A WONDERFUL WORLD: THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG MUSICAL Reviews — Page 2

I saw the matinee today. I'm a big fan of James T. Lane and he was outstanding in the role. Overall, the show gets off to a slow start, but by middle of Act 1 it settles in. Act 2 is very solid with a solid opener, the big tap numbers, "Smiling", and the finale featuring the title number. This might slowly find an audience if A Beautiful Noise could as well. I'd assume it's also cheaper to run than A Beautiful Noise as it has a smaller cast and orchestra. 

They also had all swings on with the female swing splitting two tracks. This show might try and stick it out through the Winter. The matinee today appeared nearly soldout.

ACL2006 said: "I saw the matinee today. I'm a big fan of James T. Lane and he was outstanding in the role. Overall, the show gets off to a slow start, but by middle of Act 1 it settles in. Act 2 is very solid with a solid opener, the big tap numbers, "Smiling", and the finale featuring the title number. This might slowly find an audience if A Beautiful Noise could as well. I'd assume it's also cheaper to run than A Beautiful Noise as it has a smaller cast and orchestra.

They also had all swings on with the female swing splitting two tracks. This show might try and stick it out through the Winter. The matinee today appeared nearly soldout."

 

Don't want to be a Debbie Downer here, but last week's capacity was around 65%, pretty much like 'Swept away'. That's definitely not a good indicator for a holiday weekend like thanksgiving, but I hope I'm wrong

pablitonizer said: "ACL2006 said: "I saw the matinee today. I'm a big fan of James T. Lane and he was outstanding in the role. Overall, the show gets off to a slow start, but by middle of Act 1 it settles in. Act 2 is very solid with a solid opener, the big tap numbers, "Smiling", and the finale featuring the title number. This might slowly find an audience if A Beautiful Noise could as well. I'd assume it's also cheaper to run than A Beautiful Noise as it has a smaller cast and orchestra.

They also had all swings on with the female swing splitting two tracks. This show might try and stick it out through the Winter. The matinee today appeared nearly soldout."



Don't want to be a Debbie Downer here, but last week's capacity was around 65%, pretty much like 'Swept away'. That's definitely not a good indicator for a holiday weekend likethanksgiving,but I hope I'm wrong"

This and A Beautiful Noise are appealing to an older audience. So their typical audience wasn't in the city during Thanksgiving weekend. trying to appear hopeful for this show at least like the fans of MHE are.

Neither of the shows are in a particularly good place. It's worse for AWW, which I'm expecting to close sooner rather than later but the news isn't great for MHE either. Neither show is selling out and selling tickets at a price that can sustain them over the long run. The holiday weekend, which normally lifts all boats (no pun intended for Swept Away) did nothing for AWW so in the closing sweepstakes, I'm expecting that they're next on the chopping block. Which goes to show that not every jukebox musical is destined to have mass audience appeal.

James T. Lane has been on all week as JMI has been out sick. Might be a good day to rush if anyone has an open slot today.

I went in with very low expectations based on reviews and WOM and I was pleasantly surprised.   I typically don't have much use for jukebox bio musicals and this is certainly not groundbreaking theater but it was pleasant evening at the theater.  I thought the choreography was excellent and there are some very strong performances (in spite of the issues with the book).  This strikes me as the perfect show to take on tour.  

 

Oh, and may we please see more of Darlesia Cearcy on Broadway! 

ACL2006 said: "James T. Lane has been on all week as JMI has been out sick. Might be a good day to rush if anyone has an open slot today."

James T. Lane did end up doing 8 out of the last nine shows since last Monday. JMI only did the Thursday evening performance and apparently didn't sound well at all. Let's see if he's back this Thursday evening and can get through a five show weekend.

it does feel like a nice, little show to see despite its flaws. Sadly, I don't see it lasting much longer unless they get a drastic bump in sales this Winter.

Again saw it in Chicago for $30. Had ever intention to leave at intermission but really enjoyed the show. Totally recommend. 

James T. Lane is on again tonight for JMI. If JMI remains out for the rest of the week, I wonder if they'll give Brandon Armstrong an opportunity to go on as Louis Armstrong once? Brandon is Louis Armstrong's great grandson*.

*EDIT: great-great nephew.

Updated On: 1/2/25 at 07:00 PM

quizking101 said: "** Great-Great Nephew

Yeah, I had asked JTLif they had rehearsed Brandon and I believe they said they have, but that JTL will always be the first cover/standby. So if for whatever reason JTL needs a night and JMI isn't back or not his scheduled day, then Brandon would go on.

It’s a “stars all have to align” situation"

whoops. he shortened his bio.

they have a 7 show/4 day schedule currently. Both JMI & JTL have said that doing his voice is though on their own. So if JMI is still out this weekend, I won't be surprised if Brandon goes on once.

ACL2006 said: "Iglehart was back tonight. let's see if he does the full 5-show weekend."

That would be a no.

JTL posted that he is on this afternoon