Saw the show this afternoon and, as someone who almost never pays any attention to reviews of a show, I must say that the ones that's I've read are pretty spot on. I really wanted to love it, but it was just okay. Rob McClure was wonderful over all, but his singing voice, except for the 11 o'clock number, was not pleasant and the music, the book, the costumes and scenery were just so dull and blah that it was hard to like. The audience seemed to eat it up but I wasn't on board with it.
I would expect a musical dealing with Chaplin to have some comedy connected to it, especially with Tom Meehan writing the book?? WTW?? Also, I understand the black and white era, but everything on the stage was black, white and grey and the constant colorless set and costumes just emphasized how dull the production was. I am one to always take some good from a show, so I will say the the female leads, especially Jenn Colella,who played Heda Hopper, were good, as was Zachary Unger the little boy who played young Chaplin and Jackie Coogan and of course, Rob was outstanding.
Also, a small pet peeve of mine is that the orchestra was never seen and since they are a big part of the musical, I feel they should be at least at the end, the curtain can be lifted to show them. Glad it was Broadway week and I paid half price otherwise I would be even more disappointed..
The only review of a show that matters is your own.
.jpg?format=auto&width=300)
