HARMONY previews- Page 2

[pair-o-dice]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 12:37pm

What an exceptional first preview.  It feels like a classic you already know but you're still on the edge of your seat through all of act two.  There's just a timelessness to the style.  Its classy and elegant, its big, brassy and fun when it needs to be and subtle and poignant in all the right spots. The music, staging, book, costuming, and performances were all wonderful.  Everyone gets a moment to shine and each one delivers.  The big power ballad in act one is a total showstopper.  Julie Benko is doing beautiful and powerful work.  Chip! Sierra! All the boys!  

And for the person wanting to know why everyone is sobbing at the end - I don't think it's any spoiler - but it's about a musical group that was basically erased from history by the Nazi party.  And the show, unintentionally, is incredibly relevant without having to try.  And, because of the artistic merits of the piece, on top of its relevancy, it delivers quite a punch.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 12:42pm

So excited to read the early praise here. Picked up a pair of tickets for this Tuesday night - looking forward to seeing this!

[caitlinette]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 1:18pm

And for the person wanting to know why everyone is sobbing at the end - I don't think it's any spoiler - but it's about a musical group that was basically erased from history by the Nazi party. And the show, unintentionally, is incredibly relevant without having to try. And, because of the artistic merits of the piece, on top of its relevancy, it delivers quite a punch."
 

well, of course. I understand that. But that still doesn’t explain how this show specifically ends and what the final scene is that is so moving for everyone. Is it a song? A conversation? A moment between characters?

Updated On: 10/19/23 at 01:18 PM

[BETTY22]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 1:43pm

JEWISH TELEGRAPH: "The final 10 minutes were probably the most emotional I have ever witnessed in a theatre."

Boy, are they right! I've never experienced anything like this in the theater before. I'm still thinking about Chip's solo performance and the final song.  WOW

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 1:45pm

Very pleasantly surprised by the highly positive word of mouth so far. Not that I expected this to be received poorly, but the off-Broadway reception seemed somewhat meh, so I expected this to be a forgettable part of the season. A few friends that attended first preview last night have been raving about it since. I’m now really looking forward to seeing this later on in previews. 

[taragel2]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 3:16pm

Does anyone know if there are upcoming slated absences for Chip Zien? I'm sure he's magnificent but I'd specifically like to catch Lee Zarrett as the rabbi. (We were friends in college many years ago. I can distinctly recall sitting around and listening/singing along to the OCR of Into the Woods in the dorms, so this is kind of wild)

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 4:43pm

Let me also say that it was very clever of Johnny O - when reviewing this show Off-Broadway - to start with, “His name was Josef, he was a rabbi…”.

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 5:48pm

Will someone please post a spoiler about why Act Two is so sad. I realize when and where it takes place but from what I have read,

 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

all of them survived the war. 

 

[Mitch101]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 8:03pm

Has anyone ever tried to cross reference the rapturous comments to previous posts by each person? Maybe I'm being terribly skeptical, but with 50 odd names investing in this musical I wouldn't be surprised if some of them created accounts to come on here and rave. I was not at the first preview last night, but someone I know was and she was far from rapturous about the show. She knew nothing going in, but is a huge Barry Manilow fan. Her exact review to me was, "I feel so guilting being less then impressed by something Barry wrote."

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 10:09pm

Mitch101 said: "Has anyone ever tried to cross reference the rapturous comments to previous posts by each person? Maybe I'm being terribly skeptical, but with 50 odd names investing in this musical I wouldn't be surprised if some of them created accounts to come on here and rave. I was not at the first preview last night, but someone I know was and she was far from rapturous about the show. She knew nothing going in, but is a huge Barry Manilow fan. Her exact review to me was, "I feel so guilting being less then impressed by something Barry wrote.""

I am usually the first one or close to the first one to call out shills for shilling, but the above reviews are from well known members on here who are generally known for their honest opinions. I would not think that any one of them are shilling for this show in any way. 

 

Also, I would appreciate it if someone would answer my question in the post directly above this one. Thanks. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/19/23 at 10:12pm

Sent you a PM

[berniesb!tch]

Posted: 10/20/23 at 10:09am

Saw the show last night. I enjoyed it. In the first act, I can't lie, I was a little bored, but as soon as the second act started I was really invested. Really devastating and important story. Not one of my favorites and can't say I ever need to see it again, but overall enjoyable. 

The cast was great across the board. The boys are doing fantastic work as an ensemble. Julie Benko is a truly phenomenal actress - wish she had more to do.  

It also got me thinking since they are across the street from each other....I wanna see the Harmony boys have a sing-off with the Six girls lol 

[Kad]

Posted: 10/20/23 at 10:56am

First preview reviews here don’t always track with what the general consensus becomes, whether that’s negative or positive, for any number of reasons, but it’s never because of shills. The community here is too well-established for such things to really take hold. 

[BroadwayRox3588]

Posted: 10/20/23 at 11:00am

I've never been the first one to ask this, but as there are a lot of people I love in this cast, there's a first time for everything...

What's the stage door situation like?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/20/23 at 11:10am

After the first preview it was insane. Everyone was waiting to see if Barry would come out (he did) but I imagine now it’ll be pretty tame. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 10/20/23 at 11:15am

Mitch101 said: "Has anyone ever tried to cross reference the rapturous comments to previous posts by each person? Maybe I'm being terribly skeptical, but with 50 odd names investing in this musical I wouldn't be surprised if some of them created accounts to come on here and rave."

While there are certainly people on the board working in the industry who post in favor of their shows and in disfavor of others, I'd venture to guess that by 2-3 weeks into previews the Board consensus largely matches that of the critics. With some exceptions (specific examples escaping me).

[KitKatBoy24]

Posted: 10/20/23 at 1:41pm

Hello! It’s been a while since I’ve posted a review. I took a step back due to some noticeable toxicity and rudeness apparent on these chats.

But I recently saw a preview of Harmony and really wanted to share my thoughts.

What a lovely night at the theatre.

I went in really knowing nothing and I’ll admit that the opening number really didn’t do it for me. I feared I was in for a dull evening.

However, this show really won me over. Those 6 men are the heart and soul of this production and are working their butts off. Each of them gets moments to shine and has clear/distinct characters. It’s impressive that this show gives us so many characters and it doesn’t full over-stuffed or convoluted. When the men do their first comedic number you really understand why butts are in seats for this show. Their “waiter” number is pure musical theatre comedy. From their rehearsal song, to “your son is a singer” into that “waiter” number (forgive me, I don’t have my program) is such thrilling story telling and showmanship. It’s really incredible.

Julie and Sierra are the nuance and nuance and glue if this production. Sierra’s voice soars and she has many beautiful moments. Julie is powerful and a firecracker onstage. I wanted more of her, but her later absence is intentional and works for the story. She could get a supporting nod for this role.

Chip. Wow. What an iconic performance. Finally he gets a role that shows us why he’s been a broadway standard for so long. This is his moment. From his comedy chops to his stellar act two number and his touching ending scene work… just fantastic. 

Speaking of act 2 - it’s damn near perfect. We get the comedy that wins us over in act 1 but our creative team hones it all in to an extremely effective ending. 

This show puts storytelling first, which has always been my priority. Even the big showy numbers have a point of view and message and progress the plot. 

Oh dear I’m ranting. I could break down everything in detail and write you a more thought out and intelligent, analytical review… but I want the suspense of the unknown to draw you to your own analysis.

[stlrod]

Posted: 10/20/23 at 4:03pm

Is it okay to post discount codes in this thread?

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/21/23 at 8:44am

To my surprise, the show hasn't turned up yet on TDF. I had presumed during the summer that its previews, particularly weeknights and midweek matinees, would need boosting (And I saw such hits a Doll's House and Hadestown , from good seats, on TDF; my assumption wasn't naive). I'm guessing it has a bigger advance than I unfairly presumed.  Also, this season's launch is is by the standards of the last two years since the re-opening, a somewhat lean autumn on Broadway. Many are hungry for something new.

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 10/21/23 at 8:48am

Auggie27 said: "To my surprise, the show hasn't turned up yet on TDF. I had presumed during the summer that its previews, particularly weeknights and midweek matinees, would need boosting (And I saw such hits a Doll's Houseand Hadestown, from good seats, on TDF; my assumption wasn't naive). I'm guessing it has a bigger advance than I unfairly presumed. Also, this season's launch is is by the standards of the last two years since the re-opening, a somewhat lean autumn on Broadway. Many are hungry for something new."

It was the other day 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 10/21/23 at 9:23am

It's on TDF right now.

[InTheBathroom1]

Posted: 10/21/23 at 11:48am

Was at the performance and was decidedly mixed on it. The score is just okay except for a few standout numbers, the direction is sloppy, the physical production is honestly quite ugly, and the book is filled with cliches. I still found myself quite moved at points in Act 2. The cast is excellent as well.

This just felt extremely underwhelming. Also, the sound design was awful throughout, despite sitting near a sound person on his iPad the entire night (why do they seat them in the premium seats). 

I wanted to like this but it was not there for me. 

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 10/21/23 at 1:08pm

Rushed this this morning for the 8pm. Got there around 8:45 and there were maybe 12 or 13 people in front of me. It took awhile for more people to show up though. You definitely could have gotten there after 9 and still have gotten a ticket. Because of the special 18 tix for $18, it's one per person. They did let me get multiple tickets in one purchase, they just had to see that my friend was also there. 

Excited for tonight! 

[pethian]

Posted: 10/21/23 at 6:00pm

pair-o-dice said: "What an exceptional first preview. It feels like a classic you already know but you're still on the edge of your seat through all of act two. There's just a timelessness to the style. Its classy and elegant, its big, brassy and fun when it needs to be and subtle and poignant in all the right spots. The music, staging, book, costuming, and performances were all wonderful. Everyone gets a moment to shine and each one delivers. The big power ballad in act one is a total showstopper. Julie Benko is doing beautiful and powerful work. Chip! Sierra! All the boys!

And for the person wanting to know why everyone is sobbing at the end - I don't think it's any spoiler - but it's about a musical group that was basically erased from history by the Nazi party. And the show, unintentionally, is incredibly relevant without having to try. And, because of the artistic merits of the piece, on top of its relevancy, it delivers quite a punch."

I just saw the 4th preview and my thoughts are exactly as yours were for the first preview. I remember seeing a quote ad for this show where one of the quotes was something like, "It's so easy to fall in love with HARMONY." That's where I'm at. And I've got it bad. Maybe because it pays homage to, and references, the golden age shows that I love, or the power of the story, or the wisdom of the creative team in telling it...or all of the above. Regardless, I found it thrilling, entertaining and devastating in all the right ways.

For those who often ask when new shows arrive, there's lots of merch including window cards and program books.

I overheard someone on the team--don't know who it was--mention 'the big cut in the opening sequence that went in today" so they are still working. Good for them. With three weeks to go til opening, this augurs well.

And I cannot begin to imagine in what ways the current and future headlines will affect this show and how it will be perceived by audiences. I found it to be resonating madly.

Updated On: 10/21/23 at 06:00 PM

[Jarethan]

Posted: 10/21/23 at 6:43pm

Based on the New York Times review last season and some of the ecstatic opinions voiced on this board, I was really looking forward to seeing this show.  I have not been so disappointed in a show in a long time, based on what were unrealistic expectations.  

I was with three other people.  After Act 1, one of us liked it, 2 were very disappointed in it (my wife and I), and the fourth person thought it was terrible.

I personally through the first act was boring and I was very disappointed that the songs did nothing for me, since Barry Manilow had written them.  The best song -- I think it was in the first act -- was the duet by the two ladies; however, I felt that it was very derivative.  I kept on getting into 'Bring Him Home' and occasionally into one of Chopin's etudes, ironically, but I can't remember which one.  The staging was solid and the scenery effective, but I kept on thinking that I was seeing a mediocre musical from 1965, it was just so old fashioned.  

On reflection, I think one issue was built into its structure, and may have been helped by better songs.  Seeing 6 men vocalize multiple times is just not something you see nowadays, and there was too much of it.  The comic number was silly, the song not good enough to compensate.  The last scene in the first act, where the Nazi thugs wreaked havoc was very effective and clearly engaged us in a way the show had not until that time.  At intermission, I heard people around me expressing disappointment, particularly in the music. 

The second act was much more effective, with the highlight being the 'self-flagellating' number led by Chip Zien, which should have stopped the show cold, did not, but received solid applause.  There was no sobbing anywhere in the vicinity of my seat.  The closing number was highly effective in one sense, but not in another.  It was very well staged, each character said something and turned away from the spotlight, all followed by a song.  We learned that they all survived, but we did not learn how, which I think we should have.  I did not want to know that the three Jewish members of the group survived, but how.  While I thought the book was better than the score, that part of the book could have been clearer.

There was not a weak performance on the stage.  Given the nature of the show, there was not time to learn much about each of the men as individuals, but the actors made up for that by giving solid, confident performances.  I have never been much of a fan of Sierra Boggess -- I think she has an excellent voice, but for me she lacks charisma -- but she was fine in the role.  I have never seen Julie Benko before; I could see that she was talented, but her role was pretty limited; I did not miss the actress when her character disappeared mid-act.

I have seen Chip Zien in a number of shows over the past 40 years (first times in The Suicide and Falsettos, so a long time ago).  There is no question in my mind that this was his best performance that I have seen.  He was the heart and soul of the show.  I don't think the audience appreciated his performance as much as I did, because the applause really didn't go up when he took his bow.  A great performance.  Since he is so much better than the show, and he will be competing with Groff, Redgrave, the leads in Notebook and Water for Elephants (if the shows are good), he is going to have to be satisfied with a Tony nomination, which I will be shocked if he does not get.  

I hope I am wrong, but I will be surprised if this is a hit.

That said, the subject matter is so incredible that I wish one of the streaming services would consider taking the story of the Harmonists, engage the right creatives, and turn it into a limited series.  They should not turn it into a musical, but do what Fosse did in Cabaret: only have music interludes when the people are actually performing in the context of the story.  Or maybe Steven Spielberg could add this to his WW2 collection.  With a script by his frequent collaborator. Tony Kushner, OMG!!