DISASTER Previews — Page 8

From seeing a lot of these posts, I'm happy I have tickets after opening, so hopefully it'll be at its best then.

How?! Can someone break down how this show could possibly cost so much? It has to do with licensing?

That's what I'm saying. And we have Motown coming in this summer, so I'm assuming they got a decent deal on the rent. Where'd the money go?

Earth?

Well their lead producer said mid 7 figures! I took that to mean 5 million, though I could be wrong. They don't have a tiny cast - and maybe they had to entice their "names" with a larger paycheck? Are they spending a lot on advertising?

Math may not be my strongest point, but low seven figures would be 1-3 million. Mid seven figures would be 4-6 million, and high seven figures would be 7-9 million.

So 1-3 million, in this case.

Just got out of this an hour ago. I'm actually not sure what to think. It was fun, but it wasn't Xanadu movie bad enough for me and that was slightly disappointing. But, I definitely agree that Jennifer Simard was the standout. I did like Faith Prince a bit too. And for the men, Roger Bart and Adam Pascal stood out as well. I think the issue for the rest is the material. Like I kind of forgot about Kevin Chamberlain at times. I think the bits with the kids were a little much at times.

I also agree that it would work better with no intermission. It seemed odd where it picked up for act 2. Very unnecessary transition. And I thought some of the music was fine. Like I disagree with those who say they needed the entire song. However, there were times where that could have been beneficial. So, I would give it 2 1/2 stars out of 5 If I could rate it that way.

Oh, and the rear mezzanine was very empty. It looked like the front was pretty full.

I had a friend in the off-broadway cast and he seems to support the Broadway company. And he lists it as his "job" on Facebook, though he's not listed in the playbill..

neonlightsxo said: "No big names? On what planet?

I don't know whether you are kidding or not. Come on...get real. There is not a single person in that cast who sells tickets. If everyone's biggest fans show up the same night, they May sell out that performance.

Yes, Seth is in the show. It's a spoof on 1970's disaster films.

Having had time to think about it, I realize why this wasn't as entertainingly bad as I hoped. It has to do with the effects and set design. Like many times I felt we were hearing more about what was going on versus seeing it. It could be really insane if it was easier to see some of this. Actually, 90% of the time you couldn't even really tell exactly what the setting was. I am not against minimalism for theater at all. But, it just works better for some things. I really think more could have made me appreciate this a little more. I hope this makes sense.

Jarethan said: "neonlightsxo said: "No big names? On what planet?

I don't know whether you are kidding or not. Come on...get real. There is not a single person in that cast who sells tickets. If everyone's biggest fans show up the same night, they May sell out that performance."

You clearly misinterpreted my comment. I don't need to "get real." I am well aware that none of the people in this show will sell tickets, let alone sell out a show. I never said they would.

I simply said they are big names- ie they are well known theater actors and will not work for cheap. That is true.

The only people who need to get real are the producers who are paying for this stupid endeavor.

I found the show for the most part to a fun and silly diversion with a very hardworking cast. The experienced Broadway troopers (Adam Pascal, Roger Bart, Rachel York, Kevin Chamberlin) are all superb. There's currently nothing on Broadway like this show, and for people nostalgic for and fond of the 1970s, this show can be part of a great night out.

There are two BIG problems, however, and if the producers had any sense, they'd shut the show down for a week or two and and fix them immediately: 1) the set. It's not transporting at all. It already looks worn-down and rickety. And what about those giant chrome columns (that totally block sight lines and make the stage too bright)! What were they thinking?! 2) Seth Rudetsky. He's an entertaining media personality, but he is neither an actor nor a singer. The energy he emits is joyless and spiteful, as if he knows everyone else on stage has more talent that he does, and he's angry about it. He should get some respect for the company and himself, get over his childish fantasies, and get off that ugly stage. Also, the joke (he probably wrote) that's all a big setup for him to sing "wo wo wo" is shamefully racist and unfunny. Bra-NO, Mr Rudetsky! Woe indeed.