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NYC: So what is the buzz on "The Times They Are a Changin'"

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NYC: So what is the buzz on "The Times They Are a Changin'"

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Old Sep 25th, 2006, 06:44 PM
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emd
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NYC: So what is the buzz on "The Times They Are a Changin'"

I see this Bob Dylan/Twyla Tharp musical is starting previews tonight. I am trying to stay up on what is new on Broadway for an upcoming trip.

Anyone go and what is the buzz?

Howard? Bugswife? Anyone? If not, I guess I'll catch the reviews in the next few days. But I always get great Braodway feedback and advice here.

I had no interest in Movin' Out. Is it a repeat of that to different music?

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Old Sep 25th, 2006, 06:49 PM
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I guess I'm a little out of touch. I hadn't heard of it until today when I got an email from the Nederlander organization about it. I thought it was for discounts, but it wasn't -- just a sales pitch.
But I do see discounts available until Nov. 30 on Broadway Box.
 
Old Sep 25th, 2006, 11:48 PM
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This show is another one that got it's start at the Old Globe in San Diego running Jan-March 2006. It had mixed reviews although ticket sales were strong. A few of my friends that saw it felt that it needed work. Since that was the case, I decided to save my ticket money for other shows. Here is a synopsis:

"This exciting new musical is conceived, directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (Movin' Out) and told through the legendary songs of one of America's most renowned musicians, Bob Dylan.

In THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGIN’ Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp takes audiences inside a low-rent traveling circus found within a dark and humorous dream world. Using Bob Dylan’s musical poetry, this classic coming-of-age tale of generational conflict uniquely connects the worlds of music, theatre and dance."

It will be interesting to see how it does on Broadway. I don't how much the show was re-worked since San Diego.


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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 05:34 AM
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To put things in the proper perspective, the "synopsis" that paula1470 posted was obviously written by someone connected with the show!
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 05:42 AM
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In my crowd of young professionals, the buzz is a big YAWN. Bob Dylan? Is that guy still alive?

Everybody wants to see Suddenly Last Summer, thanks in part to the Huff & Sin City (I've got my tickets).

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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 06:14 AM
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Yes, forget what could be GOOD THEATRE (and I'm not necessarily talking about The Times They are a Changin", but we all know the BIG thing these days is to go see a show because some hot babe is in it. That is what theatre is all about, right?

But if it gets the non theatre crowd to go see a great play like Suddenly Last Summer, I guess it's all worth it in the end. While they are there to see their hot star, maybe a little theatre intellectualism might rub off on them. Or is that my just being naive?
 
Old Sep 26th, 2006, 06:25 AM
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And before I get "slammed" for calling the wonderful Blythe Danner "a hot babe", let me say that I was speaking in generalities -- the idea of what makes some people go see plays -- not the idea that a play is a great play, but rather someone they know from TV or the movies is in it.
 
Old Sep 26th, 2006, 06:41 AM
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i'm not a theatre person by any stretch. and the "Movin Out" concept sounded cheesey...

but to the above "young professional," yes, Bob Dylan is still alive. in fact, his latest 3 albums (including a brand new one) have been hailed as masterworks. last year he released a book. there was also a universally acclaimed Scorcese documentary on his early days...

so stop yawning, put down your blackberry, and rediscover a true musical artist.
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 06:49 AM
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Right on tlf18.
And, in the case of Suddenly Last Summer, I'm sure tbat more than a few people are getting tickets because Blythe Danner is in it. In fact, that very well may be the biggest incentive to the most ticket buyers!
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 07:11 AM
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this Dylan fan is only 36, but thanks for your concern!

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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 07:45 AM
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HowardR-The synopsis I posted was actually off The Old Globe Website so I guess you could say they are connected with the show.

The setting of the show is in a dream state and has lots of visual effects. It's like Movin Out in that there is no spoken word. The whole concept of the show seemed weird to me but I guess I should have gone to see it. I just didn't see putting Bob Dylan's music to a story about a traveling circus complete with a Captain Arab (yes he has a peg leg).

Although you will never see me agreeing much with Gekko, my friends that saw it also thought it was a big yawn. However, this had nothing to do with Bob Dylan's music but more the Twyla Tharp staging.
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 07:54 AM
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Gekko-I think you just went a little too far with those last comments. People here have banned for less. We are just trying to have a nice conversation about theatre, please don't get this thread pulled.
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 07:55 AM
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meant to say-been banned
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 08:06 AM
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There goes my innocent theater question on this board. >)

I think the great thing about NYC theater is that it offers something for everyone. No matter what your mood or what you are drawn to, you'll find it somewhere in NYC theater.

I don't think anyone is right or wrong about this, people just like different things which is ok by me.

Thanks for the description of the show. The Times They Are A Changin sounds almost like going to a Cirque show w/Bob Dylan music. Not sure I'd like that.

Any other new theater creating a buzz? We are going at end of Dec. but I want to get tickets soon. Two adults, a 14 yr old girl and 16 yr old boy. On the last two trips we've seen Wedding Singer (funny), Drowsy Chaperone (loved it), Wicked (thumbs up), Chicago (ok), Phantom, Avenue Q (not the 14 yr old; we loved it), Hairspray (so so, daughter liked it).
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 08:21 AM
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Sadly, but indicative of the current offerings, the only other buzz I'm hearing right now is for the big, splashy "The Pirate Queen," but it doesn't open until March 2007 (previews in March, that is).

"Riverdance meets Les Miserables"??? Should be interesting ...


And, people, relax. Just trying to help a guy out who evidently needs some help.
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 08:31 AM
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I forgot to post the link:

http://www.thepiratequeen.com/

I'll wait for the reviews ...

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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 09:36 AM
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Let's just ignore the obnoxious postings and move on.
Answering emd, check out the upcoming revival of Sondheim's Company. It's a creation of the man who directed the brilliant revival of Sweeney Todd last season.
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 10:25 AM
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emd...Movin' Out and "The Time.." are really ballets more than musicals. I'm just curious what style of dance is set to Bob Dylan!
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 11:12 AM
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A friend of mine who goes to NYC a few times a year recently saw Jersey Boys. She and her husband raved and raved about it--she wants me to see it next month when I go to NYC but I'll be with my 17 year old niece and I'm not so sure she'll appreciate the music as much as I would.

http://www.jerseyboysbroadway.com/
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Old Sep 26th, 2006, 12:09 PM
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Jersey Boys has been a hot ticket for a while. What about the revival of "A Chorus Line" ?
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