Groundhog Day in San Francisco — Page 2

It's possible the guy behind you was not complaining about how close he was to the stage (it's a small venue, as you point out) but the actual seat itself. I like the San Francisco Playhouse but some of the seats could use a little work.

The Orpheum/Golden Gate audiences tend to give standing ovations for pretty much everything. At smaller theaters in San Francisco (and the Berkeley Rep and other theaters in the SF Bay Area), that's not an automatic response, especially for plays but musicals too.

I don't really have a strong opinion about standing ovations one way or the other. But it feels like standing ovations at ACT or the San Francisco Playhouse are harder to get, so when they happen, it's more of an endorsement. At the Orpheum or Golden Gate, people end up standing because everyone around them is standing, so it's hard to tell whether people actually liked the performance or if they don't want to stare at someone's back while the actors take their bows.

I guess it's the difference between audiences who attend Broadway touring productions (Orpheum/Golden Gate) and those who attend regional theater. The latter group is either pickier or more discerning, depending on your point of view.

Really glad to hear that other people are liking it! I think the Christmas Carol comparisons are working well.

It's hard to get my memories of the Broadway production out of mind, but per usual SF Playhouse does a really good job. I agree with all the praise for Ryan Drummond. The last two things I saw him in were Sunday in the Park (Jules) and La Cage aux Folles (Georges), and I was impressed with his ability to play against type. My main worry going in was whether the show would work without Andy Karl. Ryan isn't Andy, but he carries the show and gives a heck of a performance. For those curious - compared to Andy, Ryan's Phil is a little less grand and epic in the mania of Act I, and then the despair and enlightenment of Act II. Ryan comes off as more human (albeit still a real jerk in Act I), but when he finally becomes a decent guy, it's moving in its own way. (If anyone *has* seen both productions, I'd love to hear what you think).

The smaller theater space makes the sleight-of-hand stagecraft all the more impressive, IMO.

Re: Standing ovations, I went for Round #3 on Tuesday evening (Look, Groundhog Day is my favorite recent musical, tickets are affordable, and it's easy to get to the theater from work). The audience seemed to enjoy it, but there wasn't a standing ovation. I *wanted* to stand, but I felt awkward being the only one, or being the one to start it.

bear88 said: "I'm noting the recommendations. Probably not seeing the musicalthis month, because it will be around into January and I'm seeing The Tale of Despereaux at the Berkeley Rep this weekend and Head Over Heels at the New Conservatory later in the month."

I'm also going to Head Over Heels sat New Conservatory this month, along with Scrooge in Love at 42nd Street Moon and Pride and Prejudice at Theatreworks. (I'm seeing Despereaux in January) It always feels like there's more interesting theater in the Bay Area than I have time to see, but during the holidays even more so!


"Kitsune, I don't think you should feel bad about not standing. Enthusiastic applause while remaining seated is just fine. The cast is going to get to know you well by the time the run is done."

The last part is what I'm afraid of! (Seriously, I may be a repeat offender, but I also want to be a respectful audience member).

Kitsune said: "I went for Round #3 on Tuesday evening (Look, Groundhog Day is my favorite recent musical, tickets are affordable, and it's easy to get to the theater from work)"

Never apologize for taking every opportunity to experience whatever brings you joy. I saw it three times on Broadway.

Finally saw the Sunday 1/12 matinee after booking our seats on the first day possible. Loved it, and was so happy to hear the songs and music again. I saw it on Broadway twice during its closing weekend, and it is one of my top 10 favorite musicals. I really wanted to see Andy and Orfeh at Feinstein's (in SF or NY) this month, but it doesn't look like I can make it. I was wondering if Andy and Orfeh would be going to the show and how Andy would feel about it!

My husband really enjoyed/loved the show, too. I'd see it again if it wasn't closing tomorrow.

Kitsune said: "PatrickDC, we'll also be there tonight! We went last time they were in town and had a blast, so we're really excited."

Kitsune, so great to meet you, glad our paths crossed after the show. And how fun that Orfeh and Andy and their band hung out so long after to chat and take pictures. I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with Andy about the technical aspects and blocking for GHD which has always fascinated me.

Damn, they are such a beautiful couple!

Kitsune, how was the final performance? You must be going into withdrawal with one of your favorite shows closing. (hehehe just kidding😁)

Talking to Orfeh at Feinstein’s she convinced me to see it again so I got a cheap balcony ticket for the matinee. Driving up 280 the traffic was light so I opted to drive into SF instead of BARTing. Big mistake. I wasn’t aware of the Women’s March that had closed Market Street and I was stuck for nearly an hour in SoMa traffic. Realizing I’d be too late if I could even reach the Sutter-Stockton Garage, I sadly drive home.

Drove up from Los Angeles to see Cursed Child and Groundhog day on opening weekends for both shows. While both were great, Groundhog was emotionally more relevant. I loved it and wished I could see it again. The company did an amazing job. I'm looking forward to someone in Socal mount a production.

Updated On: 1/21/20 at 05:08 AM

mcsquared said: "Wasn't sure if I should start a new thread about the Florida production--I was debating whether to see that since I missed out on San Francisco and can't go to Minnesota. I guess there's still no word on productions or tours beyond that?"

A friend went to the Florida production last night, and reported back 1) it was excellent, and 2) it was staged without a turntable, and my friend didn't miss its presence. I was initially concerned whether Groundhog Day would work without either a turntable or Andy Karl. I still think Andy gave a breathtaking performance (and that you need a strong actor in the role of Phil), but I'm glad the show doesn't fall apart without either his presence, or the turntable staging.

At the SF Playhouse production, one of the cast mentioned that some other theater companies came to see their production in order to figure out if they could stage it. Granted that could be some time down the line (as MTI is still showing Groundhog Day as restricted). Anyway, it's still early, and most theaters haven't announced their 2020-2021 lineup yet.

I for one am trying to figure out how I can get to Minnesota this summer

Made a special trip to Fort Lauderdale to see the matinee of Groundhog Day today and really enjoyed myself. I teared up at the beginning with the "Tomorrow there will be Sun" song. I'm sure the staging wasn't as spiffy as on Broadway but the strobes and choreography gave the illusion that was probably provided by the turntable and the staging of car chase and repeated waking up in bed was still cool. I agree with the posting noting the Nancy song was at odd point but overall I'm really glad I got the chance to see it and am still humming the songs.