"Passengers" - The Seven Fingers - American Repertory Theater (Cambridge, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: Members of the "PASSENGERS" company in performance at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA. through September 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Lucille Audoineau-Maire)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
"In the deepest, purest parts of our imaginations there is no male or female, no bad or good, no villain or hero, no you or I. There is only feeling, and the exhilaration of feeling.”
- (“The Air You Breathe”) / Frances de Pontes Peebles
American Repertory Theater
Presents
"PASSENGERS"
By The Seven Fingers Arts Collective
Written, Directed, Choreographed and Lyrics by Shana Carroll
Composed, Music Direction, Lyrics and Sound Design by Colin Gagné
Cast Includes: Victor Crépin, Eduardo De Azevedo Grillo, Isabelle Diaz, Marie-Christine Fournier, Téo Le Baut, Amanda Orozco, Michael Patterson, Basile Pucek, Santiago Rivera, and Méliejade Tremblay-Bouchard.
Additional Creative Team: Scenic Design - Ana Cappelluto; Costume Design - Camille Thibault-Bédard; Lighting Design - Éric Champoux; Projection Design - Johnny Ranger; Additional Sound Design - Jérôme Guilleaume.
Performances:
September 2, 2025 through September 26, 2025
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University (A.R.T.) Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA. 02138
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(Warning: The following review may contain spoilers)
The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T) in Cambridge kicks off its new season with a thrilling and intoxicating amalgam of both the physical and cerebral with "PASSENGERS" - and it is a remarkable journey you'll want to experience.
To state that "PASSENGERS" is unique feels like understating the obvious.
First impression "PASSENGERS" might feel like something you’d experience at a Cirque du Soleil event…but upon further immersion it becomes clear that is most assuredly not, albeit I suspect that should be absolutely no slight by comparison.
Yet, watching as this show unfolded, while I expected to be amazed (and was), I did not expect to be moved (and was).
(Photo: Members of the "PASSENGERS" company in performance at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA. through September 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Sébastien Lozé)
But no - "PASSENGERS" is unique unto itself and it is all thanks to the creative mind of Shana Carroll who wrote, directed, choreographed and provided lyrics to this highly inventive experience in A.R.T collaboration with The Seven Fingers Arts Collective and with composer and music director Colin Gagné.
Ultimately, though, what makes this a “must see” is the unified effort of the A.R.T 10-member "PASSENGERS" ensemble (Victor Crépin, Eduardo De Azevedo Grillo, Isabelle Diaz, Marie-Christine Fournier, Téo Le Baut, Amanda Orozco, Michael Patterson, Basile Pucek, Santiago Rivera and Méliejade Tremblay-Bouchard).
From contemporary dance to acrobatics to cirque skills featuring astounding “hula hooping” and juggling routines, these "PASSENGERS" blend so well together you’ll sometimes swear you can’t tell where one person ends, and another person begins.
(Photo: Members of the "PASSENGERS" company in performance at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA. through September 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Grace Gershenfeld, @graaaaaaaaaace)
After an initial collective breath, the A.R.T ensemble launches into a 90-minute flight of fancy that will have you either holding your breath or on the edge of your seats…or occasionally, both.
You will be dazzled by their dance skills, their intensity, their inter-dependability, their athleticism and their fearlessness in executing the varied routines, some of which seemingly defy gravity (and don’t you dare start singing).
However, most surprisingly, you will realize the only thing this cast excels at more than the above is in their combined artistry, which seems to know no boundaries along this journey.
We do not ever see the "driver" of whatever mode of transportation these "PASSENGERS" share - nor do we need to.
(Photo: Members of the "PASSENGERS" company in performance at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA. through September 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Grace Gershenfeld, @graaaaaaaaaace)
The A.R.T production is augmented by a clever usage of projected imagery moving us from "place" to "place" - but otherwise the stage is bare, with the exception of a few chairs, racks and other critically placed items which are used throughout the show.
There’s also exceptional use of tent poles, beams and straps (among other things) upon which some of the performers are suspended high above the stage during the implemented routines.
Make no mistake – the impression that there is an element of danger involved in the routines of "PASSENGERS" permeates much of what is witnessed, which certainly provides nail-biting moments and adds to the overall exhilaration of watching these artists perform.
The music, occasionally provided by members of the cast, blends well with the actions on stage, immersing us in a visionary (and occasionally hallucinatory) experience of travel of the body, mind and soul.
While there are very few words spoken, little are needed – the movement and projected imagery combine to tell us everything we need to know about our journey with this incredible group of people.
(Photo: Members of the "PASSENGERS" company in performance at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, MA. through September 26, 2025. Photo Credit: Lucille Audoineau-Maire)
"PASSENGERS" continues at A.R.T. until September 26th, 2025 and is one exhilarating odyssey you'll not soon forget.
Coming up next at A.R.T. will be "300 PAINTINGS" from Aussie comedian Sam Kissajukian beginning October 1st and running until October 19th, 2025.
For tickets and more information, visit AmericanRepertoryTheater.org
Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
THE AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER (A.R.T.) at Harvard University will begin its subscription season at the Loeb Drama Center with "PASSENGERS" - a thrilling theatrical journey that showcases cirque, music, dance, and superhuman skills to explore travel as a metaphor for life’s ever-changing landscape. Running through September 26, 2025 and directed by Shana Carroll, "PASSENGERS" is created by The Seven Fingers collective, the artistic home of the circus choreographer for A.R.T.'s2012 Tony Award-winningproduction of "PIPPIN."
ABOUT THE AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER
MISSION
THE AMERICAN REPERTORY THEATER (A.R.T.) at Harvard University is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of theater, always including the audience as a partner.
VISION
We focus on the research and development of groundbreaking theatrical experiences that catalyze dialogue and transformation. We believe that by engaging our hearts, minds, and bodies, theater has the power to heal and imagine collective pathways forward. We commit to advancing public health in our practice and our programming, recognizing that racism in America is a national public health crisis. Our new home in Allston will be a breathable and healthy building envisioned as a town hall for the twenty-first century. Inspired by the model of a teaching hospital, the building will be a vibrant center for research, experiential pedagogy, and performance. We build community with our audiences, artists, students, staff, and neighbors across Greater Boston, embracing theater’s power to cultivate the full breadth and beauty of our shared humanity. We affirm and celebrate a multitude of perspectives and experiences that reflect the diversity of our country and world. We are dedicated to making a welcoming and accessible space for people of any identity, background, or ability.
VALUES
We hold the institution and each other responsible and accountable for living our shared values. There is no hierarchy to these values; they are all equally important and interrelated. We acknowledge that as an institution we must devote time to implementing and sustaining these values:
- We center anti-racism
- Habituate anti-racist practices in our policies, structure, and culture
- We lead with inquiry
- Ask questions in a spirit of brave curiosity in our never-ending journey of learning and growth
- We believe in collaboration
- Work together with trust and respect to unlock collective creativity
- We practice adaptability
- Challenge assumptions and create capacity to support “next” practices
- We embrace regenerative practice
- Promote the health and vitality of our planet, our organization, and each other
