Review: THE MAD ONES at 59E59 Theaters Is an Exceptional New Musical

Simply stated, you'll love The Mad Ones. The NYC premiere of this musical is now onstage at 59E59 Theaters through December 17. The show features book, music and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan and Brian Lowdermilk, direction by Stephen Brackett, choreography by Alexandra Beller and an exceptional cast. The production has a well-developed story, great staging, and a memorable score. New musical theatre pieces may come and go but The Mad Ones definitely has staying power.

In the show, Samantha Brown is on the threshold of some big changes in her life. As her high school's valedictorian, she has the opportunity to follow in footsteps of her mother Beverly, who is an accomplished statistician, and attend an Ivy League school. But, she could be bold and charter a new course, one that is advocated by her free-spirited best friend, Kelly. And there's Samantha's boyfriend, Adam, an uncomplicated type, who simply wants her to be happy. While she holds a set of car keys and has dreams that drive her, the wheels of change are in place. With the influence of those that are closest to her, Samantha experiences what it means to become an adult, with its joys and pitfalls. People of all ages can relate to this touching and humorous story.

The four-person cast of The Mad Ones is a dream team. The company includes Krystina Alabado as Samantha Brown; Emma Hunton as her best friend Kelly; Ben Fankhauser as Adam; and Leah Hocking as Beverly Brown. We saw a performance with Jay Armstrong Johnson as Adam who will continue in the role through 12/3. Mr. Fankhauser will return to the role on 12/5. These Broadway stars master the thoughtful, clever dialogue along with the charm and spirit of the musical score.

The Mad Ones has rich, contemporary songs with live musical accompaniment that beautifully express the themes in the show. Thrilling songs include "Freedom," "The Mad Ones," "I Know My Girl," "Miles to Go," "Moving On," "Drive," and the stunning final piece, "Remember This."

The Creative Team has done a great job of bringing The Mad Ones to the 59E59 Theaters stage with scenic design by Adam Rigg; costume design by Jessica Pabst; lighting design by David Lander; sound design by Alex Hawthorn. The Production Stage Manager is Veronica Aglow; Assistant Stage Manager is Jenna R. Lazar; Music Director is Paul Staroba; Orchestrations by Brian Lowdermilk; Associate Music Director is Jeremy Robin Lyons; Casting is by Michael Cassara, CSA.

Metro area audiences have the exceptional opportunity to see The Mad Ones to kick off the holiday theatre season. Gather your group and get tickets now. They are sure to go fast.

Produced by Prospect Theater Company, The Mad Ones is at 59E59 Theaters through December 17th for a limited engagement. The theatre is located at 59 East 59th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues). The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7 PM; Friday at 8 PM; Saturday at 2 PM & 8 PM; and Sunday at 3 PM. For Thanksgiving week, there is an added performance on Tuesday, November 21 at 2 PM and there are no performances on Wednesday, November 22 and Thursday, November 23. Single tickets are $25 - $70 ($25 - $49 for 59E59 Members). Tickets are available by calling Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 or online at http://www.59e59.org/.

Photo Credit: Richard Termine

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