I had drinks with friends who saw Tuesday's show. They perhaps represent the dilemma here: one adored the first act, one adored the second, and each found the other wanting.
I'm late to this party. Haven't seen the show, but from the CD, I certainly find it of a piece. The score seems to have Sondheim shadows ("Jerry Likes My Corn") and some Brown (PARADE) echoes ("Hominy Grits" and Daddy's Girl"--both of which I hope haven't been cut.) Can't wait to see the show Saturday.
Then there are "Around the World" and "Another Winter in a Summer Town" which belong entirely to this composer and lyricist, and at least on the CD, are heartbreaking.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling