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#26

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/8/13 at 4:59pm

Gerry making comments to Cynthia in almost every scene they share is just too much, I agree. When I saw it the first time, it played more like Carole was so stunned she had gotten this cute guy and her self-esteem was so compromised that she wasn't going to say anything about it, and Cynthia seemed to take it like a joke, so I guess it kind of worked (although if Goffin really was controlling, it would have helped to put some of that in).

However, now that they have Carole seem stronger during the breakup scene, it just doesn't scan.

I'm assuming that the real life "Janelle" was not consulted and the writers feel they can't include more of what went on there or with Gerry's apparent drug use/mental illness, but that is much more interesting than strip poker, from what I can tell. I mean, I don't want it to be some soap opera mashup with "Next to Normal," but surely there must be a way to focus on some more meaningful events.

'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."' ~Lewis Carroll

#27

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/8/13 at 9:39pm

In town on business and decided to come see it - 2nd row!!! Also it is opening night. I've been listening to Tapestry all day. Will report later.

Update after seeing it.

I thought it was a fun night out - great cast and very moving. Jessie Mueller was fantastic. I saw her in Drood, and did not get all the buzz, but I can't believe the same actress played both roles. I am a now a huge fan. Also, the set and the score were also top notch.

I agree with those that found Epstein to be the weak link - may just be his role - but to me, while Jessie/Carol ages during the two acts, Epstein remains the confused young guy.

I also think the two secondary characters need to have their parts shortened to focus more on Carol/Gerry. Also, the medley at the end of Act 1 was just way too long - yet, of course, most audience members were eating that stuff up. Someone actually yelled "Bravo" at the end of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling."

One annoying thing - a few of the guys were clearly wearing boxer briefs - which from the 2nd row was distracting. The Drifters' pants are too tight to hide those lines, and you could actually see the UnderArmour waist band above Spector's pants in the "Poker Scene."

I wish the concert had been longer. It appears they have moved You Got a Friend to the beginning of the show - and end with Feel the Earth Move.

"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."

Updated On: 10/9/13 at 09:39 PM

#28

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/9/13 at 3:54am

Back from Opening Night. Agree most with Lizzie's comments. The strip poker scene...unless this is one of those moments that actually happened and is well known to have, WHY? I would have loved a little more Jessie singing and less of the groups...if I recognize the song, and I'm here to see a musical about Carole King, I can do with a snippet of the song if sung by someone else, I don't need the whole thing. And that REALLY goes for the Weil and Mann songs. The first act reminded me of Motown in all the songs they try to cram in at the expense of story line. The second act gets it right.

That all said, I really, really enjoyed this show. Jessie Mueller is a freaking tour de force. I do agree it could use more time between SF tuneup and opening on Broadway, as it really would be helped by tightening. It won't be the next Jersey Boys, but I hope it can settle in for a comfortable run. It certainly would deserve that.

#29

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/10/13 at 1:07am

I watched this a couple of nights ago. I'm relatively young (mid-twenties), so I did not know anything about Carol King's life and was not familiar with many of her songs. There were many moments when I was like, "oh, I had no idea she wrote that...or that..." She is clearly a very talented and prolific songwriter. The audience mostly consisted of older individuals, and there were multiple audible "oohhs" and "ahhhs" when Mueller sang one of King's hits. So the audience was definitely into it.

Overall, I was not really impressed with the show. The book wasn't all that exciting or interesting...I suppose this is mostly due to the subject material. I just didn't really feel a connection with any of the characters...except for maybe Carol King...mayyybe. That being said, the cast is immensely talented, especially Jessie Mueller, who deserves a lot of recognition for her work. Choreo was fine. Set was great. Book needs a bit of work. This will likely be a critical success, but not a commercial one. I don't see this show attracting the younger crowd. But I'm glad I watched it.

#30

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/10/13 at 2:24am

I saw it tonight. I was not particularly thrilled by it. As others have said, Mueller is wonderful in the role. But oy, I'm really not a fan of the show. It wasn't a train wreck. It wasn't the worst thing I've seen. But it was kind of whatever. I tend to not like jukebox musicals, especially ones like this, which seem to only exist in order to have a little "concert" for the fans to showcase as many songs as possible and wrap it messily in a book (a la Jersey Boys).

I think it has potential to do well on Broadway, because of how popular Carol King is. Though I wasn't personally a fan, I wish them all well.

#31

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/10/13 at 7:11pm

Apparently Sherry Goffin Kondor is the Executive Producer, which may explain some things re: the writers avoiding some topics.

'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."' ~Lewis Carroll

#32

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/15/13 at 12:06pm

Jessie Mueller and Jake Epstein will be on KQED's Forum at 10 a.m. Pacific. I'm sure it'll be archived. Looking forward to it; Michael Krasny is a great interviewer!

http://www.kqed.org/a/forum/R201310151000

"This thread reads like a series of White House memos." — Mister Matt

#33

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/15/13 at 1:16pm

My mom saw it this weekend and when I asked for a full report she texted, "It's amazing!!" Then, "Fantastic!!!!!" Then, "This show was amazing!!!!!!! I'd go again!" She's not a huge theater person (and also has a penchant for overusing exclamation points), but it appears she and her friends enjoyed it...

Updated On: 10/15/13 at 01:16 PM

#34

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/15/13 at 3:28pm

Seeing this Tonight---looking forward to it!!

#35

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/16/13 at 11:55am

I'm really excited for this- I love Jake Epstein!

#36

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/17/13 at 12:35am

I saw it this afternoon, it appears that You've Got a Friend is no longer in the show, though it was still listed in the playbill. A couple of other listed songs are also gone.

I liked the show, my mom really liked it a lot. I'll check it out again in NY and see what changes are made.

#37

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/17/13 at 1:31am

I saw this last Night. It was Great Night of Theatre. Thoughts I have, that echo some of the previous thoughts from other posters are------

I definitely see a Tony Nom for Jessie in this role. Whether she wins--depends on the competition this season. She is onstage for 80% + of the time. The woman sings her Lungs Out, and while NOT imitating Carole King--she has captured Carole's vocal style nicely. Even hitting a few notes, I am not sure Carole would hit in "Beautiful" (the Song)!

Jake Epstein---I don't know if it is in the direction he has received or in his interpretation of the role--but I did not feel any of the impending Break Down that comes later. Yes, he talked about wanting to go out and Carole states at one point about his mood swings--but I feel if this is going to cause a turning point in their relationship and her career--I want to see a bit more of this side of him. It is like all of a sudden---he is ON The Roof!!

I liked the addition of Mann & Weil Characters. I thought it gave Carole some friends, co-workers an confidantes she could depend on.

I kind of wish they had left "You've Got A Friend" at the end, only before "I Feel The Earth Move". It is an iconic song of hers.

Also, as someone else before me mentioned, they could cut some time in the first act by having King/Goffin Start a song they are pitching--then have it end with the act that performed the number. Instead of seeing both Versions back to Back.

As someone in their 50's--I have had "Tapestry" in album, 8-Track, Cassette, Cd and now MP3. So this show was just what my Heart and Ears desired. I look forward to revisiting it in NYC.

#38

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/17/13 at 2:15pm

Congrats to the cast+crew for selling out their run in San Francisco! Things are certainly looking bright for this show and after listening to the radio interview, I'm happy to hear they're trying to find a place for "You've Got A Friend" in the show still. I'd love to hear that song and doing it as part of the concert sequence would make a lot of sense.
Beautiful Sells Out

#39

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/17/13 at 2:56pm

I'm happy for them that it has sold out but sad for me. I was hoping to have another shot at rush. Oh well, guess I have to save for a trip to NY.

'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."' ~Lewis Carroll

#40

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/21/13 at 3:06pm

Anybody see Rebecca LaChance go on for Jessie Mueller for the last SF performance? Wonder what happened there and how much prep she had. Sorry I missed it.

'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."' ~Lewis Carroll

#41

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/21/13 at 3:08pm

I know someone who went who said she was quite good, though visibly nervous. She also said there were some flubs and moments where Rebecca had help from the cast, so I can't imagine she had much rehearsal. Props to her for going on in such a big, intimidating part, I'd be curious to see her go on in NY one day.

#42

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/21/13 at 3:19pm

To go on with presumably little prep and close the run must have been very intimidating. The cast seems very supportive in general... I wonder if they made some kind of announcement to the audience, though.

I'm looking forward to NY reports, as I understand they are going to be streamlining act one and making some significant changes to act two. The show is already in decent shape but the right changes could really make it great. I guess they have two months to do it, so I have high hopes.

'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."' ~Lewis Carroll

#43

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/21/13 at 9:45pm

I hope changes are made as well. Why so many Weil-Mann songs crammed into a show about Carole King? Yes, I hear that the characters of Weil and Mann offer comedy relief and they did play important roles in Carole's life, but, please scale back on their songs being included at the expense of Goffin-King and Carole-solo composed songs.

I also agree that Carole's transformation to solo performer needs much fleshing out. In real life, touring with James Taylor inspired Carole to begin writing her own lyrics. Granted, JT can't be written into the story, but, there must be more time spent to show how Carole strikes out on her own and becomes the voice of her generation.

I hear the show is very good, but, here's hoping it can reach greater heights when it reaches Broadway. Carole deserves nothing less.

Updated On: 10/21/13 at 09:45 PM

#44

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/22/13 at 2:42pm

I think it could work if they develop Barry and Cynthia more as foils to Gerry/Carole, but right now Barry/Cynthia are the more clever and entertaining roles, so they are going to have to be careful to not turn it into Beautiful: The Brill Building Collective.

'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."' ~Lewis Carroll

#45

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/22/13 at 3:02pm

I feel like Barry and Cynthia are hard to cut down because we enjoy them so much, but they really do need to be cut down quite a bit. The show isn't about them and we want to enjoy them, but in small doses. I hope the team has read the reviews and criticism because they all pretty much say that the show is great fun and has so much potential but the first act gets too far away (ha) from Carole and the second act rushes by and lacks a real resolution. From the interview Jessie Mueller and Jake Epstein did to hearing from other sources what kind of cuts are being made, it sounds like they know what's wrong and are prepared to do the work to fix it, so I can't wait to see what the show looks like when it gets here.

#46

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/22/13 at 3:15pm

I think part of it might be a function of Mann and Weil apparently being quite accessible to the musical's team, and as an apparently functional couple, don't have the concerns that say, Sherry Goffin might have about her mother being portrayed.

'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."' ~Lewis Carroll

Updated On: 10/22/13 at 03:15 PM

#47

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/22/13 at 3:17pm

Fair point. Though, knowing Carole's story fairly well, I'd imagine she'd be a bit more concerned with the show's depiction of her father, which may explain why their marriage troubles feel not fully explored in the show.

#48

Beautiful in San Francisco

Posted: 10/22/13 at 3:28pm

I haven't read Carole King's biography, but from reading reviews it looks like she went into a lot of issues that are definitely not covered in the musical, but are out there now. I'm not sure if the musical team was more interested in a Jersey Boys style journey story line or why they are shying away. I mean, it's fine with me if they don't want to get into that, but there needs to be focus on the story they want to tell, rather than cute and fun moments.

Edit: I've finally racked up 1000 posts after 10 years? (!) Thanks, Beautiful.

'"Contrairiwise," continued Tweedledee, "if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's logic."' ~Lewis Carroll

Updated On: 10/22/13 at 03:28 PM

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