I don't see how Roxy was trying to speak for all people. I do see you trying to stir up something for no reason though. Updated On: 6/16/14 at 08:56 PM
He definitely meant some people, not all. And it is a very true statement. Some other people think that every musical has to be the most profound piece of theater ever written to be worthwhile.
You must he thinking of Jerry Herman's Parade, not that dismal, dreary opus bearing the same title by Jason Robert Brown.
"He has written a hummable, likable score in the style of a sixties musical. "
In the style of? Perhaps you could call it that. But it's certainly not in the slightest way their equal in terms of quality. Far from it. In reality, it's just an undistinguished, colorless, washed-out facsimile thereof. As for " likable, " I found nothing likable about it, least of all that repugnant "comic" melanoma song. Did you find that song "likable?"
Newintown, I'm not sure if its right to include the revival of The Last Five Years' record as something not cracking 100 performances as this production was limited with Second Stage. I'm not sure of Songs for a New World was a limited production as well.
"Ok ok ok ok ok ok ok. Have you guys heard about fidget spinners!?" ~Patti LuPone
"As for " likable, " I found nothing likable about it"
You found nothing. I did. You say that "in reality it's just an undistinguished, colorless, washed-out facsimile thereof." Maybe in your reality. But in my reality, it's a very tuneful score that's smart, stylized and very catchy. Is this a problem?
Agree the song should go. Disagree re the show. You are obviously biased as you have already told people repeatedly you hate it. I will judge for myself when it turns up later this year.
"Not a problem for me. It seems to be one for you, however. You might want to work on that. So I'll ask you, as I did the other poster, did you find the melanoma song likable?"
It's a problem for me? Interesting. Regarding that song, I did particularly enjoy it. It wasn't the best song in the score, it was definitely the weakest song, but for me, I didn't find it to be a major problem. The rest of the score, however, especially "Anywhere But Here," "When You Say Vegas," and the Finale, I found to be very enjoyable and just plain fun songs.
Is it the best show to ever the grace the stage? Probably not the greatest, but this is one of those shows where that is not really a problem. I just find it to be a fun and highly entertaining night out at the theatre. And if there was a cast recording, I'd definitely be the first to buy it.
"I understand your point, and it's a valid one, but limited runs extend or even sometimes move to a commercial venue if there's sufficient demand."
Newintown, the Last Five Years revival at Second Stage extended twice and broke box office records at the theatre repeatedly. It extended as far as it could go until the next scheduled show on their season came in. I suppose they could have brought it elsewhere for a longer commercial run, but I'm sure Second Stage was happy with the finances for the run.
-There's the muddle in the middle. There's the puddle where the poodle did the piddle."
I'm sure you're right, but the basic point remains the same - nothing in the Brown oeuvre has either generated much income, been embraced by significant numbers of ticket buyers, or even (until Bridges) met with much critical acclaim (at least from the Times).
And, even with 2 extensions, a 6-week run is still what many would call a relatively brief run (despite whatever the perceived quality of the production was).
Any one of those three factors above can be dismissed, of course, but as a group, they inspire an interesting question - why do producers continue to think his next show will be the charm? That the next one might make even it to the 3-month mark?
"Why do producers continue to think his next show will be the charm? That the next one might make even it to the 3-month mark?"
I feel like those questions are operating under the assumption that it is Brown's involvement in those projects that caused them to fail. In 2 of his 3 Broadway outings, he was not only praised for his work but awarded for it. Say what you want about the shows, but his scores are celebrated.