Hey, aforementioned sister mentioned above. :)
We saw the evening show on Sunday night.
Just a bit of background info: I have been a big fan of the show for around 2 years now. I know it's not so polished and it's kind of silly, but I really enjoy it. I saw it in its 5 show "revival" at the Exit 82 theater in New Jersey in November of 2017 and loved it. The only complaint I had with that production was that the dancing could've used more work, but considering it's not a dance show and it was a really short run, it was fine. None of the cast members were in the original 2015 production but I still thought they all did a fantastic job. While my sister is right about the stage door being a nightmare, the audience was fine during the show. I am in my 20s and I while I consider myself a fan of the show, I am not a part of the "fandom," since I'm not on tumblr and I have no idea what goes on there. I have no issues with young people being very enthusiastic about the show as long as they are respectful to the actors/creators and understand boundaries.
So, the Off-Broadway show. Overall, I liked it, I had a good time, but I can't deny: I was disappointed.
It was only the 3rd preview so I would like to give the benefit of the doubt and assume that some things will improve with the run. I also wonder how much of my judgyness has to do with loving the other cast I saw so much.
Here's my thoughts, good and bad.
The Good:
-Will Roland as Jeremy was fantastic. I had my doubts, but they were unfounded. Great job.
-In fact, most of the actors did a great job. I loved Christine, Michael, Chloe, Brooke, and Jenna. Rich was also a surprise. He had so much energy! Jeremy's dad isn't super important to the story, but he was fine.
-The stage was really cool and I think they did a good job using it to add to the story.
The Bad:
-I feel like an old lady saying this, but the music was TOO LOUD. Both I and my sister felt this way. The volume was closer to what I'd expect of a concert, not a Broadway show. It was booming in my ears. The theater is small so it wasn't really necessary.
-The Squip. I hate to say this because he seems really nice, and I think he did a good job on the acting. But I'm just surprised this guy was cast in the role when he has such a weak voice. Maybe he was having an off night? The Squip is supposed to be really commanding when he sings "The Squip Song" and "Be More Chill Parts 1 and 2" and "The Pitiful Children". This guy's voice had no power whatsoever, and it seemed like he couldn't even hit half the notes. I was definitely surprised by this.
-Similarly, I thought Jake's voice was weak as well. This was most noticeable in the Halloween song. It seemed like he was struggling to keep up.
-The costumes. They felt very off to me. Jake looked like a dad that was trying too hard to be cool, Brooke looked like a 35 year old mom, Jenna looked like an 80s costume, and the alien outfits in the "play" looked really cheap (although, considering it's a high school play, I'm willing to let that one go). Maybe I'm out of touch, but I just don't think high school kids dress like that. The Squip's outfits were okay, but also had a sort of cheap look about them. I'm surprised the NJ production had better outfits for him.
-The new song. Will performed it well, but it was totally unnecessary and I was bored. I agree with the other poster who said it make the Act I finale too long. The whole song is basically Jeremy explaining how much he hates being a loser and why he's willing to take the upgrade. I think the "I already know what it's like to be a loser" bit showed that, but I guess people thought it made Jeremy seem too callous? So they added a song to make him seem sad and desperate? I don't know; still didn't feel necessary to me.
-As with the NJ production, the dancing felt sloppy to me.
Stage door:
There was a long barrier set up that went down one wall, turned, and went down another wall. There were 2 women telling everyone not to push. I wouldn't call it calm but it was under control. Nobody was shoving and I think it only went around 4 people deep because there was so much space. I was annoyed that I got a spot by the barrier and during the wait for the cast, a girl slowly wedged her way into my spot so I had to hold my Playbill over her when the cast came around. But the cast was really sweet and they all came out.
Overall a good time, but I think there is room for improvement.
I also have a 2nd row ticket for September 20 but I honestly don't think I need to see it again. If anyone wants to buy if off me, please PM me.
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