BE MORE CHILL (Off-Bway) Reviews

[LimelightMike]

[thealtoslament]

amNY is not quite an unqualified rave, but very positive. Lots of praise for the score and performances, less enthusiastic about the book. 3.5/4 stars. https://www.amny.com/entertainment/be-more-chill-review-1.20383425

WSJ is also very positive, with a prediction that this will inevitably transfer and hit it big on Broadway (the review is the last paragraph of this article). http://archive.is/EIJiz

I was really looking forward to seeing this last Sunday, but I came down with a bout of food poisoning and couldn't make it. My friend took my ticket and greatly enjoyed herself.

[thealtoslament]

A rave from Variety. https://variety.com/2018/legit/reviews/be-more-chill-review-musical-1202898000/

Hollywood Reporter is positive overall but notes that the show isn't for everyone. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/be-more-chill-theater-review-1132891

[bwayboy22]

The NYT is mixed (with some positive aspects?): "...this production not only addresses but also embodies the exhaustingly excitable metabolism of its target audience. As a consequence, what’s happening onstage feels like a closed-circuit communion between young adults and performers portraying young adults. It’s a show that might have been assembled in the bedroom of one of its unhappy characters and then streamed to the world via YouTube." https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/theater/be-more-chill-review.html

[Clyde15]

Wow these reviews were the exact opposite of what I was expecting them to be. Congrats to Be More Chill! I do wonder if the producers are now looking into a Broadway transfer due to such positive reviews. I mean clearly the show needs a more work. It will definitely be interesting to see what’s in store for the future with this show

[CurtainPullDowner]

That TIMES review is pretty bad.

 

[bk]

Did Variety hire a teen to write that review?  And not an especially bright teen?

[SomethingPeculiar]

Brantley's review is pretty bad, because he basically dismisses the premise/tone of the show: the things that make this show what it is. I feel like most of the things he's criticizing are unlikely to change, unless the show gets overhauled (which could disappoint the audience that already loves it).

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

“It may be helpful to think of this bounding, exhaustingly enthusiastic puppy of a show as the theatrical equivalent of one of those high-pitched dog whistles that only those under 25 can hear.”

LOL.

[JaglinSays]

Teachout is an idiot. He thought Finn’s Royal Family of Broafway was headed straight for Bway. And it was DOA.

[LightsOut90]

man that times review is BAD.

[MarkBearSF]

A number of reviews and comments mentioned the volume of the show. We've got tickets for Row A. Has anyone here been that close to the stage? Occasionally, seats that close can actually be quieter than those a few rows back, which are more in range of the speakers. I'm wondering if we should bring earplugs (we're OLD) and I would hope that the actors wouldn't be insulted (in the front row center, I know we'll be visible)

[rosscoe(au)]

That times review killed any chance of a transfer 

[qolbinau]

I’m going to go out on a limb and predict the show will transfer. If people can convince investors that Scandalous, Leap of Faith, or Holler if you hear me can make a $$$ then you’d have to be a pretty bad salesman not to convince people that Be More Chill could be a hit. The online streaming figures speak for themselves.

Even if this show is better suited for a longer off-broadway run, there will be hubris and everyone involved will want their Broadway credits.

[JBC3]

Brantley reads equal parts cranky old man and legitimate theatre critic. People will be able to infer from it whether or not the show appeals to them.

[Alex Kulak2]

Brantley's review doesn't sound that bad. It sounds like he sees that there's things to like in the show, but it's just not for him.

[MVintheheartland]

JBC3 said: "Brantley reads equal parts cranky old man and legitimate theatre critic. People will be able to infer from it whether or not the show appeals to them."

 

Well, as an official senior citizen, I think the show sounds great (from listening to cast music on iTunes and the videos posted). I personally love shows where the young people in attendance are totally pumped. Had a great time at "Mean Girls" 2 weeks ago, loved sharing the experience with the teens and 20 somethings in the audience.  Tried to get a single ticket for "Be More Chill" when I was there, haha that didn't happen. 

I think it will find an audience when transferring to Broadway, as teen fans drag their friends, their parents, and see it repeatedly. The Times review just seemed to say, "Cranky old folks beware" but fun for everybody else. Everything doesn't have to be Death of a Salesman, Brantley. 

MVintheheartland

 

[Dkinny23]

MarkBearSF said: "

A number of reviews and comments mentioned the volume of the show. We've got tickets for Row A. Has anyone here been that close to the stage? Occasionally, seats that close can actually be quieter than those a few rows back, which are more in range of the speakers. I'm wondering if we should bring earplugs (we're OLD) and I would hope that the actors wouldn't be insulted (in the front row center, I know we'll be visible)"

Hi, yes I was row A and the sound was perfect. I was also nervous when I heard it was loud cause I have hearing problems and sensitivities to loud musics, but I was not bothered at all by the volume. I actually thought it was appropriately loud and no different than any other show. After intermission, I switched to a seat 3 rows back (more in the middle and was empty the whole first act) and again, didn’t notice any change in the volume of the songs.

[MarkBearSF]

Dkinny23 said: "Hi, yes I was row A and the sound was perfect...."

Great. Thank you!
Did you take your poster home?  We've got no use for one. I was thinking of surprising a couple of people in line for the stage door with ours'.

[Miles2Go2]

New review:

https://www.zealnyc.com/could-be-more-chill-be-more-shrill/

 

[Dkinny23]

MarkBearSF said: "Dkinny23 said: "Hi, yes I was row A and the sound was perfect...."

Great. Thank you!
Did you take your poster home? We've got no use for one. I was thinking of surprising a couple of people in line for the stage door with ours'."

I did not get a poster :/ so no, just went for the thrill of the show and was thoroughly imprsssed :)

[greenifyme2]

I also have no use for it so I gave my poster to a random girl who asked us to take a picture of her with her friends. Turns out it was her birthday. She was pretty excited so that was really cute.