A DC Columnist's Take on Glory Days

[hockeynut2]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 11:37am

Thanks for your comments and taking the time to read the article. I would really appreciate if you could post your comments on DC Theatre Scene so DC Theatre Goers can read them.

Joel
A DC Columnist on Glory Days in DC Theatre Scene Updated On: 5/8/08 at 11:37 AM

[Elphie3]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 11:48am

Thanks! Great article!

[morosco]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 11:48am

He's 100% right.

[acrocksyo]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 11:55am

I couldn't agree with you more, as soon as I got out of the first preview, I said to my friends, "This show would do a lot better at New World Stages" It was not ready for Broadway at all, it needed major rewrites and workshops. Another theater causality.

[matty159]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 11:57am

Excellent article. Spot on.

I sincerely hope Schaeffer leads Ace well this summer (and learns from his mistakes here) on its proposed trajectory toward Broadway.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 11:59am

Well written and many good points made.
Especially about rushing the show in for award season.
I do think he goes a bit overboard about IN THE HEIGHTS, it also had dwindling audiences at 37 ARTS and has not exactly set Broasdway on fire.

[hockeynut2]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:06pm

I just love In The Heights. I can't help myself. There's something about the energy of that show that makes me want to see it again and again. I can't wait for the double cd to come out.
Andrea Burns and Robin de Jesus podcasts at In The Heights

[Penelope2]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:06pm

Great article. I really liked the show and am sad to see it close. I hope the guys realize that someday this will just be a footnote in their careers. Keep writing!

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:13pm

That's cool Hockeynut2, I loved THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:15pm

Joel, Great article. Very well said. May I ask what everyone's response was to your initial statement, "not ready for Broadway"?

[musicalman2]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:22pm

I think the observations here are dead on.

Since someone here mentioned Ace, let me just say that Eric Schaeffer cancelled a fully cast production of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, where the actors had already booked the show, so that he could direct Ace at Signature. Didn't re-schedule it. Nothing. So those actors who had given up other shows had nothing to replace it.

[matty159]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:28pm

musicalman2, I didn't know that! I haven't followed Mr. Schaeffer's career too much, but from what I have read the past few days, this is yet another strike against the man. It makes me nervous for Ace and for Giant next season. Hopefully this will sound a wake-up call.

[James885]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:35pm

Joel, your article hit the nail on the head. I agree that transfering to Broadway was a mistake. It definetely could have had a longer and better life in New York if time had been taken to re-work and revise the show. Then they should have opened Off-Broadway, perhaps at New World Stages like you suggested. I don't think the careers of Nick and James will be ruined. They're just starting out, and they've proven themselves to be very talented. Rather, I just think that they should look back on this as a very very expensive learning experience.

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:36pm

Joel- Great article. I know you have been a huge supporter of this show and all of DC theatre. I didn't particularly like it when I saw it at Signature and was shocked by the move (especially when many seats were empty when I saw it), but it is a shame that this NY move could end up doing more harm than good.

Updated On: 5/8/08 at 12:36 PM

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 12:50pm

Great work, as usual, Joel.

I agree with your sentiments. I do have concern, though, over the idea that the D.C. reviews suggested or encouraged this transfer. As you said early in your article, the reviews in D.C. were "mixed." Many of the critics there took the stance that Brantley did earlier this week and gave some support/credit to two young writers, but none of those critics were encouraging this show to go to New York.

[hockeynut2]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 1:03pm

We'll never know now if the producers brought the show to NYC based on the reviews, but they sure quoted Peter's line all over the place.

Wouldn't you feel confident about bringing this show to NYC with these?

"fresh...real and surprisingly moving"
Peter Marks, The Washington Post


"A Beaming source of musical energy. Fresh and vivacious... Glory Days gives voice to bittersweet youth. A Quartet or Outstanding Actors."
The Washington Post


"A charming pop musical... A strong sendoff... Heartfelt melodies packed with earnest lyrics... Expertly sung by the talented Quartet."
Variety


Four Stars! Powered by a remarkable cast, Glory Days is about something very simple, very tangible, and absolutely universal. An exciting and utterly infections blend of rock and roll. The vibrant energy seems almost impossible to contain. It's an evening with remarkable young talent that seems to point to a very bright future for musical theater."
Metro Weekly


"Engaging... Genuine and heartfelt. Savvily directed by Eric Schaeffer."
The Washington Times


"Raw and very real... Dynamic and loud... something very potent has just been unleashed. Glory Days is worth seeing."
Theatermania


"Smart, smart, smart... Some of the smartest dialog and lyrics you're likely to hear in any musical... The latest gemstone on signature's string of world premiere musicals. The writing talent is palpable and the acting is terrific."
DC Theatre Scene


"The four young men of the company are excellently cast, and are an ensemble in the very truest sense of the word. ...When they sing together the harmonies are, well, glorious. They have created a group of people you care about and want to know."
Broadway World


I'd put my own money into this show. Joel

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 5/8/08 at 1:36pm

I sincerely hope Schaeffer leads Ace well this summer (and learns from his mistakes here) on its proposed trajectory toward Broadway.

PLEASE tell me that ACE is not the musical version of DEUCE.

Great article. I am curious to know what the 18 suggestions you made that were ignored.

Updated On: 5/8/08 at 01:36 PM