Just finished my 9 shows in 5 days marathon

[Dave13]

Posted: 7/26/15 at 6:19pm

Thank you New York for showing me a good time. 

The shows I saw.  

Hamilton.

It lived up to its hype and then some.  Thought it was fantastic. Definitely is my favorite show ever.  Lin is a genius in my opinion.  I was at the stage door Friday. I asked a few cast members if there are any expected changes.  They said the show will be frozen after this next week. They expect minor changes but nothing significant or major.  All of the cast members signed my Playbill. 

Finding Neverland. 

Kevin Kern played JM Barrie. I thought he did a fine job but nothing spectacular. Loved Anthony Warlow as Mr Frohman.  Loved him in Annie. Thought he did a excellent job but his role interesting enough was almost identical to his role in Annie. Overall, thought it was entertaining and fun. Great score in my opinion.  

Fun Home

I thought it was great. Also loved the awkwardness created as part of portraying this dysfunctional family. Michael Cervais did an awesome job. My only gripe is it seemed more like a play than a musical. Although I guess since it had an original score it meets the definition of musical.  It was deserving of a Tony, but I wish a more traditional type musical won the Tony for best musical.

Mamma Mia

Caught it as a Thursday matinee. Nothing more to say about it that hasn't been said since it made it to Broadway. Interesting note. I asked someone higher up in the show (leaving name out to protect), about it closing. They kept saying it was the theater's decision and not the show. They did say that none of the costumes, scenes or other parts of the show are being thrown out. Expect it to reappear at another theater. 

An American in Paris 

Thought it was a great show. To me it was more ballet and not so much musical for my tastes.  I am sure many will disagree.

Fish in the Dark

Loved it. Jason Alexander essentially reverted  back to his character on Seinfeld. Laughed the entire show.  

Hand to God

Loved it. Definitely dark and twisted. Can't believe this show is not selling out, but do not think this is a family show.  So this show limits its audience.  

King and I

Betsy Morgan was in replacing Kelli. Wish I saw Kelli, but I doubt I could have enjoyed it more. Thought Jose Llana stole the show. Excellent casting for the King.  I doubt Ken Watanabe could have done better for me. Loved it overall without Kelli and Ken. 

Something Rotten

Thought it was good, but didn't find it as humorous as most. I did catch most of the jokes, but other than making fun of other musicals, I thought it lacked substance. I know I am in the minority on this one.  

 

Can't wait for my next marathon.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated On: 7/26/15 at 06:19 PM

[willep]

Posted: 7/26/15 at 6:27pm

Sounds like a pretty fun marathon!

I very much agree with your assessment of Something Rotten. It was amusing. I also wish that Hand to God was selling out. I love that show.

[Dave13]

Posted: 7/26/15 at 6:50pm

Yep. Considering there are only 5 cast members, I doubt this show has a big budget. This should could have a decent run without selling out.  Hopefully, it will last long enough for me to see it again. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 7/26/15 at 7:03pm

I have seen all of the shows you listed except for Hamilton, Fish in the Dark, and Something Rotten!. I agree with most of your reviews :) glad you had a good trip!

 

[gypsy101]

Posted: 7/27/15 at 12:56am

"My only gripe is it seemed more like a play than a musical. Although I guess since it had an original score it meets the definition of musical.  It was deserving of a Tony, but I wish a more traditional type musical won the Tony for best musical."

I'm glad you liked the show, but what do you mean it didn't seem like a musical? I think it has a wonderful score that is essential to the fabric of the show. It could probably still be a riveting play, but I think it's perfect the way it is.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/27/15 at 1:08am

I didn't understand this comment t either.  What made it seem more like a play.  The lack if traditional dance?  Hardly a new conceit.

[Dave13]

Posted: 7/27/15 at 3:26am

""My only gripe is it seemed more like a play than a musical. Although I guess since it had an original score it meets the definition of musical.  It was deserving of a Tony, but I wish a more traditional type musical won the Tony for best musical."

I'm glad you liked the show, but what do you mean it didn't seem like a musical? I think it has a wonderful score that is essential to the fabric of the show. It could probably still be a riveting play, but I think it's perfect the way it is."

I agree it is perfect the way it is. I loved it.  However, it just felt to be more of a play than a musical. It is hard to describe, but when I think of a musical, I think of more singing and dancing than regular dialogue. This is the opposite in my opinion. 

Where is the line drawn between a play and a musical? By simply having an original song, make a production a musical instead of a play?

I can't find the Tony Award definition of a musical, but I have a hard time placing this show in the category of either a play or musical.  

When I look up other definitions of a musical, it can be defined as a play or movie in which singing and dancing is an essential part. Another definition of a musical is a theatrical production with many songs and dances that provide the story. I believe the dialogue provided the story, not the music. Also, while the music added to the story, not sure I would say it was essential to the story.   

So to give the award of Best Musical, it just seems to be a stretch given the other "musicals" that were eligible. I hope that makes sense.  

 

 

 

[gypsy101]

Posted: 7/27/15 at 5:30am

Hmm. I understand in a way. But I've always viewed song and scenes as the two most fundamental aspects to almost all musicals (with dance frequently taking a backseat; although this obviously isn't necessary to all musicals, such as West Side Story, where all aspects are crucial to the piece). Musical theater. The music and the theater are the priorities. In this regard, I would say that Fun Home was absolutely the best musical of the past season (I saw all the nominees but Something Rotten!, to which I have the cast recording). It has 15 musical numbers, which is less than probably most musicals. But at the core I think it wouldn't be as great a play as it is a musical as written by Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron. The music is so integral to the heart of the piece. Medium Alison singing Changing My Major, I wouldn't want as a scene after hearing the fantastic song that tells her emotion at that moment after waking up. Ring of Keys, seeing the recognition that someone is like you without being able to put your finger on it. A scene could say it but the song is remarkable. Days and Days, seeing this woman's life having been wasted a little bit at a time; the heartbreak consuming her little by little until today. I really do think this is the best musical.

[luvcaroline]

Posted: 7/27/15 at 7:40am

Not to mention "Telephone Wire," as big Alison imagines how that final car ride could have been different, if only she had found the right words to say. This scene was devastating as a musical number. I'm sure it would not have been as powerful if simply spoken. 

Dave13, thanks for your report!