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The Magdalene Reviews
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Another Apostle? Review by: NedRacine, Jul 12, 2011 |
Being interested in the historical Jesus and New Testament scholarship, I was very interested in this play. Although many details of the non-canonical Gospels were represented quite well,the marriage of Mary and Jesus is totally speculative. I got the feeling that this was just theatrical titillation.
The singing was terrific, especially Mary's. And the acting generally good. I especially enjoyed the Governor. Lighting was effective. But the ... read more play was not in the same league as,let's say,Godspell.
Still, it was really good for an off-Broadway show.
Costuming deserves a special mention. Some clothing such as Mary Magdalene's was an excellent period piece. But then comes Jesus(Joshua) with a shirt I used to wear in the 70's. And couldn't they afford to rent a real Roman solder's uniform for the guard? This sartorial mix of the modern and ancient did not work for me. And the sheep! White dresses with white shawls would of helped in the leap of imagination.
The bottom line is that Mary Magdalene seems to have been an important follower of Jesus.
I was glad I saw it.
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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| 2 |
Review by: junowhat, Jul 11, 2011 |
I want to give this show a good review beacause I could tell that everyone on stage was giving it their all and truly wanted it too succeed. But the biggest problem had nothing to do with the actors on stage but in how the story was set up. Making Mary some kind of Joan of Arc in the story of Jesus just seems like another twist on the countless stories that have been published since the writing of Da Vinci Code. It felt a bit out of its ... read more time for me. If this had been done ten years ago, it may have worked. Aside from the plot haveing major gaps and moments that you apparently are not supposed to give too much thought too (i.e. when the "sheep" girl tells Mary she's actually her daughter, even though she's already around 10 years old),the show was done in a forced round theatre. The director (or set designer) decided it would be a good idea to stay consistant with how the show had been done before in the round, and make it happen here. Audience members were put on stage behind the actors, so it was more like their were audience in front and behind but not around. My issue with this is just that it felt unnatural. I sat on stage and whenever the actors would look at me I felt as if they were doing something wrong and ignoring the "real" audience in front.
On the positive side, the voices in the were excellent, beautiful even. Combining these voices with an inspirational score was worth the 90 minutes that I sat there. I only wish the acting could have matched the voices. The standout performance for me, though small, was by Xander Chauncey who played Peter, Jesus' right hand man who at first would have nothing to do with Mary's infiltration in to the inner circle of the disciples. Xander's voice was strong and his acting intelligent, he just needs a much better vehicle to be seen in.
In Summary, an eager attempt at the retelling of the Mary Magdelene story with an inspirational score, beautiful voices, but uninspired story, direction, lyrics, and acting. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 3 |
If I had the opportunity I would see this several times! Review by: moonshadow000, Jul 8, 2011 |
| Saw this performance last night and was inspired to write a review. This was a superb thought provoking performance. The music was outstanding. It shines a light on the new discoveries uncovered that just may have been omitted from original teachings. This performance had me riveted from start to finish, and I am NOT one to sit still for very long...the casting was awesome, the lines flowed perfectly. I challenge anyone to see this performance,... read more, and not come away with questions as to what they may have been taught about religion! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 4 |
Review by: , Jul 7, 2011 |
| This musical actually has a story. Not only does it have a story, but there is research behind it that sparked the idea. I find it very refreshing to have a show up that is not all about the spectacle...because honestly I get sick of it. Billy Elliot...I dont even rememeber the story I just remember all the lights and the commercialism hitting me in the face. I like a story that can actually spark intrest and thoughts into my head. It made ... read more me want to research and learn more about the nostic gospels. The talent was wonderful, and the production a success very well done! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 5 |
A whole new twist on Mary Magdalene, very well played and sung! Review by: Bert, Jul 4, 2011 |
| Finally, a musical that isn't just entertainment. This one makes you think, and really presents Mary "The Magdalene" as a feisty, bright and spiritual presence, as well as a tempestuous Peter and a brilliantly played Pilatus. The music is beautifully written and performed, and the story flows so well. A very non-traditional take on an old story, played in a comfortable and intimate setting. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 6 |
Lots of talent on that stage!!! Review by: Avid TheatreGoer, Jul 1, 2011 |
| Saw this show on opening night. Electric! Well acted/well sung/thought provoking subject. Go with an open mind and you will not be disappointed! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 7 |
The Magdalene excellent new musical play off-broadway Review by: Amateur theatre critic, Jun 30, 2011 |
| Remarkable first play by this playwright/composer. Very powerful/touching/thought provoking. Great music/lyriks and excellent performances by all! I especially liked Mary, Yeshua, and Pilatus!!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 8 |
Powerful Review by: E.E., Jun 29, 2011 |
| This musical was powerful! It gives voice to the feminine energy that has been lacking within religion. The show lifts women into balence with men which is long overdue! The power is in the coming together of the masculine and feminine! The music ties it all together...Beautiful! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 9 |
A great musical Review by: , Jun 28, 2011 |
| Powerful, exciting, inspirational -- a real winner -- storyline exceptioal, music and lyrics outstanding, extremely well cast. Both lead and chorus top drawer. A must see. Anonymous attender of 06-27-11 performance. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 10 |
A very good musical Review by: johnTHEAT, Jun 26, 2011 |
This is a very good and original musical.
Very powerful performance by the lead actress and
the music is haunting!
A must see! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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