Jason Robert Brown and 13! Another success!- Page 4

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 10:50pm

I was hanging out with David Gallo all night, so I was backstage a lot before and after the show. I saw you, but felt a little awkward saying hi. Hell, David literally forced me into talking to Jason ("She's a big fan, just a little shy!" REALLY embarrassing).
And Christian did a great job standing in as Brett, especially considered the short amount of time he had - I actually heard the crew and producers gossiping about how amazing he was.

Anyway, I tried doing stand-by for the opening night, but literally EVERY SINGLE PERSON SHOWED UP, so not even the first people in line got in. It was amazing! Even the stand-by who I recognized from New Year's Eve was running around trying to find a way to see the opening performance - here's hoping he did. :) Everybody got free tickets for Tues, Weds or Thurs performances, though, so I'll be there on Wednesday with my entourage in tow. Hope it went well! I saw the guy who plays Ali Larter's husband on Heroes go in. And I think Josh from that Nick show.

Just praying for good reviews now!

[4cygnets]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 4:07pm

They put up all sorts of photos and stuff on the Taper's MySpace blog - looks like fun!

This one has a link to Jason Robert Brown's blog and production pictures:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=89055215&blogID=215046252&MyToken=de2c6545-6114-42f2-90f5-bf0864b29778

And this one is the fun one - pictures that the cast took of themselves backstage during rehearsals:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=89055215&blogID=212723776&MyToken=de2c6545-6114-42f2-90f5-bf0864b29778

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 5:12pm

Ahaha, Love Long and Prosper! Adorable.

Am I completely blind? How long does it take for a review to be printed in this damn town!

[4cygnets]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 5:31pm

Well, Jason said that all the reviewers were there on Sunday... so the reviews should start showing up in Tuesday's paper at the earliest. Or later this evening as the online editions start getting published.

[Lindsay2]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 8:23pm

Ahhh Variety's review is out and its GLOWING! They loved it!

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117932410.html?categoryid=33&cs=1

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 8:28pm

CONGRATS! I couldn't be happier for everyone!
I started a new thread for reviews - I think I'm going to try and catalog them there. :)

[Popular]

Posted: 1/10/07 at 3:30am

Saw the show tonight I just want to ask what these kids are taking for energy? I want some!!

I REALLY wished the sound was better. I felt I missed so much and it really did a diservice to the kids who were obviously doing their best to give 100% up there. I'll also have to disagree with whoever said that any seat in the theatre was good. I was at the VERY end on the 4th row with what was basically a profile view of the stage. I'm not complaining as it was a comped ticket that they gave out in the standby line on Sunday, but I missed a lot. I couldn't see any of their faces in the movie scene or the projection above. Definitely couldn't see the band up there either.

That being said, here are my thoughts on the show keeping in mind that both visual and audio were limited. First off, I can't believe noone has said more about Tyler who played Archie. For me he stole the show. I loved him! Tinashe who played Cassie also drew my focus whenever she was on. Adorable little firecracker, her bio says "performing is my passion..." and I could see that! There was only one person who I didn't care for, but overall I'd have positive things to say about all of them.

As for the show itself, yes it's a little sugary. If it was meant to hit a core and make me feel the pains of being a teenage outcast it only somewhat succeeded. With a better seat and a better sound system I think it would've had a better chance... I just wasn't able to get into it as much as I would've liked. But even so, there were several moments that were precious, tender, heartbreaking, etc. What it Means To Be A Friend, Tell Her, and My Name is Archie were the highlights for me as far as that goes.

I don't know if it's the best thing I've seen from JRB but I applaud him for trying something completely new and wish the show success as it evolves. I'll be curious to see how much of a life it has past it's run here.

[Popular]

Posted: 1/10/07 at 12:04pm

*morning bump* :)

[bryan]

Posted: 1/10/07 at 2:13pm

i do hope they do a cast cd of the show. it sounds like a great show.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/10/07 at 2:19pm

Hahah, bryan, how did I know that's what you'd say? But I hope so too, and I hope it records with this cast!

Popular, I've seen the show from second row center and last row center and it was very different each time - tonight I'm sitting in very much the same seats you were (I was in standby, too, #11!), that sucks that the view isn't great. But I'm still excited to see it again!
Tyler is fabulous - he didn't quite get through his long note in "Get Me What I Need" the first time I saw it, and I thought that was a gag - but he did it the second, and I was blown away!

Randomly, I have to say that I think my favorite part of the show (apart from Bloodmaster) is Evan's guilt song during "Getting Ready". Hilarious!

Ok. Done now.

[Lindsay2]

Posted: 1/10/07 at 4:51pm

Ricky- You know its funny, if you liked the show last night, you should come see it again for sure. The energy dropped for me because of the extreme high of the opening, but Tyler was off the wall last night, I thought it might have been his best performance yet! Its good to see that you recognize that haha.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 12:47pm

My last time seeing it, unless it moves to New York around the same time I do (this summer, hint hint, GET ON IT, PRODUCERS!!!).

A lot changed since the last time I saw it, including Sara's hilarious new accent as Evan's mom and the complete excision of a scene near the end, which meant that my favorite line (apart from "Or IHOP!") was cut - "Gotta go, about to have a slap fight!" Oh well. The end wraps up very quickly now with a couple of lines of exposition to make up for it.

I still adore the show, and it was fabulous (but awkward) meeting all the kids afterwards. My 21-year-old-male-"musicals aren't my thing" friend loved it too, which was heartening, considering everyone's pessimism about who the show appeals to.

Little moments I loved:
- JRB leaning far over the barricade to high five Brett on his entrance since he was getting no love from the rest of the row.
- Evan clutching his heart and spinning when pointed at in the finale.

The show just makes me absolutely giddy.

[Popular]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 12:52pm

Ricky - if that last post was directed to me I have to say your energy was there. I didn't start my last post asking what you guys are on for nothing! :) You are all very talented. Best of everything to you and the rest of the cast. Like a few others said, don't read into the reviews too much. Even the good ones. Just do what you do the best you can and ENJOY each moment.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 1:58pm

The sound design has been acknowledged by many viewers as well as critics as a problem. Hopefully JRB is reading these posts and getting on the sound people to get it right....