THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON reviews (Off-Broadway) — Page 2

I’m seeing the Saturday matinee! Eager to see this.

malcs98 said: "So these are relatively good reviews right?"

Yes. Essentially what I expected. Similar to ONCE, which got good reviews but not raves. But ONCE did win the Tony Award that year.

Ensemble1698878795 said:"Critics picks will actually have to be earned now, how refreshing."



Think again. Helen Shaw gave a critics pick to the Roundabout's "Imaginary Invalid". Her taste in theatre is truly questionable.

Dreamboy3 said: "Does the Times still carry weight? Certainly not as much as it used to. I was a life long New York Times reader and I recently cancelled my subscription because of several reasons including what I view as weak theater coverage (I don’t find Shaw’s reviews compelling.). And I know a not insignificant number of people who have done the same for various reasons."


Oh a NYT rave certainly doesn't guarantee financial success.

From a money-raising standpoint, a mixed/negative/indifferent review from the NYT can still turn off investors/co-producers who are on the fence, and a rave can help coax them towards writing a check.

From a Broadway ticket sales standpoint, there are now fewer paths to financial success for this show. (My tix aren't for a few more weeks so this is purely going off public perception.)

• NYT and NYMag were mixed-negative; the Murdoch publications (NYPost and WSJ) were positive. Anecdotally, the audience response seems about as mixed as the reviews.
• By March, Broadway will have two massive new musicals (PADDINGTON and WARRIORS), a buzzy revival (EVITA), and one of the most starry plays in years (SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS). I would not be surprised if those shows "suck the air out of the room." Something else could still win the Tony, though, if it's universally adored.
• Some people have an odd hatred of the movie of BENJAMIN BUTTON, so it's not like this is a title that screams must-see/quality. (I'm a fan of the film and I know the show isn't based on the film, but they share a title and general premise!)
• Does the entire onstage cast play an instrument? 11 actor-musicians + 4 swings is not tiny, since everyone gets paid through both AEA and 802.

What once might have been seen as the next ONCE or MAYBE HAPPY ENDING or KIMBERLY AKIMBO could now have a fate closer to AMELIE or BRIGHT STAR or DEAD OUTLAW -- or even SECRET LIFE OF BEES.

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Dreamboy3 said: "Does the Times still carry weight? Certainly not as much as it used to. I was a life long New York Times reader and I recently cancelled my subscription because of several reasons including what I view as weak theater coverage (I don’t find Shaw’s reviews compelling.). And I know a not insignificant number of people who have done the same for various reasons."


Oh a NYT rave certainly doesn't guarantee financial success.

From a money-raising standpoint, amixed/negative/indifferent review from the NYT can still turn off investors/co-producers who are on the fence,and a rave can help coax them towards writing a check.

From a Broadway ticket sales standpoint, there are now fewer paths to financial success for this show.(My tix aren't for a few more weeks so this is purely going off public perception.)

• NYT and NYMagwere mixed-negative; the Murdoch publications (NYPost and WSJ) were positive.Anecdotally, the audience response seems about as mixed as the reviews.
• By March, Broadway will have two massive new musicals (PADDINGTON and WARRIORS), a buzzy revival (EVITA), and one of the most starry plays in years (SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS). I would not be surprised if those shows "suck the air out of the room." Something else could still win the Tony, though, if it's universally adored.
• Some people have an odd hatred of the movie of BENJAMIN BUTTON, so it's not like this is a title that screams must-see/quality. (I'm a fan of the film and I know the show isn't based on the film, but they share a title and general premise!)
• Does the entire onstage cast play an instrument? 11 actor-musicians + 4 swings is not tiny, since everyone gets paid through both AEA and 802.

What once might have been seen as the next ONCE or MAYBE HAPPY ENDING or KIMBERLY AKIMBO could now have a fate closer to AMELIE or BRIGHT STAR or DEAD OUTLAW -- or even SECRET LIFE OF BEES."

So do you think a broadway transfer is impossible?

https://www.instagram.com/benlebofsky/reel/De0CJSMJ2Zo/

"I think this might be a perfect musical".

This guy seems to like it quite a bit. charming, well constructed with solid music. This has a stronger audience response than people that reviewers give it credit for - and I've heard more positive word of mouth than negative.

Updated On: 10/23/26 at 02:25 PM

CoffeeBreak said: "ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "I don't think a transfer is impossible! It just makes the producers' job of moving it trickier, and it makes the path to recoupment even more tricky. If enough deep-pocketed people believe in a show, and if a landlord believes in them, anything is possible..."

It's transferring. It has a theater."

The only theatre available would be the Hudson since it as an ATG house and that seems unlikely as The Hudson doesn't do open ended runs.

goodtimes123 said: The only theatre available would be the Hudson since it asan ATG house and that seems unlikely as The Hudson doesn't do open ended runs."

It could also take the August Wilson since Paranormal Activity closes 2/28

Yes, the final Public extension.

I find this situation fascinating. An Olivier Award Best Musical getting completely dismissed by The New York Times (and a few others) but also some raves from some solid critics. If we were in the era of Frank Rich, the show would be dead. But in a social media age there might be enough to warrant a move...Still, this season is really stacked and getting the attention they need will be a challenge, and the narrative will be about the show succeeding against The Times, not the show itself. If you're a theater owner, why would you think this would be a hit, or even run? They could wait and do more work on the show, but it's one of those shows you either get it or you don't, so that would seem pointless. It's baked. So, what do you do?

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Well I’m glad somebody said it.

Does it feel like this is on the Dead Outlaw train? Strong WOM and sales off-Broadway with quick ambitions to get to Broadway only to be outshone by other musicals? Maybe it’s just the fact that Andrew Durand is in them both and that is why I am connecting the two shows but I struggle to see how this could possibly have any chance when Paddington and Warriors are coming in.