Dave Reviews
Washington Post- Somewhat Recommended
"...Now comes the harder part: marshaling these elements for a confection affirming that a funny story seasoned with show tunes stimulates the synapses like no other form of entertainment. At the moment for “Dave,” the world-premiere musical comedy at Arena Stage, that lofty goal remains an admirable aspiration, and one that ultimately may be reached. But first, this visually dynamic show — in a Washington tryout phase at Arena much like “Next to Normal” and “Dear Evan Hansen” before it — needs to address some of the early-draft issues that leave a theatergoer with a middling impression, courtesy of a weaker second act that dissipates its impact with campiness and easy laughs, and resolves itself too tritely."
DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended
"...Well, Arena Stage has a remedy for you. Not a newly branded miracle prescription drug, but the new musical, Dave. This musical is likely to bring needed sunshine to many a progressive-in-bent theatergoer with its playful mocking of a Presidential Administration. Without naming names, Dave seems written just this week."
MetroWeekly- Highly Recommended
"...Whatever its merits, the movie was nowhere near as hilarious as the new musical adaptation, Dave, now up on its feet with a Broadway-bound production at Arena Stage. Thomas Meehan and Nell Benjamin, writers of the show’s snappy book, have constructed a solid, song-enhanced parable that director Tina Landau stages as a fast-talking screwball comedy."
Talkin Broadway- Recommended
"...Director Tina Landau brings a sharp edge to the modern fable, while choreographer Sam Pinkleton fills the intimate Kreeger Theater stage with complex patterns for a small, energetic ensemble on Dane Laffrey's set, which centers on curved walls that shift position on turntables."
MD Theatre Guide- Highly Recommended
"...“Dave,” the new musical comedy adapted from the Oscar-nominated 1993 movie of the same name, is making its world premiere appropriately at Arena Stage, a stone’s throw from the White House. During this most turbulent and divisive of political times, it is both timely and a breath of fresh air. With a top-notch Tony and Pulitzer Prize Award-winning creative team and a tremendously talented cast, this new musical will make you laugh, give you hope and touch your heart."
DCTheatreScene- Recommended
"...Dave is a musical for our times. A snapshot of our current political climate swathed in red, white and blue, the world premiere musical with music by Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), a book by the late great Thomas Meehan (Hairspray, The Producers) and Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and lyrics by Benjamin is a call to action, a plea to reduce cynicism and a rally for decency, goodness and patriotism."
BroadwayWorld- Recommended
"...Dave is a really fun show with a strong cast. It's just the right kind of show we need in DC right now. While questions might emerge as to whether it can play elsewhere, I would suggest that no matter where you live, you may be eager to immerse yourself in a world of political optimism for a few hours."