MEMPHIS Reviews- Page 4

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 1:01am

More than one critic has called Glover a "revelation." Really? She has a powerful voice, but her acting was near embarrassing at times.

[vodkastinger]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 1:04am

As someone who had very negative things to say after seeing an early preview, I have to give the producers and creative team of Memphis some credit after tonight. I was at the opening night performance, and they have made some pretty major changes, and have improved the show for the better quite a lot.

It still has problems; however, something I found to be so cliched it was almost unwatchable three weeks ago, has become enjoyable and a highly energetic night out. While it's not exactly my aesthetic, I wish this show nothing but the best.

[MiracleElixir]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 1:07am

"Wayman_Wong , yes, I'd rather see an original musical than the umpteenth jukebox musical about the rise and fall of a pop band but if said original musical is not well-written, like MEMPHIS, that's a different story. Just because an original musical comes to Broadway doesn't mean everyone should fall at its feet. If it's poorly and shoddily put-together, the intent is there (I even said in my review that I hate ripping a new one for new musicals) but the craftsmanship isn't. And that should be noted; jukebox musical or not.

And honestly, EVERY cast and crew member of EVERY Broadway show works their asses off. That doesn't make the show good. Or the performances good. Or the technical aspects good. Hard work gives you a final result, not necessarily a good or a bad one. Just because MEMPHIS is nowhere near as good as, say, HAIRSPRAY, doesn't mean that there was more hard work put into one or the other. Hard work gets you to Broadway, where MEMPHIS is. The next step is what is important in the "artistic integrity" of the show. Strong material, performances, technical aspects, direction, etc get you (usually) critical and public acclaim, where HAIRSPRAY was.

I don't think everyone is WISHING bad reviews on MEMPHIS, they're just surprised they're not more negative. I hated the show but I would never wish it get ripped to shreds by the critics; but I am extremely surprised by these reviews so far."





Um, did I just completely agree with something WiCKEDRoCKS said??

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 1:08am

Glover's voice isn't that great. She sings from her throat. Her voice never sounds full.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 1:16am

Ha, do we tend to disagree, miracle? I seriously hadn't noticed. Really...

[broadwaymarty]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 6:04am

This board, in general, seems to be filled with MANY unhappy people who have nothing better to do than TEAR things down you people must go home at night and kick tour dogs!
I hope, that despite your collective bad wishes that this marvelous and heartfelt show has a LONG run!

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 8:20am

The NY Daily News is Positive:

"Nice to know a new musical can actually surprise you. Though it starts on a familar note and sparks deja vu at other points, 'Memphis' eventually finds its own voice and beat, and wins you over with its sheer enthusiasm and exuberant performances.

The show has been seen in various stages since 2003 and has finally landed on Broadway.

The plot follows Huey Calhoun (Chad Kimball), a hillbilly-type in love with rhythm and blues who becomes a popular deejay and TV dance-show host. Based on actual disk jockeys, Huey is rash and sorta crazy, prone to shouting the nonsensical, if joyful, "Hockadoo" as he brings black music to white folks like himself in 1950s Memphis..."

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2009/10/20/2009-10-20_new_musical_memphis_with_music_from_bon_jovi_keyboardist_has_a_strong_voice_of_i.html

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 8:23am

The NY Post is Very Positive:

"The author of 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' and the keyboard player from Bon Jovi have hatched a really good musical.

I'll let you mull over this sentence for a second.

'Memphis' came to New York with all sorts of warning bells. The creative team, for one. Book writer and co-lyricist Joe DiPietro and composer David Bryan may have teamed before -- on 'The Toxic Avenger' -- but that didn't make them naturals for a show about a white deejay (Chad Kimball) crossing the color line in 1950s Tennessee.

The cast? Kimball's most recent Broadway credits are the bombs 'Lennon' and 'Good Vibrations.' Other actors rated only minor pings on the critical radar, like James Monroe Iglehart's acclaimed turn as the Cowardly Lion in the Encores! revival of 'The Wiz.'

Finally, 'Memphis' bummed around the country for a good half-decade, playing everywhere from Massachusetts to California -- would it be overcooked?

In this case, practice makes perfect. Or at least it makes a zippy, exuberant musical -- one that relies exclusively on steadfastly "classic" values: catchy songs, heaping spoonfuls of inspirational moments and tear-jerking schmaltz, and committed performers at the top of their game..."

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/memphis_hits_right_notes_sbBaKletvKNZ70DXdZyqTL

[hubee]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 8:46am

I love that some of you are so confused to the generally positive reviews after trashing the show since the start. Granted usually I agree with the general group, I actually liked this show (despite the flaws and I will agree the book is cliched) but I thought the team and cast has done a nice job and the audience ate it up and I thought this was totally going to be a sleeper hit (much like Jersey Boys, though that is a better show I will say).

Still, the confusion by some is amusing me to pieces!

[Roscoe]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 9:09am

Well, I'm feeling the same kind of disconnect that I usually feel after reading one of Brantley's rimjobs to Tom Stoppard or the latest piece of Brit Theatre. That feeling of "what play did they see, and why didn't I have a ticket to that, they were evidently performing the boring and annoying version of the play the night I saw it" kind of thing.

I get that a lot with movie reviews, too. I'm still interested in tracking down the print of MILLION DOLLAR BABY that prompted it being named a "masterpiece" by so many reviewers.

Updated On: 10/20/09 at 09:09 AM

[lull89]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 9:16am

Word of Mouth is apparently their Biggest Rave Ever. Who'd a thunk it?
Biggest Word of Mouth Rave Ever? Our Real-People Critics Visit Memphis

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 9:19am

Oh, I know CurtainPullDowner! Sorry if my post came off as defensive. I'm just confused as to how John Simon didn't have a single issue with the show...

Broadwaymarty, stop being such a drama queen. You really think because some of us hated MEMPHIS, we must go home and beat our pets...? Haha. Give me a break.

And Roscoe, I think its infinitely unfair to draw parallels between MILLION DOLLAR BABY and MEMPHIS. For multiple reasons. But I agree with the jist of your post.

[After Eight]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 9:26am

I'm glad to see this show get some good reviews, and that the bad ones were not the vicious pans so many in this group expected, and at least to me, seemed to wish for.

It wasn't the greatest musical ever, and indeed, it had its failings. But it was also very good in parts, and all told it was enjoyable enough. My audience loved it.

And I thought Chad Kimball was great.

I hope it has a successful run.

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 9:26am

It seems like a lot of critics used up their vast supplies of bile on their Bye Bye Birdie reviews... I hope they recharge in time to write their After Miss Julie reviews.

[mlsheehan]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 10:00am

I'm happy that this got some critical love. Personally, I didn't think it was as bad as many on this board have been saying. Is it prefect? No. Is it an enjoyable evening in the theatre? For many, Yes.

I hope that it has a successful run. Maybe it could become this year's Rock of Ages. How many on here thought that would be as successful as it has?
Updated On: 10/20/09 at 10:00 AM

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 10:18am

ATC's Review Round-Up scored the reviews as follows:

Raves:

The Associated Press
The Hollywood Reporter/ Reuters
Bloomberg News
The NY Post
Newsday

Positive:

The NY Daily News
AM New York
The Newark Star-Ledger
The Hartford Courant

Mixed:

The NY Times
Variety
BackStage
The Record
Entertainment Weekly
NY Magazine

Negative:

USA Today

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=1784860

[best12bars]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 10:21am

"Throughout “Memphis” both the singing and the dancing are accomplished — something not to be taken for granted this season, it appears, in musicals set during the early days of rock."



I think it's pretty bad when the NY Times review has to stop and slap "Bye Bye, Birdie" AGAIN in the review for "Memphis."

Wow.

[landryjames2]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 10:41am

I just am reading the reviews now...and I have to say that the overall* negative energy on this board about Memphis certainly doesn't reflect either the reviews or word of mouth from people I know that have seen it. Many people on this board were predicting a bloodbath, but it appears to be nothing of the sort. I saw the show, was thoroughly entertained, and don't understand why people think it is just so horrid.

*overall being key word as I know there are some here that like it.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 11:05am

I read the reviews last night...and I have to say that the overall positive energy about MEMPHIS certainly doesn't reflect my opinion on the show or the word of mouth from people I know that have seen it. I saw the show, was bored senseless, and don't understand why people think it is just so terrific.

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 11:14am

To Miracle Elixir: Thanks for your thoughtful and even-handed comment. I didn't mean to imply that others in theater don't work their butts off, or that hard work alone can guarantee a good show. The point I was making was that the core group (DiPietro, Bryan, Kimball, Glover) has been working on 'Memphis' through 4 out-of-town tryouts, devoting a lot more time to this show (over the past several years) that would be usual for any other show. For them, I am happy that their perserverance had paid off in largely favorable reviews.

To Frogs-fan85: As for critics exhausting their 'vast supplies of bile' on 'Bye Bye Birdie,' I've been a critic for a few newspapers, and I know a number of critics. I think you are underestimating how much bile critics can produce. Ha-ha-ha!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 11:19am

Roscoe - What's not to understand? I understood why people were wrapped up in their own rhapsodic ecstasy over Spring Awakening because even though I found it to be pretentious and dull, clearly the majority of the audience around me was responding positively and I grasp the concept that each person may have their own individual opinion, which...wait for it...is their opinion, not my opinion. Therefore, I concluded that my taste is different (not better or worse) than theirs. Which is ok. Just accept that people may like something (or in your case, most things) that you do not. They don't have to and your emotions are not a collective consciousness.

[Leia947]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 11:21am

I guess we can all just sum it up as different people have different tastes. I saw Memphis and loved it. I can't want to go back and see it again. I also saw Next to Normal and hated it. Was bored senseless, but a majority of the people on this board loved it. I just don't see it, just like people don't see why some of us liked Memphis. Different strokes for different folks is all.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 11:27am

Dear Mister Matt, well yes, of course, that's kind of the point. I was riffing on Landryjames' "I don't get all the negative energy" posting above.

I'm well used to being in the minority opinionwise, head scratched in wonderment at the raves so many barely or merely average shows/films get from reviewers and audiences.

Updated On: 10/20/09 at 11:27 AM

[landryjames2]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 11:29am

Mister Matt--Roscoe was actually just inverting my post (which I am still trying to decide whether it is funny, or just obnoxious). Either way, I guess my point was the disconnect between what I feel is the overall feeling on this board, and the reviews/word of mouth regarding Memphis. I can understand it about something like Bye Bye Birdie which elicited uniformly negative reactions from the board, word of mouth, and the reviews (not to mention--my own personal feelings).

[dented146]

Posted: 10/20/09 at 11:36am

I saw the show early in the La Jolla run and liked it quite a lot. It was easy to see the weaknesses at that point so I look forward to seeing the show in New York soon inorder to see the changes.
My guess at the time was that the reviewers would be somewhat kind because of the subject matter and the fact that it was an original musical. I'm very glad the reviews are good enough that word of mouth will have a chance to make or break the show.