Anything That Gives Off Light

See it if you've ever lived in Scotland or loved a Scot, ditto Applachia, ditto "rural America" at large. You love cool songs and whisky.

Don't see it if You want a linear plot or traditional structure. This show is about emotions, lived experiences, shared history, and personal myth-making.

Also This production felt extremely targeted to me specifically, so I'm not sure my extreme joy and pleasure would be shared by everyone.

The interplay between the American and Scottish psyches was witty, pointed, meaty, and endlessly interesting. The musical interludes were sometimes more jarring than seamless, but they were jocular and much appreciated. There were a couple of sour notes (gun stuff, mostly) but broadly I thought the material was respectful, engaging, and spot-on.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see an intense concert/musical hybrid. You are a fan of the Bengsons' music.

Don't see it if You dislike musicals that are not entirely linear. Dislike indie-folk-rock and Scottish music.

Also "Guid gear comes in sma' bulk" -Scottish saying

The above saying translates, roughly, as "Good things come in small packages". And Anything That Gives Off Light is certainly one such package.

The show's most powerful moments are actually its bookends. There is a very small framing device that gave me goosebumps, and it's a wonderful start and end to the piece.

Somewhere in the middle, though, things get a little fuzzy. It becomes unclear where the bounds of our reality are.

The band is excellent and the score is visceral and pulses with life.

While I think Joe's Pub is serviceable as a venue for this piece, I can't help but think that a more immersive experience could be had in a venue that seems more "The Flying Scottsman" and less NYC chic.

Despite some lack of focus in the script, it is absolutely worth taking the trip to the pub.... Read more Read less

See it if You’d like to be carried away to London, Scotland, and over the ocean to Appalachia. This tiny show feels as big as the world

Don't see it if You need linear shows, don’t want to hear diverse opinions, or can’t handle a full range of powerful emotions onstage

Also The three actors take on their roles so fully it’s as if they’ve stepped into their characters’ souls. While the storyline is at times confusing, I was carried along happily right to the end, with lots of help from three very talented musicians... Read more Read less

See it if you love Scotland, Rachel Chavkin, & the Bengsons. It's entertaining, but it's heavy-handed. We get it we should all listen to each-other.

Don't see it if you're looking for a tradition show. You don't want to hear about the dangers of climate change, fracking, & guns

See it if You enjoy riveting Scottish stories, set to an indie-folk soundtrack. You enjoy intimate evenings of theatre.

Don't see it if You need a perfectly clear piece - the story gets lost in itself and is a bit confusing.

See it if you want to explore the connections of the US (Appalachia) and Scotland, and the performers are wonderful! Music is outstanding.

Don't see it if you want an 'easy' play. There's a lot of content and the connections explored weave into each other.