I LOOOOOOVED XANADU! — Page 2

You better reconsider that thought.

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I must say, I am SHOCKED that people are enjoying this show, simply based on the snippets of press material that were released. It looked like it would be a train wreck, but I'm happy to hear some folks are enoying themselves. I am anxious to see it myself and glad that there is some early positive buzz.

-QB

I wasn't sure how I would feel about the show but I ended up having a very good time. I distinctly remember the movie from my teens (and liking a lot of the songs) and the musical is a complete tongue-in-cheek spoof of it. Just about everything is lampooned. It's not meant to be taken seriously and doesn't necessarily advance theatercraft in any way that I am aware of, but it's fun.

The best parts for me have to be Kerry Butler starting Suddenly so breathily, like Olivia Newton-John but exaggerated. And Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman singing Evil Woman. A complete hoot.

Love your humor Best12.

Hot and bothered.. not in the slightest. You ARE most definitely entitled to your opinion...

I *think* the negative reactions you, or anyone gets when they post after a 1st preview is because at this stage of the show's life cycle, a complete damning or slamming of a production often doesn't take into consideration (holistically) that there is time and the potential to FIX the show. I just think it's a human dynamic to "approve" of positive feedback and the things that work for people right out of the gate, rather than a swarm of negative. And to be fair, you said the production had no redeeming qualities. People are going to jump on that, I think, because it's almost impossible to believe any show, no matter how bad, has no redeeming qualities.

Additionally, people react to the fact that when they post a contrary opinion, they are not given the same weight as someone who, like you, thinks its crap.

Everyone has different tastes - and just because you, or anyone things something is crap, or utterly fantastic, doesn't mean that's the definitive opinion. That's what many people react to as well. Sometimes it's not what one says, but how one says it.

I happen to love Chocolate. I have a friend who thinks it's absolutely disgusting. To me I find that unfathomanable. I mean - there are people who don't care for it or choose other things to eat - but disgusting? I think that's crazy talk :) And I would gather that the majority of people would disagree with my friend vehemently. But again, every has different experiences and viewpoints. Who would want to live in a world where everyone thought exactly the way you did? Boring....

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I agree munk - I think people do understand that you are reviewing a first preview. I don't think everyone RESPONDS to that, but rather your REVIEW of a first preview. Does that make sense?

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Queenbee2, what was your reaction to people who trashed The Pirate Queen based on the released press materials?

I happened to be in NY the first day the box office opened and got my $19.80 tickets for today's matinee. I had a blast, and more than once found myself thinking that this is how I hoped I would feel at Legally Blonde. Even in its early previews I would recommend Xanadu over Legally Blonde in a heartbeat.

Kerry Butler is incredible. She does a spot on Olivia Newton John impression without it seeming like parody. The rest of the cast is terrific, and the score works wonderfully.

In general my feeling about this show is that it's got a lot more potential than this production has given it credit for. We're constantly being winked at, is if all concerned are apologizing for what a weak premise and silly story they're presenting. Guys, this works better than a lot of other musical comedies I've seen attempted on Broadway lately. It's a great story for a musical comedy, and the themes of artistic frustration and inspiration are compelling. Rather than playing the whole thing for camp I hope the creative team will consider fleshing out the Greek mythology and really exploring the romantic arc. The whole show will actually be funnier if it takes itself a bit more seriously. Lose all the stupid rap lingo references while you're at it. ("word" "my baby daddy" etc. etc.) Also the Andrew Lloyd Webber joke is about 15 years too late.

My only real complaint is that Jackie Hoffman should be given more opportunities to ad-lib. Her improvised bits in Hairspray are the stuff of legend. No need to write anything for this brilliant lady, just give her a few minutes here and there to make something up.

I almost fell out of my seat laughing during the "Have You Ever Been Mellow" bit.

Kudos to Eric Stern for keeping the music sounding authentically 80s in his arrangements. Synths and guitars are spot-on. The drum sound sucks however, and the mix between band and vocals is still uneven. It's early in previews, these things can only get better.

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I LOOOVED IT TOOOOOOOOOOOOO

big time.

i thought it was great silly mindless fun.

people with alot of *** up their arses..must have a problem with it.

it is what it is.
what could you expect? its a stage version of a bad movie!!

i think thats the whole point!

i WILL GO AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and again!!!!!!

i hope the naysayers find their XANADU!!!!!


:P

i thought it was hysterical and i never even saw the movie. it's fun.. and it's as simple as that..

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I am so glad that people are loving Kerry Butler in the role. It makes me more excited to go see it. Now just to set a date for the viewing, maybe this weekend. *ponders*

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