I saw this a couple of nights ago. I’m very curious to see the reviews too. The show makes a big statement and I think it will be loved by UK critics but I was (unfortunately) not a fan of the director’s choices.
I think Ms Umphress’s issue is that her weight was used as an identifying factor. If the critic had an issue with the costumes in an all skinny cast she would just say “I didn’t like the costumes” not “This costume designer doesnt know how to dress skinny people.” There was no need to take attention away from Ms Umphress’s performance by redirecting the attention to her weight as if it were some sort of handicap. The critic wasn’t
What's wrong with Broadway? May 10
2018, 03:27:40 PM
I only read the excerpt posted (thank you for posting that) but did he even mention the ever rising ticket prices? I think the change is multi-dimensional. I agree with his points but the average person who CAN affor a $1.29 song on itunes can NOT afford a $70-240 Broadway ticket. Ticket prices, IMO, are what is driving producers and creators to pick Spongebobs over new work. That’s why (again only IMO) off Bway has been FAR more interesting these days.
I've always felt Bart Sher sacrifices a lot of the jokes and humor in his revivals for the sake of his signature realness and grittiness. I particularly felt this was true with his Fiddler.
I don't remember thinking she was a lock for a Tony Award. Bart Sher's choice is asking us to suspend disbelief a little more than usual because of her age unfortunately. I felt I wanted the songs to be knocked out of the park too but the quieter voice was a fine trade-off for her very nice and thoughtful portrayal. I just remember thinking this was not a slam dunk as you do while watching Harry Hadden-Paton.
It is a wonderful production. Harry Hadden-Paton is truly magnificent. He seems like he has been living in the role forever and is extremely smart. He has my vote for Best Actor.
I found Lauren Ambrose to be just a tad underwhelming. She is beautiful and has some wonderful moments, and is by no means bad or incapable, but it is obvious (to me at least) that she is not a musical theatre animal by nature. Her voice is not quite special enough to sell tho
I saw this the other day. I have never seen the film so I found it to be a tad confusing because I think it relies on people knowing and loving the film more than it realizes. The world and it's rules didn't feel very fleshed out or wholly formed to me. I echo another poster who said they wish the sisters had more to do together. Those were the strongest and most effective moments for me.
Bad Theater Behavior Mar 11
2018, 10:30:21 AM
What I’ve noticed more than anything is the tech addiction. The last three Broadway shows I’ve seen (probably more) people of all ages have this involuntary pull to check their text messages, Instagram, etc. in the middle of the show. It’s like their habitual need to check their phone is greater than staying present and I get it I’ve just never succumbed to it.
Is Saigon worth it? Dec 17
2017, 06:55:31 PM
I think the first 15 minutes might be a little uncomfortable to watch with a child because the actual Miss Saigon “pageant” is an auction of women’s bodies, but after that it I wouldn’t describe it as awkward but perhaps a little graphic and mature.
My mom was a little uncomfortable during a few parts of “The American Dream”.
I really didn't know people mistakingly leaving at intermission was a thing until I read this thread. So I asked a few people who occasionally attend live theatre and it is indeed true! Most truly believed intermission was the end of the show.
Maybe people are so used to getting their entertainment through movies or tv shows or micro length entertainment that the concept of an intermission is becoming foreign?
