I'm a Movin Out junkie -- I've seen the Broadway version many many times and the tour in a couple of different cities.
The actual show is almost entirely the same.
There is one fewer cast member.
The role Scott Wise does on Broadway is done by an ensemble member on tour.
The only other real difference is that the platform the band sits on doesn't move on tour and it does move on Broadway. The car is a little smaller for the tour... They use a fence instead of wooden slats for one of the backgrouds...
The sets in this show are minimal so really there aren't any differences... Costumes are all the same...
As far as the quality of the performers.... I think that the performers on tour are as good as the Original Broadway Cast and better than many of the current Broadway replacements.
Everyone on the tour is great but if you can, try to see the cast led by David Gomez and Holly Cruikshank as Brenda and Tony --- They're amazing. Also, the singer Darren Holden (who performs about 6 of the 8 tour shows a week)is wonderful -- every bit as good as Michael Cavanaugh on Broadway.
I believe that Cruikshank's website lists the dates she's performing.... Try www.hollycruikshank.com
It's too bad the platform doesn't move on the tour. It did during the Chicago tryout of the show. It was a very cool effect. Not necessary for the show, but very cool.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
The tour also has Ron Todorowksi playing Eddie. I saw him when he was an understudy on Broadway and was absolutely amazed. Though I adore John Selya, Ron has a few moves that he does that are unmatchable. I'd love to catch the tour just to see him again.
Ron Todorowksi is Eddie on tour? Oh how fun! I saw him as Eddie when I went to see the show in September of 03 (was sad I didn't get to see John Seyla, but Ron was spectacular). I absolutely loved him. What a sweetheart after the show, too. He and Michael Cavanaugh have got to be two of the sweetest Broadway performers I've had the pleasure of meeting.