Darren was phenomenal and most people I talked to loved his performance - and I went in expecting to hate it.
And it is nice to have an announcement, but those aren't the areas that are going to have trouble selling. They'd need to announce the ones for the East Coast.
In the performance I saw, he was very weak and pitchy with the ballads. Great with the hard rock and his Tommy was pretty close to the best (no-one beats JCM). I won't be seeing him this time around, but great casting for San Fran and LA. He'll draw the crowds out no problem - and have a TON of fun with his San Fran patrons I'm sure!
I went in expecting him to be OK and absolutely loathed him. He played Hedwig like she was a cheerleader on speed. I was expecting this but am still very disappointed.
I saw him twice in NY - once at the beginning of his run and once at the end. I thought he improved a lot from that early performance to the later one - he was more confident, better at the ad-libbing and sounded great to me. I agree with A Canadian that his Tommy was really good.
I know there are definitely divided opinions but I did enjoy his performance.
I was hoping the Jake Shears rumor would come to fruition. That would've been really interesting to see. Given that I believe he spends most of his time on the west coast these days, it seems incredibly unlikely that his casting would ever happen now.
This is awesome! I saw Hedwig over 20 times when it was on Broadway in 2014/2015 (I know I'm crazy) and got to see it with NPH, Andrew Rannells, Michael C Hall, JCM (before and after the accident), Darren Criss, and Taye Diggs. From what I recall, Darren Criss definitely improved during his run at the Belasco.
Personally, I always thought that production of Hedwig was tailor made for Neil Patrick Harris. BTW, isn't this production also going to West End?
I don't know why, but I always had a feeling Darren would take the show on tour or to London, whichever came first. In related news, I'm moving to San Francisco to become a groupie.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
I'd totally go see Darren again, I really enjoyed him when I saw him, although I waited into VERY VERY far toward the end of his run, just to keep JCM in my mind as long as possible before revisiting...
I'll be very interested in hearing reports back from those of you who have seen the show on Broadway. One of the things I liked most was the intimacy that the Belasco was able to provide. Both Pantages and SHN seat more than double the Belasco, so it will definitely be a different show.
I also hope they do new promo shots - hated that one of Darren
A Canadian in NYC said: "One of the things I liked most was the intimacy that the Belasco was able to provide. Both Pantages and SHN seat more than double the Belasco, so it will definitely be a different show."
I recommend the same strategy I use for arena/stadium shows: I never care how large the audience is behind me.
They would need a larger name for the redder states.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement