Money Talks the Musical NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (72)
See it if Want to see a cast of 4 work hard to represent many. Like Benjamin Franklin quotes. Want a simple story to follow.
Don't see it if Want a polished show with a large ensemble. Read more
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. Read more
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 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. Read more
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 want to learn more about Ben Franklin and hear some terrific singing by a super talented and very versatile cast.
Don't see it if You dislike clichés and stereotypes. Read more
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 don't mind lady min being canceled
Don't see it if If you don't have Alternative plans or have to travel far
Critic Reviews (13)
“'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.”
Read more
"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."
Read more
"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."
Read more
“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.”
Read more
"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!"
Read more