I think Raul is an amazing performer but I cannot help but feel people rave about this gooey schlock only because he is in it. This show was dreadfully long and dull. If I was a kid I'd be confused by it. It is uneven, too long , muddled and dopey... Poor Mr. Bosco. A great actor in a terribly boring role, and Marc K. Desrves a starring role that will showcase his wonderful enigmatic presence and talent ...He is so wasted here. Sadly it is a very mediocre evening in the theater. Blah!
But credit must be given to the fabulous, scene-stealing Jan Maxwell, who makes quite the impression with what little stage time she has. I'm surprised that there haven't been more mentions of her in other write-ups. So far as length/evenness, keep in mind that the show has played a mere three performances right now, and many things will likely be ironed out during the preview period.
Saw the show tonight, it's fabulous. The entire cast is perfect. Chip Zien and Robert Sella stole the show, as did Jan Maxwell and Marc Kudisch. Kevin Cahoon was so freaky as the Childcatcher. I really had the best time out of every show I've seen this season. This show is perfect for families and will hopefully run forever.
I don't know about the show but I lOVED the movie as a kid. Compared to a lot of kids movies, I always though it was pretty good. I loved it all as a kid except "lovely lonely man" which was decidedly too adult for me to comprehend fully.
"This ocean runs more dark and deep than you may think you know...I'll be the fear of the fire at sea."
-Marie Christine
Yes, there are people who like the stage version of Chitty. I'm one. I have seen the London stage show a few times, mostly with the original cast, and absolutely loved it. I am a big fan of the film, and went into the stage show with some trepidation, but my fears were unfounded.
I saw the original London cast twice, and was disappointed by the show - it was just a little too pantomime for me. However, I'm a straight male in his early twenties with no family, so I don't think it's really aimed at me!! It's certainly an entertaining spectacle, but worth $100? Not for me . . .
For 3 years, Chitty has been doing very well in London. Reports from the NY Chitty confirm that the show is totally sold-out and the audiences have been wildly enthusiastic. Not every show can or should be Sondheim or heavy on the genius--some have to make money and provide long term jobs for theatre folk! Thank goodness, Disney has provided those jobs for the last 10 years!!!
Marc really does need a show that's all his. He's someone who honestly deserves to have his name above the title in a big, flashy Broadway musical where he's onstage for 2 1/2 hours and gets to sing more than 3 songs.
"Noah, someday we'll talk again. But there's things we'll never say. That sorrow deep inside you. It inside me, too. And it never go away. You be okay. You'll learn how to lose things..."
We all need shows which run and provide jobs. There are many talented people who should be, could be, would be, etc. What we need are shows like Chitty which allow many performers to shine. As they say, the cream will rise to the top!