If Broadway World Had Been Around

It's amusing and, at times, interesting to read comments here about shows in previews or early in the run. Some say, a show is DOA. Some say, a show is going to win this or that Tony award. Some say, a Broadway Diva has a lock for a Tony. Some say, a show was written with awards in mind. I guess this habit is little more than harmless fun.

Today, this Message Board is filled with praise for the current COMPANY revival. True, there are those who don't approve of Ms Lenk's performance. I'm left wondering what the comments would have been if Broadway World had been around back in 1969/1970 when COMPANY was out of town, in previews on Broadway and early in the run. At the time, I read some out of town critics didn't like it. I also remember Clive Barnes, in the NYT, hated it.

Yes, a person's reaction to or view of a show can change over the years. On the other hand, I wonder how the younger posters who love the show would have reacted back in 1969/1970? Would this plotless, non-linear musical confused them?

Lainie Kazan going on for Streisand then being let go from FUNNY GIRL shortly after. That would have been one hot topic along with Streisand cutting verses from a few songs at the matinee performances whenever she didn’t feel like doing the full length version of FUNNY GIRL. I’m sure one of her nightly notes to the cast would be popping up on social media often.