6 Days/9 Shows -- My Report on Broadway Binge 2017

[MsDesmond1995]

Posted: 6/5/17 at 10:51pm

Wow... that's pretty much all I can summon when think on my trip (May 26-June 1). I've never been to NYC when the town was so full of Broadway buzz and energy. I've done countless Broadway binges before but this was like none other. AND I was able to break my record, which was 8 in 6 days.

Without further ado... the shows and my brief assessment.

May 26th (Evening): A Doll's House, Part 2

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not what I thought I was walking into at all. Laurie Metcalf's comic timing is impeccable. I loved the modern interpretations of 19th century mores and how abruptly the evening ended. Loved getting out when everyone else was in intermission. Very satisfying. Ms. Metcalf may pick up her much deserved Tony now.

 

May 27th (Matinee): Dear Evan Hansen

I went into this one skeptical. I'm usually a snob when it comes to things that teenage girls fawn over, but every ounce acclaim this musical has garnered has been well earned. I haven't left a theatre that emotionally drained a long time. I ugly cried at least 3 times. Ben Platt... my God... how does he do that 8 times a week without having to go to therapy in the process?! I'm still shaken over a week later. Though I don't think I could see it again. Some of it hit a little close to home. Brilliance.

May 27th (Evening): Oslo

Another heavy evening of theatre after DEH... this one... again phenomenal. I noticed a marked difference in the audiences. 3 hours is a long time to sit in a theatre, but it moved fast, thanks to Bartlett Sher's masterful direction once again. It was a subject of which I regrettably new little about going into. I vaguely remember my dad watching these events unfold on CNN when I was 11. I'm so glad I challenged myself with this play. I found myself on the edge until the end. Highly recommended.

May 28th (Matinee): War Paint

LOVED IT!!! Not just the brilliant women in it, but the show itself. Visually stunning and I quite enjoyed the book. Musically... Face to Face and Beauty in the World are the only stand outs. The score is quite mediocre, but I was riveted anyway. Everything was so lush... the sets, the costumes, the orchestrations, Patti and Christine's performances. I could sit through this one again without hesitation. I think it helps if you have more than a passing interest in make up as well. 

May 28th (Evening) Groundhog Day:

Meh... my least favorite by far. But its still fantastic... I thought it was much more cynical than the movie, which I didn't like about it. And I've gotta say, I'm no prude. Oslo was exceptionally profane... and I loved every minute. Avenue Q and Mormon are two of my favorite shows, but the edgier stuff in GhD, just seemed extra to me. Like... "Ooo... lets throw some f-bombs and jokes about masturbation and erections in here just to prove how hip we are!" And what was their obsession with flipping the bird? Also, in the movie Rita and Phil never had sex, and in the show, its obvious they did. Maybe I'm just trying to cling to the innocence of my youth, which is when I fell in love with the movie. To me, the story is about redemption, and the show completely missed the mark on that. Its a technically wonderful show, but no heart.

May 29th (Evening): Miss Saigon

Another impressive night at the theatre. This is a BIG SHOW. Set pieces were huge, and of course that helicopter. Eva is a true find. Not my favorite musical. Saw the original on tour in the 90s. I only saw it because I needed a show to see on Monday night and it was the only one playing that piqued my interest. Jon Jon was robbed of a nomination. Glad I saw it.

May 30th (Evening): Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812

Was highly looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. Sat in the lower mez, which was the best vantage point besides maybe, the banquets. Denee was gorgeous and brilliant. Josh was great. Was I the only one who had a little trouble following the show though? There were a few times I found my mind starting to wander, despite (or perhaps in spite of) the all the visual stimulation. I would love see it again from another seat and to see things that I missed. Regardless... I'm THRILLED a show like this made it to Broadway and is doing so well. I remember overhearing a patron saying he never thought he'd see something like this play this far uptown.

May 31 (Matinee): Sunset Boulevard

It finally happened. 22 years of diligence and patience paid off... of being obsessed with one singular show since my friend brought me back a copy of the cast recording from NYC in 1995. The 14 year old me was screaming the entire time. And I may or may not have hyperventilated a few times. This absolutely wiped out the memory of the horrendous 2nd National Tour I saw in high school, which I thought I was going to have to live with the rest of my life. I will relive "As If We Never Said Goodbye" over and over in my head until I die. 2nd row. I was a literal mess. I'm sure everyone (including Glenn) noticed my intense sobbing. I couldn't help it. If she only new how much that moment and her whole performance meant to me. That being said... I really wasn't feeling Michael Xavier's Joe. Much too smug and didn't feel any chemistry. Regardless... the entire afternoon was a pivotal moment of my life.

And last, but certainly not least I finish with a bang:

May 31st (Evening): Hello, Dolly!

This is what musical theatre is all about. This is my whole reason for existence: to witness moments like this. Everything about it was perfect. I can't say anything that's already been said on this board. Bette Midler IS Dolly Levi. My only minor quibble about her performance, and I think its been said on here before, was she delivered every line as if she was about to launch into a Sophie Tucker joke and talk about her best friend Clementine. But the thing is... it seems like thats exactly how Dolly would have talked. And I loved David Hyde Pierce... I thought his was an inspired casting choice, as was Gavin and Kate. This is one of those "I was there to witness..." moments.

Thats it! Thanks for indulging me. My only regret was not being able to stay a 7th night and see Come From Away. I should have switched GhD for CFA.

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 6/5/17 at 10:55pm

What a fabulous trip! Thank you so much for sharing!  

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 6/5/17 at 10:58pm

Wow it sounds like you had a great trip! And I enjoyed reading all your reports.

As for Groundhog Day, I think it's the difference between Andy Karl and Bill Murray's approach to the roles. Bill Murray always has a melancholy side to his portrayals. Karl plays Phil like a glib playboy. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/5/17 at 10:59pm

MsDesmond1995 said: "Also, in the movie Rita and Phil never had sex, and in the show, its obvious they did. Maybe I'm just trying to cling to the innocence of my youth, which is when I fell in love with the movie."

Are you sure?!

[MsDesmond1995]

Posted: 6/5/17 at 11:07pm

haterobics said: "MsDesmond1995 said: "Also, in the movie Rita and Phil never had sex, and in the show, its obvious they did. Maybe I'm just trying to cling to the innocence of my youth, which is when I fell in love with the movie."

Are you sure?!



 

"

I guess its left to your interpretation. I didn't get the feeling that they did in the movie. Just that they fell asleep in the same bed while waiting for morning. They were both still fully clothed in the movie by morning. In the musical, Rita is wearing a camisole and clearing doing the "walk of shame". lol. But again... its all in how you want to view it.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 12:22am

I want more details about Sunset :)

[Babe_Williams]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 7:51pm

What a great trip! Thanks for sharing. 

[tomwsjr]

Posted: 6/6/17 at 8:11pm

Thank you for sharing; I agree with all your reviews. Such a great season on Broadway!!!!!