SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE in Performances (The 2017 Revival)

[trpguyy]

ljay889 said: "I know the conductor wore head phones for it which is a sign that at least some of it is pre recorded. "

I can't speak to this specific situation, but a conductor wearing headphones does not necessarily indicate a pre-record. It indicates that s/he is conducting to a click track to ensure the same tempo every performance. Sometimes the click track aligns to pre-records, other times it's simply a click for consistency's sake: say, for instance, so the live music lines up to timed lighting/automation cues. 

[ljay889]

"other times it's simply a click for consistency's sake: say, for instance, so the live music lines up to timed lighting/automation cues."

This would certainly make sense as to why he may be wearing headphones for the chromolume scoring. Thank you for the info!

Sally, I also thought it sounded like the orchestra was slightly holding back, but I think it may be a conscious decision to hold back until the "Sunday" finales, as they sound very powerful on those. In addition, the show isn't overamplified one bit. 

[ljay889]

.

[LesWickedly]

Anyone sitting in Row C of the Orchestra? Really curious to hear opinions on this. 

[ljay889]

Yes, tomorrow night I'll be in row C on the aisle! 

[MadonnaMusical]

Saw the production last night. Jake was magnificent. His two Georges were thoroughly different and yet felt like two sides of the same tortured artist. Anna's Dot played up her lack of education but strength in "street-smarts." Her Marie gave the best performance of the night with a touching rendition of Children and Art that left the audience dumbfounded. Great performances from both!

Chromolume #7 was also quite remarkable - it made me want to see 1-6, lol. 

The orchestra however was not great. They could use another week of rehearsal. Specifically the strings, who continuously played Jonathan Tunick's orchestrations out of tempo, and with a lack of precision that should be required if one attempts "pointillism" in music. Anna actually had to hold for the strings and look at the conductor (breaking character and concentration) to make sure that they would follow her during the opening sprechstimme of "We do not Belong Together." Hoping that the conductor can get them in shape before I see this production again. 

[Lot666]

MinnieFay said: "The first 5-6 rows in the orchestra are good for Act I --- but you're going to miss a major aspect of Act II from those seats."

Minniefay, would you please elaborate - how so? I have B 107.

 

[GreasedLightning]

Running time, anyone???

[little_sally]

Telecharge says 2:30 as the run time.

[newintown]

"Specifically the strings, who continuously played Jonathan Tunick's orchestrations out of tempo, and with a lack of precision that should be required if one attempts "pointillism" in music."

This sounds extra strange; are there more strings in this production than the 4 (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello) in the original? I can't imagine that a professional Broadway string quartet couldn't get this score right after a normal rehearsal period.

"Anna actually had to hold for the strings and look at the conductor (breaking character and concentration) to make sure that they would follow her during the opening sprechstimme of "We do not Belong Together." "

I'm not sure what you mean by this? There is no "sprechstimme" in the score. Everything is notated for pitch and rhythm. Do you mean during the underscoring under the dialogue before the first lyric "What you care for is yourself?" That doesn't really make sense, as she has 3 full measures and 3 strict beats before singing, so unless she can't feel the beat, there's no reason to hold. Perhaps you mean the rallantando right before "You could tell me not to go?" The conductor ought to be following her there, it's a simple rall.

[ljay889]

The brilliant orchestrations are by Michael Starobin, not Tunick. The instruments are same as the original production, but they did add a bass and an additional woodwind. 

[haterobics]

ljay889 said: "Yes, tomorrow night I'll be in row C on the aisle! "

That's my seat for the final show.

[SueBee06]

The rear orchestra is slightly problematic because of the overhang.

 

This is my exact concern. I have a seat in Row Q because I needed as aisle. Is the overhang going to block the Chromolume?

 

[Wick3]

SueBee06 said: "The rear orchestra is slightly problematic because of the overhang.

This is my exact concern. I have a seat in Row Q because I needed as aisle. Is the overhang going to block the Chromolume?

"

It won't block the entire chromolume but perhaps parts of it. If I had a preference I'd pick mezz over rear orch.

 

[MadonnaMusical]

newintown said: ""Specifically the strings, who continuously played Jonathan Tunick's orchestrations out of tempo, and with a lack of precision that should be required if one attempts "pointillism" in music."

This sounds extra strange; are there more strings in this production than the 4 (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello) in the original? I can't imagine that a professional Broadway string quartet couldn't get this score right after a normal rehearsal period.

"Anna actually had to hold for the strings and look at the conductor (breaking character and concentration) to make sure that they would follow her during the opening sprechstimme of "We do not Belong Together." "

I'm not sure what you mean by this? There is no "sprechstimme" in the score. Everything is notated for pitch and rhythm. Do you mean during the underscoring under the dialogue before the first lyric "What you care for is yourself?" That doesn't really make sense, as she has 3 full measures and 3 strict beats before singing, so unless she can't feel the beat, there's no reason to hold. Perhaps you mean the rallantando right before "You could tell me not to go?" The conductor ought to be following her there, it's a simple rall.

 

"

Yes you assumed correctly. 

[ljay889]

Well that was another beautiful performance. Orchestra c101 is a lovely view. It has a neat perspective of the chromolume but you may need to strain your neck a bit to fully enjoy it. 

The production is getting tighter. Jake and Annaleigh's chemistry is deepening. His voice is getting fuller on certain notes and it's just lovely. 

The projections were functioning properly tonight and they look fantastic.

Penny Fuller stumbled on quite a few lines tonight but she covered well and still gave a great performance.

One noticeable change, they brought back the "group bow" when they sing "forever" during the Sunday act two finale. It was missing at the first preview, where they individually nodded to George as Dot brought him around to all his characters. Now there's both and it's very touching. 

There's a formal curtain call now and the orchestra has a lovely play out which most of the audience stayed and applauded for.

This production is a must see.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Thank you so much ljay for your continued detailed thoughts!! Im getting more and more excited for this production. Seeing it March 7th! 

[ljay889]

You are very welcome! I can't wait to read more opinions on this production. 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Love reading your responses to questions and updates about the show, ljay, your commitment to this production is really quite appreciated!

Looking forward to hopefully hearing from Whizzer sometime this week...!

[WhizzerMarvin]

I was there tonight to and really enjoyed it. The Encores benefit was fun, but this is on a whole different level. 

Jake IS George. His voice is rich and full of light. Truly, it's the best performance I've ever seen him give, stage or screen. Ben Platt may be winning the Tony this year, but in my mind there will always be an asterisk by it because he didn't beat Jake. Those damn dogs are so hard to pull off and Jake walks away with that scene like it's child's play. One of my favorite parts of Daniel Evans' performance was the way he delivered the final line...so many possibilities...and then that look of wonder overtook his face like the biggest light bulb went off. Jake takes his time with the line, pondering over each syllable of "possibilities" (you've got possibilities and how, Mr. Gyllenhaal!) and his final look gave me chills. 

Ashford has grown has grown quite a bit scene the benefit; her Marie is slightly stronger than her Dot, but another strong performance that compliments Jake's work. You really feel like their acting partnership only makes the other stronger. 

The rest of the cast is a parade of stars and they each do well with their bits. Ashley Park is very funny and this is the most impressed I've been with Erin Davie on stage. Philip Boykin's two characters are so wildly different that when he first starts speaking at the gallery you almost think it's a different actor. 

I've always considered Sunday in the Park my second favorite musical/score behind The Most Happy Fella, but each time I see the show it inches a little closer to overtaking Loesser's work in my heart. I know some people try to malign the second act, but I find it even stronger, and certainly more emotional, than the first. The return to Paris through the end has to be one of the finest 20 minutes of book and score ever written for the musical theater. 

Chromolume #7 is almost too dazzlingly in this production. I know George is supposed to be repeating himself and the work has gone a bit stale, but unless the six Chromolumes before it were the exact same thing, count me as impressed by his talent. Maybe some real life artist should create George's seven Chromolumes and display them in the Guggenheim or something. 

It's funny that right next door is a Menagerie revival that is leaving many of us here asking why bring that play back so soon after the gorgeous Tiffany revival. It felt, to me at least, unnecessary and immensely unfulfilling. And yet here we have a revival coming on the heels of the successful Roundabout/Chocolate Factory production, but this revisiting of Sondheim and Lapine's masterpiece feels vital and needed. 

[BwayinVan]

I know it's still in previews but what are the chances this extends...I arrive for a week the day after it closes 

[ljay889]

It's always great reading your thoughts, Whizzer! I agree with most of it, although I think I enjoy Ashford's Dot more than you do. I saw both Ben Platt and Jake today and this truly could've been an exciting Tony competition. I really wish this production was eligible, but I understand their reasoning. 

Regarding the second act, funny enough, I have seen comments on social media where people have been enjoying that act better. Like you, I've always connected deeper with act two, but also love the first act. With Jake's obsession in "Color and Light",  the dogs, "Finishing The Hat", his act one is absolutely searing. Also, you arespot on with his "so many possibilities," I love how he executes that. 

I also want to give a special shoutout to Robert Sean Leonard, he and Erin Davie are so well matched, and he is HILARIOUS in the second act. 

This revival would be perfect for BroadwayHD live stream. That would be such a lovely way to preserve this special production. 

[LesWickedly]

Thanks for the reviews lijay and Whizzer. Glad to hear about the seating, ljay! Besides partially missing the chromolume, did you find you missed anything else from your seat? Were there any heads in the way? Sorry for all the questions, it's just you have my exact seat :) Both of your reviews keep making me even more excited. 

[ljay889]

No problem! In this seat you will miss some of The Old Lady and the Nurse in the park, as they are partially blocked by Jake at times, but I don't think you'll mind looking at Jake, lol. 

And don't worry about the chromolume, it's a really cool perspective from this seat. 

[LesWickedly]

Yes, mainly purchased these seats to be near Jake and Annaleigh :) Thanks for all, ljay. Your love for this revival really makes me happy and excited. The end of March needs to hurry up and get here! 

[ljay889]

You're gonna love it

Another note, they changed the color of Jake's dress shirt in act two to blue, it closely matches the color of Annaleigh's dress, which is a nice touch. It definitely seems that they are tinkering with minor things throughout previews.