M 7206

See it if You're looking to challenge yourself, be transported, go on a journey of the mind and spirit (for real - I promise I'm not w/ the crew!)

Don't see it if You're looking for lighthearted faire, are a strict stickler for book plausibility (see below), value diversity in casting (see below)

Also I have seen six NYMF shows this year and this one is, by far, the strongest. The show really transports you - The Human Experience is wondrously meditative, which is precisely the point. Force of Nature is absolutely infectious - truly astounding. The actress who portrayed Mama Sid was out of this world - I will definitely see other shows of hers. The ensemble was used SO well. My only issue with the show was the 2nd act's book - it has a few significant issues. The major plot reveal was at once cliche and unbelievable - not a good mix. I think it must be dealt with more artfully and carefully. Similarly at the very end, a plot element (the fact that the reporter's boss had published article using hints the reporter had dropped) was not at all believable. It felt completely random and not at all supported by the book. The latter issue is easily fixed, I believe. The former can be fixed too, though with more work. But with a base as strong as this, I am very optimistic!... Read more Read less

See it if You are extremely into the Time Machine, you know someone in the cast/crew, you love sentimental numbers

Don't see it if You are looking for something fresh, you dislike cliche, you are looking for logically consistent book, you value character development

Also The performer who played the villain was amazing, and his character was perhaps the only one that truly developed in the piece. The problem here is that the Time Machine could be an awesome topic for a musical, but you have to infuse it with something to give it edge. This was the Jekyll and Hyde of Time Machines - and I do not mean that in a great way. It took itself far too seriously, surrendered camp and kitsch for drama bordering on melodrama, and served song after song that failed to really develop characters or make the audience feel connected to the story. Songs just appeared - "here we need a love song," "here we need an internal struggle song" etc. A noble try, but something more tongue in cheek would probably be more effective. Time Machine plot lines are always wonky and strange - best to embrace the wonkiness and run with it.... Read more Read less

See it if You have an interest in mental health, you know someone in the cast, you REALLY like sentimental ballads. Like a lot of sentimental ballads.

Don't see it if You are looking for character development, you prefer unpredictable lyrics, you tire of saccharine ballads, you are looking to be challenged

Also This show's heart is in the right place, but it does get monotonous at times. The songs are predictable and don't really advance characters. The topic is very important and definitely timely but is dealt with in a fairly surface level manner. I realize this was only a concert and we therefore lacked many book elements, but the songs alone provide a roadmap for the story, and the story alternated between unbelievable and cliche. Would rather it be unpredictable and fresh! I definitely commend the writers but would suggest rewriting/revisiting to package the story differently, with fresh lyrics/music.... Read more Read less