The Battles NYC Reviews and Tickets

74%

(59 Ratings)

Positive

69%

Mixed

24%

Negative

Members say

Great singing, Ambitious, Entertaining, Slow, Clever

About the Show

Inspired by a historical event, this world premiere musical dramatizes an art competition between rivals Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Florence, Italy, circa 1500: Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, the two greatest artists of their day, engage in a head-to-head painting competition, battling not only each other but their own doubts and demons. 'The Battles' explores the struggle between the courage to love and the retreat into fear. It’s a story of fighting against both the walls we erect as a society, and the walls we build around our own hearts–walls that keep us from becoming all we can be. It’s a battle that continues to this day.

Show-Score Member Reviews (59)

Thought-provoking, Clever, Intelligent

See it if You enjoy a fascinating historical theme...portrayed with contemporary staging and music and great singing!

Don't see it if You don't enjoy history, contemporary musicals and LGBT themes!

Ambitious, Entertaining, Funny, Great singing, Great staging

See it if An examination of the war between DaVinci and Michelangelo in context of the political upheaval of the times. Brilliant singing and acting.

Don't see it if History bores you.

Clever, Great singing, Intelligent, Entertaining, Historically interesting

See it if you enjoy interesting new musicals with varied musical styles, contemporary staging, minimalist costumes, and a history lesson thrown in.

Don't see it if you dislike minimalist musicals, non-traditional music and staging; you are homophobic; you are not a fan of either Michelangelo or DaVinci

Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Great singing, Refreshing

See it if You want to listen to pop/rock music and see an especially talented cast performing Renaissance themes.

Don't see it if You are homophobic. You prefer traditional musicals.

Ambitious, Confusing, Clever, Edgy

See it if You're curious about new musicals in development about Michelangelo and DaVinci. You like to learn art history by watching fun theatre.

Don't see it if You don't like new musicals. If you expect fully developed plays. Don't care about Michelangelo and Leonardo DaVinci. You're very critical.

Ambitious, Quirky, Great singing, Great music, Telling story not showing story in action

See it if you love music and great voices but might go on a little longer than desired

Don't see it if shows that do a historic topic but tell the story instead of showing it and might be longer than desired or needed

Ambitious, Entertaining, Great singing, Great staging, Funny

See it if You like musicals that are inventive with topics that are not your classic subjects.

Don't see it if If you don't enjoy developmental productions

Entertaining, Great staging, Confusing

See it if you are interested in Da Vinci and Michaelangelo - gain some insight into a little known rivalry. Eclectic score w a great band.

Don't see it if you expect a polished, tight production. This was tonally confused and a bit disjointed. Lots of potential though!

Critic Reviews (1)

Trailer

Creative team