Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
karen24
Broadway Star Joined: 2/27/06
#1Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/29/08 at 11:27am
Well, I just bought two tickets to see this--I live in Rochester so I figured I might as well, although I'm really not sure what to expect:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=33164
What do you think of the cast for this concert version? I wonder if this will actually make it to Broadway and if so, if any of the cast members for this event will stay with the show?
I love Jane Austen and P&P and am just really not sure about how this is going to work.
Maggie-the-schnoodle
That Girl
Chorus Member Joined: 7/9/08
#2re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/29/08 at 1:22pm
I'm familiar with Laura Osnes from Grease. She has a great voice and I'm sure she will do great in the role. I don't know if any of the current cast will be in the show if it makes it to Broadway, because they may already be involved in something else by the time that happens.
#2re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/29/08 at 6:51pm
Very exciting to hear about Laura Osnes. I just hope she doesn't get too caught up and misses my performance of the GREASE tour. She is the ONLY reason I went for tickets.
Broadway Mouth: Don’t Tell Her Who Told You
#3re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/29/08 at 7:06pm
me2, I hate to rain on your parade, but where did you hear Osnes was doing the GREASE tour?
I was told that both her and Max Crumm turned down the offers they received to reprise their roles on tour.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
#4re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/29/08 at 7:19pmAnother Pride and Prejudice musical??? Good god.
karen24
Broadway Star Joined: 2/27/06
#5re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/29/08 at 8:06pm
I know, that's kind of what I'm thinking, but maybe this one will actually be good?!
There's a Web site if anyone is interested, with a few songs:
http://www.prideandprejudicebroadway.com
I just can't really get my head around the idea of Darcy bursting into song. "Fine Eyes" kind of makes me cringe.
Maggie-the-schnoodle
#6re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/29/08 at 8:15pm
Yes, Max and Laura will not be on the Grease tour.
I just saw Juliana Hansen in "College: The Musical" this past weekend and I thought she did a great job. She has a lovely voice and I'm looking forward to seeing where this show goes.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
jayclay
Understudy Joined: 9/11/08
#7re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/30/08 at 11:49amHopefully this won't be just "Another Pride and Prejudice musical???" This one has Jane Austen as one of the characters and the story is actually her creating the story and the characters, as well as the actual P&P story. I have heard much of the music sung through by the creators of the show and it is quite good.
husk_charmer
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/19/06
#8re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 9/30/08 at 12:38pmI just think it's a piece that doesn't translate to the musical genre well. Two attempts, both failures. They say third time's a charm, and for the authors I hope it is...but I have my doubts.
http://www.youtube.com/huskcharmer
#9re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/1/08 at 7:28pm
There's only one song fitting for this moment:
It sucks to be me.
It sucks to be me.
It suckasuckasuckasucka
It sucks to be me.
Broadway Mouth: Modernizing Movie Musicals: Chapter 1 (Concept)
NDR
Leading Actor Joined: 11/16/06
#10re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 1:05pm
My Review of the concert performance of "Pride and Prejudice: A Play with Music", Rochester, NY Eastman Theatre October 21, 2008
By Nicholas D. Rogers
Our culture's fascination with this story and its romantic ideology is well established and well deserved, but given its widespread goodwill, the opportunity to create a piece that tells that story "differently" could very well lead to audience malcontent. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I first heard about this piece. On one hand, I thought "good idea if done right" and on the other hand I thought "this could be tragic". Well, last night proved that the concept for this new piece is strong and has some serious legs. Despite being about a half hour too long in the first act, the piece holds together well with a robust score, here beautifully played by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, some really memorable melodic tunes, the heart warming story, a talented cast, and the dynamics of the imagination.
The convention of Jane Austen writing the actual story of Pride and Prejudice along with us watching the development of the plot and characters are cleverly intertwined. Jane addresses the characters and the characters address Jane -sometimes asking for certain plot points to happen or relating their disdain for their prescribed fate. The convention is well used and provides an imaginative view into the creation of the characters and their story. The first half of the first act uses the convention sparingly and perhaps too sparingly, but the rest of the piece accelerates the interactions. I enjoyed the convention because it consistently reminded you that the story came to life from her imagination and heart - choices, love, hope, society, etc.
The score provides everything from power ballads and operatic aria style laments to large formal choral numbers. Given the time period, the style of music is heavily weighted in the classical vein with a slight hint of the operatic. Certainly, the orchestra accentuated the classical nature with its use of piano, strings, and wind instruments – at times sweeping and other times delicate and soft, but the major conundrum here was that the orchestra was featured on stage directly behind the vocalists. At times, this was perfectly suitable if not delightful, but several scenes were overwhelmed by the dynamic sound. Additionally, many of the male performers’ vocals were swallowed by the instruments making it difficult to hear and understand some of the lyrics.
For a concert, the performances were very well developed. Their rehearsal time in NYC definitely paid off. Laura Osnes played Lizzy with devotion, innocence, wit, and romantic idealism. Her vocal performance was refreshingly clean striking a balance between classical vocal prowess and the smooth clarity of contemporary vocals. My only criticism would be her tendency to keep her elbows locked at her sides thus creating a rather hunched and restrictive posture. Donna Lynne Champlin was a resolute and confident Jane giving the audience a sense of her pride in her work and yet her vulnerability in choosing to believe in love. Donna was, at times, distracted by own her own passion and the binder in her arms, but I found that endearing.
Colin Donnell played Mr. Darcy as one would expect – an air of superiority coupled with deep insecurity. Overall, I did feel as though he perhaps relied too much on the “air” about him rather than purely character and situational responses.
Patty Goble provides much needed comic relief and dramatic melancholy as Mrs. Bennett, but Mark Blum as Mr. Bennett seemed stilted by the concert format and the binder in his hands. I can’t say he was bad but he certainly wasn’t outstanding. Rory O’Malley as Mr. Bingley was acceptable. His portrayal seemed rather naïve. I am not certain if the naivety was due to his character choices or lack of rehearsal time, but his performance was competent. His vocals were, at times, beautiful and other times, seemingly strained. It was almost as if some of the notes in his upper register were not quite comfortable for him.
Juliana Ashley Hansen played a simple and refined Jane Bennett. Her sisters, Mary, Kitty and Lydia here played by Anne Letscher, Molly Ranson and Jacque Carnahan, respectively, were gleeful and quirky with Ms. Carnahan putting on a decidedly giddy Lydia. Jennifer Waiser as Charlotte Lucas was realistically and refreshingly less naïve as the Bennett girls but still deserving of the confident friendship of Lizzie. Notable exceptions to the generally strong performances were Jim Stanek as Mr. Collins and John Behlman as Mr. Wickham. Mr. Stanek was decidedly out of place. His character portrayal, although “in line” with the literary interpretation, seemed rushed and at times sloppy. His vocals were weak and often unintelligible. John Behlman as Mr. Wickham was equally disappointing. His acting wasn’t committed and his vocals were off both in pitch and believability. Also slightly less successful, was Patty Goble’s turn as Lady Catherine, which played like a caricature rather than a realistic depiction of nobility.
The scenic design offered a simple yet elegant backdrop including a beautiful framed scrim with a rendering of an estate in the English countryside. The lighting design was often faulted by lack of rehearsal but provided an ever-evolving palette of warm and cold. The costumes were simple and appropriate with a bias for cream and gold tones. The choreography was delightfully simple in form but precise in execution.
Overall, the concert was a success and as with the quality of the material and the talented cast, it might be said, in native Rochesterian Susan B. Anthony’s own words, that “failure (was) impossible”. I am well aware that the piece needs additional work, but with some well thought out edits and structure changes, this homegrown piece may just find its way to the great white way.
Updated On: 10/24/08 at 01:05 PM
jayclay
Understudy Joined: 9/11/08
#11re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 3:16pm
I agree with much of NDR's assessment of the sold-out three hour performance. Laura Osnes did a fantastic job. I was impressed. I also enjoyed Colin Donnell's voice. But I thought some of the other actors were almost playing caricatures of their characters - a little exaggerated.
I definitely enjoyed the addition of Jane Austen as a character and I too wish they had done more of this. It would have made the show stand out even more from any other P&P production. The central theme was still the actual P&P story, but I would have been more interested if Jane Austen's creative process was more of the main focus. Jane Austen fans should really enjoy this part of the story though.
This has evolved from their even more operatic piece, but I hope it continues to evolve away from opera. Nothing wrong with opera, but I'll go to the opera to hear it, not a Broadway musical. The score was certainly pleasant, but nothing stood out for me.
Will it make it to Broadway? I truly hope so for the sake of everyone who has worked so hard to get it this far. There are many worthy moments in it for sure. Would I personally see it on Broadway? Not in it's present form, and not again at 3 hours. I really wanted to like this more than I did, yet I see enormous potential for it. And as I said I really think Jane Austen fans should be intrigued by the addition of her character.
barcelona20
Broadway Star Joined: 1/19/08
#12re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 3:40pmWith Jane Eyre, and now TOTC, haven't we already been subjected to enough of these types of shows? Yawn...
NDR
Leading Actor Joined: 11/16/06
#13re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 4:38pm
The use of the word "subjected" implies that one does not care for this style of show. Then don't go. There are plenty of other pop musicals coming your way.
No offense intended, but I thought Broadway could handle diversity.
barcelona20
Broadway Star Joined: 1/19/08
#14re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 5:04pm
Give me a break, Broadway can definitely handle diversity, just look at the top shows, South Pacific, In the Heights, Wicked, Jersey Boys. Also, you imply that I only like shows with "pop" scores, which would be quite false.
The problem for me at least with P&P is that it's hard to get excited over these stories that everyone already knows, unless if it's reinvented like Spring Awakening. Do we really need to hear this story again? Also, no shows can survive without some type of male audience. I'm guessing the female/male ratio on this one would skew quite higher than your average B'way show.
bwaylvsong
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
#15re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 5:44pm
Yay Molly Ranson!
Sorry, I had to.
#16re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 6:09pm
As a P&P fan in general, I think that many of you are underestimating the amount of Jane Austen fans around. Right now, there seems to be a huge surge of interest in Jane Austen. There are tons of P&P sequels published and sold. And of course, Masterpiece Theatre found enough interest to present the Complete Jane Austen last year. I think the fan base alone might provide a small built in audience for this show. Jane Austen is an industry with tours, t-shirts, movies etc. --- I don't believe Dickens or Bronte have that same type of devotion and/or interest level...
As for a good show, I don't think knowing the story makes it automatically dull. And the device of placing Jane Austen in the play is a twist that sounds like it might actually work.
I've seen straight P&P plays, and I have to say I'm not a fan. Those did not have a twist, and it was merely a bad adaption of a good novel. I like the fact that the musical will have a twist and the addition of, of course, music.
I, too, also cringed at Fine Eyes. However, after listening to it again as only a Broadway song, I think it is quite good. The music would definitely grow on me and the story already works. Get a good Darcy who can pull off breaking into song, and you might actually have a hit on your hands. If TOTC works, then I can definitely see P&P running for a bit!
Edited to add a link to Austen Blog who reports that they think the musical is "fantastic" --- http://www.austenblog.com/
So, that was the Drowsy Chaperone. Oh, I love it so much. I know it's not a perfect show...but it does what a musical is supposed to do. It takes you to another world, and it gives you a little tune to carry with you in your head for when you're feeling blue. Ya know?
Updated On: 10/22/08 at 06:09 PM
karen24
Broadway Star Joined: 2/27/06
#17re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 7:33pm
I was also at the performance last night, so I thought I'd weigh in--
Oh, by the way, it was Susan B. Anthony (a Rochester native) who said "Failure is impossible," not Jane Austen 
NDR, I agree with much of what you wrote. I also very much liked the interaction of JA with her characters--the idea of watching her "bring them to life" is very engaging, and helps to keep the show moving along. I think this is one way that the show can set itself apart from "just another re-telling of the same old story." I especially liked the parts where the characters actually went to her and asked her to let them do something--very clever!
The show is definitely too long. However, I am sure they will continue to prune it. One benefit of a show like last night's is that they can gauge from the audience reaction what is and isn't working. For instance, I predict that the song between Lydia and the soldiers will almost definitely be cut. It's somewhat cute but does nothing to advance the plot or tell us anything about the character we don't already know. I also think that at least one of Mr. Collins's songs could go.
I agree that Laura Osnes did a fantastic job. I was really impressed with the fact that she appeared to have all of her songs and most of her lines completely memorized. I was not as crazy about the Darcy; I wanted him to have more "presence," I guess. He also seemed under-rehearsed--I know they didn't have much rehearsal time, but if Osnes could memorize all of her part, which really is larger, I think he could have done a bit better. I thought he did get better as the evening went on, though, so maybe there is hope.
My companion for the evening felt that "all of the songs sounded the same," and that while they were pleasant, nothing really stayed with her or made her think "Broadway." I'm not sure I entirely agree, as Osnes, especially, had some really lovely songs which did stay with me, especially "When I Fall In Love." I did think that the more operatic parts of the score only worked some of the time. The climactic scene at the end, where Lady C. confronts Lizzie, was almost word-for-word from the book, but sung like an opera. This really didn't work for me--both actresses seemed a bit strained.
I didn't expect perfect sound or lighting or costumes or any of those "frills" for a concert version, and I'm sure also that the orchestra would not be onstage in a true production, either. For what it was, I really think it has promise. And it is true that there are hordes of Jane Austen fans out there. The Eastman Theatre, which must seat about 2,000, was almost completely sold out--I've never seen it so mobbed. Surely they weren't all there to see the girl who won "Grease"?
Maggie-the-schnoodle
Updated On: 10/22/08 at 07:33 PM
jayclay
Understudy Joined: 9/11/08
#18re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 9:11pm
I agree, Darcy was not as strong as I expected, considering he has been on board with this for much longer than anyone else. He recorded Fine Eyes for them to use as a demo ages ago. BTW, I can understand the "cringe effect" if you hear that song out of context, but I was pleased that it worked (at least for me) in the context of the whole show. There were some nice melodies in the show, and actually this was one that stood out as more of a "show tune" rather than opera.
I also think the Jane Austen fans should not be underestimated, and the official group is very supportive of this show. For that reason alone I think this could survive on Broadway for a while, but once that audience is depleted I'm not sure of the general appeal.
I believe the Eastman Theater capacity is around 2500, and I heard it was sold out. I have never been in traffic like that before in that parking garage!
#19re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 9:44pmI went to college with Colin Donnell (Mr. Darcy) and he is extremely talented, so I'm surprised to hear that he didn't meet expectations at this concert. Maybe it's just not the right vehicle for him.
karen24
Broadway Star Joined: 2/27/06
#20re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 10:09pmRe: Colin Donnell: I wouldn't want to say that it's not the right vehicle for him at this point. I think if he had been able to be off book, if he'd really been able to inhabit the character, it would have helped a lot. It could also be that he was not very comfortable in that "concert" format. I wouldn't want to give up on him yet. I could tell that he definitely had acting talent and I thought his more intimate scenes with Lizzie were very good. Time will tell! (Will some of these actors that we saw last night follow this show all the way to Broadway, should it get that far? I hope so!)
Maggie-the-schnoodle
jayclay
Understudy Joined: 9/11/08
#21re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/22/08 at 10:32pmNo doubt Donnell is talented - his voice was great. He just didn't seem as comfortable as some of the others. Just by the nature of the show, it seemed everyone in the cast was at a different level of inhabiting their role - some seemed ready for Broadway, others had a ways to go. Not really their fault - there wasn't much rehearsal time.
#22re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/23/08 at 1:11am
Slightly off topic, but I'm pretty sure that's Jennifer Hope Wills in those clips and she sounds wonderful.
Although I must say that the songs sound like something you're supposed to listen to to help you go to sleep.
#23re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/27/08 at 7:41pm
Just thought I would share this review from Austen Blog. It has a few new (I think) pictures.
http://www.austenblog.com/2008/10/27/when-lizzy-falls-in-love-pride-and-prejudice-the-new-musical-in-rochester-ny/
So, that was the Drowsy Chaperone. Oh, I love it so much. I know it's not a perfect show...but it does what a musical is supposed to do. It takes you to another world, and it gives you a little tune to carry with you in your head for when you're feeling blue. Ya know?
#24re: Pride & Prejudice in Rochester, NY
Posted: 10/27/08 at 7:54pmAny news as to whether this show will receive a life beyond the concert? Are there any Broadway producers attached to it?
