ZUCCOTTI PARK, A musical about the human side of economics (FringeNYC) NYC Reviews and Tickets

78%

(29 Ratings)

Positive

79%

Mixed

11%

Negative

10%

Members say

Ambitious, Great singing, Entertaining, Relevant, Clever

About the Show

Part of FringeNYC: What does it mean to be an American? After eight years of war, Sergeant Cooper visits childhood sweetheart, Kate, in NYC. They meet at Zuccotti Park, home of Occupy, where she and her friends protest the government he fought for.

Categories: Musical/Opera, FringeHIGH, Drama, National. From Salgado Productions. Written by Catherine Hurd, Composer: Vatrena King. Directed by Luis Salgado. Choreographed by Luis Salgado.

FROM THE ARTIST:
“Zuccotti Park” is a musical about the human side of economics. Set at its namesake location in New York City during the Occupy protests of late 2011, the play dramatizes the experiences of a broad cross section of Americans whose lives were impacted by the current economic system. In the play, two soldiers, Cooper and Washington, on leave from Afghanistan, visit New York City. Cooper is an Iowa farm boy and Washington, an African-American, New York City native. Cooper has arranged to meet up with Kate, his high school sweetheart, at Zuccotti Park. But unbeknownst to Cooper, the park is ground zero for the Occupy Movement. He finds Kate just as she is being pepper sprayed for assisting a friend during a police raid. Cooper challenges the police for what he sees as unnecessary force, is handcuffed for his efforts, and ends up in jail with the protesters. Despite their radically different worldviews, Cooper finds he is still attracted to grown-up Kate. After Cooper, Kate and the protesters are bailed out, Cooper accepts Kate’s invitation to spend time with her and her fellow protesters at Zuccotti Park. Throughout the play, Cooper and the audience learn the back-stories of the protesters: a homeless veteran, a family buying their first home, a student who can't find a job among others, as well as the opinions of people who profit from the system. The story comes to a head when the police raid the Occupy camp at Zuccotti Park and dismantle it.

Show-Score Member Reviews (29)

69%

Ambitious, Cliched, Okay

See it if you love diverse casts and want to hear some good singing. The kids and lead guy are good. The show moves well.

Don't see it if you get frustrated by actors who don't attack. It feels like it's trying to be Rent. A few of the group numbers in Act 1 are disjointed.

100%

Thought-provoking, Refreshing, Original, Great staging, Clever

See it if This thought-provoking musical truly expresses the times during the financial crisis in 2008 & 2009. The blending of issues is fantastic!

Don't see it if If you don't like thought-provoking musicals about our current societal woes, don't see it!

93%

Absorbing, Entertaining, Great acting, Great singing, Relevant

See it if So refreshing to see a show that actually says something meaningful and relevant. Loved the vocal performances and directing!

Don't see it if you don't care about what's going on in this country right now or prefer not to think or only enjoy mindless entertainment.

85%

Thought-provoking, Entertaining, Intelligent, Original, Relevant

See it if you wish to be entertained and inspired to learn more, understand more, and opens your heart to different points of view.

Don't see it if No reason to not. In this era of media division, here is a show that seeks to show how we can connect when our points of view are different

100%

Thought-provoking, Intelligent, Great writing, Great staging, Great singing

See it if you are a thinking person who likes to be entertained but also stimulated intellectually.

Don't see it if You like shallow theater.

100%

Entertaining, Delightful, Exquisite

See it if You like new musicals that address poignant political issues

Don't see it if You don't like good theatre!!

100%

Absorbing

See it if A great diverse staff, Director was able to have each cast member move around a small stage with precision. Talented singers and actors.

Don't see it if If you don't like a talented entertaining performance

100%

Ambitious, Great acting, Great writing, Must see, Great singing

See it if you like the musicals, amazing show ,you must to see it!!!

Don't see it if If you don't care about what it means to be an American

Critic Reviews (3)

"As the theater echoes with Giancarlo de Trizio’s plastic-tub percussion, and dancing, chanting performers beckon us onstage, we feel as though we’ve become part of a lively protest...'Zuccotti Park' maintains this inclusive energy throughout...While the musical tries to clarify some of the issues in which Occupy took root, often via satirical song-and-dance numbers, it is through these personal tales that Zuccotti Park truly shines."
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"A failed attempt to conquer the daunting task of establishing equilibrium between addressing important social issues and formulating a source for song and dance that will provide enjoyable entertainment...The book and lyrics by Catherine Hurd, although still relevant, are old news...The music by Vatrena King is less than pedestrian...At this stage, this production does not provide any insightful ideas nor does it provide enough engaging entertainment."
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For a previous production

"In the spirit of productions like 'Rent' and 'Hair,' 'Zuccotti Park' is a welcome addition to the musical that cares…Wonderfully crafted with soul-stirring numbers, 'Zuccotti Park' electrified the crowd, resonating with the soul of revolution. Brian Kinnard as Tom, a homeless veteran singing 'I’m Your Hero,' has a show stopping number. Director Luis Salgado and the entire ensemble bring justice and fervor to a movement that can no longer be ignored."
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ZUCCOTTI PARK, A musical about the human side of economics (FringeNYC) NYC Reviews and Tickets

About the Show

Show-Score Member Reviews (29)

Critic Reviews (3)

Trailer

Creative team