BYE BYE BIRDIE first preview...- Page 4

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:09am

Granted I haven't seen the show yet but based on the general consensus, when the hell is Roundabout going to get their sh*t together?

I'm excited for WISHFUL DRINKING though. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:09am

RyToast1, I find it hilarious how quick you are to point fingers at people for thinking certain members of this board may be inclined toward feeling a particular way about a show before they've seen it.

Considering your association with Roundabout, it's hardly fair for you to be the one to throw stones.

At least be up front about your own bias before you critique people for discussing someone else's.

Updated On: 9/11/09 at 12:09 AM

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:16am

Suprised by all the negative reviews. I left the theater with a huge smile on my face as did the other three friends who attended the performance with me. I thought the ensemble numbers were very well choreographed.Especially liked the Lotta Livin to Do number. I think the performances will tighten as the show plays on. The only down side for me was Gershon. If I had to choose one great performance it would be Allie Trimm as Kim. What a voice. Certainly won't make my top five show list, but it was an enjoyable show for me.

[robwillb]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:21am

Let me start out by saying I love "Bye Bye Birdie" and have for years. With that said, I thought this production was absolutely dreadful. It looked pretty and that was about the only good I can say about it. The acting almost all ranged from flat-out mediocre to just bland. There was no energy. The choreography was lackluster. Gina Gershon was awful. Her voice sounded like a dying cat. John Stamos was only slightly better. And Nolan Funk was so boring I barely remembered him as he was on stage.

The choice to move Spanish Rose to the end made no sense. Albert tells Rose he loves her and in response she...decides to "sing" at her future mother-in-law to gloat about how she has her son now? That song is supposed to be out of anger and frustration after Albert sides with his mother over her, not the equivalent of "nyeh-nyeh-nyeh." It also makes no sense that Albert's mother would sit there and just listen to Rose's enormous number with next to no reaction.

It was all just bad.

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:23am

I really think they will all grow into their roles. Bill, Dee, and Jayne are almost near perfection right now. The rest of the leads have some work to do. Someone really needs to work on Gershon's singing with her.

There's definitely a lot to tighten, and I have confidence that they will.

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:24am

"The choice to move Spanish Rose to the end made no sense. "

The song wasn't moved at all. The song is always sung at that point of the show. The only change was having Rosie sing it to Mae.

[RyToast1]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:24am

Nothing I said shows any bias from me in regards to an association with Roundabout. All I was doing was sympathizing with a BWW-er who I thought was getting a bit of a rough treatment. I could relate with what they were feeling, and that was really all I was getting at.

I really try my best to get along with everyone, and I think any of the posters on BWW who know me would agree with that. I was just trying to stick up for someone.

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:28am

I just think people enjoy taking any chance they get to sh*t on a Roundabout production. I don't think the critics will be anywhere near as cruel as some posters are being tonight.

That being said, I respect everyone's opinion. And I certainly feel the production and some performances still need work. But I had a very enjoyable time!
Updated On: 9/11/09 at 12:28 AM

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:32am

I was in no way trying to attack ColorTheHours, RyToast.

He has certainly posted insightful reviews in the past, but I think he's being pretty silly in trying to refute the fact that he was already in love with the show before tonight. Most of my debate with him about it wasn't even about his use of the show's logo on his profile- when the issue came up initially last night, he had a different avatar (though it was still a BYE BYE BIRDIE photo from a previous production.) I was more referencing comments he has made here since casting was announced.

I completely understand that you are a very respectful poster, and that is certainly appreciated here when many aren't. At the same time, I think the hesitancy toward taking ColorTheHours' opinion at face value on this particular show is completely warranted. I don't think anyone (including myself) was out of line in what they directed at him.

Updated On: 9/11/09 at 12:32 AM

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:32am

Does Gershon at least seem capable of getting better in the role?

Everyone seems to think Stamos will get better but is just sh*tting on Gershon. I hope she improves...

[bjh2114]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:33am

ljay, for me that couldn't be further from the truth. True, Roundabout has had some major clunkers, especially recently. But in general their musicals have been pretty good. 110 in the Shade, Sunday, and Pajama Game were all very good productions. I went into Birdie completely unbiased and came out hating it. I don't get off on being negative towards the show... it was just bad. Plain and simple.

[alightinthedark23]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:35am

I thought Gershon's acting was really good. Her singing was off, but I thought her Spanish Rose was a light at the end of the tunnel. It's kind of hard to judge on a first preview. Wait a few weeks for the cast to get comfortable in their roles.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:36am

Does Gershon at least seem capable of getting better in the role?

Everyone seems to think Stamos will get better but is just sh*tting on Gershon. I hope she improves...

The difference is that Gina is TOTALLY miscast. Stamos could be good if someone told him to reel in the mugging. He just needs better guidance. Gerhson just doesn't have the chops for the role. It's not an issue of improvement in her case because she has nothing to improve upon.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:40am

Too bad.

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:42am

Gina's acting is just fine. She looks truly stunning up there. Her singing just needs serious work. She barely has any dancing left, and what she does have to dance, is not very good.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:43am

Well this show need a lot of work, but there's quite a bit of good there too. This may be a little scattered, but I'll start with the good:

1. Bill Irwin. I thought he was great tonight. Definitely held his own with the Paul Lynde performance that rings in your ears when you think of those lines and songs. He actually took the time to develop a character and generate some energy on stage. A very physical performance, and is one of the show's stronger shots at a Tony nom.

2. Jayne Houdyshell. Very funny and chewed the scenery just enough to get the laughs.

3. Allie Trimm. Very sweet and has a great voice that will only grow stronger as the preview period continues.

4. The ensemble. The kids were full of energy and The Telephone Hour was a true highlight. I found their execution of the choreography to be precise and joyful.

Now onto the not so good:

1. Gina Gershon. She was very miscast in the role, and I'm another person who found her to be wonderful in Boeing, Boeing. She couldn't sing or dance. English Teacher was painful. She hit many a sour note, and kind of talk sang the songs to avoid actually trying to find the pitch. Not good at all.

The other problem is her Rosie comes off as unlikable. You're supposed to be rooting for Rosie, not thinking Albert would do better to stay single, or worse yet go with Gloria.

2. John Stamos. I thought he had some charm and stage presence, but in the end he really couldn't sing that well either. Talk to Me was ROUGH. Put on a Happy Face was just a bunch of mugging at the audience. What happened to that dance?!?! If he can't tap, let the girls do it. Plus he didn't really have much chemistry with Gina. When he finally kissed her I was like, "Oh yeah, they're supposed to be a couple."

3. Nolan Funk. Saved the worst for last. Totally, totally miscast and a mess. During Honestly Sincere I didn't look at him once. He melted into the background of every scene he was in. Bland voice, stiff acting and ZERO stage presence. Plus he seemed too young for the role. When he was drinking the beer I thought, yikes someone needs to ID this guy.

There were minor changes to the book and lyrics. Instead of going to the ice house the kids go the school yard. Instead of Rose looking like Margot before they pulled her out of Shangri-La they knew what happened to Baby Jane.

Kids and the Kids reprise did seem to be switched. I thought One Boy worked really will with Hugo joining in. Matt Doyle was good in that small role.

The direction sometimes worked and sometimes didn't. Basically the night was a wildly mixed bag. Everytime the show started to get on it's feet something would happen to bring it down again. I hope they use this preview period wisely to tighten and fix these problems. It can get A LOT better by opening.

Updated On: 9/11/09 at 12:43 AM

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:50am

I just don't get why they would hire someone who (apparently) can't sing or dance for the role of Rosie and then cut out a majority of the dancing.

If she was a terrible dancer, or at least as bad as most are saying, then they CLEARLY cut Shriners Ballet to accommodate her.

She's not even a big name. Why did they screw with the part so much just to accommodate her when they could've got someone like Andrea Burns to knock it out of the park every night doing the original material?

And, it's a moot point but still, I would've loved to see Eric McCormack play Albert.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:50am

If every actor in this show were up to the level of Bill Irwin and Jayne Houdyshell, this production would be perfect.

Sadly, this is not the case.

Allie Trimm and Dee Hoty were also very good in their respective roles.

John was bland, but has a lot of charm and I think he will improve.

Gina really couldn't sing or dance at all, and it was quite painful. I'll be shocked if she improves, but I'm hopeful - take voice lessons and dance lessons during the day - perform the show at night. If Chita had seen this performance, she would have been horrified.

I see it again on September 24th...hopefully it will have improved a bit.

[ljay889]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:54am

^ I agree with all of that, Trace.

[Pgenre]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 12:57am

"The production where I played Albert last summer had a better opening scene than this production--and I am a HORRIBLE actor!"

I HAVE to see this.

P

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 1:11am

Trace, I agree with everything you've said...I actually like John Stamos a lot and I think he has the ability to improve upon what he is doing, perhaps with some more direction or just less general cuteness/mugging on his part.

I thought Bill Irwin was phenomenal and probably is one of the better shots at a Tony nom for the show.

I also thought the kids were really cute and very talented, and Matt Doyle did really well with Hugo even though the role isn't big.

I don't think the production is hopeless by any means...they have a pretty long preview period to tighten things up and hopefully by opening night the things that need to improve will improve.

[perfectliar]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 1:43am

My problem with this show isn't that it was bad... it's that it should have been so much better.

The staging in the overture was very promising. Then that first scene happened, and I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. These two people are on Broadway? And in movies? It's tragic to think of... it was like two drunk college kids trying to recreate their middle school performances as Albert and Rose after a long night of keg stands. They had no focus whatsoever, both flubbed lines and had difficulty following the orchestra, and neither of them knew who the hell their characters were yet. It was as if they had picked up the script for the first time and weren't sure what their respective arcs would be.

Then "The Telephone Hour" put me in a much better mood with its infectious energy and impressive use of set pieces. Truly a great number.

And that's where it ends. Everything from that point on was a chore to sit through. Robert Longbottom's choreography is clunky and predictable, so even though I was frustrated with the dance cuts it was almost a gift to not have to sit through more inanity.

Luckily, John Stamos improved by the end of the show. He somehow found the ability to sing by the time "Rosie" came around, and I actually enjoyed his voice by then. But there's just no saving Gina Gershon. I hated everything she did. Everyone else has talked about her weaknesses, and I wholeheartedly agree with them.

I liked Allie Trimm, Bill Irwin, Jane Houdyshell, Matt Doyle, and Brynn Williams very much. The last few moments of the first act were beyond hysterical, thanks to Irwin. He managed to pick up where everyone else left off.

Good Lord, Nolan Funk is terrible. The minute he opened his mouth in "Honestly Sincere," I sunk in my chair and stared at the ceiling. He has not one ounce of charisma, charm or talent. He was a vacuum on stage: completely empty space. Although he's in good company when it comes to Longbottom's direction, which has managed to suck all the excitement and energy out of this show.

I will say that the technical elements were all very good. The lighting was fun, the sets were impressive, the projections were used well, and I didn't have any issues with the sound in the rear mezzanine.

Maybe my expectations were too high. But if you're going to revive a beloved musical for the first time since its debut 50 years ago, DO IT RIGHT. I hope that the production team uses the preview period to improve some of this show's problems, because I don't want my return experience on October 17 to be this painful.

[thtrbear]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 1:55am

I sat in the 1st row mezz center for act 1 + moved down for act 2. In the mezz- for most of act 1 there was a loud (to me) hum or whoosh that sounded like it was coming from the back of the stage- like loud air conditioning. I didnt hear it when I moved to the orch. for act 2. also the actors and orchestra weren't loud enough in the front of the mezz and I have good hearing.

I had nothing against stamos before tonight but he evaporated right off the stage. the first scene with albert and rosie just lay there like a dead thing and her singing as others have said is problematic.

This show made me wish that (a) the movie was a better representation of the stage book- i don't mind janet leigh- and (b) that it was more usual to set down and then recreate the original great staging of broadway shows besides wss and fiddler!
if the screenplay changes werent so weird the film would be a safe and satisfying birdie to always be able to go back to.

anyone else like emma rowley quite well in the ensemble? she played baby louise in the most recent bway revival of gypsy.

conrad is almost like a dumb thug and I always think this show is a very conservative rendering of the Elvis legend.

does it seem impossible to imagine any backstory of albert meeting conrad and winding up working with him? or travelling around the country on tour? they are kind of shoved together because of the book.

however I generally like birdie as a show and its score very much- but not this production of the show.

[musicalbluemirror]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 2:16am

Ok so Bye Bye Birdie back on broadway?
I thought it was a great idea as it has never been revived
Didn't get a chance to buy the 10 dollar tix when they opened but went by anyway after work and was able to grab a ticket for 10 and on row I center!

Anyways: I was excited to be seeing it done professionally as I have only seen a stage production years back with my niece at school and from the original album
Thought the opening was alright
Really liked the treadmill (except when in act 2 they are just walking on it as it moves ... Very Shrek 'travel song-ish"

Gina: Horrible! Have no idea why she was cast. Can't sing. Can't dance. Just a non Hispanic pretty Jewish woman with a hot body. It really was a waste on casting her as she serves the material no justice at all and isn't even a name to attract anybody!

John: like everyone else is saying, he's stiff. Major letdown! I was happy with that casting at first and then tonight just kind of sad and disappointing. I thought he was a singer but I guess he's not? Idk what else to say about him

Allie: I actually liked her alot. I mean it was kind of bland but she sounded good

I'm not going to waste time on the others

But like said earlier by people: the teens were cast too young! Wrong choice. I thought they were all supposed to be around 16 and here they looked 12/13. The standouts of the teens are Brynn & the shortest of the girls who was on everything n quite the little dancer but again ... Too young
Around Matts age/height would have been much better
I know they had a huge open call so it's kind of disappointing that they came up with really little ones
And the boys...just didn't stick out at all. They were just there

I was in a great upbeat mood after work and it just made me really tired! Like before act one even ended I was exhausted and I felt all my energy was sucked out

Speaking of energy: the cast had none. There was no energy up there at all!

And the sound: from the orchestra and the mics were just hortible! Way too low!

MAIN PROBLEM: is with the leads ( if u wanna really hive them that title) because nothing stood out to me at all! I don't think anyone gave a memorable performance and none of them made it seem like their characters had any point to the story
Basically all of the principals felt like they were small parts even tho they were supposed to make the story and carry it

I can't wait to see the Times review in a month
Don't tiink I'll be going back to this at all
Horrible idea to have had first preview for 10 dollars because now it has horrible word of mouth from what I can see on here

Bobby Longbottom should stop!
Side Show was great but Scarlet Pumpernel and the other thing? A now this!? Stop
I'm actually afraid of Dreamgirls now :-/

What a waste of a first revival

Did I mention Gina should be shot?!

I thought my neices school production (or was it parish production?) was better and made me laugh more

[Marianne2]

Posted: 9/11/09 at 2:26am

I just got home. I really knew nothing about the show, but I did enjoy it, and it does need to improve a bit. Yes, John and Gina were the weakest points. However, I have faith that they can improve. They definitely did not seem like they were trying at all. Nolan was mediocre. I don't think it was his singing that was horrible for me, it was everything else.

I liked the sets, ensemble, some of the dance numbers, Bill Irwin, Jayne Houdyshell, Matt Doyle, and Allie Trimm.

And just random, I happen to know someone working on the show, but my review really is what I thought and not just being nice to them.

And I won't lie, but I think for a first preview, I'd rather see this performance more than where West Side Story stands right now. Sad.

Updated On: 9/11/09 at 02:26 AM