For the Associated Press, Michael Kuchwara writes that "What is one to make of "The Times They Are A-Changin'," the murky musical misfire that combines the considerable talents of director-choreographer Twyla Tharp and pop superstar Bob Dylan. It is hard to tell what Tharp, who conceived the show, had in mind, judging from the confusing, surreal production on stage at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre."

Ben Brantley in the New York Times writes that "Ms. Tharp found unexpected depths in Mr. Joel’s music. Using a whole lot more scenery, props and special effects to create a circus-themed allegory of fathers and sons, Ms. Tharp single-handedly drags Mr. Dylan into the shallows." He sums up noting that "if the choreography at times defies gravity, the show itself may be the most earthbound work Ms. Tharp has produced. Even as the dancers seem to fly, Mr. Dylan’s lyrics are hammered, one by one, into the ground."

For Variety, David Rooney writes that "Choreographer Twyla Tharp has frequently and successfully looked to unorthodox musical inspirations to create her distinctive dance pieces, among them the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, David Byrne and, notably, Billy Joel in her first foray into musical theater, "Movin' Out." While that show was a danced narrative set to music performed live by a singer and band separated from the action, Tharp attempts to expand her range by integrating song and movement to the music of Bob Dylan in "The Times They Are A-Changin'." But the mercurial dance innovator slips up badly in a plodding, literal-minded fable that's vibrant and busy but also chaotic and narratively incoherent."

For Reuters and the Hollywood Reporter, Frank Scheck writes that " "The Times They Are A-Changin," her follow-up effort featuring the oeuvre of the commercially resurgent Bob Dylan, is a far less accessible work that never coalesces into the fantastical theatrical experience she had intended."

Elysa Gardner for USA Today writes that "Part of what makes Dylan's songs so compelling and enduring is that their appeal transcends his personal style, and those of his more famous folk and rock interpreters. His melodies and lyrics, as much as Stephen Sondheim's or Rodgers and Hart's, are as open to different artistic approaches as they are universally moving. So it shouldn't surprise that Times, which opened Thursday at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, is, if uneven, more imaginative and intriguing than Tharp's last Broadway outing, the Billy Joel showcase Movin' Out. "

Linda Winer, for NY Newsday writes that "Tharp, a task-oriented perfectionist, has dreamed up extreme circus tricks, then transforms them from tricks to art. Even when she loses her way - which she definitely does - her failures are more interesting than most of theme-park Broadway."

Joe Dziemianowicz for the NY Daily News opines "Now she takes on Bob Dylan in "The Times They Are A-Changin,'" which she conceived, choreographed and directs. Tharp ups the ante in light of Dylan's stature (an icon to all and "God" to many) and the nontheatricality of his music. A long shot. Unfortunately, Tharp sabotages herself this time. She makes dance secondary and concentrates on the music. The result is a standard-issue jukebox show (he sings; she sings; they sing; repeat) set in a shabby circus dreamworld (who knows why?). Tharp's clown car runs out of gas an hour into the show's 90-minute length, which is strange, since Dylan is such a provocative and infinitely soulful songwriter."

Clive Barnes for the NY Post gives the show 2.5 out of 4 stars and writes that "WILL Twyla Tharp do for Bob Dylan what she did for Billy Joel - make him a Broadway star? Can lightning strike the same place twice? In this case, well, no.The director/choreographer's "The Times They Are A-Changin' " was unveiled last night, and at best I would call it a brave, if pompous, try."

Overall, even though The Times Are A-Changin', they're not doing so with the best of reviews. That said, the show's been selling in the upper 80s percentage wise, so this one will rest on Dylan's fans and the audience response...

Posted on October 27, 2006 - by