Posted: 3/13/19 at 6:35pm
I understand casts don't want to perform to half empty houses, and how depressing that can be but...it's not the audience's problem or fault. People are way too sensitive, it's show business, and it's typically pretty brutal.
Posted: 3/13/19 at 7:29pm
MollyJeanneMusic said: "Someone in a Tree2 said: "I agree with your point. Sounds like from the reviews for BMC I'd be right behind him heading up the aisle at intermission."
OK - this is where it goes a little too far for me. As bad as the show may be, it is INCREDIBLY rude to leave a show halfway through. As an actress myself, no matter how good the show is, I want people to stay and maybe enjoy something else. There might be another factor in the Sondheim case - maybe there was an urgent matter to which he needed to attend. Maybe he just got a call that the Company revival is crossing the pond, but he can't tell anyone yet, and he has to go to an urgent meeting right away. (OK - that one's wishful thinking, but I can hope.) But unless there's a valid reason, leaving a show in the middle is never OK."
Ha, says you. That's why we're not seeing BMC because we would do the same thing...I know many that have left after intermission as they found it excrutiating to sit through! Go Steve!!! Btw, I (We) have left many a show during intermission...get over it! It's not a big deal.
Posted: 3/13/19 at 7:57pm
YvanEhtNioj said: "raddersons said: "On Sondheim leaving the show: Dude’s 89. His hours are precious. If he wasn’t enjoying, of course he left. That being said, I don’t think Sondheim’s opinion is the end-all-be-all. Considering this show is about modern high school, it’s no surprise that he didn’t enjoy it, since he’s pretty far removed from 1960s (?) high school, let alone 2019 high school
I don’t quite understand the vitriol for this show. It’s not groundbreaking but it’s some goofy silly fun. I’ve found myself defending it and sounding like a mega fan, because the hatred is so deep and totally unwarranted. "
I agree. I wouldn't be surprised IFSondheim didn't like it. It’s already been noted that it’s a very niche show. And not the very best rating anyway.
Although I thought it was a cute show by no means am I a huge fan of it. I wouldn’t go see it again, and I definitely would not listen to more than like three songs. I knowpeople aren’t going to admit it but I feel like there are alot of people here who were hoping and happy for it to fail. Which I think is pretty extra."
I respect and enjoy reading your cooly honest replies and I'm 43.
Posted: 3/13/19 at 8:42pm
Posted: 3/14/19 at 12:32am
Posted: 3/14/19 at 4:54am
fashionguru_23 said: "Did anyone else catch the performance on GMA this morning?
All I'm saying is that after seeing that, if I had tickets, I would not be excited to go."
Agreed. I saw the show recently and liked it, but I don't think they did themselves any favors on GMA with that truncated opening number.
Posted: 3/14/19 at 7:52am
I didn't get to see it on GMA live but this is what i found in youtube. I sort of wish they featured Jason Tam but hopefully they'll do so in another promo in the future.
Posted: 3/14/19 at 8:07am
Someone in a Tree2 said: "Actually that would be 1940's high school, since he was born in 1930. But carry on..."
And since he was born on March 22, he's actually 88 for another week or so.
Posted: 3/14/19 at 8:15am
_(•_&bull
_/ said: "This thread gives me a ****ing aneurism everytime I open it."
Then why do you keep reading it?
Posted: 3/14/19 at 8:18am
fashionguru_23 said: "Did anyone else catch the performance on GMA this morning?
All I'm saying is that after seeing that, if I had tickets, I would not be excited to go."
I agree that the GMA performance probably didn't help them sell any tickets. I sort of understand why they chose that particular number, but from a promotional perspective, I think they would have had greater success doing the title song.
Posted: 3/14/19 at 8:24am
Posted: 3/14/19 at 8:28am
Braniff Forever said: "I can’t get the YouTube video to load. Which song did they do? Michael in the Bathroom?"
No, they did "More Than Survive", presumably because it's an ensemble number and it helps set up the main character's situation.
Posted: 3/14/19 at 9:46am
Robbie2 said: "MollyJeanneMusic said: "Someone in a Tree2 said: "I agree with your point. Sounds like from the reviews for BMC I'd be right behind him heading up the aisle at intermission."
OK - this is where it goes a little too far for me. As bad as the show may be, it is INCREDIBLY rude to leave a show halfway through. As an actress myself, no matter how good the show is, I want people to stay and maybe enjoy something else. There might be another factor in the Sondheim case - maybe there was an urgent matter to which he needed to attend. Maybe he just got a call that the Company revival is crossing the pond, but he can't tell anyone yet, and he has to go to an urgent meeting right away. (OK - that one's wishful thinking, but I can hope.) But unless there's a valid reason, leaving a show in the middle is never OK."
Ha, says you. That's why we're not seeing BMC because we would do the same thing...I know many that have left after intermission as they found it excrutiating to sit through! Go Steve!!! Btw, I (We) have left many a show during intermission...get over it! It's not a big deal."
SORRY THOUGH - LIFE IS SHORT!
If a show is so awful, why stay? I welcome intermission as a chance to assess if the thing is worth the commitment. Like life. A series of opportunities for new opportunities. #HalfTimeExiter
Posted: 3/14/19 at 10:23am
As an RN, I have taken care of many older adults. Mr. Sondheim is 89. He may have just hated the show, or he could have had some health issues that prompted him to leave. (which I won't go into) Also, the show is LOUD, if he has hearing aids, that could be a problem. (Although he can always turn it off).
Or, maybe he just hated it. For all the criticism of this show, it isn't the end of the world, and I am sure there will be other musicals with sophisticated music and lyrics. I wonder how BMC will do by next fall, when the teens go back to school?
And although I did pan the second act, I do keep finding myself humming "More than Survive".
MV
Posted: 3/14/19 at 10:54am
Posted: 3/14/19 at 6:31pm
Posted: 3/15/19 at 11:28am
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/BE-MORE-CHILL-to-Release-Broadway-Cast-Recording-20190315
cast album released this spring. The marketing for this show confuses me. If you want teens to come why are you giving them a cast album
Posted: 3/15/19 at 2:54pm
Out.com Review - https://www.out.com/theater/2019/3/13/be-more-chill-broadway-review
Posted: 3/15/19 at 3:12pm
WSJ looks like a rave...i don't have access to the full article.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/be-more-chill-review-young-geeks-in-love-11552591556
"Grudging reviews notwithstanding, “Be More Chill” is one of the strongest new musicals of the past decade..."
Posted: 3/15/19 at 3:55pm
The marketing for this show confuses me. If you want teens to come why are you giving them a cast album
I'm sorry, what does that mean? Are you suggesting that a cast album is the same thing as seeing the show?
Posted: 3/15/19 at 4:05pm
A cast album is what got the show to Broadway in the first place.
Posted: 3/15/19 at 4:18pm
OhHiii said: "WSJ looks like a rave...i don't have access to the full article.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/be-more-chill-review-young-geeks-in-love-11552591556
"Grudging reviews notwithstanding, “Be More Chill” is one of the strongest new musicals of the past decade...""
Terry Teachout has talked about his love of the show on the Three on the Aisle podcast. It's no surprise he gave it a rave.
Posted: 3/16/19 at 10:03pm
Does anyone else think Terry Teachout's review reads like a direct response to Brantley's?
"Grudging reviews notwithstanding, “Be More Chill” is one of the strongest new musicals of the past decade, a charming, astutely crafted tale of neurotic post-millennial geeks in love whose appeal is in no way limited to those whom it portrays. Yes, it’s drawing hordes of kids, and it's a joy to see them mobbing the stage door, but if you don't warm to "Be More Chill," then you've either forgotten or never knew what it felt like to be insufficiently cool for school."
