Annie Golden, Broadway Bounty Hunter- Page 3

[ccbway]

Posted: 7/18/19 at 1:36pm

CukorLover said: "Curious how the air-conditioning is in this theatre ( I've never been). I'm considering going this weekend with the super-high temperatures expected.

Thanks in advance."

I was surprised that it seemed passable, because I remembered it being a little warm when i saw Sweeney Todd there a couple of years ago. It wasn't as hot as it's projected to be this weekend when i went, but it was in the mid-80s that day and I thought it was perfectly comfortable in the theater itself.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/19/19 at 1:06am

It was very comfortable in the theater last night.

I sat in downstairs and looked up to see the sound/light board and there appears to not be one in the center of the mezz. Both boards are in the back, right, corners of the house on both levels.

Fun show. I think it could use a bit of trimming. Not quite sure how to describe Ms. Golden's performance. She does not appear to be directed to become badass throughout the show. It kind of happens but is restrained with the exception of a few glimmers that seem to come from her. It almost feels that they are actually treating her as a "Woman of a Certain Age". (Maybe it seems this way because of the wonderful high energy supporting cast.) And you can tell she can just run with this character. Vocally she is kicking @ss! 

The story is fun and the whole throwback feel is fun. It just feels like it needs to be tightened a bit. Maybe take the "yo's" out. The inside theatre jokes are a riot and there are a number of them.

I quite enjoyed the score. A big departure from Be More Chill. I think my favorite is "Feelings". She and Brad Oscar (Who is wonderful) have excellent back to back 11 o'lock numbers.

If you are downstairs on an aisle, keep your things out of them as they are all over the theater at times. 

All in all, a fun night at the theater. I would see it again.

Updated On: 7/19/19 at 01:06 AM

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 7/20/19 at 9:57am

Lifesmellsweird said: "uncageg said: "I got tickets a week ago. Really looking forward to this one.

When looking at tickets it says that the back row of the mezz is partial view. Hope I am not up theregot my tix on TDF."



i was curious about partial view seating at a venue this small, so I called the venue. Sounds like there is a lighting or sound board table in the front of the mezzanine, almost in the center, which could block the view. Kind of a bummer.

"

As far as I could tell, there's nothing partial view about the second row of the mezzanine/balcony. The sound board is off to the right side. I suppose your view could be somewhat blocked by someone tall in the front row, but that's an issue in most any seat in any theatre.

[Lifesmellsweird]

Posted: 7/20/19 at 1:30pm

uncageg said: "It was very comfortable in the theater last night.

I sat in downstairsand looked up to see the sound/light board and there appears to not be one in the center of the mezz. Both boards are in the back, right,corners of the house on both levels.

Fun show. I think it could use a bit of trimming. Not quite sure how to describe Ms. Golden's performance. She does not appear to be directed to become badass throughout the show. It kind of happens but is restrained with the exception of a few glimmers that seem to come from her. It almost feels that they are actually treating her as a "Woman of a Certain Age". (Maybe it seems this way because of the wonderful high energy supporting cast.)And you can tell she can just run with this character. Vocally she is kicking @ss!

The story is fun and the whole throwback feel is fun. It just feels like it needs to be tightened a bit. Maybe take the "yo's" out. The inside theatre jokes are a riot and there are a number of them.

I quite enjoyed the score. A big departure from Be More Chill. I think my favorite is "Feelings". She and Brad Oscar (Who iswonderful) have excellent back to back 11 o'lock numbers.

If you are downstairs on an aisle, keep your things out of them as they are all over the theater at times.

All in all, a fun night at the theater. I would see it again."

I saw it a few days ago and loved it. They must have moved the sound board because it was still blocking the view when I went. I thought the show was excellent. The cast is extremely strong and the score is quite terrific and listenable. I am not sure what you mean by trimming (do you mean time or content?) but I thought it was in great shape. I see exactly what you mean about Annie Golden, and I do wonder if the restrain you and I are seeing is just due to her age. It seems like a very physically demanding show, so I would imagine it’s tough for someone her age to keep up with it. Her voice is insanely good, but I know what you mean about her maybe seeming a bit meek (my words, not yours). I hope the show does well. It is great fun and so easy to watch and enjoy.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 7/20/19 at 2:00pm

"Cute" is the word that best describes the show. It's fluffy and insignificant, but fun at points. Its choppy plot should be a one-act, and I'm a little amazed that it took 3 bookwriters to come up with the groan-worthy jokes. It has the absolute worst direction and design I've seen all year.

I agree with the restrain and "elderly cuteness" about Golden's performance. I kinda wish I had seen Anne L Nathan instead. Alan Green & Brad Oscar are fabulous, tho.

There's certainly no place for it on Broadway (not that it's selling downtown), and it seems a little too niche for stock/amateur companies. 

[Lifesmellsweird]

Posted: 7/20/19 at 4:20pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: ""Cute" is the word that best describes the show. It's fluffy andinsignificant, but fun at points. Its choppy plotshould be a one-act, andI'm a little amazed that it took 3 bookwriters to come up with the groan-worthy jokes. It hasthe absoluteworst direction and design I've seen all year."

worst direction? Really? I didn’t see that at all. I wasn’t a huge fan of the set design, but I thought it was a very well put together ensemble. I don’t think it is striving to compete with shows like Hadestown and Moulin Rouge. It is just sweet and fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Is it perfect? Nope. But I had a great time. 

 

[gleek4114]

Posted: 7/21/19 at 7:55am

Looking at potentially seeing this on my next trip, for those who may have seen both, or can give opinions, who is “better” in the role? They way it lines up I could either see Annie or Anne, depending on what slot I use for this show.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 7/21/19 at 9:38am

I saw Anne L. Nathan in the role. And while I haven't seen Annie Golden do it, I've seen some of her other work, plus I've seen videos of her singing songs from the show. 

So based on that, here's my take: 

Annie Golden, as an actor, has a kind of weird and quirky energy that's very unique to her. And so I think seeing her in this role would work well with the quirky and strange tone of the show. 

Meanwhile, Anne L. Nathan feels more ordinary, but because of that, it makes a lot of sense for the story. She's supposed to be this experienced actor who has become a "nobody," and then put into this preposterous situation to become a bad-ass, and Nathan handles that arc very believably. Also, on just a real-life level: it seems to me that Annie Golden has recently gained some notoriety for Orange is the New Black, whereas Anne L. Nathan really hasn't done anything to make her famous to the general public, and she hasn't really had a juice role in a long time. So the facts of her career make somewhat more sense for the story than Annie Golden's. 

So to sum up, I would GUESS (having not seen Golden in the role) that Annie Golden works better for the tone of the show, while Anne L. Nathan works better for the story. 

[macnyc]

Posted: 7/21/19 at 11:57am

JBroadway, that's an interesting thesis! Not having seen Nathan in the role, I can't say for sure, but it sounds logical. (Ironically, "logic" isn't a word I would use to describe this show! LOL)

I saw the show last night and loved it. Yes, it's not for everyone (my theater buddy was not as enthused), but I found it wonderful escapist fare. The talent up there on that stage is amazing. The direction by Jennifer Warner kept things moving along nicely, and her choreography was just perfect: fun and campy. And quite a bit of it too. I love dance, so the more there is, the happier I am.

I like JBroadway's assessment of Annie Golden's persona and strengths. She does the "lost look" very well. Her segue into badass was subtle. I thought it worked. It spoke to me as a woman of around the same age! The supporting players were amazing, triple threats all. Alan H. Green is a force of nature: great singing voice, and very fierce and imposing physically. Lots to admire! As expected, Christina Sajous was terrific every minute: when singing, dancing, and she looks fantastic in some of those costumes. Overall, I give all the players props for energy. It's not an easy show to put on. There are lots of costume changes and moving around. It's fast-paced.

I laughed out loud at some of the insider theater jokes, and even some of the more subtle touches, such as when Annie (in training as a bounty hunter) showed up for class wearing an "Assassins" hoodie.

I loved the color projections/video too. The sound was well-balanced and the band sounded great.

As far as the score: I enjoyed it while listening, but except for Woman of a Certain Age, which opens the show and reprised a couple of times, I didn’t think the score was super memorable. 

One drawback: I think this theater is horrible. The Greenwich House Theater has absolutely NO rake in the audience. It was fine for Sweeney Todd because that was staged at tables, but not here. My friend and I were seated (with TDF seats) last night in Row F in the orchestra. Sounds decent, right? No. Tall people sat in front of us, but even those of regular height would have blocked our view. The tall gal in front of us couldn't see either, so she leaned from side to side to get a better view, and we had to match her move by move. Oy!

Fortunately, there were a couple of seats in Row B that were empty (the ticket holders didn't show; the performance was sold out). We scurried up there at intermission and had the good fortune to be sitting among Christina Sajous's family. They were so nice and friendly, and it was fun to see her make eye contact with them once in a while during the second act. She is quite a talent! 

I think anyone going to this show should understand you'll be seeing a fun, campy takeoff, and be prepared to laugh!

Updated On: 7/21/19 at 11:57 AM

[Susanswerphone]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 10:47am

Great show! But, yes, it could be trimmed down. TDF seat was 2nd row. For several reasons, I think I'd have enjoyed it more sitting at the back or up in the mezzanine.

[Susanswerphone]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 10:47am

Great show! But, yes, it could be trimmed down. TDF seat was 2nd row. For several reasons, I think I'd have enjoyed it more sitting at the back or up in the mezzanine.

[jbird5]

Posted: 7/22/19 at 4:20pm

I sat second row (of 2) mezzanine. It’s raked. Might be the better choice for this show.

[another sloe eyed vamp]

Posted: 7/23/19 at 4:48pm

Does anyone know if they have assisted listening devices at that theater? I tried calling but just got the ticket service. My hearing isn't very good, and when I've tried watching the videos, I can't make out most of the lyrics.

[another sloe eyed vamp]

Posted: 7/26/19 at 9:40am

Answering my own question in case anyone else wants to know - they do have assisted listening devices. 

After reading the reviews and especially the comments here, I think I'll see something else. It seems like the wrong show for someone who's really not a fan of Annie Golden, no matter how much I like Joe Iconis' music. 

[scarlet721]

Posted: 7/28/19 at 8:03pm

Saw this today.  Our TDF tickets were row J, on the aisle by the auditorium entrance.  Since that row is a step up, our view was pretty good, but since the door is used for a lot of entrances, it got a bit distracting.  Also, the light board was right next to us, and I kept catching the turning of the pages in the cue book out of the corner of my eyes. But I did like the fact that being so far back we had a good view of the bounty hunters when they were in the middle of the audience, as well as full view of the screens on the sides of the stage and the walls for the theater. 

All of the actors were wonderful, although I did have problems understanding Jasmine Forsberg at the beginning. On one hand, I would have liked to have seen more of Brad Oscar, but on the other, I  both his songs were not my favorites.  

Before the show, my sister and I were discussing how some composers always sound like themselves, so I was pretty pleased that this show did not sound exactly like "Be More Chill", and had a nice, almost 70's feel to it.  I think some of the songs, especially the duet between Annie and Lazarus and Annie's big Act 2 number went on a bit long.  

As stated, there are a bunch of inside jokes, most of which the audience seemed to get.  I liked the decorations in Annie's apartment, and as someone else stated, the use of the Assassins' sweatshirt.  The projections were pretty good and for the most part used well.

Oh, and the air-conditioning was doing quite well today even in this heat.

I have a question for those who saw Anne Nathan in the role.  Do they still use Annie Golden as the character's name? Do they change any of the references to the shows that Annie did vs what Anne did?

[JBroadway]

Posted: 7/28/19 at 8:53pm

scarlet721 said: "

I have a question for those who saw Anne Nathan in the role. Do they still use Annie Golden as the character's name? Do they change any of the references to the shows that Annie did vs what Anne did?"

 

They use Anne L. Nathan as the character name (which luckily scans the same as Annie Golden). And they change all of the show references. In the car they listen to Once, and when she comes into the dojo she is wearing a Thoroughly Modern Millie sweatshirt. 

 

[scarlet721]

Posted: 7/28/19 at 9:06pm

JBroadway said: "scarlet721 said: "

I have a question for those who saw Anne Nathan in the role. Do they still use Annie Golden as the character's name? Do they change any of the references to the shows that Annie did vs what Anne did?"



They use Anne L. Nathan as the character name (which luckily scans the same as Annie Golden). And they change all of the show references. In the car they listen to Once, and when she comes into the dojo she is wearing a Thoroughly Modern Millie sweatshirt.

"

Thanks!

[ggersten]

Posted: 8/2/19 at 12:07am

Alessio2 said: "I know this is a long shot, but I will be in New York in November and really hoping for an extension:)"

Your hopes are shot. Closes August 18.

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/2/19 at 12:47am

Gosh - NOT a good summer for Iconis.  I figured BH would have a decent run - thinking fans of BMC would scamper to see this.