L.A. bids farewell to 9 to 5: a thread to post closing weekend thoughts

[Popular]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:01pm

I went to see the show one final time last night.

First time seeing this show from the balcony and I have to say that the seats were surprisingly not as bad as I remembered! If you have a chance, definitely grab one for $20 before the show leaves for NY! In fact, I'd go as far as to say that this show is probably best viewed from a little higher up just because of it's size. The cast was as fresh as the first preview and the audience last night was great as well. I am really going to miss having it so close by.

As an added bonus, I got to stare in awe at "Christy Cummings" from Best of Show as she walked passed me at the stage door. You Christopher Guest fans can understand my excitement! haha

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:03pm

I saw clips of this online on a news website. I think it was the ET clips. Anyways, it looks like a fun show, and hopefully I can see it when it comes to NYC!

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:06pm

See ya on the Great White Way next year!
Cant wait!

*i sat mezz row D24, dead centre, when I saw it but i imagine that balcony is pretty high while still giving a great view of the stage! I envy you seeing it a few times as I was only there 4 days.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:06pm

I'm unbearably excited for this show, if only for the sets and Megan (looooooove Megan).

[DAME]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:10pm

Any noticeable changes in the show?

[NGD2225]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:15pm

I know they changed Doralee's epilogue, to what I'm not sure.

[DAME]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:18pm

I know they are replacing Mundania.. but not sure if it has gone in yet.

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:21pm

It was there last Saturday matinee.

[Popular]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:28pm

Mundania was still in last night as well. The only changes I saw with that song was the addition of Mr Hart doing somersaults while hanging up there. I'm pretty sure I heard Marc mention to someone a few weeks ago that they had more planned but he was still healing from his fall during rehearsals. The producers have another show to mount before they truly focus on incorporating the changes.
Updated On: 10/18/08 at 12:28 PM

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:31pm

He did lots of spins last week.

[DAME]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:34pm

"The producers have another show to mount before they truly focus on incorporating the changes. "

What show? And I hope they do incorporate them. You would think the time to do it would be in front of a try out audience..

[MamasDoin'Fine]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:38pm

And 6 weeks is a damn good run for a try-out!

[Popular]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:39pm

Honestly, I'm not sure what the other show is. Just another thing I overheard someone in the cast saying.

[DAME]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:39pm

Exactly... SO I can't imagine they wouldn't take advantage to try a few things. the show as it stands needs work.

[Popular]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:51pm

Mantello is directing PAL JOEY which previews next month and opens in December. Now that I think of it, that's probably what they were talking about.

[DAME]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 12:58pm

That sounds right. he always seems to have more than one thing going on at once. I wonder if that is to the deterrent of the shows.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 2:00pm

Hopefully, they take the next six months to re-write, tighten, and if need be recast a few roles.

I had a lot of fun at 9 to 5, but agree it needs some major fine tuning for Broadway.

I actually think its kind of interesting too Dame, it used to be writers actively worked on re-writes during out of town tryouts, but it seems more often now, there is a longer break between tryouts and Broadway and most of the changes are put in after the initial run ends. Not sure why, but I bet a lot has to do with how technically complicated productions are now. A lot more difficult to re-tech new numbers,etc.
Updated On: 10/18/08 at 02:00 PM

[californiasnow]

Posted: 10/18/08 at 4:04pm

I'm going to the closing show on Sunday night. I'll post my thoughts once I get back. Should be interesting to see how the show plays after 5 weeks of performances (I saw the first Saturday matinee on September 13th). Looking forward to it.

[Popular]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 1:07pm

I, too, was excited for them to actually try out changes during the out of town TRYOUT. I think Michael Bennett is spot on about it having to do with tech stuff getting in the way, especially with this show.

californiasnow, have fun tonight!!

[MrBundles]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 3:24pm

Mundania definitely needs to be replaced.

I caught the show this past wednesday, the 15th, but I know Gaelen was on for Stephanie the night before on Tuesday. Did anyone catch her?

[californiasnow]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 3:34pm

Someone over on ATC saw Gaelen on Tuesday and had positive things to say. Speaking of understudies, I'd be really interested to see Ann Harada as Violet. I think she really stood out from the rest of the ensemble, and her on as Violet would give the show a really different energy.

[MrBundles]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 4:07pm

I was thinking the same thing. I would LOVE to see Ann as Violet

[Popular]

Posted: 10/19/08 at 4:21pm

I'd love to see that at some point as well! Preferably once she has her own costumes, or else she'd literally have huge shoes to fill! Sorry, I couldn't resist.

You all know I love my fellow short peeps (I am barely taller than Ann myself) but every time they stand together on stage it's hilarious.

[californiasnow]

Posted: 10/20/08 at 1:42am

Back from the final LA performance. As others have mentioned, I don't think much (if anything) has been changed during the show's run. The first time I saw the show I liked it, but didn't love it. This time, I think I would say I really liked it, and some parts I loved. The crowd was really into it, and there seemed to be a lot of Megan Hilty fans, as there were bursts of applause almost every time she opened her mouth. Some bulleted pointed comments:

- Everything seemed sharper tonight. Jokes landed better, there was a LOT more chemistry between the three ladies.

- Even though some songs work better than others, I think it's pretty damn impressive that the score sounds like it was written by musical theater veterans, rather than by someone who has never written a musical before. My favorites are still "The One I Love", "Shine Like the Sun", and "Get Out and Stay Out". Weak ones for me were "Mundania" and "I Killed the Boss".

- It still feels like the Doralee character doesn't have very much to do in the 2nd act. Both Violet and Judy get big solo numbers, but not Doralee. I wouldn't be surprised if Megan gets an Act 2 solo when the show starts up again in April.

- The show strikes me as one that critics will probably be lukewarm about, but audiences will love.

All in all, an enjoyable 2nd viewing of a fun show. Can't wait to see what changes are made for Broadway.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/20/08 at 2:43am

Please - the show doesn't need to be any longer! Not all these female characters need a solo song in both acts. If anything they need to trim these numbers!