HADESTOWN Previews- Page 7

[Dkinny23]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 10:06am

Has anyone tried standing room for this? Wondering on how the view is (from my experience, standing room has typically had a great view, just am not sure how far down the overhang comes and if you end up missing the top half of the stage like you do in Hamilton, for instance). Also are they strict with the show needing to be completely sold out to start selling standing room or will they sell it to you no matter what on day of? I can't ever go early in the mornings to wait on lines due to work, so I typically check after work around 1-2 hours prior to show time when I do standing room/rush.

Also was wondering where lotto tickets are typicaly located? Obviously haven't won anything, but wondering in case I ever do haha

[haterobics]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 10:11am

So, if I'm not up to speed on my Greek Mythology, bone up or go in cold?

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 10:29am

haterobics said: "So, if I'm not up to speed on my Greek Mythology, bone up or go in cold?"

i went in totally cold, and was fine, but i noticed during intermission that there was a little description/summary of the characters in the playbill. That should be more than enough. All of the characters are pretty basically drawn and the plot not at all complicated. This show is about the staging and the music.

[raddersons]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 10:33am

JDonaghy4 said: "Reeve Carney is ridiculously talented and I think he is doing a good job with what he has been given, but it seems hes being directed to overplay the "touched" element, so its hard to understand why Eurydice falls for him. He also sings many songs in a very high pitched voice, some of which borders on comical (as physically impressive asit is), which doesnt make the character particularly likable. When he gets to really emote/sing he kills it, like Wait for Me or the song where he rallies the workers. But the way he is being directed to play the character leaves a hole in the story. And his applause at the end seemed more muted as a result. An odd decision by the production- he certainly seems able to do much more with the role."

I was surprised at the decision to make Orpheus "touched". In the NYTW version, he is a bit of an aimless creative, which explains why Eurydice falls for him in the first place, but who ends up being so focused on writing his song that he neglects her in the wind.  I guess this adds an element of realism to the desperation that Eurydice is in, but it completely changes his motivation from "creative with a sexy swagger" to "creative but absent minded". And I agree, I think Reeve is leaning a bit too much into it.

And I think the high pitched singing is one of the main reasons people have such a big problem with him. There are singers who can sing this beautifully, making it sound effortless. If it doesn't sound effortless, it won't make the audience swoon -- and so how are we supposed to believe it makes Hades swoon? But he doesn't, and they went with someone who sounds (and looks) like he's really straining to hit those notes.

[dfrillsnedit]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 10:56am

Just to add some more thoughts, I was at the first preview last Friday - and I absolutely adored this show. I didn't get to see the workshop version, because I found out about it right after it had finished. So essentially for almost 3 or so years now, I've been waiting to see this show - and it was incredibly well worth the wait. 

Most people have spoken many of the same pros and cons that I feel with the production, but overall, I left the theater feeling incredibly proud of this cast and crew for having created such a beautiful evening at the theater. Amber Gray and Patrick Page were my main reasons to go (aside from the score, that I've been obsessed with) and they did not at all disappoint - (and just to add for silliness, my old man crush on Patrick has increased big time <3 ) 

The ensemble was also particularly impressive, especially Timothy Hughes, who no matter what I see him in he continues to be a stand out (and not because of his height, mind you, but he's got so much passion and charisma.) 

I do agree that Act II felt a bit long in the tooth, and this show would have benefitted greatly from either 1) Making "Wait for Me" the closer to the first act, or 2) Making it a 90 minute one act show. There were at least 2 or 3 songs I would have trimmed or completely cut from the second act, simply because Act I has almost all of the "hits" (with Act II only really having "Our Lady of the Underground" and the finished Orpheus song, with most of the other Act II songs not doing much for the overall plot.)

As for other things mentioned on the board, I personally didn't have a problem understanding Andres, but I was curious if he was having issues remembering his lines (due to the repeating of certain moments from the cast members.) Is that echoing aspect something they did in London? Otherwise, I'm sure though as time goes on his performance will get a bit more polished.

Ultimately, I think this show is really close to being brilliant. I'm so happy to see something this creative and yet simplistic come to Broadway and get such a warm reception. Can't wait to return to the Kerr soon! 

PS - I sat in the first row Mezz all the way to the left side. Pretty great view, but my mom who was sitting next to me had the banner blocking her view a little bit at times. 

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:05am

How's Noblezada? I loved her in Miss Saigon.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:06am

She is in excellent voice but her character, as written, is very thin- particularly in Act 2, where she doesn't have much to do at all. 

[YvanEhtNioj]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:19am

I literally just realized that the brick tattoo on Patrick's forearm isn't real, and I'm kind of upset about it. 

lol it's a great small detail, tho. 

[B.JAMES]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:26am

Dkinny23 said: "Has anyone tried standing room for this? Wondering on how the view is (from my experience, standing room has typically had a great view, just am not sure how far down the overhang comes and if you end up missing the top half of the stage like you do in Hamilton, for instance). Also are they strict with the show needing to be completely sold out to start selling standing room or will they sell it to you no matter what on day of?

I went the past 2 nights and made it a point to view the stage from the walkway behind the last row, knowing I would see it yet AGAIN down the road (and not wanting to pay full price for future visits).  This Orchestra is pretty small and the view from the back is great. I am not sure what the standing room policy will be, as they won't sell them until previews end. 

[Rogerdellibovi]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:29am

YvanEhtNioj said: "I literally just realized that the brick tattoo on Patrick's forearm isn't real, and I'm kind of upset about it.

lol it's a great small detail, tho."

In London it was actually a temporary tattoo he had to have them do it about every month. Must have gotten tired of that since it took hours to do. 

[Rogerdellibovi]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:29am

YvanEhtNioj said: "I literally just realized that the brick tattoo on Patrick's forearm isn't real, and I'm kind of upset about it.

lol it's a great small detail, tho."

In London it was actually a temporary tattoo he had to have them do it about every month. Must have gotten tired of that since it took hours to do. 

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 12:43pm

Do I understand correctly that this is not a sung-through show? What would you say is the ratio of dialogue to music?

[Dkinny23]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 12:53pm

B.JAMES said: "Dkinny23 said: "Has anyone tried standing room for this? Wondering on how the view is (from my experience, standing room has typically had a great view, just am not sure how far down the overhang comes and if you end up missing the top half of the stage like you do in Hamilton, for instance). Also are they strict with the show needing to be completely sold out to start selling standing room or will they sell it to you no matter what on day of?

I went the past 2 nights and made it a point to view the stage from the walkway behind the last row, knowing I would see it yet AGAIN down the road (and not wanting to pay full price for future visits). This Orchestra is pretty small and the view from the back is great. I am not sure what the standing room policywill be, as they won't sell them until previews end."

Oh I didn't realize they wouldn't sell standing room during previews. Thanks for the heads up, I'll wait till it opens :) Good to know it's a decent view from that area though! Excited to see this one. I know nothing about it but the buzz over this show is making me very excited to check it out!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 12:57pm

SRO is often where the production team stands during previews...particularly if it's selling well.  (Just background on why!)

[raddersons]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 1:14pm

I'm realizing my previous post made it seem like I hate Reeve Carney. I think he did a fine job, but it's hard to not compare.

Also this show is stunning. Buy your tickets now.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 1:16pm

Lot666 said: "Do I understand correctly that this is not a sung-through show? What would you say is the ratioof dialogue to music?"

It's almost entirely sung through. There are a few lines of dialogue back and forth here and there but no true book scenes.  

[Dkinny23]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 1:32pm

dramamama611 said: "SRO is often where the production team stands during previews...particularly if it's selling well. (Just background on why!)"

Ahhh thanks, forgot about that :p

[haterobics]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 3:09pm

JDonaghy4 said: "haterobics said: "So, if I'm not up to speed on my Greek Mythology, bone up or go in cold?"

i went in totally cold, and was fine, but i noticed during intermission that there was a little description/summary of the characters in the playbill. That should be more than enough. All of the characters are pretty basically drawn and the plot not at all complicated. This show is about the staging and the music."

Thanks!

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 5:44pm

I was there this afternoon, and while Hadestown isn’t a perfect show, it feels like a breath of fresh air this season compared to the other new musical offerings. Finally a new musical that serves up some creativity and craft. Rachel Chavkin, I love you.

Hadestown has been cast in the Fun Home/Passing Strange/Band’s Visit/Great Comet role this season. It’s the artsy show with a little brains, a little talent- with an emphasize on the latter. Still, despite those comparisons, it’s Marie Christine as my theatergoing friend pointed out that this might most closely resemble. Both are updated tellings of Greek literature and both had a slight coldness that keep your emotions at a bit of a distance. It’s hard to get weepy for Orpheus and Eurydice the same way you might about Alison attempting to talk with her father or Stew working through the regret of turning a cold shoulder to his mother during her hour of need.

There is also a slight Subways are for Sleeping syndrome here too, in that the supporting couple is more interesting than the leads, and any emotions I felt where skewed toward them. Amber Gray is such a wonder. A truly unique talent, and in this cookie cutter world I appreciate her all the more. I love her drunk/strung out take on Persephone. It contains shades of Judy Garland and Billie Holiday at the end of their ropes and her voice is very refreshing. Likewise, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Page playing Hades.

André de Shields is where it’s at, though. Old school Broadway talent, proud and regal. A real showman. Brilliance. I hope I’m that cool when I’m 73.

Eva and Reeve both sound great, but they have the weakest parts. Still, I enjoyed them and think they did what they could.

The score is catchy as hell and the orchestrations are really sublime. Chavkin and her creative team really work wonders in transferring this from the round to the proscenium stage. The set and lighting are A+.

I wish I felt that final push to say I really, really loved it, but I really, really liked it ain’t that bad either!

[A0326T]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 6:49pm

Thank you Whizzer. I find your review refreshing and it makes me even excited to see this show. Unfortunately not until summer.

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 10:36pm

Kad said: "She is in excellent voice but her character, as written, is very thin- particularly in Act 2, where she doesn't have much to do at all."

 

she sings the hell out of it- i had never heard her before, and immediately took note of her talent as soon as she opened her mouth- but she really doesnt have much to do from an acting perspective. very surprised i keep seeing her considered as a tony contender- and as lead? i think of her as supporting- she was barely in act 2?

i also want to add that i, too, think Carney is doing very good work. Hes clearly being directed to play "off" and to sing high- i have no doubt in my mind that hes fully capable of nailing it without those bizarre directions. As soon as he is allowed to sing normally and emote, the show takes off. (And he nails the ending; it could be lit better but i thought he handled that scene/horror perfectly).

[treblemakerz]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:35pm

Saw the show for a second time tonight, after previously going to first preview.

Andre has grown on me a lot; I think he may have just had a rough show on Friday, because something about his performance tonight clicked much better with me.

I spent some more time watching the Fates tonight, and credit needs to be given where credit is due: they are truly fantastic. They almost never leave the stage and they are always watching, leering, smirking; it's a truly haunting performance.

My sentiment stands that if Amber Gray does not win the Tony, it's a tragedy.

The show was just as remarkable and magical as it was the first time (even more so, because I was seated in the third row of the orchestra this time...and also seated directly across the aisle from Jessica Lange. Which was fun.)

BUT.

They made one big change to the ending that I think was not a good choice at all.

Instead of Eurydice sinking into the ground on the stage elevator when Orpheus looks behind as she did on Friday (and from what I've heard, up until tonight), she just...walks away? Just walks off into the wings?

It was a poor choice and no one I spoke to could fathom why it was changed.

But that's my only complaint.

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:41pm

treblemakerz said: "

Instead of Eurydice sinking into the ground on the stage elevator when Orpheus looks behind as she did on Friday (and from what I've heard, up until tonight), she just...walks away? Just walks off into the wings?

It was a poor choice and no one I spoke to could fathom why it was changed.

But that's my only complaint."

Thats brand new because last night she descended. And its a nonsensical change because that entire scene was relatively perfect. 

[Eliza2]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:50pm

that really is a bizarre change that makes no sense, because the whole point is that she's returning below to Hades.

Makes me wonder if there was a malfunction with the elevator tonight.

[teatime2]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 11:51pm

treblemakerz said: "Saw the show for a second time tonight, after previously going to first preview.

Andre has grown on me a lot; I think he may have just had a rough show on Friday, because something about his performance tonight clicked much better with me.

I spent some more time watching the Fates tonight, and credit needs to be given where credit is due: they are truly fantastic. They almost never leave the stage and they are always watching, leering, smirking; it's a truly haunting performance.

My sentiment stands that if Amber Gray does not win the Tony, it's a tragedy.

The show was just as remarkable and magical as it was the first time (even more so, because I was seated in the third row of the orchestra this time...and also seated directly across the aisle from Jessica Lange. Which was fun.)

BUT.

They made one big change to the ending that I think was not a good choice at all.

Instead of Eurydice sinking into the ground on the stage elevator when Orpheus looks behind as she did on Friday (and from what I've heard, up until tonight), she just...walks away? Just walks off into the wings?

It was a poor choice and no one I spoke to could fathom why it was changed.

But that's my only complaint."

She went down during the matinee today