Ain't Too Proud the next Jersey Boys?

[msac0904]

Posted: 2/23/19 at 11:46pm

With this show starting next week I was wondering if anyone can see this being similar to Jersey Boys in that it will be telling a story about a very popular and historic group of musicians with some great music. I can see this being really entertaining and popular if the acting is strong. I heard Smokey Robinson was happy with the story. I just see this having a nice run and outperforming th The Cher Show. Looking forward to seeing this one.

[Sho-Tunes-R-Us]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 12:03am

The original pre-Broadway staging at Berkeley Rep was VERY Jersey Boys.  Des McAnuff directed both pieces and the staging/production design mimicked JB considerably.  The book was close to JB as well, but constructed very piecemeal by comparison.  The musical numbers and the performers shown very brightly throughout.  Audiences of a certain age should eat it up.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 12:15am

I sure hope it doesn’t out perform the Cher show. Friends in Toronto went to see it and weren’t too impressed they thought it was more a Jersey boys lite. And a been there done that type of show

[Sho-Tunes-R-Us]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 12:21am

Theatrefanboy1 said: "I sure hope it doesn’t out perform the Cher show. Friends in Toronto went to see it and weren’t too impressed they thought it was more a Jersey boys lite. And a been there done that type of show"

I tend to agree with your assessment, but think it will have a healthy run.  Out-of-towners will love it and locals will probably tolerate it because of the Motown catalog and the [possible] star-making turn from one of the actors.  Can't speculate how The Cher Show will stand up to it box office-wise.

[msac0904]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 10:18am

Thanks for the input. Hoping to hear good things once it opens or at least that it's not really bad

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 10:34am

"I tend to agree with your assessment, but think it will have a healthy run.  Out-of-towners will love it and locals will probably tolerate it because of the Motown catalog and the [possible] star-making turn from one of the actor."

I am personally sick of every pop star basically having a Broadway show but agree with you on this show for the reasons you stated.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 11:47am

I give it a year. It's a crowded season and this doesn't have much press or momentum.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 11:57am

I give it less than a year. Saw it in DC and it could not have been blander. 

Booking the Imperial wasn't the best move either. The show isn't that big. 

[SomethingPeculiar]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 1:28pm

Can it cut through the competition? That remains to be seen. The buzz has been very strong out of town, but buzz does not always equal sales. It could end up like Summer or A Night With Janis Joplin...or it could end up like Beautiful.

It will be interesting to see how Cher does in the longterm, too (and if Cher herself is willing to stump for it). It was at $934,596 / 62% last week, which is ok but there's a lot of room for growth.

Right now, Ain't Too Proud looks like it could get a bunch of Tony nominations but maybe not any wins. On the other hand, Cher might only get a few noms (and not Best Musical), but it could very well win Actress and Costumes. 

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Posted: 2/24/19 at 4:41pm

I disagree with the opinion of the poster above who saw it in DC and thought it bland. I also saw it in DC and thought it to be incredibly entertaining. The music was, of course, great as was the choreography. And it broke box office records at the Eisenhower Theater. But one’s opinion is one’s opinion. 

[msac0904]

Posted: 2/25/19 at 12:02am

RaisedOnMusicals said: "I disagree with the opinion of the poster above who saw it in DC and thought it bland. I also saw it in DC and thought it to be incredibly entertaining. The music was, of course, great as was the choreography. And it broke box office records at the Eisenhower Theater. But one’s opinion is one’s opinion."

I'm glad to hear that. I was surprised and disappointed when I read that initial review from the DC show. With the music alone I definitely can't see this being bland but of course opinions will vary. Thanks for the feedback. 

 

[jmuep]

Posted: 2/25/19 at 2:15am

I saw it in Los Angeles and thought it was probably the worst thing I’ve seen in the last five years  it made SUMMER look like Shaw.  I would never call it bland though. It was offensively bad.  Bland would’ve been an upgrade.

which probably means it will be a hit  

 

 

 

msac0904 said: "RaisedOnMusicals said: "I disagree with the opinion of the poster above who saw it in DC and thought it bland. I also saw it in DC and thought it to be incredibly entertaining. The music was, of course, great as was the choreography. And it broke box office records at the Eisenhower Theater. But one’s opinion is one’s opinion."

I'm glad to hear that. I was surprised and disappointed when I read that initial review from the DC show. With the music alone I definitely can't see this being bland but of course opinions will vary. Thanks for the feedback.

"

 

[msac0904]

Posted: 2/25/19 at 11:41pm

Just got a nice pair they must have released for Sat night. I hope it's as good as I'm expecting. Thanks for anyone who has posted feedback.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 2/26/19 at 6:46am

Saw it in LA and was throughly impressed with the production, the book, the performances and of course the songs.

This has the makings of a huge heartfelt hit

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 2/26/19 at 10:56pm

VernonGersch said: "Saw it in LA and was throughly impressed with the production, the book, the performances and of course the songs.

This has the makings of a huge heartfelt hit"

^ I saw the shown in DC. It was boring and bland. Sure, it could be a hit on broadway for all the wrong reasons. Pure jukebox crap.

 

Updated On: 2/26/19 at 10:56 PM

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 2/27/19 at 8:26am

South Fl Marc said: "VernonGersch said: "Saw it in LA and was throughly impressed with the production, the book, the performances and of course the songs.

This has the makings of a huge heartfelt hit"

^ I saw the shown in DC. It was boring and bland. Sure, it could be a hit on broadway for all the wrong reasons. Pure jukebox crap.

"

You understand people have different opinions correct? You're stating it as fact, and it seems like you're correcting him. You don't seem to like jukebox musicals so I'm not sure why you would even see this then 

[theaterdude2]

Posted: 2/28/19 at 10:53am

I'm very surprised to read anything positive on here of this show. After hearing positive word of mouth and reading excellent reviews from the pre-broadway engagement, I was so excited to see the show. Even if it's a jukebox musical, if it's done well and has great performances, chances are I will love it. 

Well, this had to be one of the worst shows I've ever seen. We were in the fifth row center, ready to be wowed, but instead all we got was something that felt like a live wikipedia page. A narrator reading some info about the group. Then you see it acted out on stage. This happened, then that happened. Supporting characters come out of nowhere, and you just don't care about any of them, despite the fact that they are in some serious situations. 

I would be very surprised if Broadway critics embrace this but tourists and bridge and tunnel audiences may not care. The people around us were applauding after every number like they were at a concert. It was enough for them.

[LuPita2]

Posted: 2/28/19 at 5:26pm

You understand people have different opinions correct? You're stating it as fact, and it seems like you're correcting him.

Do YOU understand people have different opinions?  Because every single poster can write down whatever opinion they want and press "post message".  You don't get to monitor how opinions are expressed.

I am stating this as my truth: It was GARBAGE. Have a good day!

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 2/28/19 at 5:37pm

Not sure why this show is bringing out such staunch defenses from people who haven’t seen it...

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/28/19 at 5:41pm

I am personally sick of every pop star basically having a Broadway show but agree with you on this show for the reasons you stated.

Because there are only about a dozen pop stars?

[LuPita2]

Posted: 3/1/19 at 12:34am

BroadwayNYC2 said: "Not sure why this show is bringing out such staunch defenses from people who haven’t seen it..."

Except we did see it....in Berkeley or DC or Los Angeles or Toronto.  Lots and lots of opportunities to see it and it barely changed (see the terrible reviews it got tonight).  People are sharing their experiences over the last 18 months of seeing this in four different places. We all saw it somewhere!

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 3/1/19 at 8:34am

Oh trust me, I agree (I saw it in DC). For some reason, this show has brought out more “give it a chance!!” responses, when 3 cities already have.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/1/19 at 8:38am

I saw this last night, and I already said this in the first preview thread, but I just do not understand how this show has had four long out of town tryouts and is still so bad. If I hadn't known better, I would have assumed that the show was opening cold on Broadway. One thing is for sure though, Jersey Boys this ain't!

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Posted: 3/1/19 at 10:18am

bwayphreak234 said: "I saw this last night, andI already said this in the first preview thread, but I just do not understand how this show has had four long out of town tryouts and is still so bad. If I hadn't known better, I would have assumed that the show was opening cold on Broadway. One thing is for sure though, Jersey Boys this ain't!"

It's been pretty clear for a while that you don't think much of this show which is fine. No criticism intended. But what about the show seems to make it so appealing to audiences. The show has broken box office records everywhere it's played. And the reviews haven't been that bad either. (The one I'm thinking of was Peter Marks in the WAPO). And here's a quote from the LA Times review:

The show, which opened Friday at the Ahmanson Theatre under the propulsive direction of Des McAnuff, is better at conveying the band’s story through the music than through Dominique Morisseau’s book. The narrative is loose and conventional, but nothing can get in the way of the production’s vibrancy when the actors are grooving at full tilt.

I'm not expecting very good reviews in NY where the critics are pretty much done with jukebox musicals. But something about the show seems to resonate in a positive way.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/1/19 at 10:47am

RaisedOnMusicals said: "I'm not expecting very good reviews in NY where the critics are pretty much done with jukebox musicals. But something about the show seems to resonate in a positive way."

I think what resonates with most people is the music. And there’s no denying that the talented cast does the music justice. For some people, having their favorite songs performed is enough for them, which is absolutely fine. For me, I just expect more than just some good tunes. Maybe if I was more into the music in Ain’t Too Proud, it would have been easier for me to overlook the problems. I don’t dislike the music by any means, but it is not music I listen to regularly.