GOOD VIBRATIONS CAST ANNOUNCMENT

Wow. The lead character's name is Caroline? Hmmm...anyone else catch the irony in that?

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Updated On: 9/29/04 at 07:41 PM

Yes, theatermafia. Yes it is.

*sob*

Anyway, good for Ms. Reinders. She had dead-on comic timing in Gypsy; hopefully this show won't be a complete waste of her talents.

Seriously, this one I give the life span of a flea and I can't imagine I'm that far off. Guarini and a bunch of no-names in a BEACH BOYS musical, just in time to compete with All Shook up? I don't see the forecast as being all that sunny.

And that's exactly what I hate about them- they stink of formula.

Have you seen it? Don't talk until you have. It's really terrific and no names become names if you give them the opportunity.

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I'm with Al.

Who exactly is the target audience for this show?

I saw Good Vibrations at Vassar and I loved it!
I remember seeing the Beach Boys in concert in Central Park a long time ago. (I think it was the late 60s early 70s) and Ive always loved their music. What is very interesting is that in this show you get to hear the old classics performed in different , interesting, personalized ways. You're listening to the songs we grew up with, yet they sound fresh, fun and updated.
Carolines version of Beach Boy Carls "In My Room" is beautiful. Bobby, Eddie and Dave harmonizing on " I wasnt made for these times" is done dramatically, and then the whole group lets loose in a gospel inspired singing of "Sail on Sailor" Justin Guarini's elegant dancing duet with Caroline and pop tinged singing of "Darlin" with a little sexiness in his voice is just fantastic. And when he springs out onto the stage half naked in a tight wetsuit and dances sensuously and incredibly athletically to sing California Girls, and Surfing U.S.A well, it was just amazing. Then he plays Sloop John B on guitar, while singing sweetly. Justin really is outstanding and has such star quality.
The show is clever and funny. There is lots of singing and dancing. The cast is energetic and talented and I can't wait to see it again on Broadway.
I love theater and have had the pleasure of seeing so many incredible performers and shows, but you know sometimes you just want to go to the theater to be entertained. To forget your troubles, sing along to great music, watch great dancing, have fun, and leave the theater feeling like youre sitting on top of the world!

Do we know the rest of the Vassar cast will be in the Broadway production?

And, most of us DON'T go to the theater to sing along with great songs. We may WANT to, but it's a really bad idea.

Justin Guarrini in anything sounds terrible to me. There's stunt casting, and then theres plain stupidity.

i didnt mean actually singing out loud during the show, lol.
At the end the cast came out to the front of the stage and sang and danced through a medly of the songs, there was clapping, dancing with some of the cast and bouncing a beach ball around the audience. (like they used to do in concerts, lol) The cast was having a great time. The audience really had a great time and I think it will be even better on Broadway.
Is it formula? Sure. Its the old girl wants boy, boy ignores girl, boy likes girl, girl ignores boy, boy and girl fall in love and get together for the happy ending. The formula has been around since the greeks invented theater. The same formula is basically behind every movie, play, show or book ever written or read. It works because its basic human behaviors. And good writing and acting keeps us involved and enjoying it.
Lets hope Good Vibrations and all the other shows, bring lots of people to the theater, keeps the theaters open, puts people to work, and provides a little happiness and enjoyment to the audiences and to New York . I think the one thing we can all agree on is that no where is theater more varied, exciting and better than on Broadway!

And Plum, yes, Justin really shines and is exceptionally talented in his part and he has been getting great reviews from those who have seen him perform in Good Vibrations. I PROMISE you (and anyone that has preconceived negative ideas about Justin) that if you do go see the show, you will be surprised, amazed and really impressed with how skilled he is.
He is not the angelic curly haired pop star boy with the beautiful smile from American Idol. Justin has matured, is strong, athletic, muscular, and sexy and he can sing, act and dance incredibly. Trust me on this one!

Updated On: 9/30/04 at 12:54 AM

congratulations to David Larsen!. He must be so excited coming to Broadway and starring in the show. He was very good at Vassar. He was in practically every scene and had to act, dance and sing practically every song. The boy sure has energy and he did a wonderful job. I loved his "Breakaway" song. They got him a new "Caroline" too! The shows going to be fun for the cast and audience and Im really looking forward to seeing it!

Will this show be good? Can it possibly be good with Justin Guarini in it? Who is this show targeting? Who in their right mind would buy tickets to this show?

Let me briefly reiterate a post I made on another thread regarding this show. The theater world is filled with shows with different themes, different audiences, different messages. Not being a "theater person" in even the most vague sense (never been to Broadway and NEVER had the slightest urge to cough up bucks to travel there and see one), I am now very interested in making the pilgrimage to the Big Apple to take this one in. Why? Because I am of the Beach Boys era -- I enjoyed their music and the light, carefree feeling they give the listener. Because I have seen Justin perform both live and on television and have had the pleasure of meeting him in person. He's true, multi-talented, a delight to listen to and watch and -- even more important to anyone who has dreams of ever reaching the stage themselves -- he will undoubtedly bring new audiences (like me) to the theater. For that reason alone, pooh-pooh attitudes should be reigned in and regal, all-knowing analogies might be better reserved for shows who aren't meant to be FUN (like Good Vibrations).