This show is so stunning. Kelli O'Hara is giving such a devastating, memorable performance (wow), and Brian d'Arcy James is outstanding. They're superb together. I thought the Atlantic production was terrific last summer and it's grown on me since. I was worried about this losing intimacy with the transfer—there's something special about hearing Kelli O'Hara's voice up close in a small space—but it still felt involving from the rear mezz and the orchestra didn't sound lacking. I didn't sense many non-cosmetic changes since the Atlantic, other than the changes to the song list that have already been mentioned. With "Turlycue" becoming "Letters," I think they just changed the title, unless there were changes to the lyrics that I missed. It's such a strange and different score and it's gorgeous when it opens up and soars, like in "First Breath," "Forgiveness," and its reprise. But it takes getting used to, and the opening number isn't the most accessible. They need to give the father less heavy-handed dialogue, though Byron Jennings makes the most of playing a more taciturn character, but other than that, it's in great shape.
Rush seats seem to be in the rear mezz off to the sides. Not the little sections on the far sides, but the larger side sections. The TodayTix app showed rush seat locations before you purchase. I had to hold and release tickets for a bit because I was debating whether to go, and I saw that there were rush seats in a range of locations in the rear mezz, from row EE to row LL, all toward the sides. Sitting on the side is not an issue as a lot of the action takes place downstage, though I'd give house right the edge since a few more scenes, including the final one, take place toward the right.
I was on the street at 9:55, so the posted runtime of 1:45 seems accurate. No window cards at the merch table yet.
I am worried about people not knowing what to think of the show, especially since the score isn't super melodic, or people feeling surprised by how depressing it is... I did overhear someone on my way out apologizing to the person they were with for not realizing that the show was as dark as it was. It sounded like they both liked it, at least, but I hope that kind of surprised reaction doesn't put people off. It's really exciting to see more challenging and haunting shows like this transfer to Broadway, so I hope word of mouth is positive and it sells well.
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