Cry Baby-Opening Night Review

[jagfkb]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 1:56am

Ok, now I know I'm not the most popular person on this board, however, after attending Cry baby tonight, I'm torn. Either this show was complete genius, or it was very bad. Honestly, I feel it was a show, with great visual appeal, some great songs, and the book with the most mixed review I couls give. Lines? They were quick, witty, and ultimately genius, but the story felt rushed in some, slow in others, and just plain random.

For example, the first act made me feel... empty. it didn't feel like a first act. Sure it was ok, but it didn't feel complete enough, and basically was rushed. I think I timed it at 55 minutes.

In addition, the placement of the story was random. the singing contest? RANDOM!

However, the script is still genius, for in it, inbetween all of Harriet Harris's smart, witty, and hilarious one liners, there was a message which really hit me, don't take everything as it seems to be according to everyone else, or how you want it. The funny thing is, not only can this moral be applied to the plot, it can be applied to the show in general. Don't go expecting Harispray, or Grease, go expecting a show inbetween great and so so. Really, I enjoyed it. It has problems, but I enjoyed it. Honestly go and see this show, just to see it. Don't take it as an automatic flop, but a troubled show with genius hidden in it somewhere. Out of Five, 3 1/2 stars

[BrianS]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 2:11am

I kind of agree with you. Act II is definitely stronger than Act I. I laughed a lot and there is some insane dancing by the guys that I could never do 8 times a week, but there are also some slow moments. Random is fine when you are laughing, but there were a couple of moments that were random that weren't that entertaining. The show is in much better shape than when I saw it in La Jolla (where the finale to Act II was basically penciled in to get the show up). I think the show is much more entertaining than Young Frankenstein, but since it doesn't have the brand recognition of that show, I have no idea if it's going to find an audience or not.

[jagfkb]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 9:30am

I believe someone on this board said that there was too much exposition within the first scene, and therefore not enough to support an extra scene in the first act. if the ophan side of cry baby was revealed as it was in the movie, and if they had scenes of Allison and Cry baby driving in their cars inbetween the picnic and the party, or some other scene giving us insight into the characters as Act Two does, this would be a much better show. Also, change that Act One Finale, I mean, how anitclimatic was that? not to mention, it was the only song which I hated through & through, because it was so unlike the other songs. Not to mention it was just bad at some parts. Furthermore, if they extended "A Whole Lot worse" to become a large number for the female drapes, it would make so much more sense. infact, put that number inbetween the picnic and the party. The show can be fixed, but it would take a while.

also, loved those sets!

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 9:45am

Thanks for your review! I want to see this show no matter what others have said about it.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 5:57pm

Go see it .It is a hoot.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 6:15pm

I WANNA SEE A PLAYBILL / Song List from OPENING NIGHT!