Himself and Nora (NY)

The talent and music for Himself and Nora combined to craft a show worthy of the trip downtown. All of the performers had strong voices and commanding presence on the stage. The audience challenge is trying to determine at what point in the lives of "Himself" and "Nora" the next scene captures. Many of the usual visual clues -- period costumes, stage props of a certain era -- are all absent. Once you figure out that it could be significant "time gaps" between scenes, you can follow the storyline.

I took a chance on this production one Saturday afternoon in June and enjoyed it so much I saw it 3 times! It ended last night. Lucky if you caught it! Cast=superb; music=unforgettable

I took a chance on this show one Saturday afternoon in June and what a gem it was! I was lucky enough to see it 3 TIMES!! Definitely one of my favorites. The cast = superb. The music = unforgettable. It ends tonight....if you can...GET A TICKET!!

A wonderful,fun, bawdy love story, the actors were super, with great voices, especially Nora, Only netgative my friend had trouble understanding dialogue because of loud background music. I only experienced it minimally. It's too bad that the show was not promoted and advertised on a larger scale, I only went spur of the moment because a friend recommended. glad I did!!

There aren't many shows that hold my attention from beginning to end! Himself and Nora did! It was one of those shows that i didn't want to end. Smart story telling through beautifully composed and performed music! Is Broadway the next stop?

It was amazing that 5 actors could be so versatile. Such beautiful voices and characters. Wasn't sure my husband would like it and he absolutely love it! Told me he was happy he went to see it.

A truly wonderful experience! If you have an opportunity to be in NYC before September 4th, see this show!

Our group of Joyce aficionados had a thoroughly good time. One might have wanted more of Himself's own words and the music switched genres disconcertingly, but the show and actors entertained mightily. Special commendations to Zachary Prince.

I cannot recommend this show which tried to put into music a "james joyce's life for dummies". Disappointing in every respect.

This story focuses on the relationship between James Joyce and his longtime love, while also touching on his troubled relationships with his father, the Catholic Church, and his children. The cast of Broadway veterans is exceptional, the music (which sometimes has an appropriate Irish flavor) range from entertaining to beautiful, and the story is fascinating (even if the book is occasionally a little clunky). Many musicals feel the need to pad the story, but at two hours, this production feels just right. Matt Bogard has a fine voice and the decade plus he's spent working on the show has helped him mature into an interesting James Joyce, a portrayal this dares to be a little unlikeable at times. The talented supporting cast handles multiple roles with ease. Yet the true standout is Whitney Bashor as Nora. She has the strong personality needed to stand up to him and the sensuality to keep interested (if not always faithful). It is a fine production worthy of being on Broadway. The opportunity to see it in this intimate venue (and at a reasonable price) makes it an even more pleasing choice.

What a fab show, music, talent, staging, dance woven into a great story. Don't miss this show. You will pay a lot more when it is on Broadway (I predict!)

Himself and Nora was terrific! The cast is multitalented and energetic. All the actors' singing was wonderful. The minimal staging is clever and just right. Although nominally about Joyce's writing of Ulysees and the struggle to get it published, as well as the love story between Himself and Nora, it's also very revealing about the state of the intellectual world at that time and the influence of the Church on Ireland. The writing is well-paced with no lagging spots, and mixes humor and pathos. Unfortunately, we though that Row B was the second row, not the first, and it was a bit uncomfortable to look up at the stage, so we moved farther back at intermission. We'd like the actors to know that we DIDN'T leave, because it must be disconcerting for them to look down at suddenly empty seats. We were enjoying ourselves far too much to think of going before the end.

We thiught this was a phenomenal show -- great acting and singing, catchy music, interesting plot, imaginative and effective staging. The lead, Matt Bogart, was especially good! Hope it makes it to Broadway!

Beautiful and touching performance by the ensemble of actors. A love story that reflects all the colors of a relationship that hit many highs and lows.

I am certain the writers have worked hard at this piece so I hesitate in writing my unkind review - but the show is disjointed and flat. James Joyce is portrayed in an unfavorable light - I was actually glad when he died. His character is not developed and the audience doesn't understand his motivation. Why won't he marry Nora, why is feeling persecuted, what exactly is he writing. The book needs major editing - do we really need to see the mother die on stage or 10 minutes of Joyce and Nora saying how much they love each other. Too much telling and not enough showing. Another problem, if Ulysses wasn't published how did Erza Pound get a copy of it? There was no explanation. A trimmed down version of the show might work, but it needs major cuts and rewriting. The score was pleasant and I liked the catchy River Liffey song.

A beautiful story, well told. As a fan of the writing of James Joyce, it was a gift to come to understand another dimension of his storied life.

This romantic tale about the love affair of James Joyce and Nora Barnacle is sexy, sassy and fun!! You do not need to have read James Joyce to enjoy the show. The whole cast is fantastic and each has their shining moments. The chemistry between Matt Bogart (James Joyce) and Whitney Bashor is palpable. You'll laugh, you'll learn and you may even shed a tear. The intimacy of the Minetta Lane theater is perfect for this show as you get drawn right into the action. Jonathan Brielle's music and writing are amazing - the songs are memorable - poignant and spirited.

I don't envoy many musicals, but this was fantastic. Play was fabulous for the intimate setting of the smaller theater. As professional as it gets. Players couldn't do a better performance. Thougherly injoyed the experience.

A true piece of inspired art and an absolute 10 if your taste can extend beyond Broadway commercial entertainment. Wikipedia James Joyce and Ulysses prior to going to enhance your appreciation for the sophistication of the subtleties of the play. Great acting and music.