#1
Posted: 12/10/09 at 9:06am
Chicago reviews "The Addams Family"
#3
Posted: 12/10/09 at 11:04am
I think the Trib's review is more on target than the Sun-Times full on rave.
#4
Posted: 12/10/09 at 12:15pm
I agree; and I think his constructive feedback is very helpful. I hope the creative team takes note.
"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."
#5
Posted: 12/10/09 at 1:10pm
I think it's somewhere between the two reviews, really. :)
I watched the 1990's film adaptations recently and was reminded of how spot-on Paul Rudnick's screenplay was for 'Addams Family Values' (which is one of the rare instances where, imho, the sequel far outshone the first film). Seeing as how he is a seasoned theatre vet, I wonder if having him return to script the book for this show may have added a bit more cohesion and solidified things better... Has Paul ever done a musical? Does anyone else think he may have been the right guy for this job? Just a thought...
I watched the 1990's film adaptations recently and was reminded of how spot-on Paul Rudnick's screenplay was for 'Addams Family Values' (which is one of the rare instances where, imho, the sequel far outshone the first film). Seeing as how he is a seasoned theatre vet, I wonder if having him return to script the book for this show may have added a bit more cohesion and solidified things better... Has Paul ever done a musical? Does anyone else think he may have been the right guy for this job? Just a thought...
#6
Posted: 12/10/09 at 2:08pm
Well, if you base it on the film, you add another whole layer of rights you have to pay. Plus, you'd have to do some radical recasting to make it work.
#7
Posted: 12/10/09 at 2:23pm
I agree the sequel to the movie was superior. I hated the Uncle Fester plot in the first one. That broke too much canon.
#8
Posted: 12/10/09 at 2:56pm
I am not sure I've ever agreed as much with a review as I do with that Tribune one. And it's so nice to see a constructive, hopeful review for a musical that clearly has some flaws. Really, really hoping the creative team takes note, because I'd love to see this musical improve and succeed.
#9
Posted: 12/10/09 at 3:02pm
The Tribune reviewer-Chris Jones- is excellent. His Blog is wonderful. I recommend it highly.
#10
Posted: 12/10/09 at 3:04pm
The Trib review took the words right out of my mouth!
(Martha Graham from a letter to Agnes de Mille) "There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening That is translated through you into action, And because there is only one of you in all time, This expression is unique. If you block it, It will never exist through any other medium And be lost. The world will never have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, Nor how valuable it is, Nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, To keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware Directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, A blessed unrest that keeps us marching And makes us more alive than others."
#11
Posted: 12/10/09 at 7:31pm
I hope he's right too, but I feel the show has more to overcome than what he touches upon. Thoughtful review! (Keep in mind I saw it on the 27th during previews)
Bought my Pee-wee Herman Show tickets! Yahoooo!
#12
Posted: 12/10/09 at 7:43pm
I keep wondering what show the Sun-Times' Hedy Weiss saw?
The Tribune review is spot on.
The Tribune review is spot on.
#13
Posted: 12/10/09 at 8:05pm
Updated On: 12/10/09 at 08:05 PM
#14
Posted: 12/10/09 at 8:53pm
I've seen the show twice now, and I completely agree with every aspect of Chris Jones' review. I hope the creative team reads this review carefully and considers making some major improvements to what they already have.
#15
"If Charles Addams saw the new musical about his beloved characters, he would be rolling around in his grave."
Posted: 12/10/09 at 9:07pm
"If Charles Addams saw the new musical about his beloved characters, he would be rolling around in his grave."
Updated On: 12/10/09 at 09:07 PM
#16
Posted: 12/10/09 at 9:12pm
Theater in Chicago gives a review round-up. Talkin' Broadway and Steadstyle Chicago are in Hedy Weiss' camp.
Review Round-up
Review Round-up
#17
Posted: 12/10/09 at 9:15pm
I picture you gleefully deciding what negative quote you should use to make the link.
That review reads extremely similarly to the Tribune's, and is not a pan, and treats the show as the work-in-progress it is.
That review reads extremely similarly to the Tribune's, and is not a pan, and treats the show as the work-in-progress it is.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#18
Posted: 12/10/09 at 9:18pm
Yes, quoting the first sentence of a review as the title to the link to that review is so transparently agenda-pushing.
I love how the two of you gang up on me just because I won't settle for second-rate trash in the scores I listen to, as if my opinion should have any effect on your lives whatsoever, particularly if there is so much to love with this show. Baffling, truly.
::HEADDESK::
"Cad" indeed.
P
I love how the two of you gang up on me just because I won't settle for second-rate trash in the scores I listen to, as if my opinion should have any effect on your lives whatsoever, particularly if there is so much to love with this show. Baffling, truly.
::HEADDESK::
"Cad" indeed.
P
#19
Posted: 12/10/09 at 9:43pm
Hey, I've never seen this show. Nor heard the score or read the libretto, as you've had the dubious luxury of having. I have absolutely no investment in this material, no stake in it emotionally. You make it seem as if I've been following you from topic to topic haranguing you. I believe this is the first time I've ever challenged your dislike of this show, in fact. I'm not even challenging you for dislike, in all actuality- more like your posting a misleading quote in an attempt to justify your opinion to the world. This has nothing to do with what you deign to listen to, or what I think of that.
The first sentence of the review is extremely misleading, given the review as a whole isn't the pan the first sentence suggests it will be. But it fits in with your whole negative opinion of the show. Or, to correct myself, at least its score. And what the actors sound like. And presumably the ambient noises of the theatre.
The first sentence of the review is extremely misleading, given the review as a whole isn't the pan the first sentence suggests it will be. But it fits in with your whole negative opinion of the show. Or, to correct myself, at least its score. And what the actors sound like. And presumably the ambient noises of the theatre.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#20
Posted: 12/10/09 at 9:48pm
Wow, Kad/cad, I can't believe you spend so much time thinking about me and my opinions. I should be flattered.
Should be.
P
P.S. It's not my fault the review is "misleading". I didn't even read it, just figured I'd put as many reviews as I could find in the thread because, you know, I actually hope the show improves and the creators read not only the reviews but BWW and ATC as well.
Should be.
P
P.S. It's not my fault the review is "misleading". I didn't even read it, just figured I'd put as many reviews as I could find in the thread because, you know, I actually hope the show improves and the creators read not only the reviews but BWW and ATC as well.
#21
Posted: 12/10/09 at 9:51pm
Ah, but you must have read it. Considering that wasn't the original quote you chose to represent it, opting instead for quote that occurs about halfway through it. That was what I was originally commenting on. The director in me was delighted when I was done posting and saw you decided to make a stronger choice.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
#22
Posted: 12/10/09 at 10:03pm
Wow, Kad/cad, I can't believe you spend so much time thinking about me and my opinions. I should be flattered.
Should be.
P
Should be.
P
#23
Posted: 12/10/09 at 10:16pm
Am I the only one who is excited after watching that clip? Really, it looks (once it comes to New York) like it will be superb. At least it has the potential of doing so.
#24
Posted: 12/11/09 at 12:06am
The latest review I've found...interesting...obviously, a respected source even if it is their regional critic...he seems to fall somewhere between the skepticism and optimistic disappointment of Chris Jones and the over-the-top praise of Hedy Weiss. Now I'm REALLY intrigued to see it on Sunday...
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117941774.html?categoryid=33&cs=1
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117941774.html?categoryid=33&cs=1
"No matter how much you want the part, never let 'em see you sweat." -- Old Dry Idea commercial
#25
Posted: 12/11/09 at 2:06am
"If Charles Addams saw the new musical about his beloved characters, he would be rolling around in his grave."
I hate when critics say these sorts of things. Criticize the material, point out its fault, even say what you wished it would be, if you must! But don't pretend to know what a dead man would say were he here! Even if you can make a good guess, dragging in the dead original author only shows you fear your disapproval isn't enough.
I hate when critics say these sorts of things. Criticize the material, point out its fault, even say what you wished it would be, if you must! But don't pretend to know what a dead man would say were he here! Even if you can make a good guess, dragging in the dead original author only shows you fear your disapproval isn't enough.
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