Dust Can't Kill Me (NYMF) NYC Reviews and Tickets
About the Show
A New York Musical Festival alumnus: In this new tuner, drought, desperation, and a prophet’s promise of Paradise set a ragtag group of wayward souls on a Dust Bowl journey into the desert.
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See it if you like high octane folk music set in the Dustbowl 1930s with fantasy storyline, moshpit 'ography, & excellent performances,
Don't see it if you don't like folk/rock, need a realistic storyline, feel endangered by dancers popping out of audience, don't want 2 item food/bar/minimum Read more
See it if You like good blue grass/country music beautifully performed.
Don't see it if You don't like blue grass or country music or expect a clear narrative.
See it if you appreciate the finest in musical theater. Original and even though it isn't the kind of music I typically enjoy, I was overwhelmed.
Don't see it if You're adverse to seeing great shows before they appear on a stage like The Public Theatre. Clearly that's it's next stop.
See it if you revel in exquisite folk music played with energy and emotion.
Don't see it if You need a complex plot; the plot appears to be there mostly to motivate the music.
See it if exquisite folk singing, great musicians (unnecessarily) modern dancers. Special shout out to Garth Taylor (next stop broadway!)
Don't see it if if you don't like cabaret seating (long tables for 8) & 2-drink minimums
See it if you love country music. You'd like to see a diverse cast of "sinners" who were left out of shows like Bright Star. Fantastic score.
Don't see it if you hate actors playing instruments. The second act drags for plot reasons. Might work better with stronger, older actors. Abstract lyrics.
See it if you like singer-songwriter type folk music (this is not twangy or bluegrass-y). You like stories that take you away.
Don't see it if You want very realistic stories (this feels like a folk tale in a really great way). Read more
See it if you want to see a near-perfect and interesting musical with inventive staging and distinct and compelling songs and singing.
Don't see it if you do not like plots that mention religion, gay themes, or minimal sets. It converted me to liking bluegrass, and has memorable music.
Critic Reviews (6)
“This folk musical looked and sounded great on its rough-hewed set. If it had been a concert instead, the company couldn’t have done better, filling the house with richly layered strings and gorgeous vocals. The six musicians, who also make up the cast, were terrific...But the vitality that marks every musical moment evaporates between songs.”
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"Elliah Heifetz has given this historical fantasy an all-American sound with his rousing folk score...This stellar cast delivers every number with commitment and heart, leading us to gladly suspend our disbelief. Director Srda Vasiljevic employs them as actor-musicians in the style of John Doyle, making this not just the most talented cast of the festival, but also the best band. Just try not to get goosebumps."
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"It's definitely conflict-rich content, but for a short, taut one act. Stretching it across more than two hours makes it painfully repetitive and obvious early and often. It doesn't matter if the down-home songs are attractive or emotionally astute...With the exception of Hinkes, the cast members all do well at laying bare their characters' tortured souls. And the production is lively enough to keep you engaged. Not enough to keep you invested, however."
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"Vasiljevic revitalized the story of lost souls wandering in the 1936 Dust Bowl by adding a John Doyle-esque framing device which sees the actors not only playing their own instruments, but also being hyper-aware of the fact they’re playing characters...Vasiljevic allows each of his actors to embody the traits that best identify their characters...It’s Kathryn Gallagher as Lily who gives the show’s most ferocious, unforgettable performance."
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"The cast is uniformly talented with remarkable vocal and acting skills as well as being accomplished instrumentalists and dancers...Elliah Heifetz’s music and lyrics are engaging and enchanting...There are still some difficulties with the book, especially in the second act...Still a work in progress and, having seen its 'incarnation' in 2014, this reviewer looks forward to seeing its grace-laden apotheosis in the very near future.”
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"The book is solid, but could use some fleshing out. The music is totally along the country folk vein and two hours of it is too much for me, but seems to please the downtown younger set…This entire company plays extremely well and starts and end as a band of musicians…The direction by Srda Vasiljevic keeps the piece moving…I would get this show down to 90 minutes as it drags in places, but I can see 'Dust Can’t Kill Me' playing downtown and all around the country."
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