For whatever it's worth, which might not be anything at all, I saw the show again Thursday night, and very little appeared to be different, though there were some minor changes, but regardless, I still enjoyed the show just as much as I did the first time. Even knowing everything that was coming, remembering the jokes and the imagery, etc, I was still very delighted by the show, still found it very charming and still really loved the music and the sets. I thought maybe I'd find problems with it the second time around, but I really just enjoyed myself all the way around.
I will say though, that while I don't mind the parts about Amelie's childhood, I definitely also wouldn't hate if they shortened that part, but it didn't feel as long the second time around, even though I'm sure nothing changed.
Also, for those saying the opening song needs to be changed, I completely disagree, that opening song, I feel, is perfect, it sets up the whole idea of breadcrumbs that the show builds itself on, the idea that one event or action leads to another and the way random paths end up connecting.
This is such a great decision. I'm so glad this show won't be trying to wedge its way into this hectic season. I still hold out my prediction that the 2016-2017 season will be a duel between Amelie and Anastasia...
If Amelie will come to Broadway in 2017, I sincerely hope they will recast Amelie's role, to possibly Phillipa Soo. Is it true she did a workshop/reading? I think she'd be perfect for the role and by 2017, she may be ready to leave Hamilton to originate a principle role on Broadway.
As I mentioned in the thread about the Ahmanson season, I think this is a good move for them. Hopefully they are using this time and production to work on the show. If they had gone straight to Broadway, the gap between productions might have been a bit too big for their own good. Plus, at the Ahmanson they will feel how the show plays in a larger house (the Berkeley Rep house was quite small).
I'm really rooting for this show! I hope they make it to NY! I'm itching to hear some of those songs again (besides the you-know-whats floating around on the internet).