Dave Malloy's Moby Dick at A.R.T.- Page 3

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 6:05am

I believe I heard the run is entirely sold out...so the decision to go or not is a moot point.

I think (hope) a lot of your issues with the show have much to do with how new the piece is..only 2 performances in, after all. The ART has a very short preview time, only one week...so it will be interesting to see what peogression is made before its next iteration.

Cant wait to see it Friday.

[Eboyd514]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 8:24am

dramamama611 said: "I believe I heard the run is entirely sold out...so the decision to go or not is a moot point.

I think (hope) a lot of your issues with the show have much to do with how new the piece is..only 2 performances in, after all. The ART has a very short preview time, only one week...so it will be interesting to see what peogression is made before its next iteration.

Cant wait to see it Friday."

 

you could absolutely be right. I was just expecting something different. I hope you have a great time!!! 

 

[3GamesToLove]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 8:31am

I really need to *stop* reading people's thoughts and observations as it's still a month until I see it!

 

Obviously a lot can change in that time, and I'm really interested in seeing a show at this stage of its development anyway. With a project of this ambition that adapts a book like that, the term "mess" doesn't particularly surprise me.

[theaterdarling]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 8:58am

FYI, checking the A.R.T. website this morning, there seems to be one seat left at about seven performances, some partial view, some at top price of $125 so a solo attendee could still nab something if they acted quickly.

[yellibean2]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 2:04pm

Just saw it last night. Not totally sure I've processed everything about it, but here are some thoughts. A note that I've never read the novel and honestly seeing this didn't really give me a huge desire to do so. Some spoilers ahead.

-It's LONG. The second half (parts 3 and 4) especially. I appreciated the bathroom break after the first part and the second part is mostly funny and cute "Vaudeville" stuff so that part seems to go by fast too but man, I came back from intermission ready for it to tie things up but instead it felt like a whole other show. My back hurt from sitting by the end of it. And in particular, parts 3 and 4 drag. A lot. I got the feeling that Malloy wanted you to feel as if you were reading the book since it also drags a lot, but man, it would have been so easy to cut up to two full hours of the show and still not miss out on anything. I did have an English teacher in high school who once said that her favorite thing about the novel was that by the time you see the whale you're just as excited as the crew, and I guess I got that feeling? Mostly because I kept thinking it would come sooner. For context, the show started at 7:30 and it was probably 10:45 when the damn creature "makes an appearance" (quotes very much emphasized here because in actuality, it doesn't).

-The cast was all top-notch and I expect to be hearing a lot more from them in the years to come. Standouts were Manik Choksi, who I'm glad really gets his time to shine here and Starr Busby (I loved her aria at the end of Part 2, definitely a great way to send the audience off into intermission). Also just huge props to fact that most of the cast spent all 3.5 hours on stage! I can't even fathom what doing a two show day would be like. I agree with what some other folks have said either here or on r/Broadway (can't remember, sorry) that a lot of characters have awesome introduction segments and then fizzle out, especially Queequeg and Fedallah. Speaking of Fedallah, from the reports of the first preview on r/Broadway, it seems like his monologue was different between the first and second nights, so I'm really curious to hear from others if it really is improvised or changes every night as the vibe seems to be.

-When it comes to the technical/design aspects the whole show is swoon-worthy, but I think the puppets may have been my favorite. The whales in part 2 are all literally made out of trash, which I think is both a commentary on how gross our oceans are (what with the anachronistic allusion to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in Part 1) and also a nod that while today we look back on America's history of whaling as barbaric and unsustainable, our society isn't one to judge as we aren't really treating the oceans a whole lot better.

-The audience participation was also funny (and a very real reminder of how white the audience was) but not entirely necessary, although most things in this show aren't. But maybe I'm just bitter because I really had to use the 5 minute pause to actually use the bathroom.

-To answer a bunch of questions about seating here: I really doubt anyone outside of about 4 people chosen for audience participation got wet. I don't really understand how some seats are being billed as partial view, since the arrangement with the thrust staging seems like pretty much every single seat will miss some action, but also every seat is probably a good one. I sat in row B in the front towards house right (not sure if starboard/port refer to the stage or house in this case) and I loved being so close to the action, but it would have also been cool to sit further back and literally get the bigger picture. TL;DR: Don't worry about your view being obstructed too much and definitely don't worry about getting wet, unless you'd like to be.

-The themes are super on the nose sometimes (Fedallah calls out that the team is trying to win the prize for "Best Wokeness in a Production" or something along those lines) and subtle at others. I overheard some folks on the way out saying that they thought Ahab being the only white actor represented the white man bringing the country down with him (which fits with one of the closing refrains of "The ship isn't sinking, the ship has already sunk"), and I think the fact that he at first convinces the crew that his mission is a shared one before they eventually become disenchanted and realize that it's actually a suicide mission for all of them, fits in with that interpretation.

-I think it was on r/Broadway or maybe it was here, but someone pointed out that in all of their attempted wokeness with casting, they have also cast visibly abled actors to play disabled characters (which is made very obvious a few times when the audience clearly sees Tom Nelis' fully functional second leg) and are very dismissive of mental illness, even though they could definitely use Pip as an opportunity to discuss how black folks' mental illnesses are so often fatally erased and forgotten.

All in all, I'm glad I got the chance to see it and I think it should have a long future, especially since it seems like the team has put in a lot of resources. I'm hoping that its future will include a cast recording, since I'd love to be able to hear the music again and process it some more, plus this super talented cast deserves the recognition. There were definitely times I wished it would move along faster, and to give the team the benefit of the doubt, the pacing will probably get better. Updated On: 12/5/19 at 02:04 PM

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 2:45pm

yellibean2 said: "it was probably 10:45 when the damn creature "makes an appearance" (quotes very much emphasized here because in actuality, it doesn't)."

Would you please explain, in a Spoiler box, how this is realized in the show?

 

[ren598]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 3:16pm

Saw it last night. At 3 hours and 35 minutes, it was way too long. There were some decent songs, but the story really dragged in the third act. I had trouble staying awake. Looking around, I wasn’t the only one.

[GoodThingGoing3]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 5:57pm

I saw the first preview on Tuesday night and actually REALLY enjoyed the production. For context, I have always appreciated and enjoyed Dave Malloy's work (I saw Great Comet a few times, as well as Octet) but did not really love either piece. Moby Dick was a totally different experience for me. 

I thought the first half (Parts 1 and 2) was absolutely incredible. Fantastic music, brilliant direction (I think my favorite I've seen from Chavkin) and incredible performances. At the start of intermission I honestly thought to myself, "Wow, I'm witnessing history...I'm at the first preview for what very well could be one of the great pieces of musical theatre." Then the second half happened...

I agree with the previous sentiments expressed about part 3. It felt LONG and the audience seemed to lose interest. I understand what the goal was here, but it just didn't work and felt unnecessary. It seems like all the momentum that had been built up by a brilliant first half went out the window, and part 4 never was able to really recover. I think that if some serious work is done on the second half of this show it can become a truly remarkable piece, but there is a long way to go.

In the end, this was one of my favorite things I've seen in a long while. It was long, and there were problems, but I was just amazed by what I saw in the first half.

In terms of casting Manik Choksi was so so perfect as Ishmael. He had the audience in the palm of his hands and was an excellent "leader" throughout the production. I also really enjoyed Kalyn West as Stubb. She was really fantastic all around - funny, committed, and had some great moments. Very entertaining character as well. I had no idea she had that voice after seeing her in a smallish role in The Prom! Tom Nelis was fine, but I agree with the previous poster who said that the part is kind of underwritten. More depth, which we see a bit of in his conversation with Starbuck towards the end of part 4, would have been nice. Speaking of, Starr Busby sounded so so good in the part 2 closer.

Also, I LOVED the Fedallah monologue in Part 2. Definitely a highlight for me

So, long story short, some brilliant brilliant stuff, but needs some work. I'd love to get back towards the end of the run and see what changes are made!

[yellibean2]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 7:28pm

Lot666 said: "yellibean2 said: "it was probably 10:45 when the damn creature "makes an appearance" (quotes very much emphasized here because in actuality, it doesn't)."

Would you please explain, in a Spoiler box, how this is realized in the show?

"

I'm feeling kind of dim right now because I really can't figure out how to put in a spoiler box. I've mostly posted on this board like 10 years ago and I don't think that was an option then. I'll just put it below after the dots

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You don't actually see Moby-Dick, it's just represented by bright white lights from the holes behind the stage and a loud noise, like a ship's horn.

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[willep]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 11:55pm

Just got back from seeing it tonight, and overall I absolutely loved it.

Some quick thoughts: Part one had some nice songs, but I didn’t really feel invested until Part Two.

The audience participation in Part two was unnecessary and really just kind of distracting and slowed things down. A Squeeze of the Hand is such a beautiful song, but it kind of lost some power as people were watching and reacting to the audience members participating onstage.

I absolutely loved Part Three and am surprised to see people not enjoying it as much or wanting it to be shortened.

Part Four needs the most work, in my opinion. There is some great stuff there, but as others have said, that should have been the most powerful part and it just wasn’t quite.

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/6/19 at 11:43am

yellibean2 said: "I'm feeling kind of dim right now because I really can't figure out how to put in a spoiler box. I've mostly posted on this board like 10 years ago and I don't think that was an option then. I'll just put it below after the dots"

Just FYI for future reference, it's really very easy, once you know where the tool is. In the gray toolbar, just click the [+] icon immediately to the right of the smiley face emoji icon and it will insert a "Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content" gray box in your composition field. I'll put your spoiler in one below:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

yellibean2 said: "You don't actually see Moby-Dick, it's just represented by bright white lights from the holes behind the stage and a loud noise, like a ship's horn."

That sounds like an interesting means of suggesting a whale. What is the correlation between bright white lights and the creature?

Updated On: 12/6/19 at 11:43 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/6/19 at 11:49am

Except if you are replying on your phone.  I don't think any of the editing (bold, spoiler box, links) buttons appear from a phone - or at least not an android!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/6/19 at 11:31pm

Well. Sigh. I was hopeful, but, sadly, I have to agree with most of the other posters....this isnt there yet. Its very far from there.

Lets start with the great: the set is stunning, similarly the costumes- well, some of them. I very much liked the race & gender blindness.

The good....many performances, but none consistently, but this is more due to inconsistencies with direction, book and score.

The bad...part 3, largely, but the book is simply all over the place with tone and intention. It doesnt know what it wants to be, contemporary, time period, a memory? It artifically bring in many themes, but fails to see them through.

[willep]

Posted: 12/7/19 at 12:50am

I’m truly amazed to see so many people having such a strong dislike for part three. I thought part three was gorgeous and possibly my favorite part of the night.

[bear88]

Posted: 12/7/19 at 1:17am

I haven't seen the show, it's early, but a question for those who have seen successful Malloy shows (most obviously Great Comet, another adaptation of a difficult classic): Did they start "messy" too? Malloy and Chavkin are higher profile now, so a lot more attention is paid to early tryouts of what seems like an impossible, sprawling musical at this stage.

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 12/7/19 at 8:57am

dramamama611 said: "Except if you are replying on your phone. I don't think any of the editing (bold, spoiler box, links) buttons appear from a phone - or at least not an android!"

Yes they do and I have an android. 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

See this came from an android phone. 

 

[Synecdoche2]

Posted: 12/7/19 at 12:04pm

I saw the concert under the whale of this and thought it was interminable. But please don't let your opinions on this musical affect your decision whether or not to read the book. Melville's great prose poem is one of the greatest things ever written, though much of it is thoroughly undramatic.

[yellibean2]

Posted: 12/7/19 at 12:30pm

Okay, I know this off-topic now but when I reply to this thread on my browser (Chrome), there's no + sign or smiley face anywhere...

Also, for folks who've seen it in the last few nights, what was the gist of Fedallah's monologue? I'm still trying to figure out if it's improvised and/or if it changes every night.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/7/19 at 4:14pm

mailhandler777 said: "dramamama611 said: "Except if you are replying on your phone. I don't think any of the editing (bold, spoiler box, links) buttons appear from a phone - or at least not an android!"

Yes they do and I have an android.

 

 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

See this came from an android phone.

"

Ate you using the or a browser? I def do t hsve any editing omthry the app.

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 12/7/19 at 6:11pm

dramamama611 said: "mailhandler777 said: "dramamama611 said: "Except if you are replying on your phone. I don't think any of the editing (bold, spoiler box, links) buttons appear from a phone - or at least not an android!"

Yes they do and I have an android.


 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

See this came from an android phone.

"

Ate you using the or a browser? I def do t hsve any editing omthry the app."

The browser.

[Lifesmellsweird]

Posted: 12/8/19 at 3:16pm

yellibean2 said: "Okay, I know this off-topic now but when I reply to this thread on my browser (Chrome), there's no + sign or smiley face anywhere...

Also, for folks who've seen it in the last few nights, what was the gist of Fedallah's monologue? I'm still trying to figure out if it's improvised and/or if it changes every night."

Last night, the monologue focused on him growing up Muslim (he jokingly mentioned that he owns a rug) and it pointed to all the cast representing white men. It was a general stand up routine with references to political issues. 

I really enjoyed the show. I think there are many brilliant moments. Unfortunately, it lacks focus. I liked all the parts, but didn’t feel they created a cohesive whole. It has many playful, funny moments, coupled with a lot of darkness. The staging was inspired, and the lack of set pieces (besides what is fixed on stage) is so creative and works so well. I loved everything prior to intermission. The audience participation is silly, but it creates a lighter atmosphere. and they choose a lot of participants, which is great.

After intermission, the mood significantly changes.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

The Figurative loss of Pip is 30 minutes of content. It is good content but way too long. They could cut it in half and lose 15 minutes of the show.

I really liked this section of the play, but most of it is lengthy, tedious buildup. The show seems to end abruptly after it climaxes. I felt invested in the characters, but didn’t feel a sense of sadness at losing them. I would really have liked the show to make me FEEL something. 

The cast is very strong. Vocally, they are just fantastic. Standouts for me were Kalyn West (unbelievably fantastic), Tom Nelis (his Ahab is inspired), and Starr Busby. 
 

the acoustics at the ART are incredible. A lot of the first act is done a cappella, and it was beautiful.

This show definitely is a work in progress, but it has really terrific components, and if nothing bc else, it really makes you think.


 

 

 

 

Updated On: 12/8/19 at 03:16 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/8/19 at 3:59pm

Sounds like the same monologue I heard on Friday night.

I HOPE they are considering it a work in progress - I'd have NO problem trying it again if I'd heardions there were some major revisions - should it hit bway.

[mufish]

Posted: 12/8/19 at 4:40pm

I'm going on Thursday, which is the day after Opening Night.  I got the ART newsletter the other day, which included interviews with the creative team and for me provided some valuable context for reconciling what I'm reading in this thread.  For example, it's discussed how Moby Dick itself is somewhat rambling and at times seemingly lacks focus (paraphrasing here) and contains numerous writing styles - including a chapter written as a play.

I think it's fair to say this will continue to be a work in progress.  It was mentioned that Dave Malloy (and others) have been working on this concept since 2014 or 15, and at one point it was going to be 7 standalone shows that could be seen in any order.  I believe it was Part 3, which is generating so much discussion here, that was the first part "completed" in the creative process of this show.

Given the run time I'm very glad I ended up with an aisle seat (row F, so still fairly close which is nice) but very much looking forward to seeing this for myself!

[willep]

Posted: 12/8/19 at 4:50pm

mufish said: "I'm going on Thursday, which is the day after Opening Night. I got the ART newsletter the other day, which included interviews with the creative team and for me provided some valuable context for reconciling what I'm reading in this thread. For example, it's discussed how Moby Dick itself is somewhat rambling and at times seemingly lacks focus (paraphrasing here) and contains numerous writing styles - including a chapter written as a play.”


Yeah, I had heard them talking about that as well (and recently listened to the unabridged audiobook), and I think knowing that does help you understand what you are in for. As I said, overall I really enjoyed it. Could it use some tweaking and tightening? Absolutely. But I was pretty enthralled the whole time and didn’t feel that three and. A half hour run time as others did.

[taylortrensch]

Posted: 12/8/19 at 7:12pm

i've seen the show four times now, including first preview and they've already made a lot of changes. moby dick no longer shows up as a jug bottle in the background of the stage, and the audience participation boats now come out of the ground instead of being pulled from the back. the show also has a lot more water than before and the "wet zone" is now genuinely wet. also, worth noting that fedallah's stand up does not change and it's all scripted! (-: