Spoon River NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (89)
See it if You want to see poignant character studies interspersed with foot stomping music
Don't see it if You insist on traditional linear plots
See it if You enjoy story telling in small clever vignettes. The songs are soulful and beautiful. This is an enjoyable evening out.
Don't see it if You want a full out Broadway musical. This was quiet and moving. Read more
See it if You enjoy a brilliant interpretation of a famous novel
Don't see it if If you'd rather read it than see it
See it if you are a fan of Masters's poems. This production adds a delicious score and stellar performances. Amazing choral work. Viva Soulpepper!!
Don't see it if you don't like musicals or inventive theatre. You can't deal with vignettes or a linear story Read more
See it if you love great music, fun story telling but without a great deal of narrative
Don't see it if you want your musicals big, sweeping, and with one solid narrative.
See it if you liked Come From Away. This show is a great a new-take on a traditional piece. The very talented SoulPepper group has created (more)
Don't see it if you're not in the mood for something new in theater. Read more
See it if you want a great production of a classic show. The immersive entrance to the theater was fun & set the mood. I loved it all.
Don't see it if you want something light and fluffy. It's very entertaining with a talented ensemble cast.
See it if You like Spoon River or Our Town; enjoy bluegrass music; like quirky shows with excellent acting by large casts of unknown actors
Don't see it if You prefer typical shows or are uncomfortable with the subject of death
Critic Reviews (19)
"This adaptation is top-notch, honoring the original poems of Edgar Lee Masters yet giving them a freshness and vitality that reverberates with authenticity and reflects the mid-World War I fears of mortality and survival. Albert Schultz’s staging is strong and exceptional and Mike Ross’s music is emotionally rich, passionate, and often mesmerizing. The ensemble cast seems to welcome the music into the depth of their sinews and delivers the songs with riveting and polished performances."
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"A lively, joyful musical adaptation...Much of what Ross has composed is what used to be called hillbilly music, but that doesn’t do justice to the range of genres and the depth of talent that put them over...There is humor lurking in the grim tales and sad regrets voiced by individual characters...If the pile-on of graveyard observers starts to feel too rich, and the songs too repetitive, what will surely remain a fond memory after theatergoers depart are the rompin’, stompin’ hootenannies."
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"One of the most memorable and transformative theatrical moments I have experienced in live theater. Indeed, from start to glorious finish this production is truly what the best of live theater is about...This incredible production holds many beautiful truths. They begin and end in artistic genius; with the unified elements of brilliant music, the sterling voices of the talented, superb actors, the musicianship of cast members, the enlightened adaptation by Schultz of Edgar Lee Masters’ work."
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"An inclusive, but lavish display of what theatre is about; both reflecting and inspiring humanity...'The Graves,' 'Couples,' and 'Soul Alive' are just a few of the gorgeous, roaring tracks that ignite audience’s imaginations...The cast of 'Spoon River' is absolutely exceptional. Each person shines in voice and talent...I cannot describe the sentimentality of this musical, and how it has become one of the best shows to see in New York."
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"I detest most musicals, but this one I loved. The music was genuine and of high quality...Clearly the composer is fully at home in setting Masters’ irregular free verse...The various members of the cast showed what splendid, resourceful, gutsy actors and singers they are, as they led us to some very dark places...This was a richly entertaining, deeply moving celebration of life...One cannot sufficiently praise the consistently brilliant and committed cast and all participants."
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"Schultz has marshalled a number of memorable images with a few versatile set pieces...While it’s wonderful to have such a large cast on stage, Schultz is better at showing us the trees than the forest—and the larger numbers sometimes feel like poetry in commotion...My consistent quibble with Ross’s overall project is that poems are not lyrics—and no matter how sensitive his settings, the words sometimes jar with the music...‘Spoon River’ works, nevertheless; it’s even magical."
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"A celebration of the power of theatre, the joy of performing and the sublime art of collaboration...The way that Mike Ross’s music reaches inside our spirits and takes us to a dozen different places is an act of sheer theatrical legerdemain...Every last member of the company is brilliant...You will be hard-pressed not to levitate from your seat with sheer emotion....'Spoon River' is a once-in-a-lifetime show. See it, hear it, celebrate it."
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"Vocally thrilling, this current production captivates our hearts and emotions and soars through the rafters with impeccably controlled precision and timing...I do have a slight quibble with the text, nevertheless, as these numerous glimpses and brief looks into the backstories become a jumble in trying to make connections to the characters. It is only a minute quibble as the musical score paints an emotional landscape through song...There is a state of grace in each performance."
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