Broadway Banter - Autumn '10
 

Autumn is here and with that will come lots of new productions. This is the place to share your views, ask questions, etc about Broadway.

I recently saw 'Mrs. Warren's Profession' with three friends. The main reason we went was to see the wonderful Cherry Jones. By intermission, one friend fled and I had to beg the other two to sit it out with me! We all felt that although Cherry Jones was good, it was just a fair production and the other three in the cast were difficult to understand. A lot of the dialogue was lost especially by the actress with the shrill voice playing the daughter.

"Autumn in NY" - such a wonderful time of the year to be in NY, fond memories. Give my regards to Broadway :)

Ha Ha - come on over! btw - it's not so great this week - lots of rain and humidity!

Just saw <b>Scotsboro Boys</b> at the Guthrie in Minneapolis prior to its opening this fall on Broadway. Both DH and I were stunned. I will be very interested to see if this one flies in NY.

I had read quite a bit about the Scotsboro case prior to attending and I was very disappointed to see the story handled in what, to me, seems a very disrespectful treatment. It pained me most to see such a horrific miscarriage of justice treated in such a lighthearted way -- played for laughs. I just can't wrap my head around a song and dance (maybe the best performance in the evening) depicting inmates being electrocuted.

Sadly, the show really never allows one to get to know the central characters -- the boys. They are a complete aside to the antics of other characters played for laughs. I don't understand how anyone could look at the photos of those poor boys, read their story, and then laugh. While I get what Kander and Ebb thought they were doing -- using an entertainment vehicle of the period as they did in Cabaret and Chicago. This time they got it all wrong.

I just kept thinking the whole evening -- what would the real Scotsboro boys think if they could see their life stories told in such a heartless way?

We saw. PROMISES PROMISES.
We really liked this play, Sean Hayes and all the actors were excellent. I found the sets to be great the way the props came in and out without disrupting the show at all.

We also saw BRIEF ENCOUNTER. It was good, however we were disapointed in that we did not realize it was also a musical. The special effects were good but we found it to be a bit over the top with the campy English comedy and acting. My husband liked it much more than me.

TC - wow! I'm going to see it on 10/14 and I'm glad for the warning. I'll post back here after. It seems to me, imho, that there is a dumbing down of the arts - that is a huge generalization, I know, and certainly not true in many or most cases, but sometimes I think some things are sensationalized just to sell tickets and many audience members enjoy it. Thanks for posting your pov.

CPG, You might like to read the Guthrie's playguide for Scotsboro Boys before you see the production in NY. The only cast change is John Cullum will play the Interlocutor on Broadway.

http://www.guthrietheater.org/sites/...Scottsboro.pdf

TC - thanks so much; I will read it before seeing the play.

Live4, I think Promises, Promises is having a resurgence since they announced it will close Jan 2. http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/20...romises&st=cse

I was really looking forward to Brief Encounter as it got raves last year when it was playing off Broadway in Brooklyn. That's why it came to B'way. http://theater.nytimes.com/2009/12/0...rehouse&st=cse

Promises, Promises resurgence is mainly due, not the the closing announcement but to the general state of Broadway at this time of the year. Shows usually slip in revenue over the Labor Day period and then have somewhat of a rebound as September moves along. It's still only playing to less than 3/4 capacity, which is profitable but doesn't bode well for the long run (i.e., after the profitable year-end holiday period).
Promises, Promises isn't the only show that's recognized this reality. West Side Story also has already announced a January 2 closing. Others are sure to follow.

Well I dont want to put you off Brief Encounters McLaurie. It did have a lot of positives, but just didnt do it for me. The fellow behind me who sees a lot of Broadway plays felt the same but that being said a lot of the audience liked it.

I saw "Brief Encounter" last January when it was still at St. Ann's Warehouse. It was one of the most intriguing productions that I've ever seen. The integration of the film clips and the music was smooth and so innovative. It's stayed with me after all these months. :-)

FWIW - The NY Times liked it a lot. I'm seeing it on Wed.

http://theater.nytimes.com/2010/09/2...rantley&st=cse

I look forward to hearing what you think.

Totally agree w/your assessment of Mrs Warren's Profession,
CPG. The shrill dialogue between the mother & daughter in
2nd act was especially offensive.
Seeing Brief Encounters shortly. Not fond of musicals
but it's part of my subs.

Thanks for starting the Autumn Broadway thread, CPG.

I have a question for the Broadway experts:

I'm thinking of seeing Elling, which is at the Barrymore Theatre. For the date I want to see this, the seat options are:

Orchestra Row L center (seat 107)
Side Orchestra Row B seat 1
Front Mezzanine Row A center (seat 105)

They are all in the same price category; any thoughts? Thanks in advance. Here's a link to the seating chart:
https://www.broadwayoffers.com/seati...-09_ACCESS.gif

Hi yk - Ask 10 people and you'll get 10 different answers; it's quite personal. I would take the Row B seat 1, then L 107 and my last choice would be the mezz. My vision is not what it used to be and I really like seeing the actors' faces clearly. (I felt this way even when my vision was great, btw). I really enjoy being close to the stage unless it's a huge musical production (Les Miz, Phantom).

cpw is correct when she says about getting different opinions. And, there's no better example than my response in which my preferences are almost the exact opposite of hers--the mezzanine seat first, with not much difference with the other two for second and third place.
In the overall scheme of things, however, you probably wouldn't go wrong with any of the seats!

My choices would be (1) Mezz - no one sitting in front of me, so unobstructed view and sound quality is more balanced in the middle of the theater. (2) Orchestra, Row L - nearly the same seat as the Mezz since Mezz overhangs Row K, but could get a big haired, tall guy sitting in front of you. (3) Row B - I don't usually like the sound on side orchestra seats and sometimes the rake isn't enough so that one isn't looking up at the performance. Having said this, I agree that all are good seats.

Sorry to bother you all again. I've been dithering after reading your responses, and haven't bought my ticket yet.

I just rechecked the inventory, and it has changed somewhat. TC, thanks for reminding me about having a big hair person sitting in front of me. In fact, I'm quite short and easily get obstructed by the person sitting in front.

So, here are the options:
1) Front row center of Front Mezzanine (same seat still avail)
2) Orchestra Row C seat 1 (<- since this is on the aisle on the side, my view shouldn't be blocked by the person in front of me)
or
3) Orchestra Row BB seat 1 (<- this is the first row on the left)

I like CPG's idea of being able to see faces close up by sitting in Orchestra; but at the same time, I don't want to have to crank my neck up the whole time if that's what the Orchestra row BB and row C seats are like. Decisions decisions... Any thoughts?

According to my "Seats" book, Row BB is the very front row. I think you will be looking up a lot from that one. Row C is really 4 rows back, so not too bad if you like being down close. My <u>personal</U> choice would still be the front row of the Mezz even though its equal to Row K (about 11 rows back), but that is just me. Since you like being up close to see faces, and this isn't a big show, go for the Row C, Seat 1 seat. I think you'll be happy.

Row C

Front row mezzanine is my favorite location.

I'd sit as close to the stage as possible for most shows.

Front row mezzanine.

I received the Playbill email today announcing $40 tickets for After the Revolution. I was intrigued by the cast (especially Mare Winningham). I looked for a review and it looks good. Any thoughts?

http://www.berkshirelivingmag.com/AF...WBOUND-7-24-10

yk - don't agonize; choose the seats that best appeal to YOU!!!

Anyone planning to see A Life in the Theatre - with T R Knight and Patrick Stewart?
http://www.telecharge.com/behindTheCurtain.aspx
http://www.broadwaysbestshows.com/sh...in-the-Theatre
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/th...ight.html?_r=1

I wish I were there this week.
sigh.

I often say my favorite seats are front row mezzanine, but I'll change on this one. On the aisle in the fourth row would be my choice for this show, but probably not for a big musical. I like that seat, I can actually put my legs into the aisle a bit instead of keeping them tucked under me for the entire show. And I do like being up close for plays, not musicals.

A poster named baysidegirl posted several Broadway reviews as a trip report thread. I'm going to cut-and-paste it here, in case anyone is interested.
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...s-183474-3.cfm
------------------------------
<b>Broadway shows </b>
Posted by: baysidegirl on Oct 5, 10 at 3:50am
Posted in: United States
Tagged: New York

Hi All,

Just wanted to put my 2c worth in about the shows I saw in NYC a couple of weeks ago.

I saw Memphis (the night Mrs Bush attended), Promises Promises and American Idiot. All were absolutely fantastic, very different, but just great.

Memphis had Brad Bass, the understudy in the lead role of Huey but if we hadn't been told we wouldn't have known. He was fabulous and I can only imagine what Chad Kimball is like. I would highly recommend this to anyone wanting a good musical and am not surprised it won the Tony.

Promises Promises had 2 of my favourite actors - Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth in it. Kristin's voice is just amazing and Sean has such perfect comedic timing, an absolute joy. The duet of "What do you get when you fall in love" by them both with Kristin playing the guitar toward the end of the show was the absolute highlight for me. Just superb.

American Idiot has a fairly loose plot line but that doesn't matter as the music is great. Loud, in your face rock and roll sung really well by a very talented cast. Some may find the language a bit offensive though.

If anyone is thinking about seeing any of these shows just go and book, they are all worth seeing. If I had to choose just one I'd probably choose Memphis.

Just saw "Brief Encounters" tonight - I liked it. First let me say that I didn't know where my seats would be - turns out in the rear part of the rear mezz in a fairly large theater. There is no way I could have seen the stage well. I spoke to one of the ushers (do they still call them that?) and he said that anyone could move down right before curtain. And everyone did. My friend and I lucked out and snagged two seats in the first row of the front mezz - great! About the play - I did not have any specific expectations - just knew that it was multi-media. It is a 90 minute production that explores a two minute theme - very creative with a talented cast especially in the smaller roles. I love period pieces and this is vintage Britain 1938. Bottom line: if you're not looking for a 'big' play and can get discount seats, it's quite enjoyable.

Tomorrow: "Alphabetical Order" on Theatre Row.

"Alphabetical Order" - I left during intermission.

I received an email from The Nederlander Group for discount preview tickets for Spiderman. The code is good for performances November 17 to December 20. Orchestra seats $69 weekdays and $79 weekends.

Code: NE 0927 at Ticketmaster.

Enjoy!

I received the same email. Note that the dates are for the preview performances that run through that period.

There's an interesting article in today's NY Times about musicals that open on Broadway without an out of town run.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/th...w.html?_r=1&hp

Also, fwit, 'A life in the Theater' did not get a great review.
Anyone see it?

http://theater.nytimes.com/2010/10/1...ml?ref=theater

Has anyone seen a <u>Woman on the Verge...</u> preview? It has such an amazing creative team and cast. Hopefully that is enough. I have tix for January, surely the kinks will be worked out by then......or it will have closed. LOL

TC - I have tix for December - we shall see.................

FYI - I've updated my musicals post because PBS is doing their Musicals at the White House program next week

I have been looking forward to this Performance ever since Thomas Friedman mentioned it in a New York Times editorial.
http://thestarryeye.typepad.com/expl...he-mosque.html

I saw "Scottsboro Boys" last night and was tortured on several counts. First, although my friend purchased these tix directly from the box office, they had obstructed views and this was not disclosed. The usher who seated us was nasty and would not let us change our seats even though there were many empty. The recourse he gave us was impossible and would have caused us to miss the first ten minutes. I thought I would resolve it during intermission, but guess what? No intermission and this was not mentioned in the playbill either.

So two hours - no intermission - of discomfort. The play was uncomfortable as well. I'm fine with theater that has a point of view that makes you feel uncomfortable. I like a compelling story that makes me feel something. But, as was mentioned by TC in an earlier post, this play, at times imho, handles the material poorly. One should not compare the handling of the material to 'Chicago' or 'Cabaret.' These were nine REAL young men who's lives were ruined. Some scenes were over the top a la Mel Brooks, but maybe what I thought was funny in the 70's isn't so funny now especially when this is a non-fiction piece. to be continued.....

Oh CPG, I am sorry you had such an uncomfortable theater experience, but your assessment of the material is spot on and gels so closely with my own feelings after having seen the production in Minneapolis. I am eager to read the continuation of your review.