Girl From The North Country - Broadway Previews- Page 3

[broadway86]

Posted: 2/10/20 at 3:35pm

Seeing this in a couple weeks, but I am fascinated by the juxtaposition between Public/West End reviews and Broadway.

[PeterJCasey]

Posted: 2/10/20 at 3:56pm

Michelle chouraqui said: "Funny enough, as someone who has seen Bob Dylan live in concert, I didn't recognize 80% of the songs. It was practically an original score to me. Most of his popular songs were done in a quick mash-up."

Anyone able to post a songlist? If the mash-ups make such a task unbearable, I completely understand.

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 2/10/20 at 8:29pm

Wow. Had tickets to this in the spring but seeing these reviews I managed to sell em so will have another slot open during my trip. Feel like I dodged a bullet thanks to this board. Now to decide what to see in its place....

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 2/10/20 at 8:42pm

BwayinVan said: "Wow. Had tickets to this in the spring but seeing these reviews I managed to sell em so will have another slot open during my trip. Feel like I dodged a bullet thanks to this board. Now to decide what to see in its place...."

What do you have tickets to already? What have you already seen?

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 2/10/20 at 8:52pm

Michelle chouraqui said: "Funny enough, as someone who has seen Bob Dylan live in concert, I didn't recognize 80% of the songs. It was practically an original score to me. Most of his popular songs were done in a quick mash-up. I wouldn't let that deter you from seeing it. But as I said in some post, I hesitate recommending it. My biggest gripe was the lack of connection with some of the characters, but it certainly could have been first night nerves. The music was great."

Thanks. It sounds like I don't need to do any pre-show homework then. I'll just keep an eye on this thread to see if there's more positive word of mouth about the performances as they continue previews. 

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 2/10/20 at 9:21pm

DiscoCrows said: "BwayinVan said: "Wow. Had tickets to this in the spring but seeing these reviews I managed to sell em so will have another slot open during my trip. Feel like I dodged a bullet thanks to this board. Now to decide what to see in its place...."

What do you have tickets to already? What have you already seen?"

Seen almost everything from previous seasons. Have space for 9 shows on this trip with tickets to:

company

take me out

WSS

caroline or change

moulin rouge

 

thinking for the following to fill the last 4

virginia wolf

the minutes

little shop

six

open to see off broadway stuff. Assasins is sold out day I could go. Considering JLP but wary of the reviews on here

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 1:21am

BwayinVan said: "DiscoCrows said: "BwayinVan said: "Wow. Had tickets to this in the spring but seeing these reviews I managed to sell em so will have another slot open during my trip. Feel like I dodged a bullet thanks to this board. Now to decide what to see in its place...."

What do you have tickets to already? What have you already seen?"

Seen almost everything from previous seasons. Have space for 9 shows on this trip with tickets to:

company

take me out

WSS

caroline or change

moulin rouge



thinking for the following to fill the last 4

virginia wolf

the minutes

little shop

six

open to see off broadway stuff. Assasins is sold out day I could go. Considering JLP but wary of the reviews on here"

I can’t comment on any of those plays, but it looks like you’re hitting most of the big 20/21 musicals! Only other play I can think of would perhaps be Inheritance, while it’s still around... Takes up two slots though.

I absolutely loved JLP, but I am also in my early 20’s and think the show is targeted for a youthful, angsty, audience. I have definitely caught onto a lot of the flak surrounding the show regarding the idea that it delves into too many social issues in one show, but I think what makes it work is that it doesn’t really seem like it tries to *answer* them as much as it does simply inquire about them through Alanis’s music. I don’t think the plot can or should stand on its own- it is a plethora of emotional narrative simply leaning onto the shoulders of the original Jagged Little Pill album and I think it works perfectly in that sense. It doesn’t have to be a narrative masterpiece that comes full circle to achieve what it was trying to accomplish. I really had no issues with it whatsoever, but that’s just me. That being said, if you think you can justify the spot and money, Lauren Patten is giving one of the standout performances of the season- one of many principal and supporting roles this season that are not to be missed. Give it some thought, but like many shows, it certainly has its audience and I recommend using your best judgement to make that decision.

If you want something that may be a bit more of a shot in the dark, but still is likely to be a hot topic come awards season, definitely consider Flying Over Sunset. I don’t have much to say about it but god am I excited for it and to see what comes of it.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 2:44am

This was stunning in the West End, both original and “revival” cast. But what I saw at The Public came nowhere near to recreating that magic. It was, indeed, tedious and sometimes excruciating. I was shocked to hear that production would transfer. Quite a shame they couldn’t bring Ciaran and Shirley over to open it here, as those performers were devastating.

I will be skipping this.

[Square Peg2]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 2:55am

Big Bob Dylan fan and saw the show at the Public - I was just wondering if someone is able to say what song is performed as the encore?

[Jayar2]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 9:30pm

I saw the first preview. The story line was horribly crafted, and I didn't care about of the characters-- especially either of the sons. The singing was somewhat delightful, but this show is on my top 10 worst list. It was so bad that a man behind me said out loud in the second act, "Does anybody even know what the hell is going on right now? What is the point?"

[sm33]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 9:43pm

Cannot thank you all enough for your candor, as I have been struggling to narrow down my list of things to see on my upcoming trip. Based on these descriptions, even if I was game to check it out, I know my husband would absolutely hate it.

[Skip23]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 9:58pm

Jayar2 said: "I saw the first preview. The story line was horribly crafted, and I didn't care about of the characters-- especially either of the sons. The singing was somewhat delightful, but this show is on my top 10 worst list. It was so bad that a man behind me said out loud in the second act, "Does anybody even know what the hell is going on right now? What is the point?""

 

HA!  At least this guy lasted into the Second Act.  My neighbor disgustingly (i.e. bitching) left at intermission.

 

 

 

 

[Sho-Tunes-R-Us]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 10:53pm

For a show that is generating quite a bit of negativity and vitriol on this board it has a current rating of 72 percent positive at show score.  As I mentioned earlier in this string I saw the show at the Public and really loved it.  So did at least two respected audience members.  That would be and Zachary Quinto and his plus-one, Cherry Jones.  I spoke to them post-performance and they were like me, moved to tears.

Perhaps it is just too delicate a production for these cynical times.  And a generational gap or three may be a factor as well.  At age 72 I found the autumnal feel of the piece moving.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 10:56pm

I bought my Dylan fan spouse tickets to this for Valentine's Day. Is it going to be on the divorce papers as cruelty?

[Sho-Tunes-R-Us]

Posted: 2/11/20 at 11:13pm

keen on kean said: "I bought my Dylan fan spouse tickets to this for Valentine's Day. Is it going to be on the divorce papers as cruelty?"

If nothing else grabs your spouse, I believe that the Dylan songs and the performances of them will.  Just be advised that many of the songs are not "hits" from his catalog and many are given acoustic arrangements.  Just another reason for me to personally love the show.

Hope you enjoy...just know that this isn't a flashy Mamma Mia musical (loved that too).

[Skip23]

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

keen on kean said: "I bought my Dylan fan spouse tickets to this for Valentine's Day. Is it going to be on the divorce papers as cruelty?"

 

Not cruelty...maybe "bored to drink".  Have a couple Moscow Mules going in.  You'll like it SOOO much better.

 

 

[Michelle chouraqui]

Posted: 2/12/20 at 10:31am

Jayar2 said: "I saw the first preview. The story line was horribly crafted, and I didn't care about of the characters-- especially either of the sons. The singing was somewhat delightful, but this show is on my top 10 worst list. It was so bad that a man behind me said out loud in the second act, "Does anybody even know what the hell is going on right now? What is the point?""

 

I spent intermission explaining the characters and plot to my neighbors.  I guess there was so much going on and patrons were missing key dialogue?  

 

[raddersons]

Posted: 2/12/20 at 11:28am

Surprised this is getting such vitriol on this board. I enjoyed it at The Public. It's not the best thing ever but it's pretty good.

[perfectliar]

Posted: 2/12/20 at 11:37am

Sho-Tunes-R-Us said: "For a show that is generating quite a bit of negativity and vitriol on this board it has a current rating of 72 percent positive at show score. As I mentioned earlier in this string I saw the showat the Public and really loved it. So did at least two respected audience members. That would be and Zachary Quinto and his plus-one, Cherry Jones. I spoke to them post-performance and they were like me, moved to tears.

Perhaps it is just too delicate a production for these cynical times. And a generational gap or three may be a factor as well. At age 72 I found the autumnal feel of the piece moving."

PSA: You're allowed to like things other people don't. It doesn't mean they didn't get it or that they're stupid or wrong.

[KnewItWhenIWasInFron]

Posted: 2/12/20 at 12:52pm

perfectliar said: "Sho-Tunes-R-Us said: "For a show that is generating quite a bit of negativity and vitriol on this board it has a current rating of 72 percent positive at show score. As I mentioned earlier in this string I saw the showat the Public and really loved it. So did at least two respected audience members. That would be and Zachary Quinto and his plus-one, Cherry Jones. I spoke to them post-performance and they were like me, moved to tears.

Perhaps it is just too delicate a production for these cynical times. And a generational gap or three may be a factor as well. At age 72 I found the autumnal feel of the piece moving."

PSA: You're allowed to like things other people don't. It doesn't mean they didn't get it or that they're stupid or wrong."

..and the poster did not say or imply any of those things. Jesus.

[perfectliar]

Posted: 2/12/20 at 12:58pm

KnewItWhenIWasInFron said: "perfectliar said: "PSA: You're allowed to like things other people don't. It doesn't mean they didn't get it or that they're stupid or wrong."

..and the poster did not say or imply any of those things. Jesus."

Presenting a more positive "score" than what people here have given it plus positive anecdotal evidence (from celebrities, no less) isn't at the very least implying that the negativity is unfounded or incorrect? Suggesting that being too young to connect to the piece isn't implying that people didn't get it? Saying it's just "too delicate for these cynical times" isn't implying that those who found it boring are part of that cynicism?

K.

[theaterdude2]

Posted: 2/12/20 at 1:23pm

I'm really surprised at the (few) people on here who enjoyed it and were moved to tears. 

I had to struggle with myself and my friends not to leave at intermission. It is boring, depressing, and incoherent. You don't care about the characters, but it's also so confusing that you spend most of the time asking who is who and what is what. 

I can't fault the voices, which sound amazing but you need a lot more than that to make a successful cohesive piece on Broadway. No matter what the reviews are, I think they are in big trouble. Word of mouth will not be strong on this, especially considering how important that tourist dollar is. 

I wanted to love it, but unfortunately it didn't win me over. I was also looking forward to see Austin Scott, who I was lucky enough to see play Hamilton. He left that show to do this one and seemed so excited online whe he announced it...I really hope he saved his money. 

[qafgenius122]

Posted: 2/12/20 at 6:29pm

VintageSnarker said: "Michelle chouraqui said: "I wonder if age has anything to do with reception of this musical? As the "younger" crowd around me were not enjoying themselves, while the 37 (my age) and older appeared to really enjoy themselves. Maybe the 20-early 30s crowd are too removed from the depression-era or maybe they are used to more polished, focused musicals."

Under-30 here! Does this show have anything to offer if I basically don't know any Bob Dylan songs? I feel like thebig selling point of a jukebox musical is hearing a particular musician's catalog."

Under 30 here! I saw the show at the Public, going in blind, knowing practically nothing of Bob Dylan's oeuvre. I absolutely adored the show, and think the orchestrations are top notch. Is it the most exciting thing, no, but I was never bored and the music is just so good. The cast sound amazing, and it is a beautiful slice of life show, as one poster above called it. I am seeing the transfer tonight and I am beyond excited. It is 100% my most anticipated new musical this season. I need them to make on OBCR.

[Sho-Tunes-R-Us]

Posted: 2/12/20 at 7:27pm

perfectliar said: "KnewItWhenIWasInFron said: "perfectliar said: "PSA: You're allowed to like things other people don't. It doesn't mean they didn't get it or that they're stupid or wrong."

..and the poster did not say or imply any of those things. Jesus."

Presenting a more positive "score" than what people here have given it plus positive anecdotal evidence (from celebrities, no less) isn't at the very least implying that the negativity is unfounded or incorrect? Suggestingthat being too young to connect to the piece isn't implying that people didn't get it? Saying it's just "too delicate for these cynical times" isn't implying that those who found it boring are part of that cynicism?

K."

Thanks to KnewItWhenIWasInFron[t] for the accurate assessment.  "Jesus" indeed.

To quote the immortal Charo, "Please don't misconscrew me".

Updated On: 2/12/20 at 07:27 PM

[P-E]

Posted: 2/14/20 at 6:10pm

I saw this only in London and got a standing room ticket on a work trip (I live in PA).  I thought it was brilliant there.  I am an untrained fan — I love theatre but am not in the profession at all and don’t pretend to understand the work that goes into making the magic I see.  But it is fascinating that this show could be so great in London but so bad on Broadway.

I almost want to go see it again to see the differences.  (But I’m sure I won’t — there are too many other shows I want to see for the first time!)

Also thought Six was brilliant, but based on that preview thread that show might be better on Broadway.  Fascinating.