Dust Can't Kill Me (NYMF) NYC Reviews and Tickets

79%

(34 Reviews)

Positive

82%

Mixed

15%

Negative

Members say

Great singing, Refreshing, Absorbing, Entertaining, Delightful

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.

When the Paradise-seeking travelers arrive, their promised land is unlike anything they ever imagined...or desired. Driven by a spirited band of actor-musicians and directed by Srda Vasiljevic, this new folk musical asks what’s worth fighting for when all you've got is dust. Featuring Tony nominee Elizabeth A. Davis ('Once').

Member Reviews (34)

Magic-unrealism book, Flashmob choreography, Excellent cast/singer/musicians, Young downtown vibe, Folk/rock score engaging

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

Great writing, Original, Great singing, acting, and staging, Thought-provoking, Must see

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.

Entertaining, Great singing, Ambitious

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.

Fantastic music, Great singing, Great dancing at le poisson rouge

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.

Preachy, Confusing, Disappointing, Some beautiful songs

See it if you like bluegrass music enough to overlook that this is a concept album that's yet to figure out a workable script or believable characters

Don't see it if you'll be bothered by a script that feels shoehorned around songs (some gorgeous, others forgettable) and that tells more than it shows

Great singing, Ambitious, Intrusive dancing, Great 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

Refreshing, Great singing, Ambitious, Work in progress

See it if you enjoy folk music or want to watch a show in the early stages of its development.

Don't see it if you're looking for something polished. Don't get me wrong, this show has a lot of potential. It's just not there yet.

Amazing musicianship, Entertaining, Great costumes, Great staging, Great singing

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.

Critic Reviews (6)

For a previous production

“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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For a previous production

"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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For a previous production

"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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For a previous production

"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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For a previous production

"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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For a previous production

"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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