I was there last night too and I pretty much agree with what you two have said. I thought the visual aesthetics were spot on; an appropriate dinginess permeated the design and if they want to do this in rep with Urinetown they could use the same sets and costumes.
They are using the Blitzstein translation, and although it's probably the most well-known I would have preferred to hear a more modern, explicit version to match the attempted daring of the production.
Laura is indeed amazing. Her "Barbara Song" was well-sung and "Jealousy Duet" was one of the few times the show seemed to find its groove. Mary Beth Peil and Sally Murphy are also doing strong work. When a friend and I saw Murphy in the Apple Family plays earlier this season we also remarked that she could still play Julie Jordan. She truly hasn't aged.
Despite not being blown away I think this has the potential to get a lot better during previews, but they have their work cut out for them. The piece is lacking energy and momentum. Right now it's just a very dour episodic revue rather than a cohesive narrative. The humor also barely registered- the one exception to that was Rick Holmes as Tiger Brown.
If you want to go it might be wise to wait a few weeks and then check it out.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
