It was the single most depressing experience I have ever had watching a musical. It was the nadir of the American Musical Theater. I honestly thought, "This is it. There will never be a musical again."
What is there to discuss? It was pretty gawd-awful. I've never seen it done or HEARD about it being done. (Although I'm sure some have attempted it.)
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
I was taking a course in musical theater from Lee Adams during the previews and opening. Rarely have I ever seen a human being in such obvious pain, even though he almost never talked about the show in class.
Adams was such a kind soul that I couldn't bear to see the production that was causing such misery. Thus far, nobody has suggested I missed anything.
The new Encores summer series that was started 5 years ago, ran for 3 summers presenting mainstream shows (Gypsy, Damn Yankees, The Wiz), and then fell apart? That new Encores summer series?
Is Strouse's score any good? Adams has never been much of a lyricist.