The mega hits are always the exception, if you're just going by sheer numbers of Broadway openings/closings.
But of the megahits still running, Mamma Mia, Phantom, and Wicked all received adequate, mixed-positive (B-grade) reviews- Phantom and Wicked receiving fairly negative, dismissive ones from the Times. Rocky's reception follows some of the critical patterns. (My information is coming largely from Stagegrade.com, which I find to be the best source of collected original reviews for productions).
I don't know if Rocky will become a "mega hit." I would guess probably not, simply because the odds of anything becoming a mega hit are low. But there are too many factors involved that require time to fully determine.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
"How many shows have been critically snubbed to become mega hits as opposed to those that closed as flops?"
Mama Mia for sure The original Pippin got terrible reviews Mary Poppins didn't too well here in the States with the papers Jeckyl & Hyde ran 1,500 perfs Did The Wiz get good reviews? It shouldn't have Aida Beauty & The Beast was not a critics darling The Magic Show lasted close to 2,000 perfs
Just got home from a long weekend in NYC. My wife and I caught the last preview of Rocky and the Sat. preview of Bullets. She HATES boxing. That was a tough sell for me because I wanted to see it. We are both big Woody Allen fans.
Her reaction was interesting. We both thought Bullets was pretty good, especially Yorke who, to me, made the first act go. But she loved Rocky and was not terribly enthusiastic about the final scene. The charm of the story really got to her and we both thought Andy Karl was fantastic.
My wife is never on this site. I'm the semi-fanatic in our family but SHE was the one most upset about Brantley's review when we saw it on Friday. I'm use to his nonsense but she seemed to take the review personally. She was very upset.
Just based on her reaction, I think Rocky will end up okay.
Butters, go buy World of Warcraft, install it on your computer, and join the online sensation before we all murder you.
--Cartman: South Park
ATTENTION FANS: I will be played by James Barbour in the upcoming musical, "BroadwayWorld: The Musical."
I saw the show again last Wednesday - interesting to see how much they cut but the show was still fun. Philly Pie was a lot of fun - they should have left that in! I had Row A Seat 2 which was a fine aisle seat which lets you see how grand the sets really are. It was scary at times! But no one got hurt both times I saw it.
It's fine where it is, it doesn't need to move to Florida.
This is by far my favorite new Broadway musical of the season. (Fun Home and Heathers dont count haha). I just feel it is such an innovation in theatre, and very entertaining at the same time.
As far as Rocky being @ a themepark, you could say the same about any Disney musical (including Aladdin) except Lion King.
Someone here mentioned Heathers. Saw it yesterday and it was beyond juvenile. The jokes and sexual hijinx were old and lame when I heard them in a schoolyard when I was a kid
The singers were trying to outdo the other by yelling their songs out. To think that Brantley liked this is mindboggling. We almost left at intermission. It was a colossal waste of time. Thank god tickets were comped as were, I believe most of those in the orchestra.
Roxy - When I saw BEAUTY BEAST, I felt it was a glorified Disney theme park show. But, it's Disney, so I knew what I was getting into. ROCKY just oozed with crass commercialism. The audience who gave lackluster applause at each song in Act One ended cheering at scenes such as the run up the museum steps and the final fight.
Why not just dispense with the songs altogether?
At least PRISCILLA and MAMMA MIA capitalized on their movie reputation with a little dignity.
I kept thinking how could anyone put this book and score on a Broadway stage?
Sorry if my opinion is not popular with some others here. I don't post here often, but I've been a member for almost 10 years. After witnessing what was on the stage of the Winter Garden, I felt compelled to post.
No need to apologize, sondheimfan. You're far from alone. IMO, the show is abysmal. Pure unadulterated crap. Universal Studios and Florida are too good for it.
It could mean you and its detractors are the ones with horrible taste.
At first, I thought a musical Rocky was comical. I admit they proved me wrong and it is really enjoyable. If that means I have horrible taste, so be it. I confess and admit I am guilty .