If/Then Previews — Page 3

I had no problem following the divergent story arcs, but I did think the story would be tighter if it stayed more exclusively on Beth/Liz's relationship with both stories. Rather than this being a situation of exploring how the choices we make impact the lives around you, I felt like Menzel's character(s) was in a lot of ways just walking through different versions of her life and that the story telling felt less specific and interesting as a result.

As said above, this is most evident in the story arcs involving Rapp and La Chanze in the Liz storyline. A lot of what unfolds in that plot didn't serve the exploration of her story which is really what the audience should be most interested in.

There is also an ENORMOUS amount of music in the piece - some of it, frankly, less interesting than the scene work that accompanies it. Since there is no song list in the Playbill I'd be pretty stuck to tell you exact songs. For me, the score was on the whole pleasant, mildly clever but not especially unique. A lot of it sounded a like by the end of the show. Loved Menzel's 11 o' clock number though.

Updated On: 3/5/14 at 11:43 PM

I didn't think I could possibly be anymore excited to see this next week, but, Whizzer, your review just made a thousand times for excited to see this! I was choosing between this and Beautiful, and now I am SO glad I will be going to the Richard Rodgers next Thursday night.

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That's the one! Such a great song...she's truly never sounded better than she does singing this (wonderful) score.

Updated On: 3/5/14 at 11:47 PM

I completely agree, Rocks. Idina has never sounded better in her career.

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Whizzer and those interested in seeing this show repeatedly -- the box office was selling all rear mezz for 50 dollars after the lottery drawing. A good deal. The view from up there is just fine.

I gotta say, I was there tonight, and I know that a lot of people have put a lot of work into, but I didn't connect with anyone except for James Snyder's character. Every other character in the show is a self serving narcisist that doesn't exist in the same world that I do. I would hate to have any of them in my life.

IF i had payed full price for my ticket, THEN I would have felt really cheated. Why are all the characters so P.C. and anti Republican? I found the whole ordeal a fuzzy and self involved mess. I frankly didn't care what was going to happen after the intermission.

I went tonight and it was a satisfying evening. I was very excited about seeing Idina, and she has never sounded better or looked more beautiful. The sound had a few glitches, but the gorgeous lighting and the sets were fantastic. Very fresh, bright, and vibrant. They use a giant mirror that moves throughout the show, which reflects a lot of great stuff like stars and subway maps. The trees in the upper back stage were beautiful, they were real (not a projection) and I loved what they did to the entire stage.

*************A few spoilers ahead:

I heard several people at intermission saying they didn't really know what was going on. I was confused initially, but then got it pretty quickly. This show definitely isn't for kids due to the abortion storyline, hilarious profanity, and its very adult plots. I hated the plane storyline, I hope they cut it. Some people might be turned off with her choice and reasons to have an abortion, but I'm sure it's non issue for most. The songs were ok, "Always Starting Over" being the only song that I can remember. The supporting cast was decent, but there wasn't much chemistry between Idina and James. A solid evening at the theater, and I fully respect them making a entirely original, new musical.

When I left, the stage door was insane, at least 10 rows thick. I'm so happy I don't stage door, especially when its dead ass cold!

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Updated On: 3/6/14 at 12:00 AM

there wasn't much chemistry between Idina and James

Wow, I couldn't disagree more! In DC, I thought their chemistry was the best and most believable dynamic in the cast. I found them to be a sexy, charming, and passionate pairing.

Whizzer - my problem with the "ripple" effect as you describe it is that I thought it was then lopsided. If we see how "Liz's" choices effect Rapp/La Chanze, then why don't we see how Beth's choices impact characters' like her boss and his relationship with his wife.

And I'm not advocating that the writers add any more music….

Again, I do applaud all the ideas behind this musical, I just think it gets a little lost in it's grand reach.

SPOILER

Yes there is still the plane crash section and I thought it was a little silly frankly. I know they are going for it being a profound moment for Beth's character but in the moment I found my eyes rolling a bit. It's a little melodramatic.

Updated On: 3/6/14 at 12:05 AM

Whizzer, I love you. Your reviews make me so happy and informed. They really help me make my decisions of which shows I should see because I live 5 hours away from NYC. I can't wait to see it hopefully for my birthday this summer.
Just a thought: What do you guys think about the show having potential international incarnations. Do you think it will be successful?

MB- I agree that Jerry Dixon could probably have had a bigger musical moment either with Beth at the award ceremony or with this wife, but his character already served his purpose and Beth had moved past his plot. We were still wrapped up with Liz and her friends, and don't forget LaChanze and Colella sang their big duet in the Beth timeline, not the Liz one.

I think some of you guys should put spoilers warnings when discussing big plot points like....


SPOILERS*****************

the plane crash!



END SPOILERS***************

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Updated On: 3/6/14 at 12:12 AM

Yeah, didn't get the plane crash at all. Did it crash or was there just turbulence? No clue, and others around me were confused as well.

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