Mark Felt, Superstar
About the show
The York Theatre Company presents a new musical about former FBI agent Mark Felt who revealed himself as Deep Throat, the secret source who helped Woodward and Bernstein bring down President Richard Nixon.
... Read moreThis whimsical, jazzy musical features a cast of five portraying 24 colorful characters in a fast-moving, illuminating take on the shocking political scandal that riveted America. Equal parts thriller, tragedy, and comedy, 'Mark Felt, Superstar' aims to get you to rethink everything you thought you knew about Deep Throat and Watergate, all while tapping your feet to some catchy songs.
"“It has just the right mix of thought-provoking content, history, music, whimsy, and humor…One does not have to be a history buff to appreciate the Watergate story and the brilliant approach of this musical…Rosenblum deftly relates the story of Mark Felt through delicious dialogue and wonderful musical numbers, ranging from purely comical to poignant, transporting us back into recent history…The very talented cast of five perform superbly." Full Review
"The lyrics are witty and fresh...The music borrows motifs from 'Baby' and 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and is at its best when it is jazzy and bluesy. The book is smart and brings you back in time and you realize things really have not changed. The cast is excellent, especially Mr. McCoy, though Mr. Mayer touches our soul with 'Thanks, Uncle Sam.' Director Annette Jolles keeps this show going at a clip, but manages to get all its points across." Full Review
"It’s a niche topic to turn into a song and dance, but surprisingly—it works!...The number of players involved is dense, but director Annette Jolles capably puts her talented cast of five to work as they each play a myriad of parts. At times, our leading man gets lost in the shuffle and it would be nice if Rosenblum had given us a deeper insight into the background and psychology of Felt. Rosenblum’s jazz infused score is well suited to the mysterious noir-like drama." Full Review
"A jaunty score and enjoyable performances are the most successful elements…Rosenblum’s lively and clever score recalls the hard-edged 'Evita.' The dense book is a rudimentary and repetitive serio-comic treatment…Rosenblum’s treatment doesn’t totally succeed at tying together all of its complicated threads…Though somewhat unfocused and rambling, this incarnation of 'Mark Felt, Superstar' is a very good try at musicalizing such offbeat and complex subject matter." Full Review
See it if You remember "Deep Throat" from the Watergate scandals+want to know more about the circumstances of the important role he played in gov't.
Don't see it if You can't deal with a show on its feet for the first time as a staged reading. You don't enjoy cabaret style satirical comedy.
See it if You are interested in political figures or political themes. You want to see some great original work with great music and acting.
Don't see it if You want a serious drama. You hate music. You don't care about history, historical figures or historical themes. You don't like originality.
See it if Fast-paced 90 minute musical about President Nixon and the Watergate scandal. Snazzy peppy cast with lots of fun songs & jokes.
Don't see it if You prefer more narration and dramas over musicals
See it if Wonderful actors tell of historical events that are relevant to today, need a recap of history and want a bit of humor thrown in.
Don't see it if You are not into politics and it's history, need bells and whistles in a show, you were a Nixon fan.
Also Didn't think it would be as good as it was nor relevant to anything cu... Read more Read less
See it if U'd like to see a new play in its early stages which deserves a larger production. Unsung hero gets his musical due! Catchy tunes & history~
Don't see it if You need a large production; this is barebones-or recent US history bores you. Audrey character needs re-write-should be sad, not blousy.
See it if you want to see Watergate's history unfold in a clever musical. Too bad it is ending so soon
Don't see it if you are just into big song and dance musicals with elaborate sets.
Also All the facts in this play about Mark Felt check out on Wikipedia. It ... Read more Read less
See it if Well done mix of history and pop, with hummable songs, nice voices and info you never knew about Watergate. Surprisingly timely.
Don't see it if Done in a concert format with the creator at the piano. No sets, basic but effective choreography. Michael McCoy as Nixon was hilarious.
See it if you want to know the real story of Watergate's mysterious 'Deep Throat." A clever, tuneful, talent-filled, accurate history lesson.
Don't see it if you're looking for something on the light side. This has humor, but it's not a parody. This is the real story, with music.
See it if you don't mind a show that still needs a lot of work and has 2 good songs.
Don't see it if you like a good musical with a well told story.
See it if You want to revisit the Nixon era and get a history lesson delivered nicely. You want to be entertained and informed.
Don't see it if You don't like plays that are based on historical events. You need complex staging.
Also I learned a lot watching this play. It was very interesting to learn a... Read more Read less
See it if You are interested in historical tales. you like close harmonies. You like interesting piano riffs. good concept of use of photos.
Don't see it if You need sets and scenery, You are bored with exposition. You are not interested in political intrigue
See it if you want to see the prequel to 2017 the musical to be written in 40 years, you've heard of Watergate and deep throat. See it now!
Don't see it if you don't like non-traditional musicals, you are looking forward to Brave New World Jan 21st, you don't like intelligent music and writing.
Also This show is unusually relevant right now! Yes....they made a musical ... Read more Read less
See it if you are a fan of "up close and personal" off-off Broadway; history brought to life in a musical, clever rhymes and songs, good singing
Don't see it if you only like Big Broadway Musicals; you are not at all interested in recent history; you are a faithful Nixon supporter denying history
See it if You are curious or interested in "Watergate" and are a follower of today's political news.
Don't see it if You've had enough 2016 news and tweets. If you have no interest in political history ... stay away!
Also This musical does not go into detail about Watergate ... but explains ... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy political history. MFS tells the Deep Throat story from different angles. It helps to know the key players/events. Talented cast.
Don't see it if you want a big musical; this is bare-bones staging (although clever). If you were a Nixon fan, best to stay away. Echoes in 2017 fears.
Also I went in with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how muc... Read more Read less
See it if you like small scale reviews with clever music and lyrics and are particularly interested in politics.
Don't see it if you're expecting a full scale Broadway or even off Broadway musical production.
Also While the entire cast is good, Neal Mayer as Mark Felt deserves specia... Read more Read less
See it if you would enjoy a musical based on recent US history or see possible ethical issues in the incoming administration.
Don't see it if you are close minded and only want to continue believing Nixon (and Trump) are heroes.
See it if You are intrigued by the Watergate scandal, and want a deep dive into the psyche of Deep Throat.
Don't see it if You don't care for shows that are more concerned with asking overwrought psych questions than with actually showing history. Music was meh.
Cast & Creatives (12)
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