As audiences flocked to Broadway's Hudson Theater to watch All in: a comedy about love, They probably didn't see the couple tuning their instruments on either side of the stage. The episodic show, created by writer Simon Rich, has a limited 10-week run on stage, with a rotating cast of comedy luminaries and Broadway stars, including John Mulaney; Lin-Manuel Miranda, Aidy Bryant, Nick Kroll, Andrew Rannells, Jimmy Fallon, Tim May Doss et al. But as the lights changed and the cast took center stage, Sean and Abigail Benson began to step aside for a performance that was crucial to the production. Because while Richie's show may be known for its bloated guest list, the Bensons are the crux of the show.
All in Inspired by Magnetic Fields' 1999 classic 69 love songs, The Bensons perform a selection of songs on stage. But the folk duo is also responsible for all the other sounds in the show. They are responsible for the sound of the pirate flag flying high, the door creaking at the end of the long corridor, the book reports turning, and the gentle rolling of the waves. For a couple best known for their semi-autobiographical musical theater work and musical theater— Hundred days (2017) and keep going song (2024) – They never discussed the cover. But the pair said taking full responsibility for the show's music allowed them to take on an exciting new role, not as stars but as tour guides. "Even when we're not singing, the band emphasizes all the stories. So it feels like we're the water[they]are floating in," Sean said.
"Our job is to support the emotional journey of the show and provide small outlets for the big emotions. Because the stories are hilarious but also have some roots in sadness. The songs allow that emotion to explode for a minute in the middle," Abigail Er added. "Personally, (we're) excited to be with the funniest people in the world. It's a really sweet show." For his part, Richie told rolling stones The Bengtsens were "talented" and were "the finest players you would ever meet."
rolling stones We spent the afternoon talking with the Bengtsen family about reporting on magnetic fields, the art of memoir-like music, and playing guitar with Death.
As an album, 69 love songs So influential to so many different people. But I heard you guys have your own relationship with this project?
Abigail: Yeah, it's a little crazy. Three weeks later we met and got married. One of the first things we did together was write a song together and take a road trip from New York to Sean's parents' home in Ohio when we were in the brief courtship stage before deciding to get married. He has a small green CD wallet, one of which is 69 love songs. You’re getting to know another person through their music. It's an intimate way to get to know someone, especially since we're both musicians.
Sean: This was a very influential album for us and has been important to us over the years. "The Book of Love" was the song our older kids fell asleep to for years. That’s also the way (Stephen Merritt) writes. All of his songs are about characters and it feels like these micro-stories are part of a larger story. His use of humor and playfulness is something we really try to incorporate into our work.
From the albums you love to the Broadway shows you've been in, how did that come about?
Abigail: My brother passed away last year and we were doing a show at Lincoln Center, which was kind of ecstatic for him. It was really nice and important to me to pay tribute to him. When it ended, we were like, "We don't know what to do next." A huge void, that's what it felt like. That's when Chris Kukul and Alex Timbers (All inMusic directors and directors) came to us and asked if we would do it. I know this is a gift from my brother. He's my big brother, and in a way, I feel like he's looking out for us.
He's a comedian and I felt so loved when I found out who was involved. Simon Rich, John Mulaney and Alex Timbers really love each other. I think in a way this show is a way for them to tell each other that. That's probably my favorite bit - this secret, not-so-secret love letter between these three friends.
One aspect that people tend to like about your work is that it often contains a lot of your personal narrative. It makes your work feel very vulnerable, but at the same time, is it tiring?
Sean: (Our work) takes all of us. We have no armor and are very vulnerable. This type of job supports me, but it does take a lot. It’s so amazing and so crazy to be a part of. It's not all about us. We want to support these beautiful comedians and these wonderful stories and songs. So it's like a treat in that regard.
Was there any pressure trying to do justice to these very famous songs and perform them in your own style?
Abigail: It's wild. We never do covers. For better or worse, we just never did it. So singing someone else's work is actually a huge metabolic shift. Luckily, we absolutely love this job. There was some pressure because we knew (Magnetic Fields) was going to be on opening night and we thought, "What if they hate us? What if they boo us because we sound so different? I hope they don't think we're ruined Their masterpiece. "We met them at the party afterwards and it was so happy and sweet and they were so supportive. Thank God. It's an honor to sing these songs.
How does it feel to perform such an intense show, with such a short running time and the added pressure of a rotating cast?
Sean: We're really growing on John (Mulaney), Fred (Armisen), Richard (Goodness), Renee (Elise Goldsberry) and Chloe (Fineman) . It's really sad to see them go but it's also great to be welcomed into this new team, who are all brilliant.
Abigail: Oh my gosh, we will miss them forever.
Sean: They're playing a role, but really they're telling a story. There's a lot of room to immerse yourself in the form, so even though we're singing the same notes, it's just coming from such a different perspective and vibe. Not better or worse, just different.
Abigail: It’s like really healthy polyamory.
Is there any adjustment to the schedule?
Sean: We travel back and forth between Vermont and New York, but New York is our home. Our building was sold so we had to move 10 days before we started.
Abigail: Thanks for the respite. It's sad and scary and hard. It felt like there were four people who could afford to live in New York City and we weren't among them. So it's true. But that adds to the quality of the whole thing, it feels like you've landed on another planet. We usually say "Oh, Jimmy Fallon is here today" or "Hi, Nick Kroll!" It's surreal in a lot of ways and I feel like when the show is over, Sean and I will look at each other Look at the other person and say, "Hello. What just happened?" It was a beautiful and strange dream.
Sean: This is a moon landing quality.
One of my favorite moments from the first cast occurred after the bows were taken - more specifically, Fred Armisen dressed as the Grim Reaper and played an encore with everyone. Whose idea was that?
Sean: Fred is a beautiful musician. He is a drummer and multi-instrumentalist. So Alex and Chris discussed how we could demonstrate this. We tried a bunch of encores and all of the cast were really great, but it was hard to find the right one.
Abigail: And then they found the perfect thing. Fred played Death early on in the show, so his unexpected reprise as the Grim Reaper brings me joy every time. I don’t want to give away what’s going on (the new cast), but it’s also really nice to see. I like smart and silly stuff and I think this qualifies.
One thing we mentioned in this interview is how much you two enjoy creating and growing in narrative moments. One of the things that really makes you successful is the emotional weight of your projects, and more specifically, the fact that they always seem to end on a note of hope. How has your music’s relationship to optimism evolved?
Abigail: This is a very beautiful question. I don't know that I'm an optimist, but I'm totally committed to life. I don’t want to lie to you and tell you that everything will be okay, but I do want to assure you that there will always be beauty. So I feel like the way I can commit to[the audience]is to be honest about our grief and say, "Look, even now, in the midst of great sadness, in these difficult times, even now, I choose You. I choose me and I choose to continue." What I believe we can do together is create a moment of joy. I truly believe that when we are all in the same room, we can do this. I suspect this is our clearest and best path to liberation.