Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
Closed 2h 0m
Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater
80%
80%
(78 Ratings)
Positive
89%
Mixed
10%
Negative
1%
Members say
Entertaining, Quirky, Funny, Clever, Great singing

About the Show

Encores! revives Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's little-known musical based on Kurt Vonnegut's comic novel of the same name. Directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer, and starring Santino Fontana, Skylar Astin, and James Earl Jones.

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Critic Reviews (12)

The New York Times
July 28th, 2016

"An odd duck of a musical...Vonnegut’s black brand of satire is not, in truth, a comfortable fit for the stage...The director, Michael Mayer, at least keeps the careering story line moving along at a brisk pace. And both performers and orchestra deliver the eclectic score with the polish and zest we have come to expect from the Encores! series...Mr. Fontana imbues Eliot with a forthright earnestness that scrubs away the archness and heaviness in the writing.”
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AM New York
July 28th, 2016

“A freewheeling musical comedy with political themes and a serious streak underneath it all...The songs are fresh, fun and occasionally heartfelt...The storytelling can be rough and chaotic, but that is to be expected with this kind of property...I would not be surprised if this production serves as the steppingstone for a longer run. However, even if that does not happen, it should—nay, must—receive a cast album."
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Theatermania
July 28th, 2016

“It turns out that Ashman and Menken's blend of wit and sincerity perfectly conveys Vonnegut's dark satire...Director Michael Mayer wisely maintains an earnest commitment in the delivery of these lines, allowing the script and design to do all the winking...While ‘Rosewater’ isn't quite in the same league as ‘Little Shop’, it's still considerably more enjoyable and more socially relevant than many of the new musicals being written in 2016.”
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Talkin' Broadway
July 28th, 2016

"This material is tops: right up there with the very best of what Ashman and Menken have ever done...There's some serious content at work, and if it's not exactly downplayed, it's given a glimmering gloss through both the sprightly book and the dazzling score...Alas, the evening can't quite maintain its stratospheric stature...A preachiness creeps in...Even so, the cumulative effect of it all sends you out on a high you won't descend from easily."
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CurtainUp
July 28th, 2016

"Younger audience members may not get some of the many cultural references. Nor are they likely to walk out with one of the songs embedded in their ears. That said, the Gilbert and Sullivan flavor of the numbers and the overall smartness of the lyrics are enjoyable...This is especially thanks to the wonderfully versatile cast headed by Santino Fontana…Director Michael Mayer has made the most of Vonnegut's dark satire...Bravo for bringing it back and in such fine form."
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TheaterScene.net
July 30th, 2016

"It’s not a lost masterpiece but it’s a mildly entertaining curio…The music is delightfully jaunty and the lyrics are marvelously witty but unfortunately their accomplished efforts are components of problematic source material…It’s all labored, not very compelling and not as funny as intended...Mr. Fontana’s performance is the magnetic anchor of the show…This well mounted revival is a welcome opportunity to experience their tremendous early talents in this work despite its flaws."
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Theater Pizzazz
July 28th, 2016

“A sparkling, intelligent, and inventive production...Is the show too quirky to ever be commercial? Probably. But it’s also often deliciously funny and delightfully tuneful...Most importantly, in many ways, the show feels remarkably topical this week of the Democratic National Convention, especially as we meet the downtrodden, forgotten citizens of Rosewater...Food for thought, indeed.”
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W
July 30th, 2016

"Narrative displays several signature Vonnegut themes, the familiar device of God-like narration (James Earl Jones), and characters found in other books by the author...Howard Ashman’s book and lyrics are literate, specific, and filled with heart. Alan Menken’s music is, well, fine. This was their first collaboration...Fontana’s embodiment of Eliot is consistently engaging and sympathetic. Really, one wants to take him home to mom...Another terrific production by Encores."
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