Baby Off-Broadway (Off-Off?)

[Sauja]

Posted: 9/23/21 at 10:42am

Interesting to see that this production which had been a vehicle for Alice Ripley is coming at us this Winter with Julia Murney in the lead. BABY at Theatrelab

 

Would love to hear thoughts on the show, which I don't know well at all. And if anyone knows how this production is "site-specific" based on the earlier highly limited run in 2019, eager to hear!

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 9/23/21 at 1:48pm

I believe its "site-specific", because it is taking place in a loft, and most of the show conversations between partners that can take place at "home" or in a "loft".

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 9/23/21 at 1:49pm

Believe it was suppose to take place in a loft or like an actual apartment. I like the music! And Julia Murney is great!

[IronMan]

Posted: 9/23/21 at 3:46pm

I saw this in Jan '20, I think in this same space.  The audience sits on chairs around the edge of the room, which isn't that big, so there are people singing full out mere feet from you (and when Alice Ripley isn't in great voice and is belting "Patterns" towards you, you cannot hide or look away). If you aren't comfortable with performers very close to you in full light, I wouldn't recommend it.   They were doing the updated version of the show, with several different plot points in Act II (which I won't spoil).

The big change is making the middle pair a lesbian couple. This didn't really work a lot of the time, as originally the couple has difficulty conceiving as the man has a very low sperm count, so they must adhere to a regimented schedule of sex (including songs about how it affects their relationship).  It doesn't make sense for two women to have to have sex on schedule just for one to be inseminated (with the other's donor brother's sperm, who they find is also "shooting blanks" ). 

[SomeOtherMe]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 11:34am

Has anyone seen this yet? Curious to hear people's thoughts.

[ASOOS04]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 12:15pm

Yes. I saw it Saturday! I also saw in 2019! It was an interesting idea then. This is a gorgeous, fully realized production. It is definitely not the same space as the production with Alice. This is a major upgrade in production value. In addition, Julia Murney is a major upgrade. What a performance! WOW! They have also totally overhauled all 3 storylines. The director gave a speech before the second preview to say changes were being implemented every day and that this was essentially a new musical with the same score. He wasn’t kidding…this is not the Baby from 40 years ago. It is current, fresh and Pretty exciting. I sat in front of Richard Maltby Jr. is clearly very involved and invested in this production. I have seen 5 things since theatre “came back” and this was definitely the most exciting to me. It was in incredible shape for a second preview and I’m planning to go back after opening to see how the changes evolve.

[PeterC6482]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 2:55pm

Wow! I can hardly wait to see it again!

 

I saw it in December, 2019.

[ASOOS04]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 3:19pm

Yes! I’ll be very excited to hear what you think!

[Candice Malkin]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 3:39pm

I saw it last night. I have seen 7 shows on this trip and this was one of the disappointing ones for me. I do not recommend it unless you are looking for a show to see on a Sunday evening. Btw, I highly recommend Kimberly Akimbo, morning Sun, Trevor and Mrs Doubtfire. 

[Candice Malkin]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 3:39pm

I saw it last night. I have seen 7 shows on this trip and this was one of the disappointing ones for me. I do not recommend it unless you are looking for a show to see on a Sunday evening. Btw, I highly recommend Kimberly Akimbo, morning Sun, Trevor and Mrs Doubtfire. 

[Candice Malkin]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 3:39pm

I saw it last night. I have seen 7 shows on this trip and this was one of the disappointing ones for me. I do not recommend it unless you are looking for a show to see on a Sunday evening. Btw, I highly recommend Kimberly Akimbo, morning Sun, Trevor and Mrs Doubtfire. 

[Candice Malkin]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 3:39pm

I saw it last night. I have seen 7 shows on this trip and this was one of the disappointing ones for me. I do not recommend it unless you are looking for a show to see on a Sunday evening. Btw, I highly recommend Kimberly Akimbo, morning Sun, Trevor and Mrs Doubtfire. 

[SomeOtherMe]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 3:42pm

Candice Malkin said: "I saw it last night. I have seen 7 shows on this trip and this was one of the disappointing ones for me. I do not recommend it unless you are looking for a show to see on a Sunday evening. Btw, I highly recommend Kimberly Akimbo, morning Sun, Trevor and Mrs Doubtfire."

Bummer. Can you give us some details about what you didn't like? Curious to hear different people's thoughts.

[Candice Malkin]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 4:02pm

I just felt like it had an amateurish feeling to it and that it went on too long. Btw, I loved it years ago when I saw the original cast. 

[EMP413]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 4:29pm

Updated On: 11/8/21 at 04:29 PM

[BoringBoredBoard40]

Posted: 11/8/21 at 6:00pm

Really loved this, and with the current lack of new musicals happened off broadway this is worth your time

[ASOOS04]

Posted: 11/9/21 at 9:10am

Same. I thought this was really special.

Also, that cast is stacked so the “amateurish” comment is hilarious .

And no shade to the original but 3 white, heterosexual couples may have been fine in 1983. This is not that…this really is a new musical set squarely in 2021 and the inclusivity of the couples and story telling is pretty inspired. 

[mlledir]

Posted: 11/9/21 at 9:43am

Anyone know the approximate running time?  TIA!

[ASOOS04]

Posted: 11/9/21 at 10:41am

It was a little under 2 and a half. They started like 5 min late and the director gave a pre show speech so my best guesstimate is like 2:25. Definitely a standard 2 act book musical still. 

[Myles Greenbaum]

Posted: 11/9/21 at 4:36pm

My friend said about 2 and a half, also I sent you a PM about the spring awakening ticket if there's still one avil!

[grazyyy]

Posted: 11/10/21 at 2:38pm

Saw it last night and thought it was great. It's  an extremely up-close and personal production because of the location, you have to be ok with being so near the actors and potentially having them make eye contact in full light to enjoy the show. I am completely unfamiliar with the original, but of all the shows I've seen since the reopening I thought this was one of the most inventive and original ones.

[Broadway Bob*]

Posted: 11/11/21 at 12:19am

Any chance this might extend? I love BABY and I love Julia Murney. Would love to see this when I'm in the city New Years weekend.

[Det95]

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

Broadway Bob* said: "Any chance this might extend? I love BABY and I love Julia Murney. Would love to see this when I'm in the city New Years weekend."

I was just about to ask. I doubt it’ll extend into March which is my next trip into the city, but one can dream. 

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 11/11/21 at 1:07am

I loathe the book, the music is pretty good. It was way too long. Great performers, Julia and the entire cast are top notch. We're lucky to have such great top notch performers here in NYC, hopefully they will be given better material in the near future.

[ASOOS04]

Posted: 11/11/21 at 10:14am

I’m curious what you mean when you say you “loathe” the book. This is clearly a brand new revision. I’ve seen Baby before and this book has been completely overhauled. So you hated the old book or the new book cause I thought what they have done is pretty excellent. And important…without too many spoilers it has made these characters much more relevant to the 21st century.