Message in a Bottle NYC Reviews and Tickets

92%

(177 Ratings)

Positive

97%

Mixed

Negative

Members say

Absorbing, Great staging, Relevant, Entertaining, Resonant

About the Show

ZooNation's dance extravaganza, featuring the hits of Sting, comes alive to tell a harrowing story.

Experience the electrifying fusion of Sting’s iconic hits including “Desert Rose,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” and many more in an enthralling dance-theater spectacle. This sensation, which first wowed audiences on London’s West End, now arrives in New York City at City Center with its debut.

Renowned choreographer Kate Prince, a five-time Olivier Award nominee, and her acclaimed company ZooNation have garnered acclaim for their previous dance-theater successes like Some Like It Hip Hop and Into the Hoods. Prince, lauded for her choreography in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, showcases her latest masterpiece—a poignant narrative that weaves Sting’s timeless melodies with it. The compelling story follows three siblings forced to flee their home due to war and is told through the mesmerizing athleticism of top-tier dancers. Complemented by fresh musical arrangements from Alex Lacamoire (known for his work on Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen), this contemporary performance merges street-dance influences to tell an uplifting tale of humanity and hope.

Show-Score Member Reviews (38)

100%

Unique, Absorbing, Delightful, Creative, Extraordinary

See it if you want to see amazing dancers with boundless energy, unique and incredible moves - all with exceptional choreography.

Don't see it if if you are very sensitive to loud music Read more

100%

Resonant, Relevant, Profound, Must see, Great staging

See it if You are sensitive to the tragedy of forced displacement and how art can convey a powerful message with great music, dance & mise en scene

Don't see it if U don't like Sting/Police; if the theme of forced displacement hits too close to home; if U can't stay 2 hours w/out looking at your phone

97%

Timely, Storytelling, Dance explosion, Masterful, Absorbing

See it if you like dance (hip hop & contemporary), Sting's & The Police's music and lyrics, you care empathically about refugees & migrants

Don't see it if You're looking for light-hearted tap dancing as you'd see in "42nd Street." I love that musical,and it has its place. But this is an issue. Read more

97%

Global dilemma brought to life by dance and the mu

See it if If you enjoy seeing dancing, this is the show to see. The dancing and dancers were superb with exquisite timing, & great music.

Don't see it if If you need a dialogue or lyrics to help understand the plot Read more

95%

Refreshing, Delightful, Great acting, Entertaining, Great staging

See it if You like energetic, interpretive and colorful dance well attuned to the music of Sting

Don't see it if You do not like energetic modern dance or shows with taped music. Read more

95%

Relevant, Profound, Great staging, Exquisite, Enchanting

See it if Sting's most pop hits r woven into the moving story of the refugee-not any immigrant-told w/terrific jerky/street dance&vivid/sublime music.

Don't see it if Uninterstd in musicals w/out dialogues,despite Sting's meaningful lyrics&Kate Prince's outstanding choreography.Ends May 12;tkts from $35

94%

Riveting, Relevant, Mesmerizing, Absorbing, Great dancing & choreography

See it if You love dance, contemporary & hip hop; you are a fan of the songs of Sting & the Police, interested in story of the plight of war refugees

Don't see it if You don’t enjoy all dance or jukebox musicals, don’t like music of Sting, need spoken dialogue, triggered by scenes of violence Read more

93%

Relevant, Profound, Intelligent, Masterful, Absorbing

See it if you're a fan of Sting's music and enjoy stories told through dance

Don't see it if you're a fan of plays or dislike dance, this is pure (excellent) dance

Critic Reviews (4)

"...this story of refugees has impressive dance moments"
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"Hopeful and feel-good as the story’s ending is"
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"All of the music and accompanying staging is aligned in support of the story"
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The universality of the pain was simultaneously comforting and off-putting.
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Trailer

Creative team