Hundred Days

See it if Concert cum performance art cum bio-drama powerfully sung & performed by charismatic Bengsons Focus more on Abigail's story w/mixed results

Don't see it if Elegant staging by Kauffman can't mask song cycle's innate self-absorbed quality But songs are both heart-felt & poignant enough to win out

See it if ...you like smart alt rock or folk music, & would like to see the genre extended & expanded -- a "concept album" in the flesh.

Don't see it if ...you require a play -- this is not that, & has only one, extended (& touching) scene; the rest of the story is told in song.

See it if you're a fan of folk rock music, unconventional narratives, intimate love stories like Once, or powerful voices (Abigail's voice is INSANE).

Don't see it if you don't enjoy folk rock music. This performance has a concert feel with a narrative interwoven. But it's all in the music.

See it if you want to see two supporting performers—Jo Lampert and Reggie D. White—steal the show from Abigail and Shaun Bengson!

Don't see it if you are not interested in a new genre: concert as theatre.

Also It was frustrating to know what the "storm" was that affected so many members of Abigail's family. Lyrics are unintelligible at times. Beautifully staged by Anne Kauffman. Terrific set and sound design.... Read more Read less

See it if ...you are a fan of unconventional music. The story is sweet, but slight. The performers were engaging.

Don't see it if I did not care for the music. I found it tuneless and self-indulgent. The show was basically a concert with story. I was bored.

See it if you enjoy soul searching pieces that relate to real life scenarios and charm you

Don't see it if whimsy, edgy, operetta style pieces are not your cup of tea

See it if you want something outside the typical theatregoing experience. It's concert-style blending reality and fiction. Truly captivating.

Don't see it if you're expecting a traditional, big ol' fashioned musical.

See it if love story of the Bensons told in a concert format with some dialogue in between songs; wonderful folk-rock music - some very moving

Don't see it if you want more of a traditional musical with elaborate staging; would be put off by loud music (& much drumming) which can hide the lyrics

Also While the Bengsons do most of the singing, some solos by others - Jo Lampert (title role of Joan of Arc at The
Public) shows her talent again... Read more Read less

See it if you liked Janis Joplin. The lead sings like her.

Don't see it if If you don't like loud rock-ish music. Story is slow and goes nowhere. Girl meets guy, they marry, they make music together. That's it.

See it if Enjoy indie-rock music and wish to hear the story of a couple.

Don't see it if Read the reviews which really praised this so I was disappointed.

See it if You like a love story set to music wherein fear of mortality is addressed & overcome.

Don't see it if You are not interested in hearing Abigail & Shaun's story. It is all about them.

See it if You like indie/folk/rock. Want to walk out of the theater in deep thought. Enjoy theatre that isn't bound by traditional devices.

Don't see it if Prefer traditional book style musicals. Dislike the above genres. Are just looking for a "light" show.

Also A Hundred Days was a very special show for me. I saw it twice, once near opening and then the closing show on New Years Eve.

The best thing I can say about the show is this. It made me want to connect with someone. I went to the show alone the second time, thinking I just wanted to see it again and be alone with my thoughts. But the show was so powerful that it compelled my seat mate and I to talk about the show after and we grabbed dinner afterwards. And then emailed back and forth after the show.

And this is a pattern that I've noticed with truly meaningful theatre. It makes people want to connect with each other.

Okay, so now that that's out of the way. The music is sublime, though a bit uneven. Three Legged Dog is the most powerfully raw performance that will ever be witnessed on a stage. The sound design is great and the set and lighting design are just perfect. The sand. Oh that sand.

If this has a next iteration, go see it. You won't regret it.... Read more Read less

See it if new composers and writers are of interest; fine musicianship; interesting concept; talented performers

Don't see it if over-amplified performance that disguises the important lyrics drives you nuts; multiple storylines poorly delineated frustrates you.

Also Definitely some real talent contributed to this performance but it needs some disciplined editing. It needs focus and refinement and modulation of the sound levels. It is an interesting concert story but it is not yet a theatre piece.... Read more Read less

See it if you absolutely love folk-rock music.

Don't see it if a concert with a story line is not traditional enough for you.

Also the bottom line is Abigail Bengson's voice alone warrants the price of a ticket. This music is remarkable.... Read more Read less

See it if A musical concert with storyline about falling in love

Don't see it if A tale of meeting and developing a relationship is of no interest to you. Add a number of songs to move it along.

See it if you love the Bengsons, indie rock, Jo Lambert (underused but vital), the vibe of Portlandia, are into a concert staging

Don't see it if you're expecting a full fledged play; you are impatient with existential whimsy; you want plot

Also The performers are eminently likable, ace musicians, and the music is sometimes effective, though not driven by narrative. I'm not convinced the team makes a case for the text/lyrics as drama. It remained more of a concert with extended patter. The lighting instruments doubled as decor, moving and illuminating effectively--quite lovely and perhaps as compelling than the script.... Read more Read less

See it if You love theatrical concerts with beautiful music and voices.

Don't see it if You expect a traditional show rather than an operatic experience.

See it if how would you behave if you thought the man you just met and already love, will die in 100 days? Awesome songs and fabulous vocals.

Don't see it if wonderful indie/rock theatrical concert with a storyline that traces the Bengsons courtship; important details missing in this story.

Also Autobiography by husband/ wife Shaun and Abigail Bengson. Amazing songs, raw emotions, off the chart vocals by Abigail Bengson and Jo Lampert.
We learn that Abigail's family experienced a devastating trauma when she was 15 that destroyed her home, caused death and hospitalization... she has a recurring dream that has haunted her since childhood (she believes this is a prophecy and it impacts her behavior during her 3 week courtship with Shaun).

the audience never gets an answer to what happened to Abigail's family. This made the story feel unresolved to me.

I cannot wait to see what the Bengsons do next, they have a new show scheduled at Ars Nova next year.... Read more Read less

See it if you like loud rock musicals

Don't see it if seek theatre with a linear plot.

See it if you want some good songs inventively delivered.

Don't see it if you want characters to care about

See it if a different style musical excites you. A love story that is real staged like a concert/musical about the real band leaders. Brilliant!

Don't see it if you need the typical basic run of the mill theater musical.

See it if you enjoy Indie rock and lovely staging. If you are Jo Lampert fan, though it will leave you wanting more of her - wanting her to be lead.

Don't see it if you don't care for indie rock and are looking for much of a story. It's pretty whisper thin on story.

See it if You like the Bengsons and especially if you like Jo Lampert, who is amazing on backup (as she is on everything she does).

Don't see it if You don't care for a scripted meltdown and a bit of screaming onstage.

See it if you love rock and folk music and enjoy possibilities and fantasy and hope. you appreciate exceptional talent.

Don't see it if you prefer straight drama or comedy or if you dislike rock and or folk music.

See it if You enjoy outside the box theatre. It’s a folk punk rock opera/memoir/set piece. Brave, funny, stunning, all the adjectives.

Don't see it if It doesn’t sound like your thing. It’s insanely specific and really will not be for everyone. Read up/listen to a Bengsons song or two.

Also THIS SHOW. Is one of my favorite pieces I’ve seen in a very long time. It defies easy characterization and bless it for that. Brilliantly sung and staged. I had full body involuntary reactions to this one which is pretty much the highest compliment I know how to give. This show is from another planet and I’m moving there. Also this is my 100th review, how perfect.... Read more Read less