I was lucky enough to attend the launch last night in Nashville, and wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts. I admire how hard Arden has tried to make the switch to proscenium, but it will never be as magical as it was in the round. The show is still great dont get me wrong, but with the onstage seating a lot of the show feels somewhat cluttered. The performances are still strong with Tamyra Gray and Phillip Boykin continuing the amazing work they did on Broadway. Courtnee Carter as Ti Moune is just astounding. Her voice is out of this world. The biggest let down for me was Kyle Ramer Freeman as Asaka. Hes very talented, but he just couldnt sing Mama Will Provide the way it is meant to be sung. Alex Newell is one in a million, and if you cant find another man to sing it with the same astounding vocals, why not just cast a woman? Overall the show is still a lot of fun and it still brought me to tears, even though its not in the round, its still Once on this Island and its still beautiful.
Hopefully catching it next week in Dayton from stage seats!
Caught the show again tonight, this time in Dayton. It’s still in great shape and the cast is just getting stronger! I was seated onstage tonight and it was a lot of fun! However it’s padded bleacher seating, and it’s a bit snug and without back support for 90 minutes I was a bit stiff afterward. It’s a cool experience and definitely worth the $25 they charged for it here, but I can’t see myself doing it more than once, and I wouldn’t recommend it for a first time viewing, as you could miss things depending on where you are sitting. I would recommend sitting on the stage right side if you have a choice. I got there early enough that I got to choose, and having seen it before, I was right that that would have the best views.
How does Kyle sing it? Is the song still in the original key, or do they lower it for him? Or does he just riff down from the high notes? Also, I know McKynleigh Abraham is a Papa Ge understudy but is there also a male understudy for the role? Who understudies Asaka?
gleek4114 said: "Caught the show again tonight, this time in Dayton. It’s still in great shape and the cast is just getting stronger! I was seated onstage tonight and it was a lot of fun! However it’s padded bleacher seating, and it’s a bit snug and without back support for 90 minutes I was a bit stiff afterward. It’s a cool experience and definitely worth the $25 they charged for it here, but I can’t see myself doing it more than once, and I wouldn’t recommend it for a first time viewing, as you could miss things depending on where you are sitting. I would recommend sitting on the stage right side if you have a choice. I got there early enough that I got to choose, and having seen it before, I was right that that would have the best views."
I have On Stage seats this upcoming Sunday evening (which I paid $30 and not $25 for, hmmm... LOL!). Unfortunately, my friend pooped out on me and never bought his tickets and has decided not to go and now I'm having trouble deciding if I want to make the three hour drive by myself or not. I LOVED the show on Broadway and would like to see it again, but I am a rather large guy with lower back problems and your description of "a bit snug" and the backless bleachers have me worried. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
I’m bigger as well (and I also have lower back problems) and while I was stiff after, I’m fine today (I was fine last night after the effect wore off). I think it’s worth it, it’s an experience like no other.
gleek4114 said: "I’m bigger as well (and I also have lower back problems) and while I was stiff after, I’m fine today (I was fine last night after the effect wore off). I think it’s worth it, it’s an experience like no other."
joined:5/24/13
joined:
5/24/13
Posted: 10/16/19 at 11:50am