Moulin Rouge Colonial Theatre Previews- Page 16

[IDidntMuchLikeit]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 5:10pm

1 ticket for tonight (7/14 at 8pm) I can’t use now. Center orchestra. Just don’t want it to go to waste. PM me if interested. 

[Solipsist234]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 5:13pm

EllieRose2 said: ""I dont think Aaron ever comes out."

Why are you telling random lies? What do you have to base that on? Himcoming out to stage door after shows? Because that usually happens. If you knew anything about him or have seen him in his shows, you would know that."

There is no need to be rude, Ellie...

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 5:28pm

Just left the matinee. I’m simply shocked that there is almost no discussion about how this show is going to print money. Despite a few flaws, this show is the most enjoyable production I’ve seen in forever. This will kill in New York! Loved it so much, I bought seats for tonight’s performance as well!

[Eboyd514]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 5:38pm

Just got out of the matinee. For the most part I absolutely loved loved it. The second act is solid. The first part needs a little cutting but this has potential to be huge. It just doesn’t need to be 3 hours long hahah. Couple of song choices need to be changed. I really couldn’t believe this was the 4th show it looked super polished. Go see it if you can it’s wonderful.

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 5:48pm

msmp said: "bwayrose7 said: "Can we please have just one thread that stays on topic? Most of us really, really, REALLY are just here to talk theatre.

I for one am curious about the reasoning behind some of the more controversial changes to this show. My biggest "complaint" is twofold: why make the running love theme "Your Song" instead of "Come What May", and why on earth would they replace "One Day I'll Fly Away"?"

I thought the switch to "Your Song" worked well enough; to me, it made things a little more personal when Christian was singing to Satine. But I think the primary reason they did it was probably that the song is more recognizable to the general public, as opposed to people who know the movie?"

It's seems more personal BECAUSE they cut the meaning behind "Come What May." The idea that Christian has written a song that is THEIR song as a couple that is totally unique to them, their love, and the situation they are in is what makes "Come What May" an emotional piece. "Your Song" is the song that makes her fall in love with him, it's not the song that is ABOUT their love. To remove that meaning and just make "Come What May" some random song that they don't even really use together as a duet is one of the biggest crimes here.

From all I am reading, really not matter what this show is gonna make BANK at the box office but is that enough? In it's current state, all signs likely point to it being ripped apart by critiques and depending on what else comes in to share the season with it, I could see it becoming the Mean Girls of it's season. Loved by audiences/it's rabid fan base, but totally ignored in the awards minus a few technically awards.

[ren598]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 5:50pm

Glad to hear so many positive reviews coming thru now. After the first show, it seems like there was more negative than positive.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 6:06pm

Scarlet Leigh said, "From all I am reading, really not matter what this show is gonna make BANK at the box office but is that enough? In it's current state, all signs likely point to it being ripped apart by critiques and depending on what else comes in to share the season with it, I could see it becoming the Mean Girls of it's season. Loved by audiences/it's rabid fan base, but totally ignored in the awards minus a few technically awards."

 

I'm not sure what your point here is.  First: awards are not the do all and end all for shows.  Neither are they the only way to measure success. While I'm sure all involved (in any show) dream of being recognized with awards, they will be just as happy to make audiences happy.  Second: Some rabid fans (according to reports) are going to hate this because of the changes.  But what about all those that are NOT fans of the film - whether, like me, didnt care for it or just haven't seen it?   

There are few shows that ever have EVERYONE falling in love with it - Not Hamilton, Not The Band's Visit, not Dear Evan Hansen.   

 

Note: I have no opinion on this show as I have to wait another week or so to see it.   Might love it, might hate it.

Updated On: 7/14/18 at 06:06 PM

[Sondheimite]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 6:23pm

There's video of Bad Romance and a few other numbers going around in "the circles" and I'm impressed but not as much as I wanted to be.  

All visual, no meat. 

Updated On: 7/14/18 at 06:23 PM

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 6:49pm

https://youtu.be/t-65zkze8kE

B-Roll Teaser

[Eboyd514]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 7:03pm

Sondheimite said: "There's video of Bad Romance and a few other numbers going around in "the circles" and I'm impressed but not as much as I wanted to be.

All visual, no meat."

 

For the most part I agree with this. There is “meat” is the second half. Actually a lot of meat. The movie didn’t have a lot of meat either thought

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 7:20pm

I just got back from the matinee too. I won the lotto and had tickets in the Dress Circle, row K. Not bad seats for the price ($35 each, max 2). They were considered limited view, but I didn't really miss much (I only missed some of the action in one of the front corners of the stage where it extends out).

The show is mostly style with little substance. There are definitely a lot of flaws with the book; however, I didn't go in with the highest expectations.

I hated the movie, but thoroughly enjoyed the stage version, despite the flaws. Visually, this show is stunning - the set, costumes, lights, and choreography. Also, I'll admit I rolled my eyes when I saw the song list, but was surprised at how enjoyable the performances were without being too over-the-top cheesy.

P.S. There were two ladies a few rows in front of me in the dress circle (row H??) who seemed drunk. One lady kept dancing in her seat, bobbing her head obnoxiously, singing, and waving her hands in the air. The lady next to her kept inhaling a drink and standing up every few minutes. Very rude and distracting. Also, now apparently you can order drinks via an app and someone will deliver it to your seat pre-show or during intermission. I haven't been to the theater much lately - is this the new norm?

 

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 7:42pm

disneybroadwayfan22 said: "First pic of bows. Just know they do something really cool for Christian and Satine

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlE2tEzAlSf/?taken-at=1466706343368415

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

They're on a swing

"

This didn't happen at today's matinee.

[denali.fire]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 8:02pm

When Aaron was in CMIYC the stage door men said he had left already.  He left very fast, before the audience had time to leave.  A second time we were told the same thing.  Aaron likes his privacy.  I respect him for that.

Calling anyone a random liar is uncalled for.

Perhaps he is greeting at stage door now, or for the initial shows.  Aaron pumps out a lot of energy in his strong work ethic.  Again, he likes his privacy.

 

Updated On: 7/14/18 at 08:02 PM

[denali.fire]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 8:08pm

Maybe now that he is on the swing he will not be able to get out the door as fast!

[And Peggy]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 9:56pm

millie_dillmount said: "P.S. There were two ladies a few rows in front of me in the dress circle (row H??) who seemed drunk. One lady kept dancing in her seat, bobbing her head obnoxiously, singing, and waving her hands in the air."

 

I was in row D of the balcony and this was happening to some degree or another in the three rows in front of me. (Well, thankfully no singing, but lots of dancing and bobbing along, etc.) At times it reminded me of the crowd at Summer. 

"

 

[gray_area]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 10:27pm

millie_dillmount said: " Also, now apparently you can order drinks via an app and someone will deliver it to your seat pre-show or during intermission. I haven't been to the theater much lately - is this the new norm?"

I think this is a norm for ATG theaters as Cursed Child also does the same at the Lyric Theater in NYC. And the Colonial is under ATG.

[the.hard.part]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 10:48pm

In general would front balcony be alright for this or is it worth splurging?

[yellibean2]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 10:51pm

I ended up in Row J of the Dress Circle, all the way to the right. There was hardly anyone else sitting in my row though so I moved closer to the center where I had a full view of the stage, but it did still feel pretty far from the action. I was hoping based on previous lottery experiences that I'd get a seat in the orchestra, but now I'm more excited to see it this Wednesday in the Orchestra seat I had previously bought.

Overall my feelings are pretty in line with what others have said. It's definitely more style than substance (whereas I think the movie had a little more of the latter), but it's just an all out incredibly enjoyable show. It clocked in at 3 hours including the intermission and while there are definitely parts that could be cut and you wouldn't lose much of anything (Act I especially has some pacing issues), I still probably enjoyed every minute of it. It's a giant spectacle - the sets alone are probably worth the price with admission. Add to that incredible costumes, an unbelievably talented cast and ensemble and exciting choreography and you've got an all-around great show.

I must have seen the movie hundreds of times as a teenager and while it's been years since I've seen it, I think I underestimated how attached I was to it. I'm glad they didn't try replicate exactly, but some of the changes had me scratching my head. Don't get me wrong, Karen Olivo sings Katy Perry better than Katy Perry ever could, but why not just have her sing One Day I'll Fly Away in that scene instead? And why not have Santiago sing the Tango with Christian coming in later? And why cut The Show Must Go On, which would still fit in perfectly? And why not give Danny Burstein a song to shine?

It definitely seems like they paid for royalties in bulk and ended up with a few too many "fresh" songs. It felt like every song in Act I was a medley. I liked the new additions to Elephant Love Medley (in particular Everlasting Love and Take On Me are pretty adorable add-ons), but it didn't quite stand out in the way it does in the movie with all the medleys leading up to it. Also it got pretty tiring hearing the audience laugh every time someone started singing a song they recognized, but maybe I'm just a buzzkill. Even though I don't love the Rolling Stones, I did think that the added Stones medley sung by Satine and the Duke was more in the spirit of the film than most of the other additions. Also love the Bohemians' Marxist commentary, though the irony may be lost in such an expensive production. It's an interesting choice that Zidler is now gay. I am pretty glad they changed the Bollywood aspect of the play - I had kind of blocked that subplot out in my head but looking back it would definitely be seen as racially insensitive today.

The directing, especially in the beginning, seemed to take one too many pages from the Cabaret revival's books, but if the shoe fits, I guess. Not totally sure how I feel about the new characterization of The Duke. I remember reading reviews of the movie that said he was too silly and not a real threat to the main relationship, but the fact that The Duke constantly seemed abusive here didn't exactly level out the playing field either. The dialogue is definitely corny, but I don't think anyone's going to go to see Moulin Rouge for the dialogue, so I'm not too concerned about it. Tv8 does seem a little uncomfortable with the narration, and I'm not sure if that's because he's still getting used to the script or if it's just too cheesy. A few mishaps with the curtain happened, but that'll get worked out.

millie_dillmount - I think I know who you're talking about and agree that they were annoying. I didn't think they were drunk, just that they thought it was more of a concert. Also saw someone with her hair piled up several inches above her head which just seems rude when you're going to see a show...

Definitely excited to go back on Wednesday, so I guess that's what most important. Updated On: 7/14/18 at 10:51 PM

[And Peggy]

Posted: 7/14/18 at 10:53pm

the.hard.part said: "In general would front balcony be alright for this or is it worth splurging?"

As I mentioned, I was in row D of the balcony and with the exception of the posture queen in front of me blocking some of the action on the stage right passerelle I felt I had an excellent view.  

[barcelona20]

Posted: 7/15/18 at 12:05am

I don't think the reviews will be that kind, but this seems like one of those critic-proof shows.  It's like Mamma Mia on steroids.  You have my permission Moulin Rouge to use that line in your advertising. You're welcome.

[msmp]

Posted: 7/15/18 at 4:22am

the.hard.part said: "In general would front balcony be alright for this or is it worth splurging?"

Given the sight-lines at the Colonial post-renovation, I think you should be fine with front balcony. I splurged (a little) for rear orchestra and I don't regret it, but people I met at the stage-door who sat in the balcony seemed to have just as enjoyable an experience. If you're really towards the front of the balcony, you might have a better view of the choreography for some scenes (Bad Romance comes to mind), but with a little bit less of the facial expressions.

Bottom line, I'm not sure there's a bad seat in the house (except for the limited leg room seats noted in the Dress Circle).

[Ladybug101]

Posted: 7/15/18 at 4:58am

Denali.fire said:" Perhaps he is greeting at stage door now, or for the initial shows.  Aaron pumps out a lot of energy in his strong work ethic.  Again, he likes his privacy. 

I agree that AT pumps out a lot of energy in his work but after reading "Bad Stage Door Behavior" threads on BW there seems a consistent note that Aaron has been besieged by very avid fans even known to follow him down the street since N2N.  That probably also slowed down his appearances at the door.

EllieRose2 mentioned in a post here a couple of days ago how kind he was at the stage door of "Company" last summer.  I remember a post back then that said he came out in a heavy storm to sign and take pictures at a little overhang.  He and Mara Davi were the only cast members there that night. And he seemed consistently there throughout the run of show.  I'm a fan and look at his twitter where some people post their selfies. 

At the opening preview of Moulin Rouge only Aaron and Karen came out according to my reading.  He also staged door for London's "Assassins" but it seems that it looked like it was done in doors.  His Les Mis co-star Eddie Redmayne was in that area visiting him and took a few pics of fans with Aaron and himself if my memory serves (but it doesn't always.)

But be forewarned that he is not good about doing stage door during 2 show days == matinees are not always safe.  His strong work ethic gets him tired out. And I think MR would be particularly exhausting so maybe less Stage Door than "Company".

[msmp]

Posted: 7/15/18 at 3:05pm

In my experience, very few people stage-door after a matinee on a two-show day. It makes sense, given they only have a few hours to recuperate and grab something to eat before they need to get back into makeup, costumes, etc. That's definitely not confined to Aaron.

Regarding him with MR, he came out when I went (2nd preview) but he and Karen both seemed to be utterly exhausted. They're both pouring so much into this show I can't blame them if they want to just go home and crash after performing!

[Codeman109]

Posted: 7/15/18 at 4:51pm

The Saturday night crowd LOVED every second of the show. People were going wild last night in a way I’ve never experienced in my 30 years living in New York.

The show is fun and entertaining. The cast is incredible and energetic from start to finish. Loved seeing Aaron, Karen and Danny on stage. The set is incredible, the dancing is outstanding. Just an enjoyable night.

I agree with the people saying some of the songs feel forced and comparing it to Disaster. When many songs began and audiences recognized the opening chords or lines, there was plenty of laughter which would ruin some dramatic/serious moments.

I was bummed with songs from the movie being cut and/or edited. There were way too many Top 40 hits going one after another.

Show was three hours flat including the intermission. I think they can/should trim a scene/song or two.

A very solid, enjoyable night at theater!

[SFCowboy]

Posted: 7/15/18 at 11:39pm

I just happened to be passing through Boston and managed to catch this tonight. I don't really know the movie. (I tried to watch it last week but found it mostly dizzying.) I can certainly see how someone who is attached to the movie would be disappointed in some of the choices made. As someone not attached to the movie, I was thoroughly entertained tonight, with some caveats.

First of all, Danny Burstein is a treasure, and I was most taken by his character and his portrayal. Sure, he could use his own song (or a better song) to sing, but he still shines without it. But really, all of the cast was wonderful, given the material they had to work with. The sets were even more amazing live than the photos suggest, and that's really saying something. And the staging and choreography were absolutely terrific. This really was a spectacle!

I think the problem this show has is that it doesn’t quite know what it wants to be. On one hand, it’s a 3-hour gimmicky ride through the history of pop music that I grew a little tired of. Most of the songs did elicit knowing laughter, though there were a few serious moments when the audience remained respectfully quiet. And I get it -- the songs were fun! But that made it difficult, if not impossible, to create any emotional depth to the story. I was never really convinced about Satine's and Christian's love, and I found myself feeling bad for Karen Olivo and Aaron Tveit for having to wring true passion out of shoehorned songs that didn't perfectly fit. I was a little moved by the ending, but only a little, and even that was abruptly whisked away by the joyous coda. I still had loads of fun, but I would have settled for less fun and more feeling.

(I actually found myself comparing this with Head Over Heels, which also features shoehorned music and a lack of emotional depth. I think the difference is that Head Over Heels doesn't even try to go there – it only tries to be fun.)

My seat was just about perfect – center orchestra row J (8th row). This actually felt too close at times, as the action heavily uses the passerelle and extends to either side of the stage. I would absolutely not recommend the VIP seating unless you're planning on seeing this another time from a more traditional location. Too much of the action will be behind you, or worse, all around you.

The audience tonight was pitch-perfect, at least in the orchestra. Ecstatically enthusiastic without being annoying, and, amazingly, totally pin-drop quiet when called for. Bravo!