Meridian Magazine :: Arts: New York Critics Punch a Hole in The Ark... Miracle Needed

The New York critics have ravaged The Ark in cynical reviews that were more about its family and religious values than its theatrical excellence. But audiences have loved it. Mike McLean says he needs a miracle and wants your help.

Last Monday, November 14^th, The Ark, a musical comedy about family, hope, reconciliation, faith, redemption and God, opened in New York City. Preview audiences had been on their feet cheering as the final rewrites were being worked into the show, and they were writing their “audience” reviews to the New York Times. They’ve been saying things like:

“I haven't laughed so hard at a broadway show since Fool Moon."

“I have never had so much fun at a show. The Ark is solid. It’s a rare show that I would recommend to anyone and everyone, especially families. Uplifting, sincere, and very well executed.”

“The Ark is truly an original musical comedy…as much about family as it is about faith. The show is just great fun!”

“The show was rife with moments that made me laugh so hard my belly hurt, as well as moments that had me fighting back tears. Next time you are looking for something to do with your family, go ahead and get on board The Ark.”

Read the complete audience reviews for yourself:

Here’s what Meridian Magazine Publisher Scot Proctor had to say about The Ark:

“Oh my goodness! You and Kevin and team have outdone yourselves and have produced a winner in The Ark. I loved every second of it. It moved me. It thrilled me. I loved the messages of truth and power and faith and love and forgiveness. I loved the characters. I loved the strength of these extremely talented actors and actresses. I loved the strength of the story. I loved the conflict in the family with Ham. I think millions will be able to relate to that difficult relationship in their own families at some level. I loved the music and what you've done with it. I just loved it. You are at the beginning of something great and something that will bless New York City and the world.”

With this kind of audience feedback and repeated standing ovations during previews, the cast and crew were anticipating a long theatrical voyage in their Ark/theatre on 37^th Street NYC.

Then came the critics. Though the producers of the show never anticipated this show being a favorite of the cynical New York press, they were not prepared for the intensity of the attacks on the show, its writers, their religion and their “particular set of family values.” The New York Times critic wrote:

“As family entertainment with a religious flavor, The Ark may win fans. But as musical theater it largely fails. For many in the audience, the theatrical merits of the show may matter less that its inspirational tone. Kevin Kelly, who began developing the book and lyrics 20 years ago, is a professor at Brigham Young University. His collaborator, Michael McLean, is a composer of Christian contemporary music, and both are practicing Mormons. Their primary aim, it seems, is to praise God and a particular set of family values.”

The universality of the liberal press’s slamming of this show has contrasted so dramatically with the audience responses that you might think the critics decided to do all they could to keep a hopeful, family friendly musical from finding an audience in New York City.

Since those reviews have been published, the show’s producers have been receiving phone calls and emails from others in the press who have been outraged, particularly those who have seen the show. They’ve been saying they can only reconcile the reviews they read with the actual show by acknowledging that the writers weren’t reviewing the show as much as launching an “ideologically based attack” on the show’s themes. Many are suggesting that a backlash could be coming from those who’ve been patiently waiting for great family entertainment to come to the theatre in New York City. But if something doesn’t happen soon, it may be too late to keep the Ark a float.

Everyone connected with The Ark believes the families of the greater New York area (and Broadway fans everywhere) deserve a chance to decide for themselves if this show is a terrific, hand-clapping, toe-tapping, laugh-out-loud, touch-your-heart entertainment so rare in the city. But to keep the show open long enough to advertise what it’s about, and share what audiences are experiencing when they get onboard, is a very real challenge. So this is a cyber call for help!!!

Twenty-five years ago I had the great privilege of producing the holiday television classic Mr. Krueger's Christmas, starring my favorite actor, Jimmy Stewart. Besides his brilliant portrayal of Mr. Krueger, my favorite Jimmy Stewart character was George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. I always cried at the scene at the end where George ― who has been in trouble because his uncle misplaced $8,000 ― has a heart-touching moment where the money to save him miraculously comes in from neighbors and friends.

Well, today, I'm George Bailey and I need a miracle.

Here’s what you can do:
Buy a bunch of tickets to this show ... it's great, you'll love it.
Buy more tickets, like today or tomorrow for friends and family.
Tell everyone George is in trouble, George needs help ― actually that's Michael and The Ark need help.
Then write your review of the show....
Did I say you'll love it?
If you don't, I'll come clean your garage...(Now that’s confidence)

The only way for evil to flourish is for good men and women to do nothing. The creators of The Ark have written and produced a great show that deserves a chance, but it can’t help hearts set sail if it sinks before it leaves the harbor.

For more information www.TheArkMusical.com or Ticketmaster.com [link to: http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/859988]