The Lucky Ones

See it if you enjoy overlong plays/musicals that are in desperate need of editing. This one is way too long. Needs at least a good 30 minutes cut.

Don't see it if you get uncomfortable in overlong situations. Also, if you don't like theatre that pushes boundaries.

Also The premise is very interesting; however, the execution needs cutting and reshaping. I saw "The Lucky Ones" during the first week of previews, and I am hoping that work on this piece will be done. This needs to be as sharp as "100 Days".... Read more Read less

See it if the prequel to the Bengsons' Hundred Days; traumatic events responsible for Abigail's paralyzing fears are uncovered! Raw, dark, emotional

Don't see it if you are uneasy with artistic expression that shares personal family secrets (I wonder if this will bring their splintered family together).

Also "This is a true story, even the parts that never happened"...

See it if You enjoy the bengsens blend of folk rock music. first act mined abilgails story in a fresh exciting dynamic way with immersive performances

Don't see it if The second act seemed like a completely different show-slow and self absorbed. The show goes on way too long. Should be 90 minutes

See it if I loved this show! The music is great as is the cast. It’s complwtely absorbing and felt personally resonant. Brave and. Oundary pushing

Don't see it if If you don’t like personal stories about digging into families’ past histories you might not like it.

See it if you want to revel in the brilliant music of The Bengsons, and experience a visually stunning personal tale in a beautifully funky space.

Don't see it if you dislike hybrid performance styles, psuedo-non-proscenium staging, or non-traditional "musical" scores.

Also The music, as usual, is brilliant. The choreography is spellbinding. The cast is remarkable. The scenic design is beautiful. The lighting design is striking. It currently meanders a bit in the denouement, but those moments still feel vital and necessary. The Lucky Ones takes the Bengson's hybrid concert/musical and pushes it to the next level. It's also a prime example of the way that the modern theatre can explore family issues outside of the tired and stale genre of the table drama. Death to the table drama. Long live the new theatre.... Read more Read less

See it if you are a big bengsons fans and loved Hundred Days. A hugely schizophrenic production: awesome lively creative 1st act; boring slow 2nd act

Don't see it if you need a consistent performance without a self indulgent big letdown 2nd act with minimal entertainment value; show should have been 1 act

See it if you saw Hundred Days and want more backstory into Abigail's life and more of a 'play' in the traditional sense AND love the Bengson's music

Don't see it if You want to see something lighthearted and gushy - it hits hard and leaves you feeling empty inside

See it if you want your heart to be ripped out by the honesty and simplicity of the storytelling and the music, you want to take a risk on new theatre

Don't see it if you want fluffy and light-hearted, you want a familiar piece of theatre

See it if you like the Bengsons, you want a surprising storyline, and you enjoy beautiful choral arrangements.

Don't see it if you are annoyed by shows that are trying too hard to be "profound".

Also This is a very good show that requires the small theatre that is in (Please don't try to move to Broadway -- the show won't work there)! The choreography is interesting but a bit over-the-top and over-indulgent. The singing and performances are fabulous. The staging is also amazing. I preferred the music of Hundred Days, but I still very much enjoyed this music, and overall I enjoyed this show much more than 100 Days. A fascinating and surprising story.... Read more Read less

See it if you're interested in what the Bengsons have to offer. They always give 110% emotion and commitment to what they do.

Don't see it if you want a completely comprehensive traditional musical.

Also This has all the high quality content and emotion of a tumultuous mostly true story. The sound mixing was fantastic considering all that was going on and the clever use of the space. The Bengsons never cease to impress me, and I am excited to see this show buttoned up the way it needs to be throughout previews... Read more Read less

See it if you wan to hear wonderful, edgy, music with a heart braking story about growing up in a commune-like home with hippie parents.

Don't see it if you're looking for a Disney-style musical

Also An intimate invitation to get to know Abigail Benson and her very unusual background. She alternates between her role as a narrator and her role as herself in the plot. Growing up in Vermont with a lot of other housemates, with ideal of love, kindness and the presence of God, only to find out there are some very twisted behaviors behind all these meaningless words.
The music is absolutely phenomenal, the voices will blow your mind.... Read more Read less

See it if This show is extremely well acted. The dancing and music are so good they would stand alone. The story is riveting and deeply moving.

Don't see it if This is a very heavy subject. Not for children or those who wanted to simply be entertained.

See it if You want to see new musicals not based on material. Great story telling, staging and performances.

Don't see it if Production is young, it has things that will be ironed out, but don’t go if you don’t like New works or developmental works.

See it if you are invested in the future of musical theater. It's like nothing you've ever seen--structurally, stylistically or emotionally.

Don't see it if you aren't open to take the ride with it. The piece shifts, reshapes and takes its time. If you can't relax into that, you may not love it.

Also This blends so many genres of storytelling (concert, rock opera, and even at times documentary podcast a la This American Life) in such a brilliant way. It's truly an experience for the heart and soul. I'd recommend grabbing a cup of candy and a big glass of wine from the bar and let it wash over you.... Read more Read less

See it if Like out of the box story telling. Great singer/songwriter. Engaging story on the edgy side.

Don't see it if you don't like unpleasant stories and need "happy"

See it if a family tragedy told in the most unexpected ways interests you, you liked Hundred Days and want to learn more about the Bengsons.

Don't see it if you are looking for a light hearted, fluffy show.

Also Everything from the choreography, the set, and the lights make this a memorable experience. The stage transforms with each moment becoming something larger than itself, larger than the story being told. The humanity and the honesty of this show is striking.... Read more Read less

See it if you like the bengsons. This is like Hundred Days but better. A much bigger cast, more theatrical, but the same great rock/americana music

Don't see it if you don't like musicals, or rock music

See it if like folk-rock music, or you're a fan of the Bengson's shows-- this is more of a storytelling concert than a traditional musical

Don't see it if you don't like unconventional storytelling, need an ending which ties everything up neatly

See it if you enjoy indie/rock music, experimental work, or work that makes you think long after you’ve seen it.

Don't see it if you cannot handle shows about family issues & unresolved endings

See it if You enjoy great singing and human drama told through rapturous music

Don't see it if you prefer light, fluffy fare with limited human touch.

See it if You enjoy superbly sung new folk music and are interested in seeing how this team explores a deep personal trauma theatrically and musically

Don't see it if You want a more focused narrative or take on this issue. The show spends too long repeating itself and skates over moments of conflict.