News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
pixeltracker

CAROUSEL (2018) Previews- Page 15

CAROUSEL (2018) Previews

Miles2Go2 Profile Photo
Miles2Go2
#350CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/5/18 at 3:18pm

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Miles2Go2 said: "Also, what kind of job doyou thinkDiane Paulus would have done if she had directed the Carousel revival?"

She definitely would've been a great choice for this, especially given how she's known for bringing non-traditional theater talent into the theater. Plus, I think it's about time she does a revival again.
"

I think so too. She’s only had one true commercial and critical flop (Finding Neverland), I believe. Additionally, she has directed diverse casts before and has shown previous adeptness with revivals (even if you dismiss P&G, perhaps you appreciated her Pippin and Hair). Also, she has directed at least two shows (Porgy and Bess, Waitress) with plots that involve the abuse of women. I also think that it would be exciting to see what a strong female director would bring to this show. 

JAS Profile Photo
JAS
#351CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/5/18 at 3:20pm

What Diane Paulus and team did to PORGY AND BESS went far and beyond from the original piece. It wasn’t just the elimination of the recits for spoken dialogue—that’s been done since the 40s—but it was the violence done to the Gershwins’ Heyward’s score that was appalling: fully reorchestrated, with lowered keys. Unacceptable on every level.

Having heard the audio here, I am prepared to say that, though it is unacceptable to cut three numbers, the score is being played pretty much as written. This sounds poorly conceived and executed.

Addipia94 Profile Photo
Addipia94
#352CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/5/18 at 3:27pm

Miles2Go2 - Couldn't agree more. I feel like having a woman direct this revival of Carousel would have been really interesting. Especially, given light to current political climate in the entertainment industry (2018 Oscars/Golden Globes etc.). Wonder if she would have chose not to cut any of the dialogue, compared to O'Brien making numerous cuts. 

Jeffrey Karasarides Profile Photo
Jeffrey Karasarides
#353CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/5/18 at 3:54pm

Miles2Go2 said: "Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Miles2Go2 said: "Also, what kind of job do you think Diane Paulus would have done if she had directed the Carousel revival?"

She definitely would've been a great choice for this, especially given how she's known for bringing non-traditional theater talent into the theater. Plus, I think it's about time she does a revival again.
"

I think so too. She’s only had one true commercial and critical flop (Finding Neverland), I believe. Additionally, she has directed diverse casts before and has shown previous adeptness with revivals (even if you dismiss P&G, perhaps you appreciated her Pippin and Hair). Also, she has directed at least two shows (Porgy and Bess, Waitress) with plots that involve the abuse of women. I also think that it would be exciting to see what a strong female director would bring to this show.
"

I also think she's one of those directors who've been much more successful on revivals as opposed to new works. Finding Neverland was basically panned (pun intended) and while Waitress has its fans, there's still a group of people who felt that show didn't really work entirely.

Miles2Go2 Profile Photo
Miles2Go2
#354CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/5/18 at 4:47pm

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "She definitely would've been a great choice for this, especially given how she's known for bringing non-traditional theater talent into the theater. Plus, I think it's about time she does a revival again. I also think she's one of those directors who've been much more successful on revivals as opposed to new works.Finding Neverlandwas basically panned (pun intended) and whileWaitresshas its fans, there's still a group of people who felt that show didn't really work entirely."

Well, I would say that the people that had a problem with the two new musicals she directed had more to do with the music and book than with her direction. I actually liked Waitress a lot. I have never seen Finding Neverland. It’s actually coming to OKC (I believe next week) and it has been amusing to watch the television ads. They hype up the one supposed rave (I believe from Newsday?) that the Broadway production received “Best New Musical of the season!”  I know better. I’ll be steering clear. lol. 

Jeffrey Karasarides Profile Photo
Jeffrey Karasarides
#355CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/5/18 at 5:24pm

I think what I meant was that she doesn't seem to be as good at shepherding new works.

Olivia11
#356CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/5/18 at 5:43pm

Just arrived from the West Coast and seeing this tonight.

I have never seen a production of Carousel or listened to the score (does that make me a Carousel virgin). CAROUSEL (2018) Previews. I don't tend toward older musicals but loved Hello Dolly. I won't know any songs or lines that are cut, so it should be a different perspective than the experts.

I thought about ditching it and going to Once on this Island, because of the reviews here, but I already bought my ticket and am looking forward to the vocal performances, at a minimum.

I have a little bit of a soft spot for Jack O'Brien since he is from San Diego and was Director at the Old Globe for many years, but I get bored easily if things don't come together, so we will see.

Report back later!

Flowerlovestage5 Profile Photo
Flowerlovestage5
#357CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 12:34am

I just came back from this evenings performance. The two cut numbers at the top of ACT II were re-instated this evening.

  I can't go into elaborate detail on the immediate, but I will say that it's clear what many have been saying about this production.  I went in with an open mind.  There is much to say about the show and it's many themes, etc.  I will share my thoughts on that later on in more detail.

Just some thoughts on what I felt stood out - for the better and worse:

Possible SPOILERS:

Jessie - As many have said, the role is not much to work with, little dialogue mixed in with a few ballads.  I love Mueller as an actress and I see all her shows. However, she could not have looked more bored.  Rather, she had a state of shock on her face the entire time.  Her singing was lovely, but unfortunately, her acting and "reactions" were so catatonic, I wondered if she was forced out onto the stage.  Truly.  It was like she was dragged into court and had to speak before the judge.  Furthermore, the accent did her no favors, as others have stated.  I could barely make out what she was saying -- the entire show.  I'm sorry to report this.  I applaud her tremendous talent and efforts but this was a shame.  Her chemistry with Joshua Henry was ZERO.  I didn't believe she had ANY feelings for him until she became hysterical at his death.  It was then that she went for broke and I wondered where that passion was before.  Director's fault, I say.

Joshua Henry:  Aside from being visibly attractive and rather adorable, I thought -- he gave a wonderful, nuanced, and layered performance.  I thought he gave himself to everyone around him and sold his songs with that beautiful voice.  I was truly impressed and touched by his portrayal.  There is much I would like to say about his characterization, the direction he was given, and the character as written -- but I will save that for another post.  He was the core of the show and a great Billy...in my opinion.  Worth the price of admission.

Lindsay Mendez: What a joy to watch.  Her humor and voice were sublime and actually, perfect for the part.  Her chemistry was palpable for everyone she came across and paired very well with Alexander Gemignani (also very good).

Amar Ramasar: Jigger's number at the top of ACT II (with Mendez) was where the casting faltered.  Amar was smarmy with nothing else going for him.  Definitely the weakest link.  I didn't believe his tactics, nor could I see him trying to "wrestle" with Carrie.  Mendez could kick his a** in two seconds.  Another problem....no offense to Mendez.

Renee Fleming:  Look, the part is all about her two numbers.  The poor woman walked out on stage and stared like she was searching for cue cards.  The death scene was the worst.  She stood there like she didn't know what to do with herself.  The music started and the light switch turned on for her number.  That was it. 

Margaret Colin:  Just ok.  I didn't quite understand the costume choices for her let alone some of her acting choices. 

Ensemble:  I absolutely loved them.  The male dancers in particular.  What a treat to watch.  Justin Peck lights up the show with his choreography.  The menvwere so in sync with each other.  There was tremendous applause after the dock/ship number nd it was well deserved.  I have to say, all the dance numbers were thoroughly entertaining.  All the choreography felt fresh and exciting, executed beautiful by the dancers.

 

The Starkeeper:  Having him walk around and stand in between characters like the angel of death (Yes, I get what they were trying to show us) was just irritating.  That trench coat alone needs a new design.  Thompson was just fine but that poor man looked like Morgan Freeman in Bruce Almighty.  I kept waiting for Jim Carrey to pop up. 

The set was just fine.  Granted some of the scenery looked a bit like Never, Never Land from Peter Pan -- but it still worked.  The top arch of the carousel was nice enough to look at....if only there was an actual CAROUSEL underneath it.  Jessie Mueller sat on the horse stage left like she was waiting for a bus to stop. 

Jack O'Brien should have passed this torch onto someone else.   Casting should have made some stronger choices too, to balance out some of the solid performances.

It's a mixed bag of candy -- but I must say, I enjoyed it enough.  I'd like to go again later in the run to see any changes and more development.  If anything, Joshua Henry deserves another viewing.

The dancer playing Louise looked like Sarah Silverman with a bad attitude.  At least she can dance.

Please excuse any grammatical errors.  Thanks.

 

Olivia11
#358CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 12:38am

Here are my quick thoughts before I get some sleep for the presentation tomorrow that brought me to NYC. Again, I have never seen a production of Carousel or listened to the score.

 

There is A LOT of incredible talent on the stage and in the pit. All the voices were outstanding. Joshua Henry was incredible and Jessie Mueller was gorgeous. Renee did what Renee does and she's one of the best. I also enjoyed Alexander Gemignani and Lindsay Mendez stole the show.

 

The dancing was second to none. Love or hate the choreography, but the skill level of the ensemble is top level. Having seen some of the male ensemble in other productions, they could have been utilized even more. The orchestra sounded wonderful and it is so nice to see classic musical production use larger orchestras. The Carousel waltz was beautifully played Scenery was meh. It was ok but nothing to write home about. Costumes were fine -- I'm not the purveyor of period piece costumes, so they seemed fine. The wings were weird and unnecessary. The star keeper could be way better 

The plot and story seemed very thin. I love classical ballets but you don't go for the plot. A ballet plot gives you an excuse to have a lot of dancing in pretty costumes. This kinda reminded me of that. You better not be looking for a story because it isn't there and then all of a sudden, there is a crazy dramatic moment.

 

Billy didn't seemed fleshed out at all. Joshua does a fantastic job of acting angry and like a guy to steer away from. I get he is physically attractive but that isn't even really explored. Why is Julie attracted to him. If it's sexual attraction, that needs to be shown. Is she pressured to get married? The fact that they meet under less than ideal circumstances and agree to get to get married that night makes no sense. I think Jessie and Joshua have potential for chemistry (there is minor canoodling at the clam bake that actually made me relax for a minute from the tension of just seeing a bad man with zero redeeming qualities on stage. The audience needs to care, at least a little. It all just seemed rushed . 

 

The color blind casting did not bother me I need the least.

 

 I want to see another stage of movie production to see how it was handled because from this production and not impressed with the story. It felt very disjointed and just an excuse for singing, dancing, and great orchestrations. All and all, if you enjoy great vocal, dance and orchestral performances, go. It's worth it. But I often go back to see things I love again, this won't be one of them. Interestingly, Jack O'Brien was in attendance through the entire show sitting back row aisle of the orchestra.

CindersGolightly Profile Photo
CindersGolightly
#359CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 6:14am

How sad that what would have been Laura Osnes' first Tony Award has been robbed by a lackluster revival of "Carousel" with no passion and no grit. I love Jessie Mueller, but my gosh, is it just me or is Lindsay Mendez the only person having fun on that stage? #ReinstateGiveItToEmGoodCarrie


They/them. "Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."

Lot666 Profile Photo
Lot666
#360CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 8:04am

musikman said: "The box office guy said "just wait till you see the carousel! It comes down from out of the ceiling!"

Based on how most folks have described the carousel, this box office guy must be easily impressed.

 


==> this board is a nest of vipers <==

"Michael Riedel...The Perez Hilton of the New York Theatre scene"
- Craig Hepworth, What's On Stage

Brian07663NJ
#361CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 9:08am

Owen22 said: "Sally Durant Plummer said: "Here's one of my main issues with this staging. I don't believe in colorblind casting. Casting is context. Everyone walks in with baggage about what they are seeing on stage, due to the structure this country was built on. So what I was interested in seeing in this production was how they dealt with how Billy and Jigger are POC actors who serve to enact the primary violence in this play. Mostly, this production ignored it. Some lines fit in very well with Billy being a Black man, but because the book doesn't delve deep into abuse, we can't infer anything about why he does this to Julie, except that "she's right" in arguments."

Argh. Why do people find colorblind casting so hard? Or misinterpret it. Colorblind casting, no matter what the actor or director politically correctively say, is generally a person of color, generally black, PRETENDING to be white! Most of these colorblind shows are set in a very VERY racist past where Mr. Snow would never marry a black woman or an Oklahoma sheriff would never consider marrying a woman of color, no matter if she looks and sings like Audra McDonald. Or maybe even .. a beautiful black woman being.the daughter of two white Victorian Norwegians (even if the mother IS a proto-feminist). We as theatre-goers know that music doesn't just come out of the air and people sing. Or that Mandy Patinkin really isn't Che Guevara come back to life. We are all in a shared two to three hour fantasy world where we all agree to suspend disbelief. I guess Joshua might think he is playing a black man but that belies the truth of the situation and his relationships within the play. And though this IS a fantasy, the truth within the fantasy MUST BE PLAYED. So I watch and love a colorblind show knowing that the fourth wall is turning a black person into a white person by the magic of the theatre. That might sound racist, but in my opinion it's exactly the opposite.
"

 

I share the same opinion. I am all for color blind casting. Act 1 felt like there were scenes where a POC was placed in the scene. Act 2 felt much more diversified and did not at all look like "oh they stuck a POC in the scene so that they would be represented."

From the moment I heard Joshua Henry's dialogue I had to shake my head because I was hearing Joe (from Show Boat) or Coalhouse Walker, Jr (from Ragtime) - I thought to myself... "Does this plot have a racial undertone because his speech sounds like it is coming from a musical with a slavery period." Joshua may be colorblind cast but he did not act the role as if it were colorblind cast. It is also tough to do this in a show that is set in a time period where at the time this was not acceptable for a mixed relationship. You'd have to bring the time period up to date to achieve that result.

As for the show itself - I was absolutely BORED out of my mind. From the moment the upside-down umbrella without the fabric dropped over the stage I was not dazzled. While the music was lavish, the dancing numbers well done...I just could not encourage anyone to pay money or spend their time to watch this. Act 1 was a drag that took forever to get to intermission, Act 2 got better and was more exciting and then without really delivering what Billy did in his return to earth to earn his path to heaven - it was done. Go see Hello, Dolly if you want WOW factor.

Yes this may be a classic but it was for its time...it just didn't translate for me now. I kept thinking to myself - this was amazing to audience years ago? Sorry Carousel - you are not an E-Ticket ride.

 

darquegk Profile Photo
darquegk
#362CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 9:13am

Well, given the way that ongoing critical and cultural debate keeps poking at this show from one direction or the other, we have a new contender for the oft-asked board question: "What's the most controversial musical ever?"

OlBlueEyes Profile Photo
OlBlueEyes
#363CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 9:41am

Olivia! What about the score? As one of the few musical lovers who had never heard it, your opinion would be of great interest.

This score is always included in discussions of musical theater’s finest. The bench scene (or at least the “If I Loved You” duet) is frequently pulled out of the show and performed in concert. On YouTube there is a full performance of the scene with set and costume by original stars John Raitt and Jan Clayton.

“Soliloquy” is also performed frequently in concert. Ol’ Blue Eyes sang it regularly and introduced it as one of the finest pieces of music ever written. “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was at least at one time said to be Richard Rodgers’ favorite song. It has been recorded by Elvis and Gerry and the Pacemakers, among many.

I’ll bet you found a lot of the songs to be familiar.

Capeguy Profile Photo
Capeguy
#364CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 10:18am

I grew up on the music of R&H. I've seen the movie many, many times and several theater productions. Most notably the version from the 90s. The leads were weak but Audra and Shirley Verrett were superb. The overall direction was fantastic and for me this is the ultimate production.

I had hoped to love this production. I realize this is an early preview and hopefully, it will be improved. Right now, as others have posted -- the singing is very good from everyone. In particular, Joshua Henry's "Soliloquy" was fantastic. Unfortunately, that's all I can say that is good about this show as it is now. The chemistry between Julie and Billy just isn't there. The sets are just so-so. Other have issues with the choreography -- I thought it was fine. I particularly like "Blow High, Blow Low." The Ballet could have been better. I didn't miss "Stonecutters..." not one of my favorites but interesting that it is in the program. Maybe it's not ready yet??? I did not like the way they used the Starkeeper -- wandering about many scenes. 

What bothered me the most was the final scene. It seemed rushed. In the past, when Billy stood behind Julie and said "Know that I loved you..." -- it was always so emotional -- I would tear up every single time. Last night -- nothing. It just wasn't there. You never had the feeling that Julie sensed his presence. As for the final moment with the Starkeeper and those wings -- I thought he was in the wrong theater looking for Angels in America. Please fix this classic.

Updated On: 3/6/18 at 10:18 AM

APR2
#365CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 9:28pm

The did the exact same thing years ago in Canada at The Stratford Festival.

APR2
#366CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 9:32pm

I don't like that fact that they have cast a tenor singing Billy which is a baritone role & a lyric soprano singing Nettie which is a mezzo role.  Heard a recording of Mueller singing the beautiful "What's the use of wondrin" & they change the beautiful women's chorus ending to a duet with Nettie.....doesn't work for me.

CindersGolightly Profile Photo
CindersGolightly
#367CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 10:03pm

Yeah, Wonderin’ needs to be a solo. I’d feel a lot better about this mess if they at least changed that.


They/them. "Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."

GeorgeandDot Profile Photo
GeorgeandDot
#368CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 11:18pm

Joshua Henry is a baritone.

LimelightMike Profile Photo
LimelightMike
#369CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 11:29pm

Have they reinstated Enoch's Act II solo and "Stonecutters..."? Debating whether to see this in early April, but am curious to when exactly it would be :l"frozen"?

BeadleDeedle Profile Photo
BeadleDeedle
#370CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 11:38pm

GeorgeandDot said: "Joshua Henry is a baritone."

Not to my ear. He bailed on several lower notes at the ends of phrases. He sounded like a tenor taking on a “covered” operatic affectation to try and sound more legit. Along with his very amateurish acting, it led to a thoroughly unconvincing performance. IMO. 

BwayDude2
#371CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 11:43pm

Finally got to see this tonight.

I have so much respect for this production. Yes, it wasn’t perfect. There are definite moments to work on. But theatre is about making choices, and justifying them. I feel like every choice made was clearly justified.

A lot of people have talked about the relationship and chemistry between Billy and Julie. I saw the actors being more modern and contemporary with their arch and reactions. Rather than being your typical R&H characters, falling in Love immediately, there was an actual arch. I felt this especially with Mueller. Rather than giving into the easy urge of being all over Billy, she let the romance blossom. And let’s be honest, is the romance real anyways? Does Billy actually love her?

I also appreciated the attempt with the Star Keeper. Every moment he was on stage was purposeful. He was there in the most pivitol moments for Billy. Watching his decisions. I would of loved to see it be more subtle though, and not so obvious. There were many other parts where we as audience members were forced to use our imaginations, trust us on the Star Keeper that we’ll understand.

I think so many people are upset because this production is not your normal Carousel. And I applaud the team for going outside the box with this show. As Peter Brooks says in The Empty Space, one of the greatest causes of deadly theater is doing it the way it’s “supposed” to be. Do you want cookie cutter productions so you feel nostalgic? Or do you want to be challenged artistically and creatively?

Sally Durant Plummer Profile Photo
Sally Durant Plummer
#372CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 11:46pm

There’s a difference between challenging the audience with a new perspective and being bad. Look at Roundabout’s “The Cherry Orchard”.


"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir

Call_me_jorge Profile Photo
Call_me_jorge
#373CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 11:50pm

This “forced to use our imaginations” is reminding me a whole lot of Charlie....


In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound. Signed, Theater Workers for a Ceasefire https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement

RippedMan Profile Photo
RippedMan
#374CAROUSEL (2018) Previews
Posted: 3/6/18 at 11:51pm

This seems like a fairly cookie-cutter approach. 

I just wish the design had been something more interesting or there had been some sort of overall "concept." Oh well. I guess I'll try and rush it.


Videos