GETTIN (G) THE BAND BACK TOGETHER Previews — Page 4

One of my friends said after act one that this was amateur hour at its worst, and I couldn’t have agreed more.  While the first act was sluggish and boring, act two did dip into so bad it’s good territory (especially the horrific act two opener), but overall the songs were bland and generic and you could have heard a pin drop after some of the book’s “jokes.” 

The show desperately wants to be a mix of The Full Monty and Rock of Ages, but both of these shows were wildly better than Gettin’ the Band Back Together. Full Monty has loads of heart (and a shocking thing called character development!) and Rock of Ages’ plot actually made logical sense and leaned heavy into its rock n roll parody; ROA also had some pretty decent character development too, so being just a “fun night out” is no excuse for not having craft. 

I know its only the first preview, so I won’t comment much on the acting, but I found the lead to be lacking in charisma and that’s a big problem when he basically sings the entire score in act one. The plot and timeline are full of holes and nonsensical items, none of which can be waived away as the show has gone for a Disaster-style parody of New Jersey. When you have an opening number called “Jersey,” you prepare yourself for a somewhat high level of parody, but the lyrics were not biting or funny, and the few Jersey jokes were lame and tired. 

There is a subplot about a poser Jewish rapper that is such a ripoff of Alex Wyse’s character from Lysistrata Jones (didn’t think I’d ever be writing that sentence!); the Indian doctor and his love interest are barely an after thought. The book not only gives short shrift to the characters, but the actual Battle of the Band plot feels like an after thought by the end too. Ken Davenport gave a curtain speech about how the story is semi-autobiographical, and the vanity project aspect of it really shows. 

The set is the comic book drawn design- the houses reminded me of Peter Parker’s street set from Spider-Man. I didn’t understand that choice, unless it was budgetary reasons. 

I did like Kelli Barrett. She is likable, and how can you not feel for someone who had to suffer through Baby, It’s You, Doctor Z and now this. 

 

Jordan Catalano said: "Well I disagree with every word you wrote, Whizzer. "

Was the theater pretty full? 

KFC1991 said: "I remember you guys had this same reaction ( total disagreement with one another) after Holiday Inn.

It's amazing how subjective art is."

Who was anti-Holiday Inn? I’ll probably fall more in their camp. But I’m gonna give it a shot in a week. Got a great seat for very little money, and what can I say...I’m curious.

I was anti-Holiday Inn. That was very bland, but professional compared to this. I just can’t believe how much this show made me long to see Rock of Ages again...

No, I never thought they would actually be humiliated, but it is important for the audience to believe that THEY believe they could be humiliated and remain in poverty/lose their kid/etc. The characters don’t believe in themselves. That’s what’s important, and really central conflict of The Full Monty. There is a brief moment of self-doubt in Gettin the Band, but I never really bought into their self-doubt enough for an emotional response to them overcoming it. 

Jordan, I agree that the audience response to the songs was strong by the end, but I thought the reactions in act one were more on the tepid side and definitely many of the jokes went by without much reaction. People liked “Bart’s Confession” and Dance at the Gym-off because those were both silly and goofy and the closest the show came to being in line with ROA’s tone. 

Jordan Catalano said: "I found th audience reaction very strong from the very beginning. I was in the mezz so I don’t know about anywhere else. "

What percentage of the audience do you think were friends of Ken and the producers? I bet at least 50. 

 

Bwayfan292 said: "Based on Instagram reactions people seem more excited to be attending a first preview than the actual
Show."

Where? I don’t know anything about hashtags but can’t see it.

What ever did New Jersey do to deserve this?

I'm sorry to report that this show was wanting in several important areas:  humor, intlligence, taste, craft, and good music and lyrics. It was also one of the ugliest shows to look at in memory --- no Cecil Beaton or Oliver Messel designs here. It seemed to try to convey the same vibe of juvenile stupidity and grossness as that awful movie, The Hangover. A wretched song about a man sleeping with his best friend's mother best succeeded in capturing that spirit. Poor Marilu Henner played the mother in question. I felt particularly sorry for her being trapped in this, especially when she had to come out periodically to ask if anyone wanted Fruity Pebbles, Fluffernutters, or Rice Krispies treats. Frankly, I would have preferred any of these to the show. 

Oh, yes. And there was also a joke about laxatives.

Paging Noel Coward!

 

LOL, After Eight. I love that you mentioned all that food. There was also the bit where Bart couldn’t find the Buttermilk (gross!) in her fridge to pour on the Fruity Pebbles. And in his Confession he sang about spilling the Lucky Charms she had given him. 

My most cringeworthy moment was during the wedding when the rapper said, “When I say ‘Matzah’ you say ‘balls,’ ‘Matzah’ ________ ‘Matzah’ __________. Gentiles in the balcony, I can’t hear you!”
 

 

After Eight said: "What ever did New Jersey do to deserve this?

I'm sorry to reportthat this showwas wanting in several important areas:humor, intlligence, taste, craft, and good music and lyrics. It was also one of the ugliest shows to look at in memory --- noCecilBeaton or Oliver Messel designs here.It seemed to try to convey the same vibe of juvenile stupidity and grossness asthat awful movie, The Hangover. A wretched song about a man sleeping with his best friend's mother best succeeded in capturing that spirit. Poor MariluHenner played the mother in question. I felt particularly sorryfor her being trapped in this,especially when she had to come out periodically to ask if anyone wanted Fruity Pebbles, Fluffernutters,or Rice Krispies treats. Frankly, I would have preferred any oftheseto the show.

Oh, yes. Andthere was also ajoke about laxatives.

Paging Noel Coward!

"

As in $35m budget. $450m takings Hangover? They may be onto something there.