“The ritual magic the couple creates onstage transcends all the woo-woo to become one of my favorite evenings of theater this year.”
1 Minute Critic StaffFull Review
Off-BwayMusicalOriginal
OFF-BROADWAYMUSICALORIGINALNOW PLAYING
My Joy Is Heavy
New York Theatre Workshop · 2h 45m · Opened Mar 17, 2026 · 5 months Off-Broadway
Critics' Take
Critics find this intimate autobiographical musical about miscarriage and pandemic struggles mostly affecting, praising The Bengsons' vulnerable storytelling and emotional depth, though some question the confessional approach.
Critic Scorecard
9 reviewsSort:
“Their new show, which opened this week at the Theatre Workshop in the East Village, is yet another successful notch in their belt.”
Theater Pizzazz StaffFull Review
“It’s a beautiful journey in which the audience feels held and seen.”
“The feeling and insight offered in this show reward you for braving the discomfort zone.”
“I left with a spring in my step and a song in my heart, a fine parting gift from any new musical.”
Audience Scorecard
105 audience reviews
B
Shrugging
Awards Scorecard
30
Nominated
Drama Desk:3 nomsLortel Award:3 nomsDrama League:2 noms
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about My Joy Is Heavy?
Critics find this intimate autobiographical musical about miscarriage and pandemic struggles mostly affecting, praising The Bengsons' vulnerable storytelling and emotional depth, though some question the confessional approach. (CriticScore 73/100 from 9 reviews.)
Is My Joy Is Heavy worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say My Joy Is Heavy is worth seeing (73/100 from 9 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for My Joy Is Heavy?
My Joy Is Heavy has a CriticScore of 73/100 based on 9 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is My Joy Is Heavy still running Off-Broadway?
Yes, My Joy Is Heavy is currently playing at New York Theatre Workshop Off-Broadway.
Where is My Joy Is Heavy playing Off-Broadway?
My Joy Is Heavy is playing at New York Theatre Workshop.
How long is My Joy Is Heavy?
My Joy Is Heavy has a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes, including 1 intermission.
Cast
Cast information is not yet available for this production.
Creative Team
- Rachel ChavkinDirector
- The BengsonsBook/Music/Lyrics
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 73/100 (9 reviews)
- Status
- Now Playing
- Opened
- Mar 17, 2026
- Running
- 5 months Off-Broadway
- Runtime
- 2h 45m
- Intermissions
- 1
- Theater
- New York Theatre Workshop
- Synopsis
- My Joy is Heavy is a musical memoir following a young family yearning for connection in the aftermath of a miscarriage.
- Data Last Updated
- August 8, 2026
