Voca People Show at Westside Theatre

"A vocal and comedic extravaganza!"

VOCA PEOPLE SHOW, MANHATTAN, NY

Recently, my family (with kids ages 12, 9.5 & 6) was treated to the high-energy performance of the Voca People at the off-broadway Westside Theater in Manhattan. This show is a terrific combination of incredible vocals that recreate popular songs of our time, as well as entertaining comedy that often includes members of the audience.  It’s an out-of-this-world experience that my family really enjoyed taking part in!

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION IS ENCOURAGED
The show started according to schedule and we were treated to the story of a group of aliens who have crash-landed here on Earth. They’re dressed entirely in white with bright red lips.  They’re friendly and funny, and amazing as they sing and dance and perform music entirely through vocals, using audience participation to help recharge their spaceship.  Once charged, they’ll be able to return to their native planet. Be prepared to participate and join the fun if they choose you!  At the performance I attended, the audience was very accommodating and the Voca People were very kind to the participants, one being my husband!

SOME MUSICAL HISTORY IS BENEFICIAL
Once the Voca People have “learned” about Earth’s musical history, they perform through vocals what is basically an anthology of hits through the decades.  You’ll recognize songs and movie themes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and more.  My husband and I were able to laugh and place most of the musical and movie references, although I know a lot of it was lost on my kids.  They laughed and were entertained, but they did not “get” that part of the show.  In this regard, I would tend to say the older your children are, the more they’ll understand the musical and film references and be able to appreciate the story line more.  Younger kids will still be entertained, but it adds a bit to be able to “get” the references, and also to then appreciate how much they sound like the original artists! The Michael Jackson impersonation was a laugh-getter for everyone!

ENJOYABLE COMIC HILARITY
In addition to their amazing vocal performances, the aliens also offer comedic hilarity, which is very entertaining to the kids.  There are some very blatant sexual references that I did not think were appropriate for youngsters, but other than that, it kept their attention and made them laugh.

INTIMATE VENUE
I especially appreciated the relaxed atmosphere of the upstairs theater.  It’s a very small venue, so you feel right at home when you walk in.  I truly believe I sit further away from the television at home than I sat to the stage here, so there are absolutely no bad seats. You really feel a part of the show, which adds a little something special to the experience.

EASY TO GET TO
The theater is easily accessible – it’s a short walk from Penn Station, so we had no trouble getting there.  Once inside, we were greeted by the staff: all very pleasant, helpful, and accommodating.  We had no trouble getting our tickets, there were restrooms convenient to the theater where we were seated, and we did not have to wait for anything.

Although I think the ideal age for this performance is families with tweens or teenage children, I would not hesitate to tell anyone to go and see it. It is definitely a unique and entertaining, family-friendly show!  Enjoy!

DISCLOSURE: This review is based on a complimentary tickets to a performance of Voca People. I received no other compensation. The venue did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view.  These opinions are entirely my own.