ILLINOISE Reviews- Page 5

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/28/24 at 4:10pm

Jordan Catalano said: "dramamama611 said: "Exactly. It won't work for anyone that expects a traditional musical. Or anyone that doesn't want to think. Or anyone to whom dance doesn't speak. Age has nothing to do with it."

I will disagree with you on one point. Like I said in my first post about this, modern dance does absolutely nothing for me but I was more taken with this show than anything else this season and immediately saw the show again. It actually gave me a new appreciation for what dance can do, as far as storytelling."

And I hear you on that, and largely am in the same boat, but you mentioned that this specific dance genre usually does nothing for you, and I guess I was referring to those that feel that way about ALL dance. That don't connect to it as a story telling device - as good choreography often does.  It's just pretty or just entertaining. I think there's a difference.   

 

[djoko84]

Posted: 4/28/24 at 5:38pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Wait, with those side seats, you missed the entirety of what happens up there during “The Seer’s Tower”???

I’d demand a refund.

Partial view is one thing but no view of something that beautiful and important to the story is unforgivable."

I'm seeing it in row S of the orchestra with the overhang. Will I miss anything?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/28/24 at 6:43pm

Unless your tickets are marked "Partial View" you shouldn't. But ask when you get there, if you're worried.

[berniesb!tch]

Posted: 4/28/24 at 10:04pm

Saw this tonight. I don’t think this type of show is for me. Beautiful dancing, beautiful music - just not for me. I am a little surprised so many people think this is the front runner for best musical, but once again that may be a personal taste thing. Glad so many are enjoying though! 
 

Really nice show to see on an edible tho! 

[djoko84]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 1:01am

Jordan Catalano said: "Unless your tickets are marked "Partial View" you shouldn't. But ask when you get there, if you're worried."

The only thing that was missed with the overhang was the changing billboard at the top. I don't think it was that big of a deal. For $79, I was fine living without seeing the billboard.

Spectacular show!

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 9:53am

Do folks recommend familiarizing yourself with the material before attending? I don’t really know the album and my experience with dance is rather limited so I’m worried I might be lost. 

[carolinaguy]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 9:58am

I highly recommend giving yourself time to read the Playbill insert before the show, as it will prepare you for the structure of the storytelling. Otherwise, just let the music wash over you. I knew nothing about it and found it hypnotic and enjoyed discovering it in the context of the show. 

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 10:51am

Personally, I preferred reading the journal after the show.  You can read the first couple of pages which will give you background for what you're about to see, but the journal is "written" after the events of the show take place and it's more Henry reflecting on his story and coming to terms with it (which is the process you see happening in the show).  I thought the show itself was super easy to follow along with, even without knowing the music.  You probably won't get all the lyrics when hearing it in the theater, but the music is used in such a way where the songs more suggest what's happening rather than being a direct one to one telling of the events.

[broadway86]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 11:10am

Saw this last night and it was just extraordinary. Pure theatre. So deceptively simple, to the point where you don't even know what's hitting you or why. It reminded me of Girl from the North Country, where the music is meant to evoke the emotions and inner workings of the characters, rather than a literal 1-to-1 of their exact thoughts. 

The vocalists were unbelievable, with jaw-dropping moments from Elijah Lyons and Shara Nova. Dancers, needless to say, are at the top of their game, and I hope at least a couple of them are Tony nominated. I hope to see it again.

[djoko84]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 11:23am

TheQuibbler said: "Do folks recommend familiarizing yourself with the material before attending? I don’t really know the album and my experience with dance is rather limited so I’m worried I might be lost."

I would 100% read the journal they give out in the Playbill before the show. It definitely helps set up what you're about to see. The ironic thing is Cabaret tells you to come early for the pre-show entertainment, which I couldn't care less about, but you really should go early to Illinoise to have time to read the journal. 

[TamzBway]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 5:27pm

Has anyone tried digital rush or lotto, or in-person rush for this and where are the seat locations? Where should we avoid sitting? Also if I do a Wed or Sat matinee, is it likely I'll see any understudies at this time? I mean anything is possible but it is Tony season, so just thinking hypothetically. Heading into town in 2 days, thanks!

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 5:30pm

TamzBway said: "Has anyone tried digital rush or lotto, or in-person rush for this and where are the seat locations? Where should we avoid sitting? Also if I do a Wed or Sat matinee, is it likely I'll see any understudies at this time? I mean anything is possible but it is Tony season, so just thinking hypothetically. Heading into town in 2 days, thanks!"

I believe at least all the in person rush seats are partial view or they have been (I asked this weekend and have seen reports online).

Not sure about lottery/digital rush or seat locations. 

Updated On: 4/29/24 at 05:30 PM

[ACL2006]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 6:24pm

TamzBway said: "Has anyone tried digital rush or lotto, or in-person rush for this and where are the seat locations? Where should we avoid sitting? Also if I do a Wed or Sat matinee, is it likely I'll see any understudies at this time? I mean anything is possible but it is Tony season, so just thinking hypothetically. Heading into town in 2 days, thanks!"

 

I did the in-person rush on Saturday and everyone got partial view. Side orchestra.

[yyys]

Posted: 4/29/24 at 6:38pm

Previous experience with St James is that they always give partial view orchestra for their productions....

[TamzBway]

Posted: 4/30/24 at 3:08pm

Thanks, everyone! Seems like you miss a lot with partial view, so would anyone recommend house right vs left?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/30/24 at 3:09pm

The show is mostly played to the center so I don’t think it really makes a difference. 

[bwaylyric]

Posted: 4/30/24 at 3:46pm

I saw the show from the right orchestra sides and could not see any of the female vocalists until the final bow.  I wish i did.  Their voices were gorgeous.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 4/30/24 at 5:59pm

Decent first week of grosses. A shame they're cutting down to 7 performances a week beginning next week. They seem to give out rush tickets to anyone that wants them at the box office, hence their low average ticket price. I want to go again, but not in the obstructed view seat I had or anything else that's partial view.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/30/24 at 6:02pm

They also had to squeeze all of the nominators into 8 shows. 

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 4/30/24 at 10:48pm

That was stunningly beautiful. I need a cast recording now.

It had its moments before Henry’s story but Henry’s story alone could win it awards.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Chicago and Palisades are two of my favorite stagings of the year.


The relationship with Douglas and Henry was perfectly done. 

 

Updated On: 4/30/24 at 10:48 PM

[yyys]

Posted: 5/1/24 at 7:23am

This is better on Broadway as far as orchestrations and staging. However, I miss Robbie Fairchild in the role of Clark. He was a much better dancer than the one currently playing it.....::sigh::

[ACL2006]

Posted: 5/1/24 at 7:52am

yyys said: "This is better on Broadway as far as orchestrations and staging. However, I miss Robbie Fairchild in the role of Clark. He was a much better dancer than the one currently playing it.....::sigh::"

I'm surprised Fairchild had a smaller role in this. But Brandt Martinez was one of the standouts in the "ensemble " dancers.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/1/24 at 9:34am

I thought Brandt was spectacular and beautiful in this.

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Posted: 5/1/24 at 12:08pm

djoko84 said: "I would 100% read the journal they give out in the Playbill before the show. It definitely helps set up what you're about to see. The ironic thing is Cabaret tells you to come early for the pre-show entertainment, which I couldn't care less about, but you really should go early to Illinoise to have time to read the journal."

Is there a copy of the journal available online?  I’d love to digest it before heading to the theater next Wednesday.

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/1/24 at 1:48pm

Here is the program they handed out at The Armory.
 

Because of Playbill limitations, you get it as a separate booklet...and has some different info. Enjoy

Updated On: 5/1/24 at 01:48 PM