Posted: 12/4/16 at 6:18am
I had read it was opening early December, so I started searching for performance dates. When I first went to search tickets, it seemed to have this Tuesday as the first performance. But when I went back to search again, it revealed a performance tomorrow evening. It looked close to sold out, but I was able to grab a seat. I'm very interested to see how this one translates onto the stage.
Posted: 12/4/16 at 8:26am
theatreguy12 said: "I had read it was opening early December, so I started searching for performance dates. When I first went to search tickets, it seemed to have this Tuesday as the first performance. But when I went back to search again, it revealed a performance tomorrow evening. It looked close to sold out, but I was able to grab a seat. I'm very interested to see how this one translates onto the stage."
Please come back and post your thoughts. I am giving serious consideration to adding this to our March trip.
Posted: 12/4/16 at 9:55am
Really looking forward to reviews for this one, especially Soo's performance, which I'm quite hopeful for in this role! Anybody who's going on here, please do report back!
Posted: 12/4/16 at 10:12am
A friend who works at CTG and is involved in a tech capacity says the show is going too be fabulous (and she is a tough cookie who is happy to own up when she's working on a turd) --- so hopefully this plays out well.
Posted: 12/4/16 at 2:39pm
theaterguy - really looking forward to your review. I'm curious how this will sell on Broadway - I don't expect every incoming show to be a hot ticket like Hello, Dolly! but discounts would be nice to know about in advance.
Posted: 12/4/16 at 2:42pm
Cute first performance Instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNmyDQQDkwc/
Posted: 12/4/16 at 3:40pm
I'm seeing it in 2 weeks! Can't wait to see some reviews and comments, hope it's a great show!
Posted: 12/5/16 at 12:14am
I'm not even going to waste time pulling out the thesaurus. An utterly charming performance, by an utterly charming actress, in an utterly charming musical. Whimsical sets, innovative staging and a crisp, seemingly flawless delivery of the goods. If tonight's performance is the foundation on which a musical will build, adapt, tweak as they work their way towards Broadway....they're already in good shape. And it's being led by a stunning Soo. Every time she makes an entrance it's like a refreshing, cool breeze is accompanying her. She's simply magical in the role, and it's difficult to take your eyes off her. A very enjoyable evening at the Ahmanson. See this.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 12:27am
Posted: 12/5/16 at 12:27am
Thankyou for the review. No surprise about Soo giving another stunning performance, she is something else.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 1:27am
I'm seeing it next Sunday night, and so looking forward to it! Thanks for the review.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 1:41am
aaaaaa15 said: "Thankyou for the review. No surprise about Soo giving another stunning performance, she is something else."
Absolutely. You're welcome.
And Soo truly is adorable in this role, capturing the nuances of the character with heartfelt energy and love.
I agree. No surprises here. I was captivated by her powerful, yet in some ways, understated performance in Hamilton. She really did capture the essence of that character as well, making it truly her own, but honest to the sensibility of the character.
A naturally talented and versatile actress.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 2:21am
Seeing this at the end of the month. Can't wait!
Posted: 12/5/16 at 4:49am
I can't wait to hear about it from someone who saw it in Berkeley, I'm really curious to know how much has changed. (Also does anyone have a song list from the program, is it in there?? I never knew the song names because they weren't in the program here.)
Posted: 12/5/16 at 11:35am
I saw it last night and thought it was cute but not amazing. I'm not too familiar with the film, and I wonder if that would have helped. My favorite part was the sets/props, which were very fun. My main thing was that the music was just passable, but I didn't leave the theatre with a tune I could hum. That being said, Phillipa Soo was wonderfully cast and a real talent.
Updated On: 12/5/16 at 11:35 AM
Posted: 12/5/16 at 11:49am
What views would you recommend for this show? I'm looking into going during my trip to California later this month.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 1:07pm
emo_geek said: "I didn't leave the theatre with a tune I could hum."
But did the music support the narrative and develop he characters and their emotions? That's what the songs were there for. Not for you to hum.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 1:23pm
JBroadway- I'm trying to think back to the music to answer your question, but I'm not too sure as the songs were a bit bland and forgettable. I believe a catchy tune could also support the narrative and develop the characters and their emotions, many successful shows do both. That being said, I thought the show as a whole was a cute and enjoyable evening of theatre- but the music is not the strongest part.
I also saw Merrily We Roll Along in LA this weekend, and perhaps Joe said it best: There's not a tune you can hum. There's not a tune you go bum-bum-bum-di-dum.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 1:24pm
The fact that you're quoting that line from Merrily to describe Amelie tells me you don't understand the point Sondheim was making with the line...
Posted: 12/5/16 at 1:42pm
Or perhaps I wish Sondhiem had done Amelie since that score is still in my head after seeing it this weekend. Amelie- not so much. And before you jump on me for that comment, no- I don't actually think Stephen Sondheim should work on Amelie, or that they should be compared, or that Joe is real and had a good idea. People- I've been around the theatre world enough.
Not really looking to argue here. Just wanted to give my review on the show...which I saw. Look forward to hearing your opinions once you've actually seen it.
Updated On: 12/5/16 at 01:42 PM
Posted: 12/5/16 at 2:16pm
How is the rest of the cast in this? Particularly interested in hearing about Adam Chanler-Berat's performance
Posted: 12/5/16 at 2:30pm
(A) Sondheim was quite literally and blatantly making fun of people who criticize a score for not being hummable.
(B) I have seen the show, though not in its current state. I agree that the music isn't hummable, but I still think it sounds beautiful and supports the narrative very well.
I appreciate your review, and I don't have problem with you disagreeing with me at all. I can understand how this score will not be everyone's cup of tea. But the "hummable" excuse always drives me up the wall.
Can't speak to Adam's current performance, but I found him to be very charming and lovable when I saw the show in Berkeley. Probably not the sort of role he'd get nominated for, but still very good.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 2:33pm
playbill-love- I thought the whole show was cast very well. Adam Chanler-berat sounded great, and was adorable falling in love. He seemed comfortable with the role and looked like he was having fun.
Posted: 12/5/16 at 4:01pm
My wife and I saw it last night.
I'd give it a B+. Phillipa was great in the role, very charming and effortless and sang everything well. The staging/set/props were excellent and the visuals really aid the story and generate comedy. I laughed a lot and left with a smile on my face. There's an Elton John inspired number that was really entertaining.
In terms of negatives, I think the big one for me is that there was never really a breakout, memorable emotional song that hit me hard. There are also some narrative threads that presumably come from the film (haven't seen it) that feel unnecessary or at least didn't track for me (the mystery of who appears in photo booth pictures that Nino found for example) I am kind of meh on Adam-Chanler-Berat in the Nino role, but it seemed like the audience was more into him.
My wife who has seen a lot more theater than I have found it a bit more disposable than I did, but liked it as well.
