Kid Victory NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (175)
See it if you like John Kander's music. Interesting music, but much of it is too "perky" and doesn't fit the plot.
Don't see it if you don't like "small" musicals, in that they are more focused on the plot rather than the lighting and set.
See it if you love contemporary theatre or are looking to experience strong, powerful performances. Despite an awful score, the show is quite moving
Don't see it if you see musicals for the music. The music in this show was horribly ill-suited to the show's contemporary plot/themes.
See it if You are a fan of crime show tv & can deal with the intensity of a disturbing plot focused on the details & aftermath of child abduction plot
Don't see it if They don't get rid of the score. The songs seemed arbitrary and did not help advance the plot at all. Read more
See it if you liked the movie ROOM and can imagine a musical on such subject matter.
Don't see it if you want to leave the theatre humming or smiling.
See it if you like pensive, nontraditional musicals that dive deep into the psyche of one character
Don't see it if you want well-rounded, non-stereotypical secondary characters or need shows to have momentum and plot to be entertained
See it if challenging and controversial
Don't see it if uncomfortable of abuse
See it if You are interested in seeing what 90 year old John Kander has developed now. A "dark" show with a few classic Kander melodies.
Don't see it if You are looking to be purely entertained.
See it if you appreciate attempting difficult subject matter in a musical.
Don't see it if you are looking for a strong book and a point of view
Critic Reviews (37)
"The show is deeply unsettling, but strangely not because of the subject matter. Rather the uneasiness comes from the regrettable juxtaposition of heartrending drama and jaunty production numbers...Kander’s music is lovely, except that his style here is totally at odds with the tone of the show...It seems as though Tommy didn’t quite know what to do with the musical material, although she does a fine job with the dramatic scenes...The cast of 'Kid Victory' is impressive from end to end."
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"This is a powerful play and, at times, it’s also a powerful musical play...This is not the type of show that you leave singing the songs, although there are some very effective musical moments...Brandon Flynn gives a perfect performance as Luke...Daniel Jenkins does an effective job portraying the underdeveloped father...This is a thoughtful and moving production that is worth the visit, if intense musical drama appeals to you."
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"While the score of any show is there to propel the story along, here it actually pulls down the very strong book...So much of Kander’s music is tuneless except for a zippy though ill conceived tap dancing number. And although Pierce’s lyrics fare better even they add little to the storyline...Despite the well crafted performances and Liesl Tommy’s sympathetic direction, the show stumbles at almost every juncture once the musical numbers stalls the storyline."
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"Kander’s music is, as always, highly attractive. He’s not exploring any new territory (for him) in terms of vocabulary, but he is using his familiar tool kit in more experimental song forms. Greg Pierce’s book is clean, uncluttered, his characters clear, his dialogue polished and economical; and the lyrics are likewise craftsmanlike and to the point. As is the direction by Leisl Tommy...I don’t know if 'Kid Victory' is something you’ll find satisfying. You may well, though, find it worthwhile."
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"Kander has not lost his touch; this show is filled with songs that reflect the range of emotions and situations. The lyrics by Pierce help us know the characters. I’d love a recording of the show...Brandon Flynn is terrific as the teenage Luke...Jeffry Denman is outstanding as Michael...The rest of the cast is equally good...Liesl Tommy has directed the show with a sure hand, never overdoing either the terror or the pathos...I walked out moved, disturbed and yet strangely optimistic."
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