THE BOYS IN THE BAND Reviews

[LimelightMike]

Happy first opening of the 2018-19 Season!

[uncageg]

I thought it opened last night. Walked past there yesterday late afternoon and there was security along with a step and repeat on the alley side. Maybe it was a special performance of some kind. I was confused as today was listed as the opening.

Edit: Just saw that it was the 50th anniversary celebration last night!

[haterobics]

uncageg said: "I thought it opened last night. Walked past there yesterday late afternoon and there was security along with a step and repeat on the alley side. Maybe it was a special performance of some kind. I was confused as today was listed as the opening.

Edit: Just saw that it was the 50th anniversary celebration last night!"

The whole show is occurring because of the 50th anniversary. They had the party last night, and the actual opening is tonight. So I guess tonight is just a normal show, only reviewers can publish their reviews...

[uncageg]

haterobics said: "uncageg said: "I thought it opened last night. Walked past there yesterday late afternoon and there was security along with a step and repeat on the alley side. Maybe it was a special performance of some kind. I was confused as today was listed as the opening.

Edit: Just saw that it was the 50th anniversary celebration last night!"

The whole show is occurring because ofthe 50th anniversary. They had the party last night, and the actual opening is tonight. So I guess tonight is just a normal show, only reviewers can publish their reviews..."

 

Yes, I am aware of all that. Just had the date mixed up because of what i saw when I walked past yesterday.

 

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

I'm expecting all positive reviews. Thought this was a fabulous production.

[NYadgal]

I'm eager to read them.

And to see this.

[vanbrig]

Just curious, since I'm relatively new to following Broadway things and not sure how it works when they have a bigger event before opening night: Did they have "opening night" playbills for last night's performance or tonight's? Or were they at neither?

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Here is a list of all the reviews so far...
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Review-Roundup-Critics-Weigh-In-on-THE-BOYS-IN-THE-BAND-on-Broadway-20180531

[haterobics]

NYT sort of mixed, but loves Robin:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/31/theater/the-boys-in-the-band-review-jim-parsons-zachary-quinto.html?smid=tw-nyttheater&smtyp=cur

[Robbie2]

haterobics said: "NYT sort of mixed, but lovesRobin:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/31/theater/the-boys-in-the-band-review-jim-parsons-zachary-quinto.html?smid=tw-nyttheater&smtyp=cur"

There is one superlative performance, however, that provides the show with its most genuinely moving moments. That comes from Mr. de Jesús, whose unapologetically nelly Emory slowly displays an innate dignity beneath the flippancy and frivolity.

 

[Miles2Go2]

Here’s a link to all the reviews:

http://www.playbill.com/article/read-reviews-for-broadways-the-boys-in-the-band-with-jim-parsons-zachary-quinto-matt-bomer-and-andrew-rannells

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

I guess if we want to be kind we can call Ben Brantley’s review “mixed.” But if you know anything about subtext, he clearly hated it except for De Jesus.

[LesWickedly]

ray-andallthatjazz86 said: "I guess if we want to be kind we can call Jesse Green’s review “mixed.” But if you know anything about subtext, he clearly hated it except for De Jesus."

You mean Ben Brantley. 

[SDV]

No opening night Playbills tonight. Other than Ryan Murphy hovering in the back, there was nothing to indicate it was opening night at all.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

LesWickedly said: "ray-andallthatjazz86 said: "I guess if we want to be kind we can call Jesse Green’s review “mixed.” But if you know anything about subtext, he clearly hated it except for De Jesus."

You mean Ben Brantley."

You are correct. I got the names mixed up after reading Jesse Green’s review for JAGGED LITTLE PILL right after. I’ll edit my original post.

[Miles2Go2]

Well, I am too tired to read all the reviews completely, but I did peruse them. Luckily, it appears that most other critics (with possible exception of Deadline) liked the production more than NYT did. Seeing it June 23. Looking forward to it.

[vanbrig]

SDV said: "No opening night Playbills tonight. Other than Ryan Murphy hovering in the back, there was nothing to indicate it was opening night at all."

Interesting, thanks for the info. I wonder if they gave out special ones yesterday?

[A Director]

Ben Brantely's review is catty and nasty.  Does the play hit too close to his home?

This is the most perceptive review. https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-boys-in-the-band-is-perfectly-lost-in-lgbt-time?source=articles&via=rss

[RippedMan]

Bought a stubhub ticket on a whim for $100 so i'm excited! 

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

thanks Jeffrey for posting this particular review...i am so very excited that i get to see this landmark production June 15th...

[Andy51]

A Director said: "Ben Brantely's review is catty and nasty. Does the play hit too close to his home?

This is the most perceptive review.https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-boys-in-the-band-is-perfectly-lost-in-lgbt-time?source=articles&via=rss"

Yeah, while I have a lot of respect for Brantley and often find insight even where I disagree with him, I sensed that something was impairing his judgment with this one.

[SLT17]

"Here goes", Ben.  "You are a homosexual and you don't want to be." 

Note that Ben Brantley's review is the ONLY negative one for this pretty flawless revival and he's bee so off the mark over the past few year its hard to take anything he writes seriously anymore, IMHO.

 

[holdyourbatboy]

Agreed - almost all of the reviews were glowing and Brantley was the odd man out this time.  

Chris Jones (one of my favorite critics) was so on target.  The revival was funny, moving - and it felt like an EVENT.  It was the most fun I've had at the theater in a long time, and tbh I had no idea what to expect.  

[green waver]

Well, I've read and reread Brantley's review. He seems dismayed that the play no longer has the capacity to disturb and shock an audience, and that all that's  left is a glorified sitcom, however expertly performed. IMO, he's suffering from a case of unrealistically high expectations. My family, who knew nothing about BITB or its place in theater history, found it absorbing and hilarious. I do agree with him that Parsons was out of his element as Michael, but that might be MY expectations after seeing Kenneth Nelson own the role in the film. It's hard to see famous works with fresh eyes.

[JayElle]

Loved the show and cast but ,hated the cigarette smoking.  Even herbal cigarettes are problematic for those with breathing or allergy issues.  There was no advance warning.