Last December I saw Abigail and Shaun Bengson’s magical and philosophical concert musical Hundred Days. In my review of that autobiographical piece, I mentioned that Abigail referred to an unexplained family implosion when she was a teenager. In The Lucky Ones, the couple has now opened up this story for the world to see. As was the case for Hundred Days, this musical is raw, riveting, extraordinarily intimate and philosophical. Working with their book cowriter Sarah Gancher, the Bengsons take us through Abigail’s childhood journey.
Eighteen performers play the family members and friends of this story. The family is clearly a free thinking, NPR loving group. Mom teaches at their self-created school and Dad tells the children to question everything. On the surface, everyone is open and enlightened. Underneath this idyllic liberal paradise, each person is naturally more human than that. Ms. Bengson plays herself both as a younger version participating in the story and as the older one commenting on the events. As a result, the story is enriched from family history to a personal reflective journey. At one point, she is standing near the back of the stage but the anguish on her face was all I could see.
With The Lucky Ones, the Bengsons have broadened their storytelling to a larger cast. Some scenes and characters are definitely more fully realized than others but the variety of stylistic and storytelling choices are interesting. Director Anne Kauffman and Choreographer Sonya Tayeh once again give them a thoughtful, creative staging. Most importantly, the music and lyrics often soar and superbly communicate the emotions of this tale. A highly recommended exploration of the circuitous process that encompasses growing, healing and living.
Hundred Days is heading out on tour this year and is already booked for September at the La Jolla Playhouse. Make an appointment with these magical musicians. They are so talented, likable and unforgettably real.