Dr. Dolittle in LA

[babykitty_00]

Posted: 2/13/06 at 12:40pm

I know this show had its problems and share of bad reviews in other cities, but it opens here in a week and I was wondering if anyone had any updates. Have the problems been fixed? has anything been changed? Is it worth seeing? Unfortunately we don't have TKTS like in NY so the tix are kind of pricey. Thanks for any comments!

[DAME]

Posted: 2/13/06 at 12:44pm

Goldstarevents.com has offered plents of heavily discounted seats. And if you are a member of Actors Equity I am sure their hot line will have comps. It is suppose to be dreadful.. even in this incarnation.

[babykitty_00]

Posted: 2/13/06 at 12:46pm

oh thanks for the heads-up Dame!

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/13/06 at 12:56pm

I saw it opening night here in Denver. I was told that they were going to work on the show while it was here for the LA run. I did not get a chance to see it near the end of the run here to see what changes, if any, were made.

[DAME]

Posted: 2/13/06 at 1:06pm

Here is a direct link to the goldstar discount. They change the dates every other day. ( You might need to register for free)

goldstardolittle

Updated On: 2/13/06 at 01:06 PM

[eslgr8]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 2:58am

I just ordered a $68 Front Mezzanaine seat for $22 for Wednesday night. The show may be bad, but at this discount, I can't complain. (And if I'm lucky I won't have to pay for parking!)
Updated On: 2/15/06 at 02:58 AM

[eslgr8]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 1:34am

I don't know what all the hatred for this show is about. It has:
Wonderfully colorful sets and costumes
Fantastic choregraphy/dancing...especially a few really great tap numbers
A relatively well known Bricusse score
Dee Hoty singing sensationally in her upper "light opera" range that we haven't heard much of (She'd be a wonderful Anna in The King and I)
A nice supporting turn by 2-time Tony nominee Joe Blum
The most amazing child dancer you'll ever see--12 year old Aaron Burr as monkey Chi Chi
Colorful puppets a la Avenue Q
and
Tommy Tune still at the top of his form (though the British accent could be better)
There are minuses, primarily
The book...not terribly compelling and full of corny jokes (a lot of which made me laugh anyway
The length--at 95 or so minutes, it's shorter than some first acts of musical
Well, the length is only a minus if you've paid an arm and a leg for a ticket. It's probably a plus, though, for a kid-friendly show like this.
Luckily, I paid only $22 for a 6th row center mezzanaine seat at the gorgeous Pantages, and got free street parking just two blocks away, so I can't complain.
I was entertained. The show is very professional and fun. The audience was cheering at the end.
What's not to like?
Wonder what the L.A. critics will say.
Updated On: 2/23/06 at 01:34 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 9:14am

Great review, Steven. I hope it tours somewhere near NYC so I can see Dee Hoty's performance. This show seems like something I would enjoy...

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 9:17am

Is Jenna Coker stil in it?

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 9:43am

Sadly, no.

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 11:06am

When does it get reviewed there?

[justme2]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 12:41pm

I'm so glad to hear that Dee Hoty is still at the top of her singing form. Love this woman's voice!

I plan to see the show when it in Sacramento this year.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 1:04pm

I saw Dee Hoty in Mamma Mia and I didn't think her voice was all that great. Maybe it was just the material, but she seemed to be straining.

[eslgr8]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 1:20pm

I liked Dee's singing in Mamma Mia, but all the Donna's I've heard sound about the same. I also know Dee's voice from City of Angels and Footloose, so her Dolittle singing (more operatice head voice style) really surprised me. As I said, after seeing her performance, British accent and all, she'd be perfect in The King And I. She must be very tall, because Tommy doesn't tower over her.

The LA Times gives it thumbs down, basing their criticism almost entirely on the book (which as I've said is problematic). But as to their criticism of a lack of audience interest, that was not at all the reaction of the cheering crowd Wednesday night.
Times Review Updated On: 2/23/06 at 01:20 PM

[NBC]

Posted: 2/23/06 at 3:18pm

For the person wondering where Jenna Coker is...
Gibson in Cabaret