BOUNCE TONIGHT! (mvho)

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 2:40am

Okey dokey, Folks, I just got back from BOUNCE.
First the good news:

The pacing seems tighter, (even though the first act is still 90 minutes) and the second act really works pretty well.
The cast has improved for the most part, particularly Howard McGillan.I think the writing of his role is flawed, but he has found a good balance and I was much more impressed tonight than I was during previews.
Everyone seems a bit more relaxed, which is expected, but Richard Kind is really amazing in this role; funny, scary, and totally into this character.

Now for the not so good news.

THE FIRST ACT IS STILL 90 MINUTES! I do not have a problem with a 90-minute act, but the story is fragmented and the brothers are apart for good chunks of it. Tighten up the brother’s relationship. That is the main story. We never see any affection between them, so the end is hard to buy.

A very few changes to the script and, to my ear, none to the score.

Jane Powell, as nice as it is to see her, can’t make it work. It’s as if she is performing in a dinner theatre production of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN. She is just not up to this role vocally and seems to be working in another show than the rest of the cast.

Michelle Pawk, as much as I adored her in previews, was not in good voice tonight. Pitch problems that had people next to me clicking their tongues. I am sure it was just an off night for her.

Gavin Creel’s character still has NOTHING but a couple of lines in Act I. Give this boy something to do.

Much of the chorus is pretty green. They have an “I can’t believe I am in a Sondheim show, directed by Hal Prince” sort of look and energy. Relax, kids.

All in all, I don’t think this show will make it to Broadway in its current condition.

By the way, my ticket was $52.00 and I was fifth row dead center!

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 5:12am

Thanks for this, Suleen! Good review.

Even if it's still seriously flawed when it reaches Broadway, I cannot wait to see Richard Kind. Without exception, everyone has raved that his performace is the best thing about BOUNCE.

Alas, everyone has said the same as you about Jane Powell. I love her, so I'm sorry to hear it.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 8/9/03 at 2:36am

One think I forgot to ask, Suleen...

How is Richard Kind's singing voice?

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/9/03 at 3:06am

Richard Kind’s voice is very strong. Not pretty, really, but he sells the heck out of the songs.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 8/9/03 at 6:46am

Thanks, Suleen!

Whatever the merits of the show, it sure sounds like Kind is giving a memorable, Tony-worthy performance.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/9/03 at 10:05am

If he ever gets to B'way with it.

[tpdc]

Posted: 8/9/03 at 11:41pm

I've read that Sondheim and Weidman have written much new material but that it won't be put in until it goes into rehearsals for DC. I have a friend who saw it tonight. He enjoyed the show and he was most impressed with Kind.

[IssaMe]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 1:07pm

He's getting to Broadway with it.

A New York theater has already been booked for the spring...not one of the big ones you would suspect either...a really surprising one.

With the director returning from out of the country, real work on the major revisions in store can be put in during the Washington run...they are in the works but weren't put in during the Chicago run for various reasons.

Lots of Sondheim on the horizon - Bounce, Assassins, and even more about to be announced.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 1:23pm

That's what I suspected, that the new stuff would not go in till DC. I have complete faith in this team to iron out the wrinkles.

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 9:25pm

Great review!

I wanna see "Bounce" so bad! Hopefully it will come to Broadway!

[tpdc]

Posted: 8/10/03 at 10:56pm

I thought it had been announced that BOUNCE would be going into the Al Hirshfeld?

[IssaMe]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 6:24am

It will come to Broadway unless something truly disastrous happens in D.C. - with all the changes going in, that is unlikely.

There may have been speculation about the Hirshfeld among theater buffs but it was never announced, it never was booked... it's not the theater Bounce is headed to.

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 12:39pm

If it does come to Broadway, do you guys think the cast will be the same??

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 8/11/03 at 12:47pm

I think they would be wise to keep Kind, Pawk and Creel, but the rest should be re-cast. I suggest Debora Monk for Ma. It would be a totally different take on the role, but even if Jane Powell could sing the part, she is too fragile and dainty. Ma should be a bit more ballsy. Howard McGillan, as I said before, has improved, but this role really needs a stronger actor to really shine.