Hallelujah, Baby! NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (23)
See it if you enjoy super-talented singers in a small theater
Don't see it if you need splashy Broadway musicals
See it if you consider yourself a serious student of American Musicals. This rarely seen piece by some masters of the craft deserves your attention.
Don't see it if you are weary of stories about the black experience.
See it if You want to hear a terrific score sung in an intimate setting by a superb cast
Don't see it if You need a fully realized production as this is preformed "mufti" style Read more
See it if You appreciate great singing and love Jule Styne/Comden and Green. You are interested in lesser known musicals.
Don't see it if You want a piece about black history to be more on target and penetrating, with an ending that doesn't just fade away. Read more
See it if You want to hear a cast with amazing voices, to see an iconic show, to experience a "Mufti" show (a show street clothes) Really fun.
Don't see it if You expect Broadway budget as far as staging and costumes. You don't want to go the the East Side.
See it if you are enjoy seeing rarely produced musicals delivered by top flight performers.
Don't see it if you prefer fully staged and designed shows. A problematic book ruins the show for you. Read more
See it if you want to check out a seldom-performed musical from a time when the form was undergoing great change
Don't see it if you need a well-rehearsed, perfect evening Read more
See it if You want a show that tried to deal with US racist history. You love Jule Styne musicals. You are willing to overlook huge flaws in script.
Don't see it if You want high production values or full orchestration or huge chorus. Actors are on script, and in street clothes. Read more
Critic Reviews (9)
"Umoh delivers a confident and compassionate performance in that star-making role...'Hallelujah Baby!' is a bit of a curiosity in the history of Broadway musicals...An ambitious, but somewhat didactic attempt to create something that expands the boundaries of the art form to address contemporary issues...There are certainly better musicals about the black civil rights struggle in America, but it's still a valuable experience to attend imperfect shows."
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"Time has not been kind to 'Hallelujah, Baby!'...None of this is a reflection on the performances at the York...But the minimalism requires us to focus on the material itself...Styne and Comden & Green have produced enough high-quality numbers that make the visit to the York well worthwhile to their legions of fans. But there is no getting around the timid approach to the subject matter. It was bad enough in the 1960s, but now it all just seems terribly condescending."
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“While it is interesting to see Arthur Laurents' second thoughts on ‘Hallelujah, Baby!,’ his next to last original Broadway musical, the revised version is still something of a disappointment. It remains an ambitious failure with memorable moments.”
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"When the York’s Producing Artistic Director James Morgan came on stage to introduce the show, he explained that the cast had only seen the material on Monday morning, six days before and only a splendid cast and great producing team could have accomplished this amazing feat in such a short time. Kudos to all at the York for this outstanding series that gives audiences the opportunity to see and hear both overlooked and celebrated musicals of the past."
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"This show exudes Broadway...This upbeat musical tackles the sober topic of racism in America...With beauty, elegance, and a versatile, big stage voice, Umoh is razzmatazz in leading lady form...Some of the material feels a bit dated and the balance of book to music feels a bit off...Could use some judicious trimming. In addition, Georgina carries the majority of the show, in a veritable marathon of singing that risks wearing us out. Nonetheless, 'Hallelujah, Baby!' is a terrific show."
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"Both problematic as well as a fascinating commentary on the complicated race relations that still plague our country...Umoh does an admirable job...The men fare less successful, if only for lack of chemistry with their leading lady...With another overhaul of Laurents' book, perhaps 'Hallelujah, Baby!' might find its footing. Until then, there are gems in the score...as well as the reminder that as far as we've advanced in racial equality, the journey is far from over."
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"There are various reasons to see the York Theatre Company’s concert-style revival...A major one is the smashing performance by Stephanie Umoh...Seeing her reconfirms my enthusiasm for her artistry...The show itself has an excellent score...It is a work that definitely merits a fresh look...The book, although sometimes a bit clunky, cleverly spans decades...The overall direction is by Gerry McIntyre, who deserves credit for whipping the musical into shape with about a week’s rehearsal."
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"Umoh has a powerful, clear voice...Convincingly frustrated, selfish and aggressive...Seems to add pith to the show...Sessions' Harvey is believable from the get-go...Brings authenticity to every speech, glance, and song...Fine vocal style and is thoroughly appealing...Director McIntyre is adept with both vivacity and gravitas. Choreography is appropriate and fun; emotional moments theatrically credible."
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