Assassins - 7/11/04

[broadway86]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 8:26pm

Okay... this was, plain and simple, the best show I have seen all year, musical or play.

If they had a Tony category for Best Ensemble, this would have won it, hands down. Neil Patrick Harris, Michael Cerveris, Mario Cantone, Denis O'Hare, Becky Ann Baker, James Barbour, Mary Catherine Garrison, Jeffrey Kuhn, John Schiappa... these are tremendous talents. The Sondheim score was invigorating and memorable. The John Weidman book was creepy, challenging, and at times, downright hilarious.

Here's my public service announcement: If you have not seen ASSASSINS yet, get tickets before it closes this Sunday! If you don't, you'll regret it.

PS - I had heard rumors that Neil Harris was a grumpy guy. Imagine my surprise when he turned out to be very warm and friendly in person. And he can sing, too!

[Matt_G]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 8:28pm

I've only had fantastic experiences w/ NPH. He's a real sweet guy and will take pictures with everyone who wants one and sign anything put in front of him, even pics that will obviously be sold on eBay.

But I'm glad you loved the show. It really was a fantastic production with a first rate cast. It's just a shame they don't want to keep it open longer.

[MusicPos2]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 8:52pm

I really wanted to see it, but my friends didn't want to (I was showing them around NYC), and when I spent $96.25 to see Avenue Q (well worth the money, even for the fifth time seeing it), I couldn't justify it. I really wish it were staying.

[Matt_G]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 8:56pm

You should have bought the $25 rush seats they have at Studio 54. If you go early, you can get fantastic seats in the mezz that usually cost $65.

[MusicPos2]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 9:36pm

Yes, but what was I going to do with my friends? They aren't the kind of people you just leave alone in NYC. That's why I'm going by myself next time: I'll see lots of shows. Updated On: 7/12/04 at 09:36 PM

[midtowngym]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 9:39pm

I just got a smile and a hello from Michael Cerveris an hour ago as he was walking into Joes Pub. *swoon*

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 9:44pm

The ensemble of Assassins works together so beautifully; Another National Anthem is amazing. I dont know if it would have been as good had it opened when it had originally planned.

[Britt0913]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 11:07pm

I got tix for me and my friend in the center orchestra of ASSASSINS for $46.25 @ yesterday's matinee. I asked for student discounts and was really surprised that she gave us row e, center. this happen to anybody else?

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 11:15pm

I'm still in utter shock and denial...I keep thinking they are going to announce an extension sometimes this week! This is probably the BEST show I have ever seen! Why is it closing?!!!! I HATE the morons at the Roundabout!
I'm sorry for bringing this up again, I know everyone feels this way, but I just don't understand why this is happening!

On another note, Britt-I love your caption! Ahhh...Raul in a tux...

[Plum]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 11:20pm

While the Roundabout may be partly to blame for this, they also gave us this production in the first place. I have to put some of the blame on audiences who would rather watch the same show 15 times or still think Broadway is all about fluff and dancing girls. More than 30 years after Company, Sondheim still isn't getting widespread support from theatergoers. It's crazy. Knowing that, how can you possibly say that theatergoers are more tasteful or discerning than the slob on the street?

Posted: 7/18/04 at 12:20pm

oh man. the show was brilliant! ONe of the best this year (other than: taboo, caroline or change, Q). I still cannot believe it closed. Everyone was so nice! I was Mario outside the theater before the show. He was really nice, he autographed my ticket. it was great!

~ SAVE TABOO:
http://www.btinternet.com/~s.essom/taboopetition.htm ~

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/18/04 at 12:39pm

Sometimes I think for every 10 people who give a show like Assassins excellent word of mouth, like we see in general on this site, it's the one person who (for whatever psychological reason that is probably too deep to unpack here) bad mouths the show that somehow weighs more heavily in the minds of people who might or might not decide to see the show.

After all, a bylined columnist of this very site (who claims to desire a higher standard in Broadway theater) said this of Assassins and its fans:

'Mediocore score, boring book and a college level production of a joyless show. I know some think it's "brilliant," and you're entitled. For me there was nothing of interest....

'Someone should point out the emperor's new clothes to those blinded by the lights.'

Let's face it, the opinions of bylined writers, as wrongheaded and obtuse as they might be, carry more weight with the general public when it's making up its mind than those of us who merely appear as fans in a message thread.

[Plum]

Posted: 7/18/04 at 3:31pm

Yes, Namo, we know who you're talking about. But that person doesn't have nearly as much influence as the critics who liked this production, including Brantley.

[TulitaPepsi]

Posted: 7/18/04 at 8:41pm

Watch, Roundabout will try to book BOUNCE for next season.