I LOOOOOOVED XANADU!- Page 2

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Posted: 5/25/07 at 4:31pm

glad to hear its good, im thinking of putting it on my list...

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/25/07 at 4:33pm

You better reconsider that thought.

[Craig]

Posted: 5/25/07 at 4:38pm

Does it bother you that much that people have a differing opinion?

[queenbee2]

Posted: 5/25/07 at 5:07pm

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

[DirectorGP]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:02am

Its a blast and VERY entertaining. You will love Kerry Butler. and the line deliveries of Mr. Carpinello... The whole company shines throughout.

[carnimiriel]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 4:14am

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.

[DirtyRottenGirl]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 7:54am

I really glad this show is liked because I love Kerry Butler and have enjoyed the little clips I have seen with Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman.

[StageFan2]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 8:07am

Love your humor Best12.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 11:51am

I suppose in a way, Craig, I wish that people recognized crap when they see it.

After seeing HIGH FIDELITY, TARZAN, HOT FEET, etc. and I posted negative scathing reviews, I was attacked in the same manner. That thread Sueleen created a long time ago about "No Negative Nellie's!!!!" was spot on, and dead true. If you have something nice to say about a show, everyone's you're friend. If you report that the show actually isn't good, people get on MY case as if it were MY fault the show is bad.

My early preview reactions to HIGH FIDELITY, TARZAN, and HOT FEET (among others) ended up being spot on with most of the professional reviews.

But I suppose the reason I keep chiming in about XANADU is because I know that you get all hot and bothered by it. It's more about teasing than anything.

But we'll see. The reviews will come out, the show will close, and then will I still be looked at as Satan?

[Craig]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:19pm

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....

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:22pm

I don't mind different opinions, Craig.

What I mind is that when I say something bad about a show, dozens of people get on my case and start insulting me. THAT'S what i get bothered about.

And as far as it being a first preview, I understand that. It was ONLY a review of the first preview, and I think people know that and take it into consideration when they're reading it.

[Craig]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:26pm

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?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 12:27pm

It does.

[TechEverlasting]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 7:44pm

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.

[Kelly2]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 7:51pm

I just saw it today and thought it was completely fantastic. So funny. Hoffman does need to be given some improv bits, and there are some really bummer lines in there that should be editted/cut, but it's only the 4th preview, they have plenty of time to tighten things up.

I really have faith that this one will end up being a cult hit, it's the most entertaining hour and a half I've spent in a theater in a long time.

[mediakilled]

Posted: 5/26/07 at 8:09pm

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

[Dark_Angel]

Posted: 5/27/07 at 2:47pm

so far this sounds like an absolute blast. the movie holds a special place in my heart and i was kind of skeptical about this stage adaptation. i hope it finds it's audience and enjoys a nice run.

[ReNtHeAd04]

Posted: 5/27/07 at 9:03pm

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

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 5/29/07 at 10:29am

Did you guys see this in NY Mag?

Woo! Hoo!

Milla
Springtime for "Xanadu"

[acrocksyo]

Posted: 5/30/07 at 11:38am

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*