The production runs at the London theatre until the 1st June.
Broadway World: *** “The piece is a quiet gem, more of a cult musical than a Broadway splash. The songs are standard pop numbers that don’t stick for long, with probably only two in twenty really standing out. “Run Away With Me” has been a favourite for decades now, but there’s plenty to love in others too. Ultimately, this story of a young girl who tries to find herself among the rubble of unexpected loss skims over one too many themes to land properly.”
London Theatre Reviews.co.uk: *** “Although there is enough here to have an enjoyable, thought-provoking evening of musical theatre, it is not always clear what the point of the story is and, worse yet, The Mad Ones doesn’t know when it has outstayed its welcome. The end sequence just keeps going and going until it eventually becomes a bit of a drag.”
Beyond the Curtain.co.uk: **** “This talented four-person cast takes the material given and truly builds upon it within their performances. With continued refinement and perhaps experimentation with runtime there is surely miles to go for the show.”
Musical Theatre Review: **** “Catch this show on this intimate scale while you can. No doubt it will be mind-blowing and spectacular on a big-budget West End stage, but this is your chance to be close-up and thoroughly emotionally-destroyed.”
All That Dazzles: *** “The Mad Ones clearly began its life as a concert piece, and this feels like a necessary stepping-stone between page and polished production. With a larger stage, some proper choreography (which I found noticeably but understandably lacking given space requirements), and some aggressive editing, this story could be told in a much more affecting way. It needs more focus. Brevity. Hope. And ideally no more unanswered phone calls from inexplicably mobile-phone-connected wall units.”
The Reviews Hub: **** “The Mad Ones nevertheless does a good job of expressing how grief is capable of paralysing anyone, especially someone who was already not great at making decisions for herself. Sam goes on an emotional, rather than a physical, journey throughout this musical, and it is a trip that welcomes us all to join.”
British Theatre Guide: “The Mad Ones is a neatly staged and emotionally charged show with an immensely talented cast who create great chemistry. And, despite focussing on the grief of a teenage girl, there are plenty of moments that resonate for all on her bumpy road to adulthood.”
MusicalManda: **** “The Mad Ones delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for self love and acceptance. It is an emotional coming-of-age story, reflecting on the choices we make and the paths we follow. This contemporary new musical has impressive vocals, a poignant storyline and is heartfelt – definitely one to check out during its limited run in London.”
Musical Theatre Musings: **** “The Mad Ones is an utterly relatable musical about growing pains and grief, mixed in with a score that you will want to hear on repeat. Its not a case of if you should go but when and take Kelly’s word for it….’If you’re gunna go you gotta go tonight.’”
Adventures in Theatreland: ***** “The Mad Ones is a love letter to the young, to the free and anyone who hopes to be. It speaks to anyone who has endured a substantial loss, whilst reminding them that the good was worth the bad. The musical, despite leaving audiences sobbing into their sleeves, is uplifting and a little reminder to everyone to call their loved ones, to embrace your little wins, fight for what you want and believe, and to live every second to its fullest.”
The Mad Ones continues to play at The Other Palace until the 1st June.