Numbers Nerds (NYMF)
Part of the New York Musical Festival: A tale of girls becoming women, conquering both anxiety and rivalry, and finding a way to affirm themselves both as individuals and team members so they can win at math…and at life!
... Read more'Numbers Nerds' is an almost all-girl high school math team from Waukesha, Wisconsin. The team has won the Regional Math Competition and is chosen to compete in the National Math SUM-IT. These smart and funny whiz kids must unite to solve difficult math problems without getting distracted by teen drama and pressures. An official selection of the 2017 New York Musical Festival. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
- Official Site
- View Trailer
- 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Already closed
- Playwrights Horizons / Peter Jay Sharp Theatre (Midtown W)
Reviews (28)
8 Critics' Reviews
"Created in response to the call for more female roles available for the school and community theater circuit, this show succeeds in every way...The cast, mostly non-union, is so talented with voices that are on par with any Broadway show...Director and choreographer Mak creates an energetic delightful romp, where kids, as well as parents, will be entertained. The book is heartwarming and funny. Kornfeld’s music is upbeat and makes the grade. Higgin-Houser’s lyrics are clever." Full Review
"There’s nothing wrong with it. But there’s nothing really spectacular either. It’s very middle-of-the-road, and wouldn’t offend, or inspire, anyone. The plot is fairly predictable and tame...Aside from the lack of dramatic tension or conflict, the dialogue is amusing and realistic...The performances were all good too...While the music is standard show-tune fare, the songs are the standout...Will be a staple in the high school and college repertory for the foreseeable future." Full Review
"'Numbers Nerds' has two chief merits, the first of which is the score. The energetic, if generically show-tuney music, is by Kornfeld and MarcAurele, with cute lyrics by Alex Higgen-Houser...Also deserving high marks is the show's cast. The spirit of teamwork celebrated by the musical's story is embodied by its actors, who share roughly equal time onstage, all holding their own...All in all, this musical adds up to a lot of fun for numbers nerds and theater geeks alike." Full Review
"The show proves that there are voices and audiences beyond Broadway that deserve an opportunity...It has plenty of charm...The score is serviceable with a few standout numbers scattered throughout...Loney’s creative projection designs deliver a charming backdrop to the team’s tribulations, while Sachs steals every scene she’s in...Fills a void by providing an opportunity for girls to take to the stage in lead roles, and for that, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Full Review
"The competent cast provides a quirky array of characters that deliver an entertaining 90 minutes of comedy and with good vocals...The book by Stratford is steady but predictable. Kornfeld’s music is sufficient and lyrics by Higgin-Houser serve the characters...The book can use a bit more tightening especially addressing the one-liners that seem to fall flat. Even with these few obstacles, 'Numbers Nerds' succeeds in being a very good product for the creator’s target audience." Full Review
"This addition to the New York Musical Festival hit all the right numbers with its charming story of friendship, budding romance, and working together...The music and lyrics bring out the vulnerable moments in each character’s journey...It’s those characters that give the show its real strength...Strong performances from the cast help break the characters of their initial typecasts, bringing nuance and humanization to each role. " Full Review
“You wouldn't think a show about math would be that entertaining, but it really is. In fact, this a great show on so many levels. It has a good and entertaining story. It has enjoyable songs…It is inspirational because it is all about being yourself and letting your best self shine through by conquering your fears and not worrying about what other people think.” Full Review
"The smart characters are smartly diverse and the casting here is on the money all around...Our ears and minds are richly rewarded with the songs...that charm, have likable energy, are admirably character-driven, and feel, satisfyingly, like extensions of dialogue and story...Mak’s direction and choreography make it all of a piece and, like the 'mathletes' in the play, there’s great teamwork here...The many elements in 'Numbers Nerds' 'add up' to a terrific little musical." Full Review
20 Members' Reviews
See it if You like perky, quirky musicals pitched at young audiences where all the characters learn "important lessons" about themselves.
Don't see it if you find high school characters who are largely self-involved and sing relentlessly upbeat songs about their petty problems annoying.
See it if you would to see intelligent but fun musical that provides inspiration and good role models especially for girls.
Don't see it if you don't like musicals set in high schools or that revolve around teenagers and their problems.
See it if you want a cute story. The score has potential but still needs some work done.
Don't see it if you are allergic to out of tune singing-most of the cast members do it a lot... even for a show in progress...
See it if You want to support the cast and creative team, who I'm sure are lovely and mean well.
Don't see it if You don't want to see a production that looks like it's from a high school without a particularly strong drama program.
Also The music was forgettable, the lyrics are abysmal (if there were any a... Read more Read less
See it if A fun musical suitable for the family interests you. The lyrics are smart, the pace is good. You'll want to be an engineer.
Don't see it if Sweet and predictable are not your cup of tea.
See it if you like to let your nerd flag fly. Enjoy strong female characters. Sharon Sachs was wonderful as Ms. McGery. Enjoyed as an engineering grad
Don't see it if don't like to see teen characters in their angsty/awkward glory. You think girls cant do math.
Also The outfits for the characters were different than that featured in th... Read more Read less
See it if you want to bring your kids to a show and enjoy the time with them.
Don't see it if don't like children
See it if Want to see well-developed female characters who are passionate about STEM. It is also hilarious. One of my favorites of the festival.
Don't see it if You don't care of quirky shows about high schoolers.
See it if You loved 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!
Don't see it if You like serious dramas.
See it if You love strong female characters and epic singing!
Don't see it if You don't want to laugh.
See it if All ages
Don't see it if You are a nerd!
See it if You like a feel good show about kids and math!
Don't see it if You don't like funny math puns!
See it if Awesome!
Don't see it if .
See it if you enjoy fresh, energetic, and intelligent musical comedy! The girls are uber talented- this show is "Textbook" FUN!
Don't see it if you *don't* enjoy awesome new musicals. Or need an intermission- it's a one act joy ride.
See it if You love musical comedy!
Don't see it if You're into serious dramas.
See it if You want to see a terrific cast put their heart and soul into a challenging and catchy score! My daughters loved it, too!
Don't see it if You can't.
See it if You like awesome female characters and incredibly catchy music!
Don't see it if You don't like fun!
See it if You like math jokes, girls accomplishing things, and great tunes!
Don't see it if You get hives when you remember high school trig.