Albatross NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (53)
See it if You want to be drawn into an intense 90 minutes of storytelling, you like the original source story and want to hear it fleshed out.
Don't see it if you're bothered by swearing or descriptions of dark, near-death situations. I have a high tolerance found this intense.
See it if You appreciate engaging, well-told, and emotional stories.
Don't see it if You prefer action-heavy performances or aren't a fan of one man shows.
See it if Bravura acting, great set design. Loved the conceit of translating the Ancient Mariner to stage in this way.
Don't see it if you want a story line, plotting, etc.
See it if If you like an intense, one-man show.
Don't see it if You are looking for something light and has a big cast.
See it if You're interested in maritime history, or just to see a man give everything in a solo performance.
Don't see it if you need a lot of action or sets to keep your attention. This is straight storytelling so you just gotta listen.
See it if extraordinary storytelling, exquisite acting, sound effects and projections, convey the destructive effect of men on environment (albatross)
Don't see it if like more polished entertainment, since this is a story of mariner who is at times course, scary, but always thought provoking.
See it if A brilliant show, powerful, moving and I'll say it again, brilliant show. Benjamin Evett performance worthy of a Tony, no doubt.
Don't see it if Subject relating to old verse, literary references...one man show.
See it if So intense that the audience incredibly breathes as quietly as possible so as not to break the mood. Truly hypnotic performance mesmerizes.
Don't see it if You abhor one man shows.
Critic Reviews (23)
"'Albatross' offers us as much history as it does poetry, and as much earthy expression as transcendence of language…Evett’s performance is spellbinding, Rick Lombardo’s direction is dynamic and focused, and the finely attuned production design serves as a living argument for the poetic possibilities of the theatrical form."
Read more
"A strikingly dramatic text, one that demands the power and versatility of an actor of Evett’s calibre. Leaving aside his impressive vocal performance, Evett’s physical dexterity is dazzling. He effortlessly shifts from the bawdy clowning of the Italian jester to miming the agonizing strains of a seaman’s labors…The production’s design elements and storytelling are nimbly integrated."
Read more
"A visually enthralling saga…Evett dominates the stage and owns it completely. From the shockingly coarse tongue of a true-blue sailor to the smooth recital of Coleridge’s poem, the narration flows easily and naturally…The second half of the show is profound…The ending is sublime…The first half hour is slow, however. It takes a while to ramp up to the actual story...But director Rick Lombardo has brought new life to a familiar poem."
Read more
"This piece zips by due to its combination of masterful storytelling, beautifully simple yet visually stunning effects, and an acting performance of real quality and stamina-induced intensity by Evett himself...The truthfulness of his performance makes the entire spectacle truly absorbing…While arguably the piece might be shortened slightly, with its opening perhaps the weakest part as the character is established, it is Evett’s tour-de-force performance which is the real champion."
Read more
"The style is captivating; the storytelling transcends the fourth wall with fantastic energy. Whilst remaining utterly true to the rough, ready and foul-mouthed sailor that he is, Evett's performance exudes professional polish, incorporating impressive variations of tone and staging. Evett's dynamism is undeniably the focus of this one-man show…With touches of human honesty, 'Albatross' draws on Coleridge’s symbolism delving into the depths of disbelief, sin, suffering, sorrow, and God."
Read more
"A wild ride of gripping theater, performed solo by the remarkable Benjamin Evett…Evett is powerful and mesmerizing, as is the unique play…Backing up Evett's spectacular and physically demanding performance are marvelous special effects…There is nothing static about this one-man tour de force…It seems surprisingly relevant in today's world…Put this show on your must-see list."
Read more
"Alongside his boundless vigor and flawless recital of his script, Evett’s performance is at times astounding…But such is the nature of one-man plays that the story gradually becomes a little flat. As Evett’s character narrates his own painfully slow death of thirst aboard his ship, some audiences will begin to long for a different form of story telling, or at least a new narrator…Ultimately, it is difficult to fault the performance and production. For this alone 'Albatross' is worth seeing."
Read more