Inner Voices 2018

See it if Inner Voices is the place to go for the dose of emotional reality you can't find easily anywhere else. The three pieces were tender.

Don't see it if If you need to avoid real-life situations that may be uncomfortable to know about, much less witness, stay home. I won't miss this next time

See it if you enjoy "depth" musical theater, are keen on the future of American musicals, appreciate good writing & stellar performance, seek quality.

Don't see it if you dislike solo performances, need glitz, eschew modernism, can't listen to musical form more complex than big hits, must be entertained.

Also This was thrilling musical theater that bodes the future of the form. I'm sorry to learn belatedly that I'm reviewing the closing night. If you care for musical theater, watch for these pieces and performances; I'd wager they might re-appear. Specifically: All three solo performers (each piece was 40-ish min.) were superb, not just the one by Rebecca Luker, who's an established B'way/cabaret presence. All pieces had compelling musical accompaniment. The writing quality shone throughout, although the playwriting arc was noticeably better -- in fact, top-notch -- in The Costume, solid in Scaffolding, and not quite as well-executed in Window Treatment. Staging/lighting for all three was minimalist and effective. Throughout, the writers/directors/musical directors/performers/etc. were professional caliber, nothing amateur anywhere. Their resumes show they are fighting for a role in modern American musical theater. This looks to me like the future of it, & it looks very promising. See it.... Read more Read less

See it if you like strong performances of deep inner thoughts and the time to observe a solo performer's amazing range

Don't see it if you are seeking a song and dance kind of show or lightweight entertainment

Also This set of three works is presented in an intimate setting that fully brings each character to life . The musical performances from singers and instrumentalists are all at the highest level, and it is a privilege to hear these particular artists present serious and challenging-to-perform works. Not to say there aren't plenty of moments of humor. The writing, for me especially in Scaffolding and The Costume, is excellent and I look forward to hearing more from all of the writers on the program. Direction was spot-on, creative and sympathetic in each one. The amount of sheer talent on display, in all areas of production, in a modest venue, is a reminder of the wealth and depth of New York's musical and creative artists and I value the opportunity to see something that goes beyond what is possible in a large Broadway house. Don't miss it if you have the chance.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see three wonderful solo mini-musicals. Each one was a complete little story, beautifully performed.

Don't see it if you need big. Each bare-bones piece with little musical accompaniment was just perfect.

Also Unfortunately, it closed today. So glad I got to see it.

See it if 3 beautiful sung-through solo pieces with touching stories & gorgeous music. Captivating, moving, humorous & meaningful slices-of-life.

Don't see it if You are not interested in small chamber music style pieces with solo actors. You are looking for more conflict & less introspection.

See it if you'd be open to 3 completely sung-thru 1-Act monologues. Didn't think I could handle it, even w/2 intm. Left me dazed, amazed & fulfilled.

Don't see it if you prefer epic razzle-dazzle musicals w/large casts & splashy dancing. This delivers a more personal, in-depth view, inside 3 minds/hearts.

Also From funny, to moving, to very sad...

'Window Treatment' (Farah Alvin, secretly in love w/an across the courtyard neighbor) is witty & twisted as hell w/a superb unpredictable score. How this phenomenal singer can head-voice it, belt it, then opera-cize it & physically (manically) deliver - for almost 40 str8 min - is an incredible feat. Excellent.

'The Costume' (Finn Douglas, 10yr old entrusted w/caring for injured bird) is the one I thought I'd have the most trouble with. I don't like kid performers. Damn it, Finn is remarkable. No belting here, just sweet singing & poignant story-telling. Grounded acting, no stage-kid physical BS. Excellent.

'Scaffolding' (Rebecca Luker, single-mom w/on-the-spectrum son) should've been performed 1st. She's incredible & always dependable, but it's the saddest & shortest of the 3 Acts, w/just OK music, & unfortunately an abrupt resolve that sends you home hanging.

Kudos to the entire cast & crew, including the well-knowns & otherwise soon to be.... Read more Read less

See it if Each performer was incredible in their own way. I enjoyed the format of three 40 minute pieces with an intermission between each.

Don't see it if Not the usual musical, not songs but solo sung-through performances. Pared-down, simple sets, but such intense performances!

Also Farah Alvin has an absolutely incredible singing voice! Very quirky, amusing and weird piece.
Finn Douglas, age 11, was mesmerizing.
It was a treat to see Rebecca Luker in such an intimate setting.... Read more Read less

See it if you appreciate focused experiences and heartfelt performances.

Don't see it if you want everything spelled out for you and you're impatient

Also I would have rated this in the 70s if it wasn't for 'Costume'. An wonderful play that resonated deeply and left me walking on air at his triumph, made possible by an extraordinary performance by such a young actor.... Read more Read less

See it if These are beautiful, beautiful musical arias about one's innermost thoughts, performed by 3 singers. The child singer was trully brilliant.

Don't see it if Long show, 3 hours.

See it if you enjoy solo vocal performance by three exceptional performers and want some depth in your dramatic story.

Don't see it if you are unable to enjoy monologue performance with a book featuring little spoken and almost totally sung content.

Also Three almost recitative solo musical plays. Though they might feel a bit long, each one was enjoyable, moving and wonderfully dipped into the deep end of the pool. Absolutely worth your time. Great performers both the singers and instrumentalists.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy exciting new musicals and enthralling solo performances. All 3 pieces/performances were strong. Luker and Alvin were spectacular!

Don't see it if you don't like new works/solo shows. This year's selections were impressive. I can't wait to see what's next for these shows/this series.

See it if you would enjoy exploring the internal thoughts of three very different characters in unique situations

Don't see it if You desire hummable tunes, or simply aren’t a fan of minimalist solo performances

Also Window Treatment was an incredibly unique and quirky concept exquisitely sung-through by Farah Alvin, though the overall plot felt a little flat and stretched a bit long

The Costume was endearing and had an engrossing if somewhat simplistic story

Scaffolding was easily the strongest of the three possessing a central concept that was unique, engaging, and thought provoking. The plot and character development felt dynamic and possibly could have been stretched out into two longer acts. Brilliantly performed by Luker. Definitely in the 90’s if scored alone.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy thought provoking material presented by wonderful singers, in a music themed monologue.

Don't see it if If you want a splashy musical with dancing and production numbers.

Also The three monologues were wonderfully presented with a well written theme that provoked considerable conversation post show.... Read more Read less

See it if You like musicals and want to see one act musicals by emerging artists. You like Rebecca Luker.

Don't see it if You want one continuous story - this is an evening of 3 40-minute one acts.

Also Three one act musicals of varying styles. I adored the first one called “window treatment” - in fact I went back a second time Just to see it again. It’s funny and twisted and musically interesting with amazing acting and seeing. Can’t recommend it enough.

The 2nd piece is incredible because the actor is an 11-year old boy who does this 40 minute solo piece. Very moving IMHO - I cried both times. I liked the music a lot and have some of it in my head still.

The 3rd piece I think is carried by Rebecca Luker’s talent. I wasn’t as interested in either the music or the story in this one, but she is an amazing artist and that made the entire experience worthwhile. To get to see her perform in a space that MIGHT hold 130 people is remarkable.... Read more Read less

See it if like one character musicals and you want to see a trio of new ones one after the other.

Don't see it if you don't like one act one characters shows or shows that are almost completely sung.

See it if There are some really good performances here of some interesting, original new pieces. It’s a small, intimate venue. Loved “Costume”.

Don't see it if You are looking for an elaborate broadway production. Are t interested in seeing new, experimental, workshopped work.

See it if Three one act musicals. Great evening. Funny/touching/thoughtful. Blumenkrantz piece/Rebecca Lucker=incredible

Don't see it if Each piece is intimate with only one actor. If you want a larger cast you'll be disappointed.

See it if You love powerful, thought-provoking, innovative new musical theater in an intimate setting with incredible performers

Don't see it if You don't want to think or be moved by musical theater, aren't interested in scores that resonate and push boundaries, and strong acting

Also Paulette Haupt produces this event every other year, and each year it has grown stronger and more impressive! This year's 3 one-act musicals are powerful, moving and incredibly impactful. The performers are all strong, gifted and amazing. The creators are equally gifted and challenge us to think about musical theater in new ways! Especially Daniel Zaitchik's "Costume,"with a young performer who completely grabs your heartstrings! You will laugh, you will be moved, you will revisit your own experiences and you will arrive at the end, thankful for this gift to live musical theater. RUN RUN RUN and get tickets!!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see 3 really terrific one act musicals. Clever, funny,touching... too many superlatives for excellent theater,

Don't see it if you are looking for a big b'way musical.

Also I have seen many of their musicals. This trio is one their best.

See it if You love a funny, poinient , engaging, play with original script and song. Touching and emotional. Loved all three playlets. Go see it!!

Don't see it if Are looking for a 10 piece band in a musical extravaganza.

See it if 3 beautiful solo musicals with unforgettable performances. 1-Farah Alvin as a NYC woman who has an imaginary relationship with a neighbor

Don't see it if 2-Finn Douglas as a 10 year old boy caring for an injured bird. Charming, sweet, totally adorable. Finn, at 11, is a gifted child performer

Also 3-The great Rebecca Luker as a mother of a troubled son applying to college. Heartbreaking performance by one of Broadway's best singer/actresses. All solo pieces are 40 minutes, sung-through -- each with two instrument accompaniment. We had no idea what an extra-special experience this would be.... Read more Read less

See it if you appreciate excellent acting and even more excellent writing. This was a very moving theatrical experience for me.

Don't see it if you do not like one person shows or enjoy musicals with lush romantic melodies. Do not go if you want funny and happy stories.

Also Each of the 3 short plays was well acted. The stories were so well developed and the characters drew you into their situations. You watch 3 characters pour their hearts out. Excellent excellent writing.... Read more Read less

See it if Love musicals, regardless of whether there's a story line.

Don't see it if You hate musicals generally.

See it if You love seeing new exciting, challenging, creative new works. These are 3 exquisite solo musicals to be seen. Not to be missed.

Don't see it if you don't like creative new works.

See it if If you like meaningful lyrics, fine singing and acting with spare but excellent instrumental accompaniment. Wonderful evening.

Don't see it if You don't like musicals or opera. You don't like single character, small scale performances.