Jordan Catalano said: "I saw it again tonight, too. Wolfwriter, this sounds like you went into this show expecting Sondheim, so I’m not surprised you disliked it so much. Even from just looking at the outside of the theatre, you get a sense of what this show is, so I’m confused as to how it completely went over your head just what you were going into.
The house was full tonight and the audience loved it so I guess that’s your criteria for a show not lasting. Cool."
I'm happy you liked it, Jordan. But, no, I didn't expect that something called Beetlejuice would be Sondheim. I did hope that it might be pretty good. I had no sense of what the show was about except that I thought it might just be silly, fluffy entertainment.
I debated watching the film this past weekend, but decided I would go in with a totally clean slate and open mind.
Full disclosure, I've had 6 people in my family, including my mom and dad, die in the last year. So, I really could have used a laugh, especially about death.
The folks a few rows in front of me actually climbed over people and left, during the second act. And, the woman next to me didn't laugh at all. That's anecdotal, of course, but I doubt I'm alone thinking this is a miss.
I admitted I was being unnecessarily snarky (not literal) about my "not lasting" comment. I'm sure the show will do well since there are obviously many fans of the film. Crowd reaction to the songs seemed strong, last night, but reaction to the jokes, less so. Like the audience at Tootsie laughed loudly so you knew the jokes were landing with most of the audience. I never got that feeling, last night.
I don't mind not liking things that other people do and vice versa. I just feel disappointed when I know the folks involved are so talented that the playwright in me really wants them to have material worthy of those talents.