Entertaining, Relevant, Tight, Clichéd, Sweet
See it if
You like harmonies; a light, bouncy, friendly and slightly weird entertainment, solidly performed; New York; or if you work for the MTA.
Don't see it if
You're repelled by novelty, the subway system or the all too familiar downsides of living in NYC.
One can only wonder at the elevator pitch for this show and the leap of faith that produced it, but the result if nothing else is a solidly conceived and performed vehicle that entertains and moves audiences.
The capable and effective cast execute intricate choreography and vocals with inspiring ease, playing every familiar, uncomfortably true, right-on-the-money living-in-NYC cliché unabashedly, presented with smiles and a bow. A likable, eager ensemble, each gets their moment to shine.
Somehow, audiences identify closely with these characters: the ooh at the near-kiss, the spontaneous applause when the ingénue gets the part or the gay couple wed. A diverse and into it audience, this is how a culture gets changed, one song, one laugh at a time.
However polished, an a cappella musical may not be for everyone — this one takes several numbers to connect and win over, but the huge Standing O and roar of the crowd at curtain are undeniable, proof at least they're doing something right.
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