That Physics Show A Strange Off Broadway Fare

That Physics Show running at the Elektra Theatre, 300 W. 43rd St. is perfect for children up to twelve or thirteen, but their parents will be bored to tears. This show is geared to be a touring kids show, meant to be done at schools or Bar Mitzvah’s rather than an off Broadway theatre. The lead actor Dave Maiullo, is a regular on The Weather Channel and a teacher of physics at Rutgers University for twenty plus years. Likeable enough he does not have enough charisma to keep adults entertained for 90 minutes. He’s kind of like an over grown Mr. Rodgers.

According to press notes the show is “Based on the hundreds of physics experiments that are presented at physics conferences and in classrooms across the country, That Physics Show features segments on motion, momentum, vacuum, friction, energy, density, fluid motion, sound waves and sound vibration, light waves, temperature and many more from the world in which we live—a world controlled by physics,” however, though some of the experiments are cool we never really get the practical connection. As a parent I would be afraid my child would try some of these experiments that could blow the house or my child.

On stage with his laboratory there’s neat tricks like blowing smoke rings from a cannon built out of a garbage can. Straight out of India he sandwich’s himself between two beds of nails, having someone walk on the top one. He then smashes bricks placed on top of his assistant. There’s smoke, fire, flashy lights and explosions with hydrogen balloons. Pickles are used as light bulbs as beer cans get slammed with ping pong balls and fresh flowers get the frozen touch.

Directed and produced by Eric Krebs, kids will be entertained and possibly learn something.

The price is $54 for a ticket, but the good news is on Groupon you can get them for $29. Personally MoMath is much more interesting and enlightening.

That Physics Show:Elektra Theatre, 300 W. 43rd St. open ended.