Money Talks the Musical
Inspired by the writings of Ben Franklin and the play 'La Ronde,' this world premiere musical comedy is a fast-paced, madcap romp filled with life, liberty, and laughs for all.
... Read moreThey say money talks…and this money has a lot to say! As the man on the $100 bill, Ben Franklin is not pleased by what he sees in America today and he’s done keeping his mouth shut. Over the course of this 90-minute musical, Ben is passed from a hedge fund manager, to a stripper, to a judge, to his mistress who’s a nun to…well, you get the idea. Armed with a lifetime of famous sayings, Ben must convince everyone to change their priorities before it’s too late.
- Official Site
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Already closed
- The Davenport Theatre / Mainstage (Midtown W)
Cast & Creatives (13)
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Reviews (83)
13 Critics' Reviews
"Coherence isn't a big priority at 'Money Talks'...Think of it as the hard-currency version of 'La Ronde'...What follows, however, is so lame it hurts...Under the direction of Gosselin, the cast moves as fast as humanly possible through this welter of stale ideas. Friedman's melodies are frequently pleasant...'Money Talks' is a classic summer silly season offering, the sort of entertainment that leaves theatregoers scratching their heads and wondering how such things manage to get produced." Full Review
“'Money Talks'…struggles to maintain its structural conceit, which, like the innocuous scenes themselves, goes bankrupt midway through…Overall, the show's point of view is scattershot, and we're left to ponder what exactly it wants to say about money, or anything else, that we don't already know or need reminding of…The events often seem created simply as setups for…a famous proverb…Awkwardly directed and choreographed…'Money Talks' clunks along from one seriously unfunny scene to the next.” Full Review
"A seriously disappointing undertaking. And the worse news is that Friedman’s melodies, set on Kellogg’s recalcitrantly pedestrian lyrics, aren’t a consistent help...Apparently, bookwriter Kellogg means 'Money Talks' to be funny, but as Byers is dragged by the hand from one temporary recipient to the next—and every recipient in every new situation relentlessly unamusing—there are so few laughs that the intimate theater comes to resemble an abandoned mausoleum." Full Review
“‘Money Talks’ has yet to jell fully…What feels lacking is a sense of clear choices…Friedman‘s music is really good, with some terrific, witty songs…‘Money Talks’ has the bones of a really good show, especially with regard to the talented cast…It is a timely message ‘Money Talks’ delivers with a light hand and endearing humor. It would be great for everyone to hear it, if the production could just get out of the way of the material.” Full Review
"Watching this quartet courageously give 100% as joke after joke thuds as the show plods on is inspiring. However, their professionalism is not enough to rescue 'Money Talks' from tedium. Peter Kellogg’s book is a collection of superficial sketches that has its stock characters caught in a series of clichéd predicaments...Kellogg’s facile lyrics are no better...The concept is sound but it’s so devoid of wit, charm and successful humor that it’s interminable." Full Review
"While the new musical isn't of Broadway caliber, there's a lot to like about both the book and the score...The greed and money woes in the scenes are predictable, and there's nothing particularly enlightening about what Franklin or the other characters say. But it's entertaining to watch the founding father try to navigate through the modern world...Three of the cast members, including Byers, have appeared on Broadway, and they all do a respectable job with the material." Full Review
"Although seriously needing cutting of a few less appealing sequences to make a tighter, shorter production, 'Money Talks: The Musical' is largely clever, entertaining and winningly performed by its talented cast of four who turn up in a variety of roles...The show seems overextended and would be much snappier if some of the less impressive relationship sketches were trimmed. But the overall cleverness and good nature, abetted by the thoroughly enjoyable acting and singing, carry appeal." Full Review
"The authors undoubtedly wanted this to be a better musical. Their premise is funny enough, and their hearts are in tune with Manhattan audiences at this cultural moment...Kellogg's book feels to be still at the workshop stage. Most of the characters are ciphers; some are offensive stereotypes. Much of the dialogue is predictable and several scenes border on the hackneyed. 'Money Talks' is a timely entertainment that would benefit from more time in the making." Full Review
"A superficial series of songful sketches...If the characters Ben encounters had some substance, we might not mind his being paper thin. But they don’t, and we do. Caldwell and Merrick both sing well and try their best, with varying success, to breathe life into characters who tend to me one-dimensional stereotypes. DeNise fares better...Gosselin directs efficiently, but his choreography seems amateurish...Friedman’s score is bland, and Kellogg’s lyrics strained." Full Review
“It’s a fabulous idea for a cheeky little musical comedy, and if the execution doesn’t always match the concept, let’s cut it some slack...Along the way we’ve experienced some sharp satirical observations, mostly courtesy of Franklin’s still-pertinent commentary, and seen a talented ensemble take some lighthearted swipes at contemporary living. 'Money Talks' could hit harder, and traffic less in stereotypes we’ve seen before. But a pleasant summer evening’s entertainment? You got it.” Full Review
"The overall tone of the show is silly, lighthearted, and amusing...The music is fun and enjoyable without being memorable...The concept has great potential, but the execution is uninspired and disappointing...'Money Talks' has strong performances and a lot of heart...But overall the production falls flat. Much of the humor feels clichéd and oversimplified, and the characters are so one-dimensional that there is little to invest in." Full Review
"Closer in tone to 'Spamilton' than 'Hamilton,' this quaint little show spreads its wings from time to time and when it does, it soars...Friedman’s melodies, along with jaunty, frothy lyrics from Peter Kellogg help to create a quick 90-minute romp...Briskly directed by Michael Chase Gosselin...The four-person ensemble is game, capable and very likable...Not for those who are looking for deeper context or thematic structure; this is old-fashioned, good-hearted fun." Full Review
"An amusing, sometimes rambling performance...The actors are as facile and talented as you could ask a performer to be. The problem is, flat-out stock characters populate the entire play...About three quarters through the play I really wanted to cry out 'OK! I get it! Money is bad! Root of all evil! Enough already!'...The music is admirably quirky...This is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon or evening, but don’t go into it expecting to have your socks knocked off!" Full Review
70 Members' Reviews
See it if you want lite summer fare. Fun songs (varied styles) and good performances (especially DeNise). Premise isn't bad, but little is done w/it.
Don't see it if you want a coherent statement: is $ good, bad? Is MT political or financial?Some of Ben's mottos get mumbled. Some stereotypes dated/offend.
Also The show is relatively enjoyable, thanks to the performances, but the ... Read more Read less
See it if for a very creative, fun evening with plenty to say about the world of greed and how it affects us all.
Don't see it if If you want to see a non-political musical.
See it if you want to be reminded of the role that money plays in our lives, as well as Ben Franklin's inventions /maxims. Clever use of video screens
Don't see it if you want a serious Sondheim-like musical. The snappy songs and clever lyrics can remind you that money does make the world go round.
See it if You enjoy clever satire, are fed up with the greedy/ entitled citizens of NYC today, enjoy new voices of Musical theatre exploring our world
Don't see it if You want a heavy, dramatic evening, don't appreciate political satire, want to see STARS, think Trump is the best thing since sliced bread
See it if You want a musical that is zany and fun. Gender and ethnic stereotypes aren't an issue for you. You like to see actors do a very good job.
Don't see it if You don't think you would really enjoy an evening of aphorisms from Ben Franklin, accompanied by musical numbers.
See it if If you enjoy small scale entertaining shows. It's a cute show with a great cast. Wonderful voices.
Don't see it if If you don't like actors playing multiple roles. If you want a more polished or serious show. Or if you are very religious.
Also Some of the scenes probably should have been cut. It went on a bit too... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy a comedic musical with characters changing roles constantly
Don't see it if you cant follow the inferences about money in your life or the Shakespearean quotes
See it if you just want to be entertained. The small cast does a great job of portraying a large number of characters.
Don't see it if you prefer either a romantic story or something serious
Also Sandra DeNise does a terrific performance of "Dumb Blonde," and Ralph ... Read more Read less
See it if You don't mind lady min being canceled
Don't see it if If you don't have Alternative plans or have to travel far
See it if You are open to being entertained by a fairly talented cast....with some clever songs, and don't mind a less than professional production
Don't see it if You have no tolerance for a slightly amateurish production in a very tiny theater....despite some fun lyrics and some good performances.
See it if You enjoy singers and actors that can change their parts "on a dime" even though the play is about a hundred dollar bill.
Don't see it if If you don't enjoy a bit of history about Ben Franklin and want a play with a great story.
Also This was an entertaining and light story to enjoy on a pleasant summer... Read more Read less
See it if a little bizzare but well sung - cute show - the different people they portray is great - she is wonderful
Don't see it if you don't like off broadway
See it if You're intrigued by following a single $100 bill through several owners with commentary by Ben Franklin, you enjoy David Friedman's music
Don't see it if You find the premise too cheesy or saccharine. I also found a number of the characterizations too clichéd or stereo typical.
Also The performers were terrific, handled a dizzying number of costume cha... Read more Read less
See it if The singing and acting are very good. Sandra DeNise makes attention center on her whenever she is on stage and is worth the admission price
Don't see it if The book is awful. The music and lyrics are C+/B. You want more than simple.light entertainment.
See it if You like a show with a small cast and a lots of talent with each actor performing many different roles each one being better than the last.
Don't see it if You don't like a small intimate theater. And you're not crazy about quotes from former presidents.
See it if you have time to see and can enjoy a not-bad-and-not -good production.
Don't see it if you have something else to see.
See it if you enjoy comedy, sarcasm, history and stories woven together into an entertaining, enjoyable show by talented versatile performers.
Don't see it if you do not like political comentary or witty sarcasm.
Also Saw this in previews. It is an innovative show with amazing costume ch... Read more Read less
See it if You have nothing else to do that day or you happen to be in the area!
Don't see it if You have other plans and won't be anywhere near this theatre!
See it if You want to be entertained, laugh a lot and listen to excellent voices.
Don't see it if You don't like original, clever musicals.
See it if You enjoy stories with a moral. This show should be extended indefinitely. Everyone should see it. I'd see it over again.
Don't see it if You don't enjoy musical comedies with skits.
See it if You enjoy fast-paced, modern, musical comedy with a bit of social relevance. Or if you just like to go out for a night and have a fun time
Don't see it if You are into very serious shows