Indie-music duo The Bengsons spin a memory-tale of teenaged passion, ideals lived to the limits, family shattered and faith lost — all in hope of finding a way home again. Through soulful electro-folk songs, this driving, semi-autobiographical story grabs joy and grief with the same hand and holds them tightly, in a radical affirmation of being alive.

“This is a true story, even the parts that never happened.” So we’re told at the beginning of The Lucky Ones – a musical by folk rock duo The Bengsons (and Sarah Gancher) produced by Ars Nova. Coming as it does before we really know what we’re getting into, the line gets a hearty round of laughs from the audience. In retrospect, it takes on a deeper significance. That’s true for many of the lines in this musical, and it’s a mark of how beautifully crafted this book is. In fact, the whole show is so beautifully crafted, it’s less a musical and more a seamless experience that grabs you tight at the outset and never lets go until the final dimming of the lights. That’s due in some part to a gorgeous script, but also in large measure to Sonya Tayeh’s groundbreaking choreography, Abigail Bengson’s warm stage presence, and a score that represents the best indie-folk/rock has to offer. Directed by Anne Kauffman, The Lucky Ones is the story of Abigail Bengson’s family. It starts on the first day of school as Abigail’s mother cooks eggs fried in bacon fat (which quickly escalates into a catchy folk tune) and insists they’ll be on time to school today. Abigail’s family includes her own paren …Read more