Rachel Bay Jones to Lead NEXT TO NORMAL at the Kennedy Center- Page 4

[Pashacar]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 2:11pm

Owen22 said: "The David Cromer Chicago Writers Theater production was exquisite and an improvement on the Michael Greif Broadway production."

Having seen both, I 100% agree. If any production gets a subsequent life it should be that one. Especially since this one sounds like it’s been taken out of the freezer and microwaved — some hot spots, and a few stale ones.

[binau]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 2:18pm

If there is another life for the Kennedy Center production, I'd hope it could run somewhere in London for a bit? The show still has not been shown there and they are actively blocking releasing the rights on MTI (the rumour is they have been holding out for someone to mount a west end production, but they've had no buyer because it isn't seen as something that money can be made with in the region - a bit of a stale mate at the moment). 

Updated On: 2/2/20 at 02:18 PM

[binau]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 2:21pm

...

[LostinTranslation]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 4:05pm

My understanding is that this is the Kennedy Center’s version of Encores, and as such should be viewed in that context. These aren’t productions that have the benefit of extended rehearsals and tech time. They are off book, but let’s not judge these performances with the same gauge as one would hold for a full on production. It’s simply disproportionate to the offering.

[persephone88]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 7:58pm

Saw this today, and thought it was a very strong production. Rachel Bay Jones is very very good,and I really loved Brandon Victor Dixon's Dan. He had a beautiful voice and I thought he gave a moving performance. Khamary Rose has incredible pipes as well. I liked Ben Levi Ross's Henry a lot also - wish I'd seen his take on Evan Hansen. This production could easily transfer to the West End. I was impressed with the performances, esp given the super short rehearsal period. This is a fully realized show, nothing scaled down that I could see. See it if you can!

[LuPita2]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 9:41pm

I never would have thought of Brandon for Dan, but per these reports, he did a beautiful job. 

[LLW2]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 10:50pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C7cQ6Oz6qM

It really was a "tear-drenched treat," as another poster promised.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 11:19pm

I'm not good with reviews anymore, so I wish I can be more detailed. All I can say is that this production (and the show) was absolutely thrilling and it's in perfect shape for a Broadway transfer. Everyone was excellent, but Rachel Bay Jones and Brandon Dixon Jones were the highlights. They were so memorizing and as great as they sound as Diane and Dan!

[ggersten]

Posted: 2/3/20 at 1:07am

I have a vicarious review from daughter who was at Sunday's matinee.  She saw Alice Ripley in Los Angeles ten years ago - and the passage of time kind of freaked her out.  Anyways....

She said RBJ had some early vocal issues - and coughing - but her acting quickly overcame those issues and RBJ sounded great after the start. She said RBJ really nailed "I Miss The Mountains" and "Didn't I See This Movie". She said the people behind her were sobbing at the end of Act I.  Also, the line about the Senate being a disaster got applause - again. She thought Brandon Dixon was incredible. She liked Maia, but thought the actor playing The Doctor was just okay - but that it's not easy to make that role stand out too much. She thought the actors playing Gabe and Henry were good - but not special. She said the lighting was more than excellent. There were lots of tears at the end of the show. As she was leaving, she heard a woman say "Good - Very Good for an Afternoon Cry".  It was complete happenstance that my daughter was in DC - but she's very glad she got the opportunity to see this production

[LetTheSunshineIn2]

Posted: 2/3/20 at 1:49am

Caught the Sunday matinee and agree with most posters that it was excellent. I was worried when Rachel Bay Jones first started to speak and sing because she sounded a little hoarse but she quickly overcame any vocal issues she was having and her acting was truly outstanding. Loved Brandon as Dan and thought Ben Levi Ross was great. The actors playing Natalie and Gabe sounded pretty good but according to their bios their stage experience is limited and up against powerhouses like Rachel
and Brandon it definitely showed.

[Rosette3]

Posted: 2/4/20 at 1:15pm

Saw the show on its last night and I was impressed by the overall production. This was my first Broadway Center Stage show and am glad I went given I was hesitant paying full price for "half a production". That was a misperception because we got what felt close to an actual production with full three tier set, multiple costume changes, live band, props etc. It seems like quite the investment for a 6 day run. I agreed with posters Rachel stole the show. Her voice did get hoarse during her belts and at times it was even a little distracting since it sounded like it hurt (but maybe not)? I wasn't sure what to expect from Khamari (Gabe) and Maia (Natalie) since they were less experienced but I thought they did pretty well being up next to Broadway veterans. I think this is one of those formats that it pays to see it later or last day of the run. When I stage doored Maia mentioned that even she could feel herself improve a lot between the first show and the last. It's impressive knowing they only had a few weeks of rehearsals. Full cast also came out to stage door. Everyone was sweet and didn't rush even though there was 30-40 people waiting, with the line extending well byond past the sanctions. I spotted Taylor Trench at stage door who stopped for a few photos with Ben Levi Ross.

Updated On: 2/4/20 at 01:15 PM

[Pashacar]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 7:22pm

I just watched the extended highlights video that was recently posted here, and........yikes. When I wasn't cringing, I was laughing.

I know N2N isn't the most subtle show, which means it's not likely to translate to video well, but this reel gives the impression of a horribly acted, and only moderately well sung production (RBJ's reported hoarseness is on full display, for one).

I can't tell how much is the video vs. the production, but it sure makes me glad I made the trip to Chicago for Cromer's instead of to DC for this one.

[InTheBathroom1]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 7:27pm

Well I don’t know what you watched but I loved the video clips I saw

[promisespromises2]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 8:36pm

Same. Rachel Bay Jones was absolutely incredible. The “hoarseness” of her voice did not distract a bit and I actually found that I loved it. I was close enough to see their faces and her acting is absolutely incredible. I will never get a seat far from the stage for any future production of hers, it was thrilling to watch.