Matthew McConaughey vs. The Devil: An American Myth (NYMF)
Part of the New York Musical Festival: A Faustian comedy that dares to ask the question, "How did Matthew McConaughey win an Academy Award?" Featuring Broadway regulars including Lesli Margherita and Max Crumm.
... Read moreThis show recounts how the rom-com-starring stoner became an A-list award winner. Matthew has his loyal agent Penny, his best friend Woody Harrelson, and his beloved bongos. Now all he needs is to be taken seriously in his art. Enter a demon with a deal too good to be true. Friendship, love, and loyalty are all tested in this hell-raising adventure to win Matthew the Oscar...and save his soul. An official selection of the 2017 New York Musical Festival Next Link Project.
- Official Site
- View Trailer
- 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Already closed
- Theatre Row / Acorn Theatre (Midtown W)
Reviews (38)
8 Critics' Reviews
"How did so many talented people produce a show so pointless, derivative, and mean? Its worst sin may be that it is rarely funny...It is not, however, completely damnable. The music is never less than competent. But the real salvation for this show is in the production values–kudos to director Thomas Caruso, choreographer Billy Griffin, and the design team—and thanks to the performers." Full Review
"One mediocre musical number follows another in the lame Hollywood satire...It’s a strained spoof that chiefly falls flat...The score is an adequate collection of pop and show tunes that don’t add up to much...The vivacious Margherita steals and salvages the show...When she plows through her numbers with her exquisite performing skills and razzle dazzle, you forget how poor the show is...Director Thomas Caruso’s staging is energetic and does keep the pace and the action moving." Full Review
"Writer Emilie Landmann, composer Jonathan Quesenberry and lyricist Carrie Morgan have crafted a funny, inspired, highly memorable show. Director Thomas Caruso has a deft hand, staging nearly twenty songs without it feeling rushed and skillfully utilizing a cast of ten, including the terrific ensemble. The musical numbers breeze along, but a couple of cuts could be made." Full Review
"A rowdy, intermittently engaging musical...As featherweight and ridiculous as 'Damn Yankees.' And the new show features some accomplished songwriting...But the score is a little repetitious and seems bland in comparison...'Matthew McConaughey; features a superb cast...It's light to the point of disposability...You're likely to leave the theater pondering why so much talent and professionalism have been expended on a project that already seems dated." Full Review
"Directed with high energy and laugh-out-loud humor...The script is loaded with witty pop-culture references and wacky characterizations that are delivered with comedic control by the cast. Under Caruso’s well-tempered direction and pacing, they bring the laughs quickly, without resorting to over-the-top histrionics or extended milking...A lively hour-and-a-half of contemporary musical satire that keeps the audience laughing and nodding at the familiar behavior. It’s a lot of fun." Full Review
"The book by Morgan is finagled, shallow and implausible...Quesenberry’s music fairs much better...Their combined effort at producing lyrics is mostly successful...Director Caruso moves the action along at a steady pace but starts to lag...The major problem with this production is that the content fails to engage the audience or energize the hard-working cast. It may pass as being slightly entertaining but lacks any substance that may make it memorable." Full Review
"This fun show hits all its marks with hysterical lyrics and a book that demand repeat viewing given the potential to miss due to audience laughter...Mining a rich vein for satire is a tough road but thanks to expert performances...this show scores...They are buoyed by expert direction and knowing dynamic choreography... For sheer laughs and fun, 'Matthew McConaughey Vs. The Devil' works...Towards the end there’s a bit a flab. But the cast propels you through it." Full Review
"An amusing Faustian comedy...While Landmann's book and Quesenberry's score could use some tightening, the show's imaginative and hilarious spirit leaves audiences giggling in almost every scene...It is Margherita who absolutely shines as Mephistopheles...She leaves the audience howling...The musical's book, music, and lyrics could benefit from some editing...Some of the jokes don't land. But in the end, this lighthearted look at a charming A-lister's rise to fame is devilish fun." Full Review
30 Members' Reviews
See it if you want to see an OK satire of Hollywood and/or a fun performance from Lesli Margherita
Don't see it if you want a more absorbing, realistic story with characters you care about.
See it if A mindlessly fun show. Great music with a cast that is clearly having a good time!
Don't see it if You aren't familiar with Matthew McConaughey's films/career.
See it if you want to have some fun and like a good joke.
Don't see it if are looking for a serious or traditional evening of theatre.
See it if you enjoy silly, pure entertainment. MMVD is clever, funny, tuneful, well-performed, well-staged, delightful. Fun from start to finish.
Don't see it if you dislike fluffy musicals. But the oodles of talent will wow you. Last segment drags a bit, but I didn't care (I didn't want MMVD to end).
Also Lesli Margherita is amazing...what a great role for her. Everyone else... Read more Read less
See it if You like silly over-the-top musicals, with wonderful music and a phenomenal performance by Lesli Margherita.
Don't see it if You cant turn your brain off, don't watch enough movies to get jokes about them, are easily offended when religious stuff is made ridiculous
See it if You like silly spoofs with fun songs and performances. Leslie Margherita can do no wrong.
Don't see it if You prefer meaningful stories or evolves comedies. This is light and fun and silly.
See it if If you are in for a good laugh with great staging, acting and writing.
Don't see it if You want serious and deep drama.
See it if You like musicals and good singing and like Matthew McConaughey. Woman playing the devil was fantastic.
Don't see it if You want an elaborate set or not into off Broadway and or small theater.
See it if you enjoy diverse score - good mix of pop, ballads, sprituals, and soul. Silly plot, but the jokes are enjoyable. Fun night out.
Don't see it if you like classical shows. This one is modern and quirky. Wish NYC had more of this kind.
See it if You want a great time. Lesli Margherita is the BEST! The rest of the cast is great including the ensemble. Strong staging & choreography
Don't see it if You are offended by drug references, have very little imagination, or are totally unaware of Hollywood references
Also Resolution took 2-3 times longer than need which resulted in it runnin... Read more Read less
See it if Timeless theme of Faustian pact w/the Devil sloppily executed Has moments of inspiration esp w/ Margherita's campiness & Wilcox's vacuity
Don't see it if A cut in a few numbers (both music & dance) would provide needed fluidity Clever often slides into banal despite Caruso's earnest direction
See it if you like rock & gospel music - imaginary stories of living characters perfectly cast, cleverly staged, & with great singing & dancing.
Don't see it if you don't like musicals or are offended by references to sex, drugs, and occasionally religion.
See it if You just want to have fun for 90 minutes and don't care that it's basically a silly spoof. You enjoy infectious performances.
Don't see it if You only like sincere, dramatic musicals.
Also very funny, exuberantly performed musical; hope Matty has a better sen... Read more Read less
See it if want a good laugh; Lesli Margherita is her usual great self. It's essentially one extended joke. And you get Max Crumb as Woody Harrelson!
Don't see it if want real depth.
See it if Lesli Margherita!!! Outstanding!! Great music with repeating themes which make the experience very cohesive. Funny and totally enjoyable.
Don't see it if Not all actors were great. It's a very simple production (NYMF). A couple of the male driven scenes are long and tedious.
Also With very few exceptions the music is very well done and mature. ... Read more Read less
See it if you like silly comedies. You are a pop culture fan (there are a ton of references). You like to laugh. You like a really strong ensemble.
Don't see it if you want something heavy or serious. You don't know anything about Matthew McConaughey. You are offended by Satan and cursing.
See it if want an evening of laughs. Don't mind some ridiculous. Want to see the forever charming Lesli Margherita as a demon.
Don't see it if you want some serious theater to get you through the night. Don't want to spend the next 48 hrs saying alright(x4) to almost everything.
See it if You love new, edgy musicals; satirical contemporary plotlines; enjoy discovering new talent; like a fun score & book which is well staged
Don't see it if You have no idea who Matthew McConaughey is; are offended by mild expletives; looking for a serious drama and/or subject matter
See it if you want something that's original, but not to heavy. Well sung and acted the material didn't shake the world.
Don't see it if you want something steeped in realism or reason.
See it if You love the actors involved, you want to laugh, and you're willing to suspend disbelief.
Don't see it if You want something realistic and logical, you want a polished, Broadway-style musical, you have no patience for silliness.
See it if You enjoy silly/ wash-over-me musicals that are meant to make you laugh. You will be signing, "All-right, all-right, all-right"
Don't see it if You don't like silly shows or want to see something deep or thought-provoking. You don't know Matthew McConaughey's history.
Also I will see anything with Queen Lesli and I adore Max Crumm, but I love... Read more Read less
See it if You want to laugh the hardest you've laughed in years!
Don't see it if Just see it.
See it if you like a funny musical with lots of spirit.
Don't see it if idk
See it if You like farcical musicals
Don't see it if Your expecting everything to make perfect sense.
See it if Good
Don't see it if Bad