Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (78)
See it if -You've loved Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's other work -You like satire -You like stories that glorify the ordinary and average
Don't see it if -Nonlinear plots aren't your thing -You can't handle sentimentality -You're a Republican
See it if you are like Kurt Vonnegut stories, enjoy plays that make you think
Don't see it if If you are opposed to violence, foul language, or are looking for an unedgy comedy.
See it if you liked the book and a story of social conscience. We were there opening night and met the talented and gracious Alan Menken
Don't see it if you don't want a story that will make you think.
See it if love Alan Menken and want to explore all angles of his works
Don't see it if you don't like quirky kind of weird musicals Read more
See it if you love Alan Menken and want to see some of his underproduced work. Fun, Smaltzy, with some good music
Don't see it if you dont like classical musical theatre or need the entire show to be strong, the writing in parts of it is better than in others and also,
See it if -Like funny, satire musicals, catchy songs -Want to hear Santino Fontana be totally amazing lol
Don't see it if -Don't enjoy satire -Prefer over the top costumes/lightning,etc
See it if You like Kurt Vonnegut. You are fine with theater that has a message, kind of like how Harry Chapin songs are stories with intention.
Don't see it if You don't want a teaching moment at the theater & do want a linear plot. You prefer classical musicals that don't touch on important issues.
See it if you're a fan of Alan Menken and want to see his early work, or if you're curious how Vonnegut's work might be represented on stage.
Don't see it if you're looking to see a fully-fleshed out musical, it feels as through it still needs quite a bit of work.
Critic Reviews (12)
"An odd duck of a musical...Vonnegut’s black brand of satire is not, in truth, a comfortable fit for the stage...The director, Michael Mayer, at least keeps the careering story line moving along at a brisk pace. And both performers and orchestra deliver the eclectic score with the polish and zest we have come to expect from the Encores! series...Mr. Fontana imbues Eliot with a forthright earnestness that scrubs away the archness and heaviness in the writing.”
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“A freewheeling musical comedy with political themes and a serious streak underneath it all...The songs are fresh, fun and occasionally heartfelt...The storytelling can be rough and chaotic, but that is to be expected with this kind of property...I would not be surprised if this production serves as the steppingstone for a longer run. However, even if that does not happen, it should—nay, must—receive a cast album."
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“It turns out that Ashman and Menken's blend of wit and sincerity perfectly conveys Vonnegut's dark satire...Director Michael Mayer wisely maintains an earnest commitment in the delivery of these lines, allowing the script and design to do all the winking...While ‘Rosewater’ isn't quite in the same league as ‘Little Shop’, it's still considerably more enjoyable and more socially relevant than many of the new musicals being written in 2016.”
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"This material is tops: right up there with the very best of what Ashman and Menken have ever done...There's some serious content at work, and if it's not exactly downplayed, it's given a glimmering gloss through both the sprightly book and the dazzling score...Alas, the evening can't quite maintain its stratospheric stature...A preachiness creeps in...Even so, the cumulative effect of it all sends you out on a high you won't descend from easily."
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"It’s not a lost masterpiece but it’s a mildly entertaining curio…The music is delightfully jaunty and the lyrics are marvelously witty but unfortunately their accomplished efforts are components of problematic source material…It’s all labored, not very compelling and not as funny as intended...Mr. Fontana’s performance is the magnetic anchor of the show…This well mounted revival is a welcome opportunity to experience their tremendous early talents in this work despite its flaws."
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"Younger audience members may not get some of the many cultural references. Nor are they likely to walk out with one of the songs embedded in their ears. That said, the Gilbert and Sullivan flavor of the numbers and the overall smartness of the lyrics are enjoyable...This is especially thanks to the wonderfully versatile cast headed by Santino Fontana…Director Michael Mayer has made the most of Vonnegut's dark satire...Bravo for bringing it back and in such fine form."
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“A sparkling, intelligent, and inventive production...Is the show too quirky to ever be commercial? Probably. But it’s also often deliciously funny and delightfully tuneful...Most importantly, in many ways, the show feels remarkably topical this week of the Democratic National Convention, especially as we meet the downtrodden, forgotten citizens of Rosewater...Food for thought, indeed.”
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"Narrative displays several signature Vonnegut themes, the familiar device of God-like narration (James Earl Jones), and characters found in other books by the author...Howard Ashman’s book and lyrics are literate, specific, and filled with heart. Alan Menken’s music is, well, fine. This was their first collaboration...Fontana’s embodiment of Eliot is consistently engaging and sympathetic. Really, one wants to take him home to mom...Another terrific production by Encores."
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