The Memory Show
Variety review: http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117943381.html?categoryid=33&cs=1
Frank Rizzo of Variety:
"The production at Barrington Stage in the Massachusetts Berkshires spotlights two new talents to watch: keen-eyed observer writer-lyricist Sara Cooper and composer Zach Redler, who deftly navigate the tricky subject in an honestly felt and musically bracing production..."
"The Memory Show" makes a striking introduction of fresh musical talent whose new voices are very much worth remembering."
Ben Brantley of The New York Times:
"For those who ask why anyone would write a musical about a subject as depressing as senility, the answer is in Mr. Redler and Ms. Cooper’s songs. They feel organically linked to their subject in ways seldom found on Broadway these days. Like “Next to Normal,” another musical with a seemingly off-putting medical subject (bipolar disorder), “The Memory Show” suggests that fresh frontiers remain for creators of musicals."
"It’s when “The Memory Show” sings that it transcends the expected and achieves a haunting originality."
"What’s most striking about “The Memory Show” is its ability to grasp and translate the elusive into song."
Louise Kennedy of The Boston Globe:
"The exhaustion, the heartbreak, and the piercingly sharp humor in “The Memory Show’’ will all be familiar to anyone who has cared for an aging, and failing, parent."
"What’s striking, however, is what’s already in place: strong and engaging characters, emotional richness, and a sense of how to tell stories and why."
"You should forgive the expression, but it’s a show you won’t soon forget."
Jeffrey Borak of The Berkshire Eagle:
"Funny, witty, aching with the pain of making difficult personal choices and dealing, or not dealing, with the consequences, "The Memory Show," especially as performed by Catherine Cox as Mother and Leslie Kritzer as Daughter, crackles with honesty and truth."
"Cooper and Redler also form a seamless partnership. Cooper's lyrics and Redler's music are completely in the service of their story. This is less a musical than it is a smartly constructed, richly funny, deeply feeling play in which song advances drama in ways the spoken word never could."
"The Memory Show" laughs when it needs to at the human condition; pulls on our emotions without cloying or dishonest manipulation. Bring a box of tissues. Better yet, bring two."
Bob Goepfert of The Troy Record:
"The Memory Show" is a thoughtful, enjoyable and uplifting event. The work is indeed sad, but it is also touching, tender, funny and heartfelt."
"The Memory Show" is the first collaboration between two young and extremely talented people. I am certain they will go on to write some important shows — but for me, I doubt if any will be more memorable than "The Memory Show."
Frank Rizzo of Variety:
"The production at Barrington Stage in the Massachusetts Berkshires spotlights two new talents to watch: keen-eyed observer writer-lyricist Sara Cooper and composer Zach Redler, who deftly navigate the tricky subject in an honestly felt and musically bracing production..."
"The Memory Show" makes a striking introduction of fresh musical talent whose new voices are very much worth remembering."
Ben Brantley of The New York Times:
"For those who ask why anyone would write a musical about a subject as depressing as senility, the answer is in Mr. Redler and Ms. Cooper’s songs. They feel organically linked to their subject in ways seldom found on Broadway these days. Like “Next to Normal,” another musical with a seemingly off-putting medical subject (bipolar disorder), “The Memory Show” suggests that fresh frontiers remain for creators of musicals."
"It’s when “The Memory Show” sings that it transcends the expected and achieves a haunting originality."
"What’s most striking about “The Memory Show” is its ability to grasp and translate the elusive into song."
Louise Kennedy of The Boston Globe:
"The exhaustion, the heartbreak, and the piercingly sharp humor in “The Memory Show’’ will all be familiar to anyone who has cared for an aging, and failing, parent."
"What’s striking, however, is what’s already in place: strong and engaging characters, emotional richness, and a sense of how to tell stories and why."
"You should forgive the expression, but it’s a show you won’t soon forget."
Jeffrey Borak of The Berkshire Eagle:
"Funny, witty, aching with the pain of making difficult personal choices and dealing, or not dealing, with the consequences, "The Memory Show," especially as performed by Catherine Cox as Mother and Leslie Kritzer as Daughter, crackles with honesty and truth."
"Cooper and Redler also form a seamless partnership. Cooper's lyrics and Redler's music are completely in the service of their story. This is less a musical than it is a smartly constructed, richly funny, deeply feeling play in which song advances drama in ways the spoken word never could."
"The Memory Show" laughs when it needs to at the human condition; pulls on our emotions without cloying or dishonest manipulation. Bring a box of tissues. Better yet, bring two."
Bob Goepfert of The Troy Record:
"The Memory Show" is a thoughtful, enjoyable and uplifting event. The work is indeed sad, but it is also touching, tender, funny and heartfelt."
"The Memory Show" is the first collaboration between two young and extremely talented people. I am certain they will go on to write some important shows — but for me, I doubt if any will be more memorable than "The Memory Show."
