Groundhog Day in San Francisco- Page 2

[Kitsune]

Posted: 11/30/19 at 1:38pm

For the poster who asked in another thread about the staging:

The staging is similar to the Broadway version, albeit lower tech (e.g. there is one turntable instead of 3+). Most of the scene transitions are done via turntable, cast/crew bringing furniture on or off stage, or the stage going dark. 

Side note: I got to see the final dress rehearsal (we had the option of rescheduling our first preview tickets, or checking out the dress rehearsal. We went for the latter). It gave me a whole new appreciation for how *hard* this show is to stage. Even in scenes with no turntables, there are so many cues that need to be down to the second). I’m glad to report that by opening night, everything was seamless.

For those who are curious:

 

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The staging is similar to the Broadway version, albeit lower tech (e.g. there is one turntable instead of 3+). Most of the scene transitions are done via turntable, cast/crew bringing furniture on or off stage, or the stage going dark. 

Side note: I got to see the final dress rehearsal (we had the option of rescheduling our first preview tickets, or checking out the dress rehearsal. We went for the latter). It gave me a whole new appreciation for how *hard* this show is to stage. Even in scenes with no turntables, there are so many cues that need to be down to the second). I’m glad to report that by opening night, everything was seamless.

For those who are curious:

-The opening scene with Phil recording the Groundhog Day promo is done live in front of a green screen (Broadway played a video of Phil on the monitor).

-Nobody Cares is staged similarly to Broadway, with chorus members (stage crew?) running across the stage to represent houses, one way signs, etc. At one point car “puppets” are brought out to show the standoff between Phil and the cops. Even in a lower tech form, it’s still really clever.

-The transitions in One Day are done by playing a rewind sound, and the actors going back to their original positions.

-The entracte into Act II starts with Phil getting ready for the broadcast, and the townspeople doing their thing. Nancy has a routine where she bounces a beach ball, and then the focus turns to her at the end of the entracte. IMO I actually preferred this staging - Playing Nancy felt less jarring.

-Hope has the bones of the same staging - Phil swaps the groundhog head with another townie before stepping in front of a car, steps behind the shower curtain, etc. 
The director seemed to go for “plausible deniability” in this sequence, rather than stressing out that there was no way we could see the actor moving around backstage. (For example, when Phil jumps, there are townspeople gathered below and they draw our attention away from whatever the actor is doing). I’ve lost loved ones to suicide, and as much as I love the Broadway production, I always found Hope jarring. Not because of the subject - the movie is one of my favorites, but rather because of the heavy emphasis on the stagecraft. People would cheer every time Phil reappeared in bed, and while I understood why, it was uncomfortable. 

-The scenes leading up to Night Will Come use a turntable, but most of the song is done with Phil sitting with Mr. Jensen as he dies. It was very moving.
 

Happy to answer any other questions! Will post my other impressions of the show later, hopefully.

[Micki7]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 1:35pm

Just saw this in SF last night, having not seen it on Broadway.
Fantastic! Ryan Drummond was just about perfect as Phil. I loved the facial expressions he made in reaction to various situations or statements. The perfect take, almost like a cartoon pose frozen just long enough to register. Rinabeth Apostol as Rita had a nice voice.
Loved the near-identical-but-not-quite repeats of incidents. Live drama does this so well. Well worth a visit. Well worth the drive up from San Jose.

In the afternoon I saw Summer: the Donna Summer Musical at the Golden Gate. All in all, a wonderful theater day. Oddly, in the afternoon I was one of the few that didn’t rise for a standing ovation. In the evening I was one of the few who did. It deserved more, although I am glad the Playhouse audience doesn’t automatically rise without reflection. They are a little spoiled though—the gentleman behind me in the fifth row complained “These are terrible seats”! !Actually, I haven’t found a bad seat yet in that theatre.

[bear88]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 4:29pm

It's possible the guy behind you was not complaining about how close he was to the stage (it's a small venue, as you point out) but the actual seat itself. I like the San Francisco Playhouse but some of the seats could use a little work. 

The Orpheum/Golden Gate audiences tend to give standing ovations for pretty much everything. At smaller theaters in San Francisco (and the Berkeley Rep and other theaters in the SF Bay Area), that's not an automatic response, especially for plays but musicals too. 

I don't really have a strong opinion about standing ovations one way or the other. But it feels like standing ovations at ACT or the San Francisco Playhouse are harder to get, so when they happen, it's more of an endorsement. At the Orpheum or Golden Gate, people end up standing because everyone around them is standing, so it's hard to tell whether people actually liked the performance or if they don't want to stare at someone's back while the actors take their bows.

I guess it's the difference between audiences who attend Broadway touring productions (Orpheum/Golden Gate) and those who attend regional theater. The latter group is either pickier or more discerning, depending on your point of view. 

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 4:40pm

I saw it on Sunday. I really enjoyed the show. Ryan Drummond really does a great job in a tough role (and one that is onstage practically the whole time). The rest of the cast is excellent and the staging is fun - with some great choreography, which is especially challenging with a turntable that is frequently moving. 

I was less than impressed with the score of Matilda, so I was surprised how much I liked this one. 

Another great SF Playhouse production. I've recommended it to my friends. 

[Kitsune]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 5:24pm

Really glad to hear that other people are liking it! I think the Christmas Carol comparisons are working well.

It's hard to get my memories of the Broadway production out of mind, but per usual SF Playhouse does a really good job. I agree with all the praise for Ryan Drummond. The last two things I saw him in were Sunday in the Park (Jules) and La Cage aux Folles (Georges), and I was impressed with his ability to play against type. My main worry going in was whether the show would work without Andy Karl. Ryan isn't Andy, but he carries the show and gives a heck of a performance. For those curious - compared to Andy, Ryan's Phil is a little less grand and epic in the mania of Act I, and then the despair and enlightenment of Act II. Ryan comes off as more human (albeit still a real jerk in Act I), but when he finally becomes a decent guy, it's moving in its own way. (If anyone *has* seen both productions, I'd love to hear what you think).

The smaller theater space makes the sleight-of-hand stagecraft all the more impressive, IMO.

Re: Standing ovations, I went for Round #3 on Tuesday evening (Look, Groundhog Day is my favorite recent musical, tickets are affordable, and it's easy to get to the theater from work). The audience seemed to enjoy it, but there wasn't a standing ovation. I *wanted* to stand, but I felt awkward being the only one, or being the one to start it.

 

[bear88]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 5:44pm

I'm noting the recommendations. Probably not seeing the musical this month, because it will be around into January and I'm seeing The Tale of Despereaux at the Berkeley Rep this weekend and Head Over Heels at the New Conservatory later in the month. 

Kitsune, I don't think you should feel bad about not standing. Enthusiastic applause while remaining seated is just fine. The cast is going to get to know you well by the time the run is done.

 

[Kitsune]

Posted: 12/5/19 at 6:51pm

bear88 said: "I'm noting the recommendations. Probably not seeing the musicalthis month, because it will be around into January and I'm seeing The Tale of Despereaux at the Berkeley Rep this weekend and Head Over Heels at the New Conservatory later in the month."

I'm also going to Head Over Heels sat New Conservatory this month, along with Scrooge in Love at 42nd Street Moon and Pride and Prejudice at Theatreworks. (I'm seeing Despereaux in January) It always feels like there's more interesting theater in the Bay Area than I have time to see, but during the holidays even more so!


"Kitsune, I don't think you should feel bad about not standing. Enthusiastic applause while remaining seated is just fine. The cast is going to get to know you well by the time the run is done."

The last part is what I'm afraid of! (Seriously, I may be a repeat offender, but I also want to be a respectful audience member).

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/6/19 at 12:08pm

MarkBearSF said: "the staging is fun - with some great choreography, which is especially challenging with a turntable that is frequently moving."

You should've seen it with the Broadway production's five turntables!

 

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/6/19 at 12:09pm

Kitsune said: "I went for Round #3 on Tuesday evening (Look, Groundhog Day is my favorite recent musical, tickets are affordable, and it's easy to get to the theater from work)"

Never apologize for taking every opportunity to experience whatever brings you joy. I saw it three times on Broadway.

 

[bear88]

Posted: 1/13/20 at 3:07am

So 33 months after we didn't see it on our New York City trip because only individual seats were left, my wife, younger daughter and I finally saw Groundhog Dog on Sunday evening. It was a charming and well-performed show at the San Francisco Playhouse - which wasn't surprising, as they do musicals well. We ended up with second row center orchestra seats on Goldstar, which was both a bargain and a nice opportunity to see some of the acting and stage work up close. The cast did a nice job with a complex show to pull together, and Ryan Drummond - who I've seen before in La Cage Aux Folles and Sunday in the Park With George - is excellent in the exhausting role of Phil Connors.

I'm sure this was an impressive show to see on Broadway but it worked on a smaller scale too. I was always a little uncertain about a musicalization of one of my favorite film comedies, and the show both benefits and suffers from the inevitable comparisons. The darkness of the material does feel a bit different from the second row of a live performance than on film, and I didn't agree with every choice. The songs were enjoyable if not memorable, but Tim Minchin's lyrics were quite witty. The whole family enjoyed it. 

The show wraps up its run on Saturday. 

[Kitsune]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 1:40am

Both Andy Karl and Orfeh were in the audience tonight!!! (They're in town performing at Feinsteins at the Nikko this weekend).

I've really loved this production from the beginning, but the energy tonight was particularly strong. It was really fun to be in the audience!

[PatrickDC]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 1:50am

We’re seeing Andy and Orfeh tomorrow night. Really looking forward to it and especially the post show meet-and-greet.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 10:44am

I saw this when I was home for Christmas (I saw it twice on Broadway) and it was solid and thoroughly charming. I hadn’t been back to that theatre since it was the Post Street and Spelling Bee was sitting down. I’m so glad Andy Karl got to see it!

[Kitsune]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 12:53pm

PatrickDC, we'll also be there tonight! We went last time they were in town and had a blast, so we're really excited.

Also, Andy posted about the experience on Instagram. 

Bear88, late response, but glad you enjoyed the show!! I agree that there really are some great deals on Goldstar for the local theaters, which only enables my theatergoing!

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 1:03pm

Finally saw the Sunday 1/12 matinee after booking our seats on the first day possible.  Loved it, and was so happy to hear the songs and music again.  I saw it on Broadway twice during its closing weekend, and it is one of my top 10 favorite musicals.  I really wanted to see Andy and Orfeh at Feinstein's (in SF or NY) this month, but it doesn't look like I can make it.  I was wondering if Andy and Orfeh would be going to the show and how Andy would feel about it!  

My husband really enjoyed/loved the show, too.  I'd see it again if it wasn't closing tomorrow.  

[ModernMillie3]

Posted: 1/17/20 at 4:55pm

"I went for Round #3 on Tuesday evening (Look, Groundhog Day is my favorite recent musical, tickets are affordable, and it's easy to get to the theater from work)"

It's odd that people feel the need to defend seeing this brilliant show. I saw it five times on Broadway and loved every second of it. It's a comedy about hope and love with a wonderful leading man. Pretty much perfection in my book. 

[PatrickDC]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 3:19am

Kitsune said: "PatrickDC, we'll also be there tonight! We went last time they were in town and had a blast, so we're really excited."

Kitsune, so great to meet you, glad our paths crossed after the show. And how fun that Orfeh and Andy and their band hung out so long after to chat and take pictures. I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with Andy about the technical aspects and blocking for GHD which has always fascinated me. 

Damn, they are such a beautiful couple! 

[Kitsune]

Posted: 1/18/20 at 3:21pm

Patrick, it was lovely to meet you as well! Apologies that I didn't see your Direct Message until this morning.

I think my favorite thing about Orfeh and Andy's shows is how much fun they're obviously having. Orfeh was right - the show *really* did just fly by. I saw them the last time they were in San Francisco, and it was fun getting to listen to the new additions to the set list.

And yes, it was really fun chatting to Andy and Orfeh afterwards! My partner and I have tickets for the last performance of Groundhog Day tonight - otherwise we would be at Legally Bound night 2.

[PatrickDC]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 2:24pm

Kitsune, how was the final performance? You must be going into withdrawal with one of your favorite shows closing. (hehehe just kidding😁)

Talking to Orfeh at Feinstein’s she convinced me to see it again so I got a cheap balcony ticket for the matinee. Driving up 280 the traffic was light so I opted to drive into SF instead of BARTing. Big mistake. I wasn’t aware of the Women’s March that had closed Market Street and I was stuck for nearly an hour in SoMa traffic. Realizing I’d be too late if I could even reach the Sutter-Stockton Garage, I sadly drive home. 

[Kitsune]

Posted: 1/21/20 at 1:25am

PatrickDC said: "Kitsune, how was the final performance? You must be going into withdrawal with one of your favorite shows closing. (hehehe just kidding?)

Talking to Orfeh at Feinstein’s she convinced me to see it again so I got a cheap balcony ticket for the matinee. Driving up 280 the traffic was light so I opted to drive into SF instead of BARTing. Big mistake. I wasn’t aware of the Women’s March that had closed Market Street and I was stuck for nearly an hour in SoMa traffic. Realizing I’d be too late if I could even reach the Sutter-Stockton Garage, I sadly drive home."

It was really good! The cast left everything on the table, with lots of fun extra bits in places like Philandering, etc. (For example: Buster French-kissed the groundhog, which was thoroughly ridiculous XD)  Granted I was exhausted by the end of everything - dealing with Union Square three days in a row isn't my idea of a good time, and the fact that I went there so often is a testament to how much I loved the show.

Honestly, I just feel so fortunate that I got to experience the rebirth of this show in its regional form. If I can fit it into my travel plans, I may try to see the production in Minneapolis this summer. At the moment it feels less like withdrawal, and more like "goodbye for now."

Sorry to hear that you got stuck in traffic and missed the show, how awful!!! I don't know your commuting situation, but I always try to avoid driving in the city if I ever can avoid it. 

[Robotmonster]

Posted: 1/21/20 at 5:08am

Drove up from Los Angeles to see Cursed Child and Groundhog day on opening weekends for both shows. While both were great, Groundhog was emotionally more relevant. I loved it and wished I could see it again. The company did an amazing job. I'm looking forward to someone in Socal mount a production.

Updated On: 1/21/20 at 05:08 AM

[mcsquared]

Posted: 2/1/20 at 11:31am

Wasn't sure if I should start a new thread about the Florida production--I was debating whether to see that since I missed out on San Francisco and can't go to Minnesota. I guess there's still no word on productions or tours beyond that?

[Kitsune]

Posted: 2/1/20 at 12:07pm

mcsquared said: "Wasn't sure if I should start a new thread about the Florida production--I was debating whether to see that since I missed out on San Francisco and can't go to Minnesota. I guess there's still no word on productions or tours beyond that?"

A friend went to the Florida production last night, and reported back 1) it was excellent, and 2) it was staged without a turntable, and my friend didn't miss its presence. I was initially concerned whether Groundhog Day would work without either a turntable or Andy Karl. I still think Andy gave a breathtaking performance (and that you need a strong actor in the role of Phil), but I'm glad the show doesn't fall apart without either his presence, or the turntable staging.

At the SF Playhouse production, one of the cast mentioned that some other theater companies came to see their production in order to figure out if they could stage it. Granted that could be some time down the line (as MTI is still showing Groundhog Day as restricted). Anyway, it's still early, and most theaters haven't announced their 2020-2021 lineup yet.

I for one am trying to figure out how I can get to Minnesota this summer

[ModernMillie3]

Posted: 2/2/20 at 9:47pm

Happy Groundhog Day, guys! I hope everyone who sees this awesome show just loves it.

[mcsquared]

Posted: 2/5/20 at 5:30pm

Made a special trip to Fort Lauderdale to see the matinee of Groundhog Day today and really enjoyed myself. I teared up at the beginning with the "Tomorrow there will be Sun" song. I'm sure the staging wasn't as spiffy as on Broadway but the strobes and choreography gave the illusion that was probably provided by the turntable and the staging of car chase and repeated waking up in bed was still cool. I agree with the posting noting the Nancy song was at odd point but overall I'm really glad I got the chance to see it and am still humming the songs.