Girl From The North Country - Public Theater? — Page 5

JBroadway said: "The book/script is a little messy; not all of the many storylines feel fully fleshed out, and some of the character arcs feel a little unfinished."

Hmm, you think this is more just the cast settling into the piece? I just figured since the show was so well received, it should be pretty solid as far as the storyline, etc.

brian1973 said: "No sadly in London, the ?plot’ was always a hot mess. I’m fact it was totally unsatisying except when the songs take over, Don’t go to this expecting a great musical.. it ain’t."

Sounds like I should sell my ticket before word gets out then, heh. I was already looking to flip this from an evening to a matinee, sounds like I should just flip it off my schedule.

haterobics, I whole heartedly endorse your sticking with your plan to see this show. I saw it in London and I thought it was gorgeous. I'm not sure if Ms Winningham can move me like Shirley Henderson did, but I will welcome the chance to be moved like that again. What she did at the end of the first act, singing the reprise of "Like a Rolling Stone" is why I go to the theater. I was truly speechless and overwhelmed with emotion. 

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nasty_khakis said: "The songs served no purpose and do nothing to move the plot along or show or develop character."

 

You're entirely welcome to your opinion of course (like I said before, I can totally understand how this show wouldn't be for everyone). But I do think this particular comment speaks to the question of how the show should be categorized. By saying the songs were used poorly because they didn't advance the plot or develop the character, you're suggesting that's what songs in shows are supposed to do. Which they are -- in MUSICALS. But this show isn't really a musical, for the very reason you pointed out. The songs aren't grounded in the plot or characters, and they aren't supposed to be. They are primary used to evoke a mood, or to express a more raw, generalized emotional state. 

I think if I had gone into the show expecting a musical, I would have been disappointed. In the same way that, if I go to the Met expecting naturalistic acting, I'm going to be disappointed. But knowing that this show was more of a play with music beforehand, I didn't feel the need to judge the use of music by the standards of musical theatre conventions, and I was more inclined to let the music move me in a looser, more visceral way. 

All of your criticisms of the writing and staging are perfectly valid. But IMO it doesn't seem fair to judge the show by the standards of an art form to which it doesn't really belong. 

Updated On: 9/12/18 at 09:58 PM

2 front-row seats are available for next Tuesday, 9/18, $95 each.

 

Updated On: 9/13/18 at 01:29 PM

Bump.
Any new thoughts about this production?

As someone who hated Once and didn’t really care for The Band’s Visit, I was a little nervous going into Girl From The North Country after reading the comparisons. That being said, I was surprised that I ended up absolutely loving it. Girl From The North Country is an extremely special show that resonated with me on a level that other similar shows have not.

The show is definitely an ensemble piece, but it is one in which every character is given moments to shine. Mare Winningham’s performance was out of this world. Her singing “Like a Rolling Stone” was my favorite part of the show. Kimber Sprawl’s Marianne was beautiful. Colton Ryan and Caitlin Houlahan’s duet in the first was exquisite. The list of great performances goes on and on as everyone was simply wonderful.

I loved the set. Very rustic and gritty and dimly lit. While I can understand people’s problems with the dim lighting, I actually really liked it. It fit the mood perfectly, and I found it to be extremely effective.

I am really hoping this transfers to Broadway in the Spring. It is in absolutely perfect shape, and, as far as I’m concerned, it is already Broadway ready. As far as new musicals go, this definitely outweighs anything we were offered last season. I can’t say enough great things about this. I HIGHLY recommend this.

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There are tickets available for the next week of shows through the Public and TodayTix.

Just got home from seeing tonight's performance.  The new cast was amazing.  Having seen the two London productions, I can say that this cast works together just as beautifully to amplify each other's strengths.  What a unique and moving piece of theater.

Saw it in London- did not enjoy it.

You are right- I do that because there are so many posters here I thought no one reads all of it- but I am wrong- I have praised Ferryman too many times- sorry - from now on will only post an opinion once. 

CT2NYC said: "BWAY Baby2 said: "Saw it in London- did not enjoy it."

Why do you feel the need to post the same opinion multiple times across different threads?We get it,you didn't like the show. Once will suffice."

You have to respect how they fully unpack why it didn't resonate with them, though.