So..,. I finally saw it... the devil of Broadway, the defiler of the Great White Way, the thing that keeps you all up at night and... I loved it!
I can 100% understand if you didn't. I'm not going to make excuses for the problems with Beanie's singing. They are definitely real and I understand if they ruined it for you. They just didn't for me. I found that the issues were pretty overblown, even though they were present. Worth noting that someone else paid for my ticket tonight, so I also understand being disappointed if you paid some of the prices they are asking for this show.
Beanie was hilarious and so cute, but also vulnerable and emotional through the second act. Parade was definitely the strongest of her big songs, but she found moments to shine in all of them. I think she needs to find someone to Funny Girl/Send in the Clowns her and write material for her that will land in her range.
I believe it was Jeremiah James' first time on for Nick and he was wonderful. I may have to go back to see Ramin (maybe I'll time it for Julie Benko's weekend in August), Jeremiah did a wonderful job. Temporary Arrangement was a lot fun and I'm glad it was added back in to give both Nick and the male ensemble members some more stuff to do!
Jane and Jared were everything you expect from them. Both were wonderful to see Jared's tapping (and the tapping in general) was some of the best I've ever seen in a show and definitely got some of the biggest applause of the night.
The whole supporting cast and ensemble were also giving their all and doing it so well!
I thought the physical production was wonderful too. The set was really cool and definitely very unique! I again, understand the complaints about it feeling claustrophobic, but it just didn't bother me. The costumes were wonderful, the lighting was solid, the show sounded great. I had a good time.
My favorite scenes were definitely Rat Tat Tat Tat (duh), His Love Makes Me Beautiful, Jared's tap numbers, Parade, and the finale.
I do have one major book-related complaint, which is how much everyone blames Fanny for Nick being an asshole. Like everyone seems to agree that she somehow shares the blame for his criminal activities. It drove me crazy.
I also remain so glad that they cast a Jewish woman as Fannie. I think it's important overall, but Rat Tat Tat Tat would be downright Antisemitic if it was being performed by a goy.