The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Excitement Level?- Page 2

[showchoirguy]

Posted: 10/15/12 at 11:38pm

Hiptix. I just turned 18 so I seized the opportunity.

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 10/16/12 at 7:59am

I was so excited to be sitting front row for this (as I am a fron row-aholic!) but now the sales seating chart shows two new rows in front of mine. WTH!?!?!?! I was front row on an aisle, now according to the new chart I am third row in the middle of a bunch of people. How does this happen?!?!?

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 10/16/12 at 11:32am

Bob, that is very odd. They must have just seen they could add 2 extra rows? As I hadn't gotten my tickets yet (I was hoping, somehow, some better seats might pop up somewhere), after I read your post I went on the date I wanted and got 2 seats in the "new" front row. I am very excited, but, if I had originally had front row like you, would be very upset to now see two rows ahead of mine. I wonder if you could call and see if your seat could be moved to the new front row that they opened up?

[macnyc]

Posted: 10/16/12 at 11:37am

That's what I would do, too.

Also, I am surprised by how many seats are available for the performance I am attending on Sunday. I think the show needs to be on TDF!

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 10/16/12 at 1:26pm

I would do that but I already got them to exchange my tix from the crappy seats I had to the seats I have now when they opened up unexpectedly. I'll just wait and if they're available day of see if the box office can switch them for me. Still ANNOYED though!

[DAME]

Posted: 10/16/12 at 1:30pm

Bob,

Don't wait. Go ahead and call now. They will help you. Don't be afraid to annoy them. That is their job. Do it.

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 10/16/12 at 2:02pm

Agreed with DAME. Give them a call - your request is totally reasonable and the worst they can say is no, but better to try than to go the day of to find out they have been sold. And, if they were accomodating with your earlier request, most likely they will be accomodating with this one as well.

[macnyc]

Posted: 10/16/12 at 3:11pm

Drood is now on TDF for this weekend's performances.

[Rockyfan2000]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 3:39pm

This show is the main reason I'm coming over from Germany in November! I saw the original 1987 production in London 3 times. So I guess you could say that I'm pretty excited.

[binau]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 3:44pm

Is roundabout's use of the phrase "Tony triple Crown" (best musical/book/score) common? I've never heard that before.

[newintown]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 3:47pm

The original production was a truly perfect jewel, utter delight in every way. As much as I'm looking forward to seeing the piece again, the combination of the generally awful Roundabout and some of the less-than-adroit casting have prepared me to accept that it'll be a lesser (if still enjoyable, I hope) experience.

[GottaHaveAGimmick]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 3:50pm

Never saw the original; never been inside Studio 54. Excited to see the show. Going next Thursday when I fly in from Florida.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 8:39pm

Seeing tomorrow's matinee. This is a special musical because it was when I fell in love with Loretta Swit. I hope that Chita Rivera can pull the part off.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 9:26pm

[bestfreakinshoes]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 10:12pm

Going to see it tomorrow evening and will report back! Really excited about the cast (SJB, Will Chase, Jessie Mueller, Betsy Wolfe, Andy Karl), although I'm also wondering/worried about whether there are TOO many characters and they won't have enough time to each be featured, much less developed.

But I've basically been waiting for this since it was announced in July, so I'm hoping it does well.

[DAME]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 10:20pm

From the pics the pre show looks like standard issue. Which is not a bad thing.

[leefowler]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 11:08pm

I have a rule to not post about previews...But what the hell...

Drood is a smash, the best show I've seen in years, and I see everything. The strongest ensemble cast I've ever seen in a Broadway show. Perfectly staged, with beautiful costumes and sets.

If this is on TDF, I'd would rush to get tickets.

[Bialyhoos22]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 11:20pm

Lee-

Thrilled to hear your report (being a man of great talent and taste, your word carries a great deal of weight!)

I had a feeling this could really be a wonderful revival -- I definitely was holding my breath (and will continue to until I take it in myself next week) but from everything I've heard from colleagues, this could very well end up being the smash of the season (a sleeper hit for the tourists)

The original production was pretty damn exceptional - the cast was certainly perfection with the inimitable George Rose holding court with grace and great ease. How did you find Jim Norton in the role? He's been nothing short of wonderful in everything I've seen him in (from Seafearer to Finian).

To anyone else who took it in this evening: can you recall if they restored any of the Delacorte/workshop songs? I know Rupert mentioned they were experimenting with restoring at least 2. I'm assuming 'Evensong' is one of them since they have Edelman for Crisparkle (who also sang it on Lost in Boston)







Updated On: 10/19/12 at 11:20 PM

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 10/19/12 at 11:58pm

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is the pleasant surprise of the season. I had such a great time tonight! I apologize to anyone who had to hear the Drood medley with which I attempted to serenade the folks on 9th Ave, but this cast had me singing all the way home!

To begin with, two words must be spoken: Betsy Wolfe. Yes this is an ensemble piece, but she nailed Rosa Bud so deliciously I have to single her out first. By the time we got around to Rosa's Confession (she was the murderer) it was too much to handle. I know this isn't her Broadway debut, but it might as well be, because this is her moment to step into the limelight and make a lasting impression. Simply perfect.

Chita is the next one who can line up for a Tony nomination this year. On paper Puffer is an ideal role, and the reality lived up to any expectations and then some. The Wages of Sin was very fun, and of course leading the way with Don't Quit While You're Ahead was only going to stop the show.

Will Chase has had a second blossoming of his career- from Grenade at La MaMa to Pipe Dream at Encores and now this. I've always liked him, but his craft as an actor is SO strong right now. The singing, the acting, all of it.

Jim Norton was an excellent Chairman. Laughs galore, and the string of puns at the end was hilarity. He's a warm presence and holds the piece together so nicely. Without him all the parts would fall apart and be a mess. He makes it feel effortless, but he's working his ass off up there.

Peter Benson comes very, very close from stealing the whole show away from everyone with Never The Luck. I have a huge crush on him now. (Peter, if you need help running lines PM me.)

Gregg Edelman is funny and dopey as the reverend. Loved his goofy faces to the audience, and his aside about what happened to Rosa's mother was great.

Andy Karl and Jessie Mueller were good as Neville and Helena. They have such weird roles, and not as showy as the others, but acquitted themselves nicely.

Finally, Stephanie J Block aka Stop the World: I'm ready to belt is giving the best performance of her career, and yes better than her Reno, which was sublime. She is funny, funny, funny and the notes are all there. Every once and a while she sounded eerily like Buckley. Slight Spoiler**** The best laugh of the night was when she stormed out of the theater after the rest of the cast voted her dead! End Slight Spoiler

The costumes were lavish and the sets were comprised of gorgeous backdrops and a handsome house for Jasper. When Roundabout is willing to spend a little money they really can impress. And lastly Roundabout itself was the biggest surprise. Many, including myself, have given this company a lot of crap over recent years, but this is truly a quality production and one that will restore the faith that was shaken in their patrons. Congrats on a triumph for all involved.

[singtopher]

Posted: 10/20/12 at 12:01am

I'll be at the matinee tomorrow. I was being cautious; but the last two shows I saw at Studio 54 (Sondheim on Sondheim, and Sunday...) took my breath away, so here's hoping for a three-peat.

[macnyc]

Posted: 10/20/12 at 12:10am

I'm so excited to read this! I'm going on Sunday, and now I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for posting!

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 10/20/12 at 12:19am

I wish I was going back tomorrow and Sunday. Only 90 minutes after curtain and I'm having withdrawal, ha.

Did I mention that Betsy Wolfe was brilliant?

[Bialyhoos22]

Posted: 10/20/12 at 12:23am

Thanks for the thorough report...very exciting! Can you recall if any songs were added or cut at this performance?

[jbm2]

Posted: 10/20/12 at 12:24am

what's the running time?

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 10/20/12 at 12:30am

The songs followed the OBCR. I was worried because Garden Path to Hell was not listed in the program and I was ready to throw a hissy fit, ha, but Chita sang it. When they print more Playbills they should put it back in the line up so people aren't left hanging.

I was out by 10:45 I believe. There was so much applause tonight I'm sure it added an extra 10 minutes.

Also they had better record this cast.