The idea of Timbers directing throw me a bit. Not because I'm not a fan - I am very much so - but the style of humour seems so different. Wonder how that came about.
I'm sick of Timbers' style. He never does anything different-I can tell he's the director (it's become a little like Doyle was for awhile-you knew what was going to happen). Corden is a fine choice. (I am not a big fan of this show as it is, but I'm not sure I'll be any more interested if Timbers directs. Bloody Bloody was exciting, I detested Rocky, and Here Lies Love has its moments. But overall I find his style highly predictable.)
It does seem a bit odd for Timbers to now be attached, especially since Roundabout had shown interest in bringing in the all-male production from Williamstown. But whether it's that production or a new one I agree with those who think James Corden is an excellent choice.
I'm sick of Timbers' style. He never does anything different
That is, simply put, moronic. The directing styles for Rocky and Peter and the Starcatcher are completely different Bloody Bloody (which I hated) was also very different.
I can tell he's the director (it's become a little like Doyle was for awhile-you knew what was going to happen)
And how is this different than any other director? I can tell a Des McAnuff, Rob Ashford, Kathleen Marshall, Susan Stroman, or Jack O'Brien show a mile away. They all have pretty signature styles and techniques they use over and over again. I actually think Timbers is one of the few who DOESN'T rely on the same tricks every time he directs.
I am NOT a fan. Calling me moronic does not make you look more intelligent. I could sure tell in Rocky it was the same person who'd done "Bloody Bloody" and "Peter and the Starcatcher" (particularly "Bloody Bloody"-the frenetic movement and the design elements are very similar.)
The only things of his I liked as pieces anyway were Peter and Bloody Bloody.
I can't ALWAYS tell a McAnuff, actually.
I think I'm just a little frustrated that no director ever tries a different style-and I think Timbers is overrated and all wrong. (But he's the "Flavor of the Moment".)
I think Timbers is one of the few directors currently working who is genuinely able to consistently surprise and innovate- even in his misses like Love's Labour's Lost.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Well then your eye can't be too sharp, can it? McAnuff is probably the MOST recognizable. Jersey Boys, Farnsworth Invention, Guys and Dolls, and Jesus Christ Superstar all had the exact same aesthetic. And yet you think there are glaring similarities in Timbers' completely different approaches to the aforementioned shows? Hilarious.
A revival of a old-fashioned musical comedy like Forum would be an excellent challenge for Timbers to demonstrate his skill, too - given that he has only directed new works in NYC. His most indulgent flourishes were in Bloody Bloody or Love's Labour's, which he also co-wrote.
But Rocky, Starcatcher, and Here Lies Love are extremely dissimilar, from each other and the aforementioned two other shows.
And there was also Pee Wee's Playhouse, which was its own thing.
I think Timbers has proven that he create a theatrical experience unique to what the piece needs.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Much as I love Sondheim typically, this is probably my least favorite musical of his. I never got the love for it aside from "Comedy Tonight".
It would be lovely if they could find a way to make it less about the objectification of women (through Philia) and the annoying wife stereotype. I mean part of why I detest this musical so much is it feels OLD and sexist.