Posted: 6/29/19 at 2:38pm
disneybroadwayfan22 said: "Is there any kind of cherography during Roxanne?"
Absolutely! Dark and sexy. I'm gonna share my thoughts in a bit!
Posted: 6/29/19 at 2:46pm
Posted: 6/29/19 at 3:01pm
Posted: 6/29/19 at 3:13pm
Was there last night and…WOW…that was probably the most fun I ever had at a show. The set, the costumes, the lighting, the cast, I seriously don’t know where to begin. I’ve wanted to see this ever since I saw the stage pics from Boston and read the NYT review (and I’ll see Danny Burstein in anything). Worth every penny. Leaving the theatre on such a high like this is how I wanted to feel after TCS. But these guys delivered.
Walking in, all you’re doing is staring up and around the theatre in awe. Reminds me of that moment at the end of Part 1 in Harry Potter. And from the time the cast appears on stage (before the show even starts) to the end, it’s non-stop action. There’s so much going on it’s overwhelming at times. The opening number alone has everything but the kitchen sink.
Bad Romance is a show-stopper—LITERALLY! Absolutely thrilling. And they mashed it up with one of my favorite pop songs which doesn’t hurt. The dancing in this…there are no words.
Aaron and Karen had better chemistry than I thought they would when I’d see them in promos, and they sang their a**** off. I think Karen has a shot at the Tony. And my beloved Danny was perfect and funny. His intro reminded me of Cabaret. He also sings Chandelier with the boys. Great number.
Loved the music. Bonus point for sneaking in Torn, one of my favorite 90s songs! Only thing is my friend who saw it with me yesterday said they cut down Rhythm of the Night in the beginning and added this other song I never heard of. He liked it better before. I’ll agree since this new song does nothing for me. Maybe something dancier?
Some of my other favorites: Roxanne + Rolling in the Deep. Karen singing Firework gave me goosebumps. She’s the real deal. I was close enough to see her facial expressions…really moving.
Long story short, this is the show to see folks!
Some Random thoughts:
-Not liking the movie is a huge plus, based on comments. I know the feeling of seeing a favorite film on stage (which shall remain nameless) and wanting certain things to remain intact. Luckily I didn’t have that here. But am taking my mom, who’s a big fan of the movie, on the 23rd so I’ll definitely report back and see if they changed anything. And hopefully one day I’ll score a lottery.
-The Duke is hotter than holy hell!!!!!!!!!! That is all.
-My friend also said they added the flying acrobats at the end of Act 1 vs. Boston. One on each side of the stage.
-Sat in Row E…incredible view but thinking this is definitely one you’ll want to see from the front mezzanine so you can take it all in.
-About the comment before on the A/C, I didn’t find it warm where I was sitting, but those boys were definitely sweating it out up there.
-Bummed I missed the cast on the fire escape.
Updated On: 6/29/19 at 03:13 PM
Posted: 6/29/19 at 3:36pm
Posted: 6/29/19 at 4:03pm
RedDina said: "How was the line to get in? It looked absolutely crazy yesterday and I’m seeing it tonight. Should I get there earlier, or come at 7:50 and hope if there’s a queue they wait until we’re all in to start the show lol"
Better to get there early to take in the atmosphere and enjoy the show before the show (mostly dancers walking around on stage). I think last night’s show started after 8:00, probably like 8:06. A lot of people had to wait to be seated after the opening number (about 20 minutes in).
Posted: 6/29/19 at 5:20pm
ren598 said: "RedDina said: "How was the line to get in? It looked absolutely crazy yesterday and I’m seeing it tonight. Should I get there earlier, or come at 7:50 and hope if there’s a queue they wait until we’re all in to start the show lol"
Better to get there early to take in the atmosphere and enjoy the show before the show (mostlydancers walkingaround on stage). I think last night’s show started after 8:00, probably like 8:06. A lot of people had to wait to be seated after the opening number (about 20 minutes in)."
Well, all (or most) Bway shows start at about 5 after the announced time.
Updated On: 6/30/19 at 05:20 PM
Posted: 6/29/19 at 5:20pm
RedDina said: "How was the line to get in? It looked absolutely crazy yesterday and I’m seeing it tonight. Should I get there earlier, or come at 7:50 and hope if there’s a queue they wait until we’re all in to start the show lol"
The line moves a little more slowly than at other shows, since there are metal detectors that everyone goes through after emptying pockets and searching bags. I think the metal detectors are an ATG thing (like the exorbitant ticket prices).
Posted: 6/29/19 at 11:35pm
Posted: 6/30/19 at 12:46am
What an exciting evening of theater. Sensory overload is an understatement. We were in Row F and the close-up view was incredible. The choreography is exceptional, especially during Bad Romance. Really enjoyed the movements of the ensemble during the pre-show.
I thought there was chemistry between Aaron and Karen but the age difference is noticeable. I get what Jordan says about the ending. It does fall flat and doesn’t have the same emotional tug the movie did. However the woman on my left (my wife), the woman on my right and the woman in front of me were all sobbing like crazy at the end so maybe it’s a guy thing.
Missed I’ll Fly Away but Firework worked very well in its place. (I wouldn’t have thought that going in.). Roxanne is a highlight in the movie and I liked what they did with it on stage eve though it’s not the same. It may just be Bad Romance comes first and is just that so good everything that comes after pales in comparison.
I didn’t like the laughter every time someone started singing a song that wasn’t in the movie especially at the end when laughter wasn’t appropriate. Also disliked the way the audience went crazy at the beginning of Roxanne and the clapping during another song (maybe Chandelier but can’t remember for sure.)
People we talked to who sat in front of us said they saw it twice in Boston and it is unchanged. Sure to be a hit with the public and likely critic-proof.
Updated On: 6/30/19 at 12:46 AM
Posted: 6/30/19 at 1:17am
I was there tonight. It was a spectacular spectacular. The immersive nature of the theatre decoration and presentation was amazing, and everything was over the top (in a good way).
However, I have MAJOR issues with the staging and aspects of the set. Specifically, they unnecessarily made many seats limited view. I was in J-16. Exactly mid-row, house right. For much of the show, the action was obstructed.
- The set has "balcony" extensions in the box area, but these weren't used much. I understand this is part of what made the experience so immersive, and of the contributing factors, this one is probably the least fixable (and is only part of the issue)
- Beneath the overhang of these extensions is a large monitor speaker. It hangs right where there would be a clearish view through to stage left. (I assume the same is true on the other side of the house.
- There were many occasions where there were performers standing in front of the stairs to the extensions, directly obstructing the view. If they were further "upstage" closer to the proscenium OR further to the sides in front of the stairs. that would not be a factor. Again, I understand the importance of building the tableau for the majority of the house, but with some minor blocking changes, this could be mitigated for many of the cases where it's now problematic.
- The onstage blocking largely put the action upstage and very often to the far stage left and right. Moving them a bit closer to center stage would again mitigate this. (Of course, not everything needs to be set downstage center, but again, some small adjustments would make a huge difference.
- Most often, when we couldn't see the action and our view was obstructed by the performers, it might've been better, if there was something going on that compensated, but most often, the people were basically standing there. (The passerelle wasn't often used, either)
These are eminently fixable problems - especially the blocking. The seat next to me saw much less. and I suspect that the rightmost four seats saw almost nothing. (and, again, this is mid-house, row J). Not surprisingly, when I bought the tickets at the earliest pre-sale time, they weren't identified as obstructed or limited view - but considering that the set design was likely still being fine-tuned at that time, I'd not expect otherwise.
Someone from the show really needs to sit in my seat or thereabouts to see the result. I'm sure I'd have enjoyed the show more if I could've seen more of it. I'm also hoping to see a questionnaire.
Aside from that bugaboo, the show is in great shape. No visible technical issues with set or sound, the show moved well, the dancing was great. The sets and design were great (aside from the above), Danny Burstein seemed to be having the time of his life (Tony, please!), Aaron Tveit has a beautiful voice, and Karen Olivo was good.
For a show like this, I think the key is the over-the-top experience of the show. It really doesn't matter that the plot is paper thin and although it would be great to see sizzling chemistry between the leads, it's less of a disaster if there isn't.
I think it'll be a smash hit. And I can't wait to see what Jordan Roth wears to opening night!
Updated On: 6/30/19 at 01:17 AM
Posted: 6/30/19 at 1:32am
Posted: 6/30/19 at 9:28am
We were row L , house right mezz. In the middle. (fine seats for Kinky Boots). For Moulin, we had a very limited view of the runway surrounding the cocktail table seats. Could only see the top of some heads. Could not see much of opening number action on the runway.
If you want a full views from the mezz, you need to be in the first five rows. Probably center section.
The elephant blocked other views.
At the prices they are charging, they owe it to the theater goers to disclose this. The producers and powers that be are well aware of this, per someone in the production.
I saw this 4x in Boston and thought the changes made tightened up the show.
Love the show, but want to see the entire experience. Seats ruined it for me.
Posted: 6/30/19 at 9:29am
Posted: 6/30/19 at 10:10am
Posted: 6/30/19 at 10:36am
It will be interesting to see if they start marking more seats limited view. As we walked out last night, the production people in the back were all smiling from ear to ear just nodding at each other (the theatrical version of a high-five.)
Updated On: 6/30/19 at 10:36 AM
Posted: 6/30/19 at 10:58am
barcelona20 said: "I haven't seen the Broadway version yet, but it's insane to me that they hardly made any changes from Boston. Almost like them saying, this show will succeed no matter what, why bother trying to improve it."
Or, it means THEY are happy with it. Esp since they have been some changes.
To the best of my knowledge, there are no discounts, it seems to be selling very well.
Posted: 6/30/19 at 11:17am
barcelona20 said: "I haven't seen the Broadway version yet, but it's insane to me that they hardly made any changes from Boston. Almost like them saying, this show will succeed no matter what, why bother trying to improve it."
This is a stupid comment. They are making changes.. all the time. Just because they aren’t necessarily huge and noticeable ones to the paying public doesn’t mean they are just hanging around being complacent. They are in every day all day working on it.
Posted: 6/30/19 at 11:37am
the.hard.part said: "Also there is a cancellation line (I was first in line around 5pm, got my ticket at 6:45) and the box office said they will be reassessing SRO after previews as the creatives need the standing space currently."
How much was your cancellation ticket and where was the seat located?
Posted: 6/30/19 at 11:41am
theaterlover10 said: "We were row L , house right mezz. In the middle. (fineseats for Kinky Boots). For Moulin, wehad a very limited view of the runway surrounding the cocktail table seats. Could only see the topof some heads. Could not see much ofopening number action on the runway.
If you want afull views from themezz, you need to be in the first five rows. Probably center section.
The elephant blocked other views."
I’m in seat G1, same one I had for Kinky Boots, and it’ll be on the Windmill side. Hopefully this won’t have obstructions like you’ve mentioned - it’s the first row just after the cross-aisle in the lower mezzanine, house left...
https://www.broadwayworld.com/seatingchart/Al-Hirschfeld-Theatre
Updated On: 6/30/19 at 11:41 AM
Posted: 6/30/19 at 12:39pm
Posted: 6/30/19 at 12:42pm
I did hear from a few people that it is stuffy in there. Have they been having some kind of AC problem? Hopefully resolved before I go in August.
Posted: 6/30/19 at 1:01pm
dmwnc1959 said: "theaterlover10 said: "We were row L , house right mezz. In the middle. (fineseats for Kinky Boots). For Moulin, wehad a very limited view of the runway surrounding the cocktail table seats. Could only see the topof some heads. Could not see much ofopening number action on the runway.
If you want afull views from themezz, you need to be in the first five rows. Probably center section.
The elephant blocked other views."
I’m in seat G1, same one I had for Kinky Boots, and it’ll be on the Windmill side. Hopefully this won’t have obstructions like you’ve mentioned - it’s the first row just after the cross-aisle in the lower mezzanine, house left...
https://www.broadwayworld.com/seatingchart/Al-Hirschfeld-Theatre
"
I wouldn't get too worked up about this. Views of the end of the runway from the upper levels would be an issue in almost every Broadway house, depending on how close they overhang the orchestra. However, from what I recall in Boston, very little actually happens there.
Posted: 6/30/19 at 1:11pm
CT2NYC said “I wouldn't get too worked up about this. Views of the end of the runway from the upper levels would be an issue in almost every Broadway house, depending on how close they overhang the orchestra. However, from what I recall in Boston, very little actually happens there.”
Not at all worked up. 
Just only once ever booked an obstructed view, and that was for The Lion King at Baltimore’s Hippodrome a couple years back.
My seat for Moulin Rouge! at 159$ all-in I figured is a fairly good price. Bought it (and Hadestown) at the very beginning of March for a late-August midweek evening performance, even before I’d planned on my July trip with Beetlejuice. Very much looking forward to this!
