You and I are seeing two very different shows.
I love Movin Out. I think it has a lot to say, especially in the time we are in now. It’s a shame you left at intermission because Act 2 has a bulk of the best scenes, the best dancing, and the most emotional moment of the night: Goodnight Saigon. And by the standing ovations, I think other people are getting the story.
Movin’ Out is NOT just about Billy Joel songs. It is a ballet constructed around the songs in a much more cohesive storyline than I expected. It’s not your regular musical, but it has many merits to it, one being the brilliant performances by Desmond Richardson and John Selya.
I really connected to John Selya’s portrayal of Eddie and part of that made me love the show so much. I have seen his understudy and the show is very different, it’s more about dance than story since Eddie is pretty much the core of the show ESPECIALLY the second act. The other main cast members, Ashley Tuttle, Desmond Richardson, and Nancy Lemanager really formulated their characters well.
If you don’t like dance, then you’re seeing the wrong show. But to say it’s not an art form? Utterly ridiculous. Again, YOU didn’t see the second act. If you had, I think you would have a lot more appreciation for those five dancers that risk so much by doing that show at least five times a week.
If you’re really interested in what you’re missing and want clarification on the show and choices made, there’s an interview
http://www.americantheatrewing.org:8080/ramgen/downstage/Episode14.rm there that will really help you understand and will give big insight into the show.
