Manhattan Digest
- emergencetheshow
- Sep 29, 2025
- 2 min read
"Geared towards anyone with a thirst for curiosity and a reason for our existence.”
Ryan Leeds
Original article: https://www.manhattandigest.com/2023/10/27/two-nyc-solo-shows-one-shakespearean-one-scientific-both-excellent/
Another (mostly) solo show that takes us back to our high school and/or college physics days is Emergence, an existential experimental theater piece that asks the big questions of life: Are we alive? Where are we? What factors led to human existence? Patrick Olson, a self-described “composer, musician, educational science publisher, producer, and entrepreneur” guides us on a 90-minute exploration, supported by a group of phenomenal musicians, vocalists, and dancers.
Jonathon Corbiere, Tyler Sammy, Nick Proctor, and Jordan Noltner add vibrancy and a sense of cool with their LED visual and lighting design.
Olson has a captivating, ethereal, soft-rock and roll quality to his music and although it is wholly original, it evokes sounds of David Byrne, Peter Gabriel, Pet Shop Boys, or—as my guest observed- Moby.
Through songs and spoken word, Olson explains the answers to his deep, philosophical queries. Some may dispute his claims, particularly on how our universe came into being (Olson suggests it was a big bang).
Emergence certainly gets major points for uniqueness. It takes a bold and brave personality to blend science with theater for layperson audiences. But Olson’s delightfully odd and quirky demeanor is endearing and he proves himself to be a gifted performer. His charisma is so magnetic that he could conceivably add “cult leader” to his multi-hyphenate bio. Anyone remember Marshall Applewhite?
The 90-minute show is family-friendly and geared towards anyone with a thirst for curiosity and a reason for our existence. Just know, as Olson often repeats throughout the show, that things are not always what they seem.
Patrick Olson’s Emergence runs Off Broadway through Jan. 7 2024 at the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theater @ Pershing Square Signature Center 480 W. 42nd Street, NYC. For tickets and information, click here
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