Forest Boy (NYMF)
About the show
Part of the New York Musical Festival: Based on an incredible true story, this new tuner is a modern-day fairy tale about growing up and using your imagination. More…
On September 5th, 2011, a boy appeared in Berlin claiming to have lived in the forest with his father for the last five years. He had no memory of his past–he only knew his name was Ray and that he traveled to Berlin following the death of his dad. What followed were nine months of speculation, police inquiry, and a global media frenzy, as the mystery of the Forest Boy slowly unraveled.
“'Forest Boy' is incredibly well done...The look is fluid and magical. Gilmour and McKenzie are a perfect pairing for this story, which really has no ending or purpose...In the end, this tale of a psychologically damaged mind and the lengths a deluded personality will go to have a different kind of life just rings with a dull note...No matter how well the score blends pop, theatrical and country and uses the underscoring in a rather thrilling way, this story has no where to go." Full Review
"The songs are a bland blend of rock and Sondheim-light styling that aim for both theatrical and hip but don't quite hit either...Somewhat shakier is the book, which too often doesn't know what it's trying to communicate...The problems are so integrated into the concept and its presentation that serious restructuring might be the only way to get everything to realign. There's unquestionably good work here...You just sense that they can't see 'Forest Boy' for the trees.” Full Review
See it if you like musicals that are unconventional and have heart.
Don't see it if you are easily depressed.
See it if You love new, original material with a linear plot line and great music. Creative movement and talented cast!
Don't see it if You can't imagine a forest onstage.
See it if you are looking for a thrilling story with charming music. This writing team from Scotland is one to look out for! Charming Cast.
Don't see it if you don't like fast paced musicals.
See it if you want to get lost in a story that seems like a fantasy with really lovely music
Don't see it if you can't handle ambiguity, you like a more traditional musical format, and you want a finished product.
See it if You want to support new theater
Don't see it if no comment
See it if you like workshop musicals with an otherworldly feel. I liked the choreography, and the songs worked well to convey emotion.
Don't see it if you want a polished production or a comfortable theater. Had a high school auditorium feel, but the performers were committed & engaged.
See it if you like to be engrossed in a satisfying mystery story and/or you like a beautiful folk-y score.
Don't see it if you're expecting Broadway-level production values--the budget is small but the writing is interesting and the performances are great.
See it if You like really offbeat stories for musicals, and are comfortable seeing a show where it isn't clear what the point of it all is.
Don't see it if You require shows to have either catharsis or cohesion - this show is compelling, but I can't understand why I spent two hours on it.
See it if you liked the movie Kaspar Hauser, like a good Spring Awakening type of score (the band and the singing are excellent), but it does drag
Don't see it if want an exciting plot, fast moving show
See it if you enjoy musicals where every song is a dirge and the choreography takes itself too seriously. Hate to say this because I wanted to like it
Don't see it if you have anything else at all to do.
See it if You want to see something unique. The non linear structure allows for a interesting theater experience.
Don't see it if You don't like drama
See it if You have great hearing
Don't see it if You don't have great hearing
See it if You Love challenging music theatre
Don't see it if You want to see the same old predictable applause fodder
See it if you're cool
Don't see it if you're lame
See it if you like intense, imaginative, edgy
Don't see it if you like structure, predictable plots
See it if You liked Once and enjoy unconventional musical theatre
Don't see it if You want a happy ending
See it if you like unconventional, captivating stories told theatrically, works based on true stories and strong ensemble work
Don't see it if you only like strong narrative, musicals with enough contrasting songs or musicals that have a genuine flavor of the culture they're set in
