Profile for halfhourcheckwithmerman

I saw this last night and had some major quibbles with the direction, and a couple medium-size quibbles with the structure and writing of the show itself, but for the most part found it a sensational evening, and an astonishing performance of an astonishing score. Rogers and Donica knocked me sideways. As many have said --- if you are on the fence, go!

Surprising that a show I have so many quibbles with is probably the show that I'm most glad to have seen this year. 

NYT review --- Helen Shaw (gift link)

Critic's pick. Many notes of admiration, and a couple really interesting caveats... so well-written, and what a reminder that Shaw is just the best critic working today. What a gift to have her at the NYT. 

SO excited to see this! 

Any reports? 

Going Sat. It's a long time since I've been so excited for a show... very happy at that early report. It's quite a piece of material... hope this cast and team can do it justice! 

Curious if anybody was at the show tonight. I went last week and Emily N. Rudolph was on for Olive... I was disappointed not to see Rogers but thought Rudolph was honestly quite astounding and was gobsmacked by her performance. Definitely one to watch. 

I saw that tonight she made her debut as Marcy. I wish I wasn't half across the country because I would have made a return trip to see that... anybody see it? 

malcs98 said: "I'm just gonna put this out there: Diego Andres Rodriguez"

What a terrific idea. 

 

As a non-defender of this show (I found it pretty dreadful, which is not a revolutionary opinion on this board), I am also very interested to hear the score on its own. I am quite curious whether some of these songs, which I didn't love in the theater, might present themselves better when unconnected to the shaky book and weak direction. Hoping to be pleasantly surprised!

Me as well!! How wonderful!

Binau, thanks for that excellent review. 

Question, if you remember: how far upstage does the action get? Looking at the extreme side-audience-left seats, which aren't marked partial view (the audience-right ones are marked partial view, interestingly) but are much, much cheaper. How much do you think I'd miss?

Thank you!!!! 

I was surprised talking to some young theatergoers recently just how much of a draw / sensation they find Jack Wolfe. Teenage theater kids are incredibly into him. 

TaffyDavenport said: "https://www.newyorker.com/culture/persons-of-interest/cole-escolas-great-day-on-broadway"

What a truly great piece! Did not expect to be moved as much as I was. Also really funny. Love Cole. 

Helen Shaw's first NYT review! (Gift Link)

Oh wow. This will be fascinating... am I right that we know very little about Jones' and Sondheim's breakup? It seems they stayed amicable based on the credits given to him in FINISHING THE HAT, post-breakup.

The score of PASSION is dedicated to him. 

This show is very much overdue for a revival and I think it would do very well with the right cast!

KMKJ said: "TheatreFan4 said:"Except that Morrible has been cast with many actresses who cannot sing. Rue McLanahan, Joanne Worley, Jayne Houdyshell, Miriam Margoyles, Carol Kane, etc."

small sidenote: Jo Anne Worley can definitely sing ;)"

Another small sidenote --- Jane Houdyshell can definitely sing :)