Ghost Quartet

See it if you want to see a sometimes whimsical, mostly eerie, but always gripping semi-staged spectral song cycle by the creator of The Great Comet.

Don't see it if you aren't a David Malloy fan (tho I found this more enjoyable than Comet) or you need distance between you & the performers to enjoy a show

See it if The beautiful and mysterious in magical environment attracts you. Or you like whiskey with your theater.

Don't see it if You want a linear plot and predictable characters.

See it if you want an intimate musical experience with great singing and musicianship, enjoy quirky ghost stories and an eclectic, haunting score.

Don't see it if you don't like staged concerts, you're afraid of dark & possible audience participation (playing percussion instrument, passing out drinks)

See it if you love theatre!This is another Dave Malloy gem.Funny.Beautifully written & performed.Intimate setting.Totally involving.LOVED it.

Don't see it if you are dead!This show is as good as it gets.The run is sold out for a very good reason.This is brilliant.It's the next great thing. GO!!!!!

See it if You enjoy great storytelling and folk music; an intimate setting to take in a slightly confusing story

Don't see it if You can't get tickets; You want a big production or are afraid of the dark

See it if Inventive weaving of several haunting stories told in song & music by wonderfully attuned cast. Blends of folk, soul, jazz music create...

Don't see it if ...sort of concept album of eerie old & new tales. No linear plot but it doesn't really matter if the stories confuse you. Super finish too!

See it if You are a Dave Malloy fan and enjoyed Great Comet.

Don't see it if You're like me and don't really connect with Malloy's work.

Also The fact that I didn't enjoy this work all that much probably says more about me than it does about Dave Malloy. It's evident that Ghost Quartet was crafted with great skill. Based on the enthusiastic reactions from my fellow audience members, Malloy has many passionate fans. If you are in this category, you will love Ghost Quartet. I personally didn't find the work moving. I had a similar reaction to Great Comet. I enjoyed it while I was watching it, but it didn't stay with me. I also didn't enjoy Preludes at Lincoln Center. So I've concluded I'm not the best audience for Malloy's work. But for fans, this intimate show is fantastic. I have to say, the ending is really great. Plus you get to meet and greet the musicians afterward and buy merchandise if you're so inclined.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of Malloy, Comet, & co. Or gorgeous singing and folksy tunes. If you've ever wanted to drink bourbon at a wonderful show.

Don't see it if You want a linear narrative or consistent story. This Quartet veers wildly through time, styles, and characters.

Also To borrow a phrase from Tony Kushner, I spent most of this show on the 'threshold of revelation'. I often thought I had understood what was going on, only to find myself in the dark (heh). But this feeling of slipping in and out of awareness was magical in its own right.

All the performers were engaging and necessary, but Bell deserves special recognition for her entrancing performance.... Read more Read less

See it if Dave Malloy, Brittain Ashford and Gelsey Bell. Fanciful storytelling through song. Musicality of Great Comet deconstructed.

Don't see it if Expecting linear story telling. Scared of the dark.

See it if You love seeing dazzling performers weave you into an intimate evening of haunting otherworldly mystery.

Don't see it if you prefer linear plots.

See it if you enjoy ethereal, atmospheric pieces, beautifully sung, and are a fan of Dave Malloy's work.

Don't see it if you need more of a concrete story told in a linear fashion, or if you dislike periods of being in a very dark room.

See it if you're a fan of intellectual music, high concepts, and virtuosic performances

Don't see it if you need a plot-driven show that hangs together as a comprehensible piece

See it if you've liked Dave Malloy's other shows or enjoy eclectic music styles and intimate but eccentric theatre performances.

Don't see it if you prefer a structured story with characters and plot or if you don't respond to Malloy's music.

See it if you want to see a song cycle beautifully performed with some very unique ideas.

Don't see it if you are looking for something that's heavy in plot. This is not. Or production value. There is little. It's a quaint production.

Also I'm not sure I understand ANY of the story, but I had a good time. There are a few songs performed in pitch black, which I thought was an interesting take.... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like a concert in your living room with Dave Malloy at the piano, plus super- talented Brent Arnold, Brittain Ashford, & Gelsey Bell

Don't see it if you want a play with a clear, linear plot. All sung at mikes; quirky, time-shifting storyline; ghost themes; darkness; but free whiskey

Also Doors to lobby open at 8:00, theater opens for GA seating at 8:15, show starts 8:35 (give or take). No drinks or food sold. All seats are good, as there are only a few rows on each of three sides. Some people sit on cushions on the floor, which didn't look too comfy for older folks, but most got to play an instrument during the show (and did I mention the free whiskey?)... Read more Read less

See it if You like the cast. You like Dave Malloy's music. You don't need a straightforward plot.

Don't see it if You need a plain plot or fully staged show. You don't like experimental shows. You're afraid of the dark.

Also More brilliance from Dave Malloy. Indescribable.

See it if Malloy's theatrical experience strings along characters' otherworldly journeys; "song cycle" format (album sides 1-4); GO, see it!

Don't see it if you may experience some similarities to Great Comet, but ultimately this format remains unique, playful & hauntingly creative

Also Next Door at NYTW launches their new space with Malloy's Ghost Quartet which played in NYC a few years ago. This space is intimate, perfect for this 90 minute song-cycle.

The quartet which includes Dave Malloy, Brittain Ashford, Gelsey Bell and Brent Arnold, perform songs which represent several genres (folk, rock/pop). A wonderful mix of vocal techniques/sounds.

Fun, flirty and dark story telling at its best! Ghosts... who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

The limited run is sold out, but Malloy said they often get cancellations so keep checking availability.

:... Read more Read less

See it if you like the idea of making a classroom instruments moment Jimmy Fallon style, but instead of Jimmy you get Dave Malloy

Don't see it if you fear audience participation

See it if you are a fan of Dave Malloy's composing and writing, and enjoy intimate and unique theatrical experiences.

Don't see it if non-linear story-telling confuses you.

See it if you like weird, electronic but also simple music and lyrics but a very complex story told by a small cast

Don't see it if you like traditional theater, don't want to pay a lot of money for a small show

See it if You enjoy amazing singing; ethereal plots; Dave Malloy; and shows that make you think. You’re ok with non linear plots and sitting in dark

Don't see it if You are expecting the Great Comet reincarnated; are confused by the abstract or non linear plots; or need everything spelled out for you.

Also Gelsey Bell and Brittain Ashford are supremely talented; their voices are both so unique and each showcased so well in this show. Dave Malloy is very smart and this show is even more intelligent than Great Comet, though it lacks the charisma that only comes with an ensemble like that show had. However what it lacks in charisma it makes up in artistry. Really good.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in another unique gem from Dave Malloy. You like nonlinear fantasy stories, live music, and an intimate setting.

Don't see it if you want a conventional theatre experience. You don't like morbid stories or listening to music in the dark. You're not over the age of 21.

Also I became interested in Ghost Quartet after seeing Natasha, Pierre, andó the Great Comet of 1812 on Broadway. Not only are there noticeable similarities between the two works, Dave Malloy's preference for unconventional sounds and instruments and his unparalleled story-telling shine in Ghost Quartet. Coupled with lighting reminiscent of The Great Comet, the result is a compelling, ethereal dream.

Brittain Ashford and Gelsey Bell are also superb and show much more of their singing and acting spectrum than in The Great Comet.... Read more Read less

See it if You are looking for something different - can enjoy quirky, non-linear storytelling

Don't see it if You want a fully staged production - have qualms about sitting in total darkness for several minutes

Also It might be more of a concert - but the singing and the story/stories were so engaging. It was melancholy one moment , rowdy or whimsical the next. I was totally enchanted by this performance. NYTW's new space is great and there isn't a bad seat in the house..... Read more Read less

See it if you are a Dave Malloy fan, appreciate non-traditional storytelling and a superb score

Don't see it if you have issues being in complete darkness, want a more linear story

Also I only took one point off for the floor cushions - they weren’t the comfiest. However, I’m glad I decided to sit there as it provided a great view of the action - and I got to play an instrument!
Ghost Quartet is not meant to make complete sense. It is a circular story, and keeping track of who is who at every moment can be befuddling at first. But you forget all of this as each of the four performers work their musical magic. Dave Malloy and Brent Arnold are skilled musicians and performers, but it’s the ladies who shine the brightest. Gelsey Bell and Brittain Ashford demonstrate astonishing vocals and musicianship, and break your heart at the same time.
This was my third time seeing it (caught it twice at the McKittrick two years ago), and this incarnation is not to be missed. For those Great Comet devotees - don’t expect a similar experience, but you won’t be disappointed. Nab a ticket if you can.... Read more Read less

See it if you love Dave Malloy's music, unique and intimate theatrical experiences, spooky/ghost stories, or whiskey.

Don't see it if you want a show with a simple plot.