Death Takes a Holiday

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 8:24pm

I hope this isn't a repeat of post threads. Did anyone see the first preview tonight? I'm a fan of Yeston (though not all his work by any means...), and the cast seems great--and it feels like New York hasn't had a musical from a really established Broadway composer all season, so I'm hoping this turns out to be well done. (I'm a bit shocked the subject hasn't been musicalized before)

[AC126748]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 8:40pm

I will be at the Wednesday matinee. I am very excited to see it.

[jv92]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 10:02pm

Seeing it tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing new music from Yeston.

[once a month]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 10:22pm

Count me in....I'm seeing it over the July 4th weekend.

[once a month]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 10:22pm

Count me in....I'm seeing it over the July 4th weekend.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 10:31pm

I totally forgot about this show. I thought it was opening later for some reason. Can't wait to hear how it is.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 10:51pm

It snuck up on me too--and I usually pay a lot of attention to openings, etc. Seems odd-it has a great cast and it's a Yeston show based on a beloved play/movie... Although I have to say I'm not sure Hough would be my choice as director. Is this Julian Ovendon's first lead in New York? He seems ideal for the role--but I'm a big fan (and not just cuz of those famous photos :P )

[After Eight]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 11:37pm

I have been a longstanding fan of Maury Yeston's work, and thought highly of both Nine and Titanic. He has written a number of songs in his characteristic style here, including two lovely numbers for Jill Paice. Some of the songs, in sound, orchestration, structure, and even staging are far too close to those in Titanic for my taste. I didn't care much or the religious-flavored ballads either. On the whole, I would say the score, though good, is not of the caliber of his two Broadway works.

The show I did not cotton to. The book is stodgy and inert, and far too long. There are too many minor characters underused. But the major problem is the tale itself, unpleasant in the extreme. I loathed the character of Death and wished that every moment he was on stage he would just get lost. His presence casts a pall over the entire show, which, is also too darkly lit throughout. I defintely did not want him to get the girl, and was unhappy with the girl's falling for him. The ending left a bitter taste in my mouth.

The cast were all good, with Matt Cavanaugh's singing a standout, and Rebecca Luker a wonderful presence, as always.
Updated On: 6/11/11 at 11:37 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/10/11 at 11:54pm

That's too bad that you found the show lacking. It sounds like it needs some work--at the least . Have you seen the movie?

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 12:10am

Maybe I'll try and rush this tomorrow.

April, I'm getting the sense you think every show should be 90s and intermissionless.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 12:11am

What was the set like? And what was the curtain? (yes I had to be that person :) hahaha)

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 12:15am

It's Roundabout, so probably no curtain.

[jacobp]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 12:24am

I thought it was very good. Not perfect. Im not a huge Yeston fan too many ballads for me, but i found this to be a really pleasant night at the theater. I would definitely reccommend it. The set was very effective

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 2:28am

Can't wait to see the show!

[After Eight]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 7:34am

Ripped Man,

First, I am not April. Second, I don't why you think I like only 90 minute shows. In fact, if they're bad, as is often the case, they're more painful than a show with an intermission. If the show is good, the length doesn't matter.

Eric,

No I haven't seen the movie, and have no desire to, after this. I found the conceit unpalatable in the extreme.

Bwayphreak,

The set was skimpy. The costumes nice. I didn't pay attention to the curtain.

[April Saul]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 9:50am

After Eight--

I'm April. think Ripped Man was responding to another post where I mentioned that The Shaggs at Playwrights Horizons should have been shorter! That's my pet peeve about a lot of shows; Tony Kushner was standing in the lobby the day I saw IHo and I felt like calling out, 'Tony, you're brilliant but get an editor you trust!'

Haven't seen Death Takes a Holiday yet, just signed up to usher for a performance in July

[After Eight]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 10:37am

April,

I agree with you wholeheartedly. A lot of these shows need to be shorter.

[jv92]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 10:55am

I'm a fan of shorter musicals too. If an intermission and a 2 hour 30 min. length is needed to tell the story (Gypsy and Ragtime are two great examples), fine, but sometimes they're not. Nonetheless, despite some mixed reaction here, I still am looking forward to this afternoon.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 11:16am

What is the run time of the show?

[jv92]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 6:56pm

About 2 hours and 40 minutes. Interesting show-- terrific story, music was good. I went in expecting 'Nine' (not that type of show, but that caliber score), and it was not exactly that, but there were about four or five very good songs.

Staging and cast were apt.

But again, it's only the second preview. With some tinkering, this could be a real gem.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 7:00pm

Oops! Sorry just saw After Eight already answered my question! Thanks :)

Updated On: 6/11/11 at 07:00 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 7:30pm

How are the performances thus far? How's Ovenden?

[jv92]

Posted: 6/11/11 at 8:40pm

I had no problems with anyone. All were very good-- particularly Rebecca Luker, who had a touching song. I don't want to give away too many details because I thought the story was very interesting and worth not knowing before going in. I've never seen the film.

[Jim3]

Posted: 6/12/11 at 4:53pm

I got to see last night's second preview of Death Takes a Holiday. It has such potential, and it hopefully will all come together. Some of the songs are so strong and beautiful. If you like Maury Yeston, you will be very pleased. At present, though, some of the performances are so hammy. The lead actors were strong, but they reminded both my partner and me of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald. Further direction should get them in shape. I feel, too, that a few of the minor characters in the show need stronger voices and acting chops. I saw the original Grand Hotel, and this show had some similarities. I would love to have seen DTaH on a grander scale: larger orchestrations, stronger choreography, and a bigger stage. But, go see this new show. This is the type of Broadway musical for which America is known! I have high hopes for Death Take a Holiday, and I look forward to seeing it again.
Updated On: 6/12/11 at 04:53 PM

[whatever2]

Posted: 6/12/11 at 5:42pm

just got back from the fourth preview ... this show strikes me as having REAL potential. definitely needs some tightening, but there's some "there" there.

i overheard the director at intermission telling someone they're looking to cut about 10 minutes from the run-time; which (depending of course on which 10 minutes!) is probably exeactly what's needed.

my own $0.02: there is a trio in Act 2 amongst Grazia, Alice, and Daisy that could be cut: the melody and the harmonies are gorgeous, but it does nothing to advance the story line.

(and i recognize that, from a timing perspective, it's the first act that needs trimming more.)

as for the comment about some of the actors needing to find their voices -- i agree, but i'm betting they do. especially, daisy: kick it, girl!!!