BYE BYE BIRDIE Reviews — Page 4

I feel like Roundabout has had quite a few misses lately when it comes to their productions. Kinda makes me hesitate to see anything by them.

I'm not surprised Funk is walking away with the reviews. He's terrible once he starts acting, but when he is singing and dancing, he is the only one who looks like he is having a good time on that stage, and he sure rocks during "Honestly Sincere." When the number started, it was the first time in the evening when I was actually having fun.
I thought Brantley was right on the money, though I liked Houdyshell most of the time even though her character borders on offensive--to the point that a lot of the jokes are just awkward and not funny (yes, I know that's the point but it's cringe-worthy at times). This is a waste of a revival.

---

I think Dick Gautier was the first actor that both my mother and I had a crush on.

Neither my daughter and nor I feel that way about Funk.

---

I can't believe my beloved Matthew and his pan hasn't made it here so far:

The Roundabout Theatre Company’s new revival of Bye Bye Birdie has one, and only one, good reason for seeing it: the place it’s playing. The new Henry Miller’s Theatre on 43rd Street is a smart-looking, highly attractive, subterranean complex that looks like it could elegantly house any musical or large-scale play. It’s even reportedly one of the “greenest” theaters in New York, which points to a rigorous and respectful attention to detail on the part of Roundabout and the people who designed and built it. Would that that same care went into the show that’s christening the new space.

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/world/index.html

---

Wall Street Journal - Negative
NorthJersey.com - Mixed
Variety - Negative
Associated Press - Negative
Hollywood Reporter - Negative
Backstage.com - Negative
amNY - Negative
New York Times - Negative
Bloomberg - 3 stars out of 5
Talkin' Broadway - Negative

Ouch?

---

USA Today is officially the most out of touch critic on the planet.

Maybe they'll find Stamos enough of a draw to do a cast recording?

"So, I guess a cast recording is out of the question? Sucks. I was looking forward to one with better sound quality."

Better sound quality than WHAT? The Broadway cast album produced by Goddard Lieberson? Is that what you are talking about? One of the best-sounding cast albums EVER? Is that what you're talking about? Most cast albums today WISH they sounded as good as the classic Columbia albums.

"An expense of spirit in a waste of shame."

--W. Shakespeare

---

I'm not surprised by these reviews.

A big disappointment all the way around, and, unfortunately, a lost opportunity.

When will anyone try this again to do it right?

And I thought the new orcherstrations were terrible.

NY Daily News give it one star:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2009/10/16/2009-10-16_bye_bye_birdie_is_guilty_of_fowl_play.html

Terrible review from the Post, too (1.5 stars):
http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/birdbrained_revival_flops_9QfxOXvUOYbbMW8JzLLNeJ

And in his column today, Riedel declares the only thing that can save it is Don Rickles:
http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/dirty_birdie_secrets_fn2PoLngXfjTz6XctC8MMM

I only hope the critics still have some venom left for Memphis on Monday, which I thought was a far, far worse show and production than this one.

Well... the reviews were as expected. This "Birdie" is a terrible mess. I'm surprised a bit at the love for Funk (I guess getting sick during critic performances pays off) and the lack of love for Irwin, who I thought was the best thing about the whole damned mess of a show. (Full disclosure: I didn't hang around for the second act.) I also thought it was strange that everyone picked on Gershon for her singing and dancing abilities, when I found her acting to be far, far worse. She was simply clueless.

As many posters before said, "Hey, Roundabout! Stop casting C-list celebrities in your shows! There are far more talented people (who may not be stars) who can perform the heck out of stuff like Birdie!"

To anyone who's on the fence and wants to see a GOOD revival on Broadway, go see "Finian's Rainbow," which is sensationally wonderful, terrifically well cast, and an entirely dreamy production.

Updated On: 10/16/09 at 09:20 AM

Production staff of "Promises Promises" are you listening? Mad Manning these old musicals don't work

Well... not that I think "Mad Manning" is a solution to presenting a musical from the 60s, at least "Promises" is about office and sexual politics. But I hope there aren't a bunch of shiny suits (or Gina Gershon) in the Promises revival.