Animal Wisdom

See it if You want a moving communal experience. Music, storytelling, ensemble play.

Don't see it if you like a traditional structure to a play.

See it if you love southern folk and rock, characterizations, raw personal storytelling, unique theater.

Don't see it if bothered by part new-age part Christian spiritual talking to ghosts. The experience still works if you don't "buy" her metaphor however.

See it if you love beautiful voices, intimate settings, personal stories, spirituality, blues; show is a big, beautiful gift to the ear and the heart

Don't see it if you disdain spirituality, can't sit in darkness for 20 min (listening to soaring voices) - although phone lights allowed; otherwise, go!

Also An incredible chance to hear so many soaring voices and original music in an intimate setting (only 70 seats) in Bushwick. It's the Jefferson Street stop on the L Train - or get a Lyft!... Read more Read less

See it if You like fantastic music and want to experience a fantastix contemporary show about ghosts.

Don't see it if You dislike the dark

See it if you liked Ghost Quartet, Futurity, Hadestown etc; impressive singing; incredible lighting courtesy of brilliant Andrew Schneider

Don't see it if if you need a plot; are annoyed by spirituality and southern gothic whimsy; don't want to sit in the pitch black for a good while

Also Percussionist Eric Farber is (as he was in Futurity and Foundry's Good Person) a joy to watch on stage. His ingenuity and skill with all types of noise-making objects is matched by his presence and charisma. The most affecting moment in the how show was a song that features him playing a tray full of bric-a-brac.

Schneider's intricate, expressive lighting and the expert work of the rest of the design technical team make this production extra special.... Read more Read less

See it if you are willing to go along with this extraordinarily talented women's trek which includes wonderful music and lighting and a big character

Don't see it if you want a linear story line because there ain't none

See it if you want to see great story-telling, avant-garde theatre that isn't theatre but is also theatre, great musicians, and want a unique evening

Don't see it if you are claustrophobic and hate complete darkness (15 min in the pitch black - you are warned several times), want a traditional evening out

Also I have sat through many shows on the quirkier side that have pitch-black moments. This was the first time I ever had a panic attack in the darkness. Perhaps it was the length of the blackout, maybe it was the intensity of the music during the darkness...who knows. That being said, Heather Christian has created a truly stimulating evening with Animal Wisdom. Her stories and the characters from her life are fascinating, and her voice is stupid fantastic. She has assembled a fine group of musician actors. It's a show steeped in religion, but never feels preachy. It's accepting and inviting. There's also a massive choir of assorted people that enters near the end...I almost felt cheated out of the intimacy that had been established for 3/4 of the evening. That and the darkness were my only negatives. I feel lucky to have caught this piece and certain moments will haunt me forever (in a good way)... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see and hear that amazing talent that Ms Christian and her team brings to the performance.

Don't see it if you can't cope with a somewhat dissonant story.

See it if You are interested in something different, like Southern bluesy-rock mixed with some gospel, a biographical-ish musical.

Don't see it if You don't like extended darkness (15 minutes in complete black), quirky characters, music on the louder-side

See it if you love emotionally-charged, powerhouse vocals, gorgeous harmonies (by band & choir)...intimate staging/lighting...whirlwind, quirky energy

Don't see it if you are uncomfortable with discussions re: religion, dead people... if you dislike fast-paced, offbeat shows

Also Heather Christian is pure dynamite, and riveting to watch. Her band and choir deserve kudos as well for their haunting, nuanced performance. At times, it was hard to keep pace with the blazing tempo of the storyline and philosophical musings, but the tour de force musical performances more than make up for any shortcomings in the book. A beautiful, spiritual experience!... Read more Read less