People on this board make ridiculous assumptions and predictions based on very little evidence. Its at once entertaining and baffling. The fact that Erivo is far more nuanced and runs away with her scenes with JHud is because she did an entire run of the production before, and a more seasoned performer in general. I would hope she would be opening night ready on 1st preview. However, Jennifer is making her broadway debut, has never been much of an actress, her oscar winning performance is a series of Bill Condon infused line readings, great editing, and phenomenal interrupting of iconic songs. Every film she has done since then, leaves quite a bit to be desired for on a basic level when it comes to acting. The fact that she was comfortable, relaxed, grounded, and mostly had articulation issues but didn't blow the few reviewers on this post away is not surprising. In fact, that's actually good news. It's her 1st preview on a stage in a show, anywhere, ever. It even makes since that Danielle would fair much better, because she is a Julliard trained actor.
In reference, to people's opinion on the score and book. I saw final preview of the original production and while the script certainly is almost verbatim in some parts, i'm excited about Doyle's streamlining to get to the heart of Celie's journey. The score while not the most versed musical theatre score, is very enjoyable to me and many friends of mine. It is a score that we return to in the midst of today's r&b, gospel, and top 40. Particularly: Our Prayer, Lily of the Field, Brown Betty, Too Beautiful for Words, Push Da Button, What About Love?, Miss Celie's Pants and of course I'm Here. For one reason or another, many people find those songs moving and entertaining off the OCR. Also, the church women/narrators are needed for the brevity that balances the pain of which Celie is dealing with, and the commentary reflects that of the exact church, and most audiences for this particular show will identify and resonate with it immediately.
Jennifer did very well with her numbers and I think her acting will get sharper during previews. I thought her diction was fine but I was sitting close.
RippedMan said: "Was told they sell $35 partial view tickets for rush. 20 tickets. But they offered me $59 partial view tickets in the mezz.
How is the view? I mean how partial is it? It's not a big set, so why it is considered partial?
"
RippedMan - where the $59 partial view seats in the front or rear mezz? Just curious? Are these only offered day of in addition to rush or can you get these in advance?
Want to try and rush next week but if I don't get their early enough this might be a decent alternative.
BroadwayLuv2 said: "RippedMan said: "Was told they sell $35 partial view tickets for rush. 20 tickets. But they offered me $59 partial view tickets in the mezz.
Honestly the way the set is built. There really isn't any partial view. The set doesn't even take up the entire stage. The 59 dollar tickets are better than the rush tickets that are in the boxes which are extreme right and left. But even still, the views are fine. You won't miss a thing sitting anywhere. I hope this helps.
How is the view? I mean how partial is it? It's not a big set, so why it is considered partial?
"
RippedMan - where the $59 partial view seats in the front or rear mezz? Just curious? Are these only offered day of in addition to rush or can you get these in advance?
Want to try and rush next week but if I don't get their early enough this might be a decent alternative.
I'm guessing some of the rush tickets are in the boxes and some are in the orchestra. Does anyone know which they give out first? I remember how awful those boxes were for Once and I'd rather not repeat that again (not whining about rush, just trying to strategize where to be in the line).
The set looks kind of like the same style for Sweeney Todd, where it's a a rectangular plank of wood? So maybe you miss the back corners? I think I'd rather just buy a TKTS ticket for it. I don't want to miss Doyle's stage pictures.
I went back for a second time tonight. After going the first preview. And WOW I have to say this is one of the best revivals I've seen in a very long time. The piece is simple of course. But it's also smart. The actors have nothing to hind behind which makes every moment so truthful and real. I must also say. I truly enjoyed J Hud. She was very relaxed and easy on stage. Not singing to loud as she often can. The entire feel of the show is as if real people were telling is the story. As if they all belonged to that one little town. And new everyone in it. Cynthia Erivo is giving a star turn if I've ever seen one. Danielle Brooks is phenomenal as Sofia. Even the character of Mister played by Isaiah Washington makes you care about him towards the end. I could never compare this production to the last because it's so different. I feel like I'm watching a completely new story. I encourage those wanting to see a truly beautiful, truthful piece of art. Go see this show. As of right now. The Color Purple would have my vote for best revival hands down.