Posted: 12/9/22 at 10:04pm
haterobics said: "hearthemsing22 said: "OH-and honestly? Ignore reviews. Stay away. If a show interests you,. see it."
This sounds like a recipe for seeing a lot of bad shows on topics you would like if they were done well?
I can see not only going by reviews, but if everyone is saying a show isn't that great..."
I thought it was better than not great. At least a 7/10. With the NYT business, it seems like we're all supposed to agree this was a terrible, braindead show with no redeeming qualities except a talented, hardworking cast. I liked what it was trying to do and found it largely successful in its aims, if a bit lacking in depth. I appreciated that it wanted to tell a story that centered joy more than trauma. I understand why they structured the final concert as a catharsis the way they did but I wish they'd figured out a way to explore the characters without Harry's influence, as that only seemed to happen in flashback. I thought the show made interesting choices with diegetic music and allowing the actors' performances to convey things outside of dialogue. I genuinely found the performances emotionally engaging. Kevin Woo is wildly charismatic. Jully Lee gave a very strong and affecting performance carrying much of the book scenes. There were so many dynamic and exciting performers on that stage who reflected back aspects of Asian identity, gender, and queerness that I instinctively recognized and that deeply resonated with me. Unfortunately, those things will get lost on a cast album and I don't know how much choreography changed between press performances and when the show was frozen.
I actually do enjoy reading reviews and there have been some that give the show its due while acknowledging its flaws. A useful review should describe the production and give enough analysis for someone to form their own opinion about whether a show is appealing. Shallow critiques, dismissiveness, etc. are pointless unless you always agree with that critic's opinions or you just want to read snark. Helen Shaw's reviews have value to me even though I don't always agree with her about shows.
Anyway, all the best to the cast and creatives. I'm especially interested in seeing what Helen Park does next. I primed myself to see the show by watching her 54 Below concert and it put me in the right headspace to accept KPOP as it is and as it wants to be. She's clearly talented and has a voice and something of value to contribute. I hope it isn't too long until she gets her next big opportunity.
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