A Christmas Story Previews — Page 3

Are investors stupid??? I just don't get it. I mean, people invested in Scandalous and Flashdance? Etc? I mean c'mon. Why aren't shows like The Whale brought to Broadway? I know everyone says "Oh, it wouldn't last," but I'd rather see a good show struggle and try to make it, then some crap like Scandalous.

Glinda- You assume correctly. When the lamp arrives Bolton has a "Hymn For a Sunday Evening" moment and the ensemble comes out in sequenced vests, looking like they just got off a long shift at Foxwoods Casino. They each hold a lamp, and you know it is only a matter before the kickline begins.

Sadly, would could have been a classic camp moment isn't even unintentionally funny because it's so obvious and stupid. The choreography in the dream sequence is SO uninspired it makes you long for a Rob Ashford gymnastics routine.

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Thank you, NOTABB, I was beginning to think I saw a different show. I agree with you 100%. I had the opportunity to see this show in Hershey last year and it was delightful.. Saw last nights preview and again, delightful.. Very interesting to see the changes that were made from last year. Most for the good. But how can they say "dreck".. The costumes were right on for the period. Yes, it was a bland time as far as colors and such. But, the costumes are spot on for that time and anyone with a real knowledge of theatre and time period would recognize that. However, in Ralphies dream sequences the costumes do pop! Especially in the Act 2 "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" number. The music is definitely hummable and memorable (unlike many Broadway scores of today), the performances for the most part are terrific. Each actor making the role their own and not copying the movie. So you cannot compare the two.. John Bolton is no less than brilliant as the Old Man. And I agree that he will most likely get a Tony nod. The show needs a little cleaning up, a few fixes here and there, but by opening next week will be in terrific shape. As far as the 3 choices this year for holiday fair (A Christmas Story, Elf and Grinch), I've seen all three and by far, A Christmas Story is the best. Unlike the other two, it is a sweet simple musical about a family during a tough time and a little boys wish for just one special present. It has heart, it's moving, funny, certainly delivers with the "big" Broadway musical numbers with Ralphie To The Rescue, Major Award and You'll Shoot Your Eye out. It is obvious the producers and artistic team wanted this show to be something far more than your typical holiday crap Broadway has had these past several years. And, as far as I'm concerned (and by the reaction of the audience) they have achieved that. My advice, ignore the arrogant rantings above and go see this show..

I expect he'll be Tony nominated for his performance.

I haven't seen the show, but actors are rarely remembered for holiday shows come Tony time.

Add me to the group that enjoyed this. I do think the production values are poor though.

Tonight a portion of the house literally crashed into the sky backdrop to hilarious effect during one of the final moments of the show.

Everything does feel flimsy. I have no idea why they couldn't have budget more than $5 for the sets involved. Several moments literally have actors standing on the bare stage with no backdrops whatsoever. Not a problem if it works artistically but this just feels like they didn't have the money.

I really think the cast sells this material. Dan Lauria is excellent as narrator and Caroline O' Connor is really fantastic. She had a much bigger part than I expected and really stole the show in every scene she was in.

Maybe I am a sucker but I thought the kid actors were all great.

Erin Dilly was fine. I mean I don't know how anyone could be more than fine with generic mom song #5.

That said, I really do love the score. Red Ryder Carbine Action BB gun, When Your'e a wimp and A Major Award all stand out to me.
I also love Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana.

I think the bottom line is that while I enjoyed it it, it was mainly because the score and the actors. The production values are truly shoddy and i wish that it was receiving a better treatment. Still, I would sit through this over Scandalous any day.

DELIGHTFUL!

I was stunned that they were able to make this show surprising given that we know every iconic moment from the film. Pasek & Paul managed to milk such moments in a very "musical" way. I had SUCH a good time!! Just like I could rewatch the movie again and again, I could see the stage musical again and probably like it just the same.

The ensemble of kids have more SPUNK than those brats in ANNIE. They really made the show. EXCELLENT casting. These quirky kids highlighted the moments very well. The kid who does the solo tap dance!!!... INSANE.

Out of all the performances given, I must devote a special mention to the actor who played the father. He was such an oddball and very different from the tone of the father in the film...yet it worked and was a perfect blend with the show. A very memorable performance.

Know who else was memorable? Dan Lauria. I will forever remember how he RUINED every moment he was on stage. His timing was off EVERY. SINGLE. LINE. he had. I acknowledge that this is still a preview performance and that it was only show #8, but if those kids can nail down a performance with 10X MORE lines AND music and dance, a seasoned actor such as Lauria should have the part down better at this point. He was FANTASTIC in LOMBARDI, but there is absolutely no need to have him in this part if he isn't going to deliver. It's a tiny part, and one of a narrator, but that doesn't matter. Every time he came on stage, I groaned and wanted the story to get on with it.

Despite Lauria's distractingly bad performance, the show was still a good time and I highly recommend it!

All of the technical problems aren't really worth mentioning. The show is a limited run, and I thought the set and costumes exceeded my expectations for a show that is a limited engagement.

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"I suspect it will outrun it's original run."

I suspect you will be proven wrong.

The score is right up there with Glory Days and Chaplin and Scandalous,
if you know what I mean.

Crapola to the nth degree.

I really think I'd rather just watch the movie for free in my pjs than plop down $150 bucks to watch an imitative rip-off surrounded by a bunch of kids and tourists. Call me cranky.

You're pretty. When are you going to stop eating that - what is it? Focaccia?

Updated On: 11/13/12 at 12:08 PM

Cranky and not too smart. Why not give the the score a listen and make a least an informed decision. What's it cost on iTunes , $14 bucks? If you hate the score then don't see the show.

" Cranky and not too smart. Why not give the the score a listen and make a least an informed decision. What's it cost on iTunes , $14 bucks? If you hate the score then don't see the show."

In some cases (and I think this is one), press, word of mouth, and marketing clips are free and suffice to provide enough of a taste to show that the entire dish is not geared to one's palate.

In other words, why should I spend even 1 cent?

If they wanted to make the show better, they should have just shot his eye out.