, Relevant, Profound, Must see, Great staging

See it if You are sensitive to the tragedy of forced displacement and how art can convey a powerful message with great music, dance & mise en scene

Don't see it if U don't like Sting/Police; if the theme of forced displacement hits too close to home; if U can't stay 2 hours w/out looking at your phone

Timely, Storytelling, Dance explosion, Masterful, Absorbing

See it if you like dance (hip hop & contemporary), Sting's & The Police's music and lyrics, you care empathically about refugees & migrants

Don't see it if You're looking for light-hearted tap dancing as you'd see in "42nd Street." I love that musical,and it has its place. But this is an issue. Read more

Global dilemma brought to life by dance and the mu

See it if If you enjoy seeing dancing, this is the show to see. The dancing and dancers were superb with exquisite timing, & great music.

Don't see it if If you need a dialogue or lyrics to help understand the plot Read more

Refreshing, Delightful, Great acting, Entertaining, Great staging

See it if You like energetic, interpretive and colorful dance well attuned to the music of Sting

Don't see it if You do not like energetic modern dance or shows with taped music. Read more

Relevant, Profound, Great staging, Exquisite, Enchanting

See it if Sting's most pop hits r woven into the moving story of the refugee-not any immigrant-told w/terrific jerky/street dance&vivid/sublime music.

Don't see it if Uninterstd in musicals w/out dialogues,despite Sting's meaningful lyrics&Kate Prince's outstanding choreography.Ends May 12;tkts from $35

Fabulous dancing, Resonant, Great staging, Ambitious, Absorbing

See it if A unique dance-only theater experience and is breath-takingly effective in portraying the effects of war and displacement.

Don't see it if You don't like interpretive dance, you don't like Sting's music. You are triggered by visions of war.

Must see, Riveting, Masterful, Absorbing

See it if You love an amazing group of dancers performing glorious choreography. It was engrossing, emotional, and told a meaningful story in dance.

Don't see it if If you don't like dance.