Maroulis, Davi, Jarvis to Star in Revised THE TOXIC AVENGER in Houston — Page 2

Mister Matt,

Just because Jekyll & Hyde is becoming "something of a standard" doesn't mean that its script and score are not disasters.

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Interesting goings-on at the matinee today. The production was disappointing, the actors sloppy, the set dangerous. After an actor tripped and fell (due to a design feature that looked dangerous to begin with, and that as a director I wouldn't allow actors on, nor as an actor would I agree to perform on) and we went to an early, extended intermission, I had seen all I could bear and left. I wish the Alley would stop throwing millions away on poorly-written, over-produced musicals.

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Updated On: 1/14/12 at 05:31 PM

i would say Jersey Girl might be a tad biased with her avatar being that of ROCK of AGES and Mr. Maroulis and Mr. Jarvis are both in the production. but thats just speculation I am sure

bwayboi4life42 if you were looking for perfection maybe you should have waited a few weeks to see the show. If you are a director you would know that the first preview is never perfect. I thought that was what previews were- time to polish and perfect?

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I was not expecting perfection. I knew the script and score would prevent that. I was, however, expecting better performances from trained actors.

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PHOTO CALL: More from the Alley Theatre's Toxic Avenger

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/158802-PHOTO-CALL-More-from-the-Alley-Theatres-Toxic-Avenger

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this is not a broadway show..please don't waste more money from investors to try and bring this thing in..oh Lord..

what was the point in wasting your energy to write that.

>>>Do you think certain shows should be censored from being produced on Broadway because you don't like them?
LOL
Anything is better then more Disney on Broadway.
I believe there is an audience for this type of show.
I guess we will know soon if it will open on Broadway.

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I just saw the show this weekend and thought it was in great shape. I didn't get to see it off-broadway, so I have nothing to compare it to as far as additions, cuts and/or changes. I had heard some bad things about the previous production, so maybe my expectations were low. Either way, I thought it as better than lots of shows I have seen on Broadway. The second act was considerably better than the first; the first seemed like it could use a few cuts to make it shorter and not drag.

All of the cast really was fantastic with Opel being the stand-out. Constantine sounded great singing the score. Mara Davi was perfect in the role. Mitchell Jarvis was his usually self - so you would love or hate him. Jarvis and Antoine Smith had the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands at times. It was fun to see them play so many different roles.

The audience seemed to really love it. I think this could do well if they could find a small house in NYC. I was surprised at how much I liked the score and book after hating Memphis. That was a nice surprise. If anyone wants to know any specifics, just let me know!

Mixed-to-positive review from the Chronicle. Praises the direction, design and cast with a love letter to Opel, but finds the book and score thin.

Having already enjoyed a nine-month run off-Broadway, Toxic Avenger has invaded the Alley Theatre in a production the show’s creators hope to take to Broadway this spring. Such aspirations seem not improbable, precisely because the show is based on such a preposterous source. It’s exactly this sort of spoofy, campy, outrageous and frankly low-aiming fare that has found favor on Broadway in recent years.

Bryan’s score is punchy and serviceable, but largely generic, offering little that is distinctively melodic or memorable. DiPietro’s determinedly jokey script and lyrics throw in anything that might get a laugh, and much that does. But the humor usually is very obvious and that, combined with the repetition of ideas and effects, brings diminishing returns.

Nancy Opel, a cherished Broadway veteran, is a scream as brash, unashamedly evil Mayor Babs, doubling as Toxie’s crusty Ma. What authority! What timing! Her duet-for-one showdown, playing both roles at once, is priceless, hysterical and reason enough to attend.

If you’re seeking musical theater of artistic merit and importance, look elsewhere. But if you’re in the market for a silly, rowdy romp with no holds barred on the grounds of taste, Toxic Avenger ought to be just the ticket.


REVIEW: TOXIC AVENGER IS CRASS BUT COMICAL

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Updated On: 1/22/12 at 08:38 PM

Review:

Very positive -

The Toxic Avenger: Pure Entertainment

you are wonderfully annoying.
Anyway, the review is not mixed to positive. It said the book is bad and the music is generic. I would like to disagree with your wonderfully biased point of view and say that its mixed to negative. this sentence pretty much sums it up. the reviewer says the show has no artistic merit. I would venture to say that leans on the negative side. BUt since you like the show and want it to succeed than it makes sense you would lean the other direction.

"If you’re seeking musical theater of artistic merit and importance, look elsewhere. But if you’re in the market for a silly, rowdy romp with no holds barred on the grounds of taste, Toxic Avenger ought to be just the ticket. "


I may state my opinion any which way I chose and I chose that way. Why do you feel the need to reply to my posts? Are you smitten with me? oh you are..you can say it..If i am hyperbolic why do you feel that you need to be the one to make sure the rest of the bway chat board knows it? Do you feel that you are more intelligent than the rest and need to properly educate the other children on what exactly my words mean? this board is so luck to have you here. Otherwise no one would have understood that toxic is only a broadway show if it makes it there. Thank you..The world is a safer place.