BIG FISH: Set Question

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 4:05am

Hey, all!

I checked the 'Chicago Previews' thread, and I couldn't find any perspective. For those who saw the production from the front of the orchestra, is the first few rows a bit 'too much' for this production? Is the view obstructed? Any and all insight appreciated.

Many thanks,
- M




































Updated On: 6/17/13 at 04:05 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 5:22am

Anyone, anyone?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 5:34am

Mike...it's dawn, give folks some time to wake up!

[pc1145N2]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 6:22am

Yes, the first few rows are too close. For example, I never saw the daffodils and visually, that was an important scene.

[ggersten]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 9:34am

The first rows were too close for the Oriental Theatre due to the "river". Don't know how it will be configured in the Neil Simon. There may have been enough complaints about the electronic river that the piece may not be in the Broadway production.
But, the daffodil display and the elephant dance were in the back of the stage, so some distance may be optimal.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 9:42am

Yeah, you definitely don't want to be too close for this one. You probably won't be able to make out some of the projections as well. I hope they completely restage the witch scene because even 12 rows back, we couldn't figure out what it is we were supposed to be seeing.

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 11:47am

I sat front row center and didn’t feel like I missed anything. I quite enjoyed being that close – this show, more than others, made me feel like I was in the world of the show being so close.

[BwayGeek2]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 2:23pm

When I saw the production in Chicago, I was seated on the left side in the front row. Most of the show was not visible to me, and I was thrilled to be able to move to a different seat a few rows back after a few numbers. I would say nothing closer than the fourth or fifth row if you really want to see everything that is happening on stage.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 11:31pm

BUMP.

Is/was "the river" tall? As if to cut-off certain sequences, or was it simply that it took the place of the physical pit?

[jon5202]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 11:51pm

I saw the show twice in Chicago. First from about 8 rows back on the side and don't recall any problems with the stage views though the river is in the pit area so only had a slight illusion to it until the end of the show. The second time I was center about 20 rows back and had again no problems. I would suggest about 10-15 rows back center or front mezz/balc as ideal.

Also note that the orchestra is placed onstage at the rear which is obvious when the current first rises as you are shown them perched on three levels. Then you never see them again as drops cover them at all other times. So the set pieces and scenes are almost always front and center.

Here is a video clip out of Chicago if that helps:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7v8jRty5J9Y

[jon5202]

Posted: 6/17/13 at 11:55pm

Another video clip from "Big Fish":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=m5EIGqIhD2k&feature=endscreen

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 6/18/13 at 10:23am

The river is not tall at all, but just in place of the pit. From the front row, the river was never in the way of my view.

[someone.else's.story2]

Posted: 6/19/13 at 11:47am

I'm generally tired of people adapting films into musicals but I must admit, this looks pretty amazing!

[matineeidol2591]

Posted: 6/19/13 at 12:55pm

On a different note, the new art work is pretty horrific. What the hell were they thinking?

http://www.bigfishthemusical.com/

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 6/19/13 at 3:55pm

I like that a lot better than what was used in the Chicago advertising.

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 6/19/13 at 4:02pm

The "river" was not an viewing obstruction.

We were expecting much more spectacle during the circus scenes. It is a circus! They are going to have to pump it up or they will look silly compared to Pippin.