Munk's LENNON review
Munk's LENNON review
Munk's LENNON review#0
Posted: 9/11/05 at 9:22pm
My first review in ages, kiddies, I know you've all been on the edge of your seats saying to yourselves, "When is he going to review another show?" Well, wonder no more, for here I am.
So, "Lennon."
At first glance, LENNON seems like just another sad attempt to make some money off of someone else's work. I mean, why not? Half the work has already been done for them. As we well know - and as (one would think) these "people" would start to realize - is that recycled material doesn't always guarantee money in the bank. Unfortunately, for shows with actual artistic merit, LENNON might be an exception to that rule. No, not because it's any better than something like "Good Vibrations" - not that it's worse, Lord knows it's not worse - but because inspiration John Lennon has actually created such a diverse, rich, and inspired library of music that the majority of people that will likely spend money on this "show" won't be ones that go into LENNON looking to be challenged - it is those of the baby boomer generation who experienced The Beatles and Lennon's fame first-hand that will be dishing out the big bucks to see this. Okay, great - that's fine - after all, LENNON wasn't created in hopes of winning the Pulitzer, it was created (although seemingly, as a vehicle for Yoko Ono) to be a valentine of sorts not only to John Lennon, but to New York City and to the youth of today, looking to inspire young adults now, much in the same way that Lennon did over thirty years ago. Sadly, the only emotions this show evokes from its audience are those of bafflement and regret. Regret, simply because John Lennon is beloved by millions all over the world - and one would think, atleast I feel this way, that someone of such amazing magnitude and clarity and everything that Lennon actually was - could have been presented in a more respectful, meaningful way - not the slapdash "Broadway musical" that is LENNON.
Generally, the cast is impressive. There are a few great people here that we see on the Broadway stage all too seldom; people such as Will Chase, Chuck Cooper, Mandy Gonzalez, Terrence Mann, and Julia Murney. The rest of the cast was incredibly talented as well - but those mentioned above are the ones that I was previously partial to. The whole idea of all the males playing John Lennon is definitely intriguing - and, if done right, could be stunning. However, here, in the incapable hands of Don Scardino, it is almost embarrasing. Okay yes, I get what Don is trying to say with this. It just doesn't work. And did he really need to print his reasoning in the Playbill? Anyone with half a brain could figure out the vague "symbolism" there. So, all in all, a less than brilliant idea that backfired. Of all the Lennon's, Will Chase was inifintely the best. Not only in look, but in sound, in accent, in poise, in demeanor - he really had it down. Everyone else, it seemed, was just lost. And the worst? Not important - all the others were almost embarrasingly amateur in performance, including the not-quite-but-almost "legendary" Terrance Mann. What in the world would possess someone as talented as Mann to do a show like this? Honestly, my gut feeling is that he does a flop show every year or so - just so he doesn't have to work to too long - to remind the public that he's still alive. He is so sadly out of place in this show that it made me feel bad for him - he didn't work in the show. Although as Lennon, he was terrible - as some of the other characters, he was spot-on. If the production had been conceived better, he could potentially be amazing.
I am honestly so glad that I saw this show. Not because it's good - because it's not - but because it reminded me of how amazing Chuck Cooper is. He seemed, atleast to me, like the glue of the show. He knew what he was doing, and every ounce of his soul was in it. His renditions of a few of the songs were literally breathtaking. I'm also glad, because this show introduced me to Marcy Harriell - someone I was previously unaware of. While a generally fine performer all around, her "Woman is the n* of the World" was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening - this girl brought tears to my eyes and had chills running up and down my spine...she was the only person in the show to completely move me. Mandy Gonzalez (Jessica Simpson, anyone?) was fine, as was Julia Murney - but neither of them did anythign for me. Chad Kimball was cute, but out of his league here - although his performance in "I Don't Want to Lose You," I believe it was - was fantastic. The fact that anyone played Yoko Ono really was bizarre to me - and I'm not quite sure why. If everyone else tried to sing like Lennon, why didn't she try to sound like Yoko? Because people would have walked out? It was just bizzare to me. So - although the cast all had powerhouse voices, only a couple had the entire package.
Complete with a white build-it-yourself mini piano from Ikea and a replication of the set from "Who Wants to be a Millionare?", the set of LENNON is no less puzzling than the actual show. Thank f*ck for the generally stylish and smart projections - atleast I had something to keep my interest during the show. But seriously now - I have some questions that were unanswered by this breathtaking piece of theatre:
1. Was this show possibly produced as a vehicle for Don Scardino/Yoko Ono - i'm sorry - Yoko Ono Lennon's - political beliefs? Were the daiseys donated by moveon.org or something? Are they trying to celebrate Lennon's life, or encourage the entire audience to be against the current war?
2. Is Yoko Ono a Saint, and I was just unaware? Was this show produced by People for the Long-Overdue Cannonization of Yoko Ono?
3. Did Yoko Ono - I'm sorry, I slipped again - St. Yoko Ono Lennon - only agree to do this show so people so adamantly against her - or confused by her - could finally accept her and realize that she's a good, saintly, person? Does he honestly think that he's more important than the story of her late husband? Does she expect our pity?
What actually made me angry about this show was that it started out as a nice little celebration of Lennon's life and work, but quickly turned into a story about Yoko Ono. Forget John's confusion and downward spiral, including almost being removed from the country - how is Yoko feeling? Forget about John's death - how is Yoko feeling? And in the end, I felt like I was being told to feel a certain way. And that wasn't "Wow, he was an amazing man!" It was more along the lines of "Gee, look at all the trials and tribulations that poor Yoko went through! I'm so glad that she's such a good person with a such a big heart that she didn't just crumble under all the pressure of making millions of dollars off of your husband!"
I'm sorry for this more than usual cynical review - the production really just did make me a little mad. How lucky for all these great performers to be performing such great music - that's kind of a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Which is also sad. John Lennon's life and work are such that it creates a healthy opportunity for an interesting, artistic representation of this life - maybe a movie, or maybe a Broadway musical. Unfortunately, Lennon's musical has come and gone, and this is it. This is the John Lennon that Broadway will remember - and he should have a lot better. Hell, he deserves a lot better than this contrived, pathetic piece of drivel representing his life. When telling the story of someone's life - such as John Lennon or, oh, say, Peter Allen or Boy George, there is a way to go about it. One way, Don Scardino might suggest, is to throw together a rock concert disguised as a Broadway musical, and fill it with a bunch of great performers and banal direction. As LENNON has proved, that's not the way to go. Mr. Scardino and St. Yoko Ono Lennon would have better succeeded this time around if they presented Lennon's story is a more traditional, linear manner - such as THE BOY FROM OZ, or TABOO. While neither OZ nr TABOO was successful (artistically - I'm not talking about Hugh Jackman's box office jackpot,) both certainly had aspects about their productions that worked. Part of what is great about Broadway these days is that there is so much that has come before us. Hundreds and hundreds of shows that have opened and closed over the last century. And from the shows that have come before us, it's important that anyone - namely a director or producer or writer - when thinking about presenting something new, it's important that before moving onward (if they have any hope at advancing the art form that is musical theatre,) they study the past. Because then, and only then - after you embrace what came before you - can you truly produce a piece of theatre - even a piece of art, if you will, that has any hopes at becoming successful. So, in the end, not only does Scardino appear clueless about musical theatre, but he also seems clueless about John Lennon's legacy. Obviously, I'm not one to speak for John Lennon - no one can do that - but I'm fairly certain that if John Lennon were alive today, he would be appalled at what is currently being presented at the Broadhurst Theatre.
re: Munk's LENNON review#1
Posted: 9/11/05 at 9:40pm
And honestly, just a warning, I haven't heard any other feedback on this show. I've been so busy and out of the loop lately that I haven't read one real review yet, and I haven't read any reviews on here yet...so don't think I went in wanting to hate it. That certainly wasn't the case - and I didn't hate it. I was disappointed by it.
And, uh...sorry it's so long.
re: Munk's LENNON review#2
Posted: 9/11/05 at 9:43pm
Yoko Ono, in an interview, says that she wanted them to portray Lennon they best they could and would rather not have been involved.
I wonder who signs the checks...
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/20/05
re: Munk's LENNON review#3
Posted: 9/11/05 at 9:47pm
Lotsa good stuff to chew on here...
That was a lot of hard work, Munkie.
(Would be easier to read if you broke it up into shorter paragraphs, just a tip.)
re: Munk's LENNON review#4
Posted: 9/11/05 at 9:56pmThanks for the review! It was a good read.
re: Munk's LENNON review#5
Posted: 9/11/05 at 10:40pm
nomdeplume...thanks...if those truly were compliments.
Honestly, I dont spend a lot of time or energy on these reviews, so don't think that this is hard, proofread work. I write it in like 10 minutes, and whatever comes into my head, I put down. But...I would like to hear more feedback on my opinions of the show, rather than on my actual writing.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/20/05
re: Munk's LENNON review#6
Posted: 9/11/05 at 10:42pm
munkustrap, they were compliments.
Look at my little LENNON "almost a thread" that I bumped up for you and you may be surprised by some similar lines of thought...
Updated On: 9/11/05 at 10:42 PM
re: Munk's LENNON review#7
Posted: 9/11/05 at 10:45pm
You must not love peace and love and you must not have been willing to give peace a chance.
Lemon Pledge, I mean, Lennon Plea
re: Munk's LENNON review#8
Posted: 9/11/05 at 10:54pm
You're right, Namo. I'm absolutely anti-peace.
In the words of Joe Brooks, when life gives you lemons, write a musical!
re: Munk's LENNON review#9
Posted: 9/11/05 at 10:55pm
You're right, Namo. I'm absolutely anti-peace.
In the words of Joe Brooks, when life gives you lemons, write a musical!
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/5/04
re: Munk's LENNON review#11
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:40am
Yea guys, you caught me.
But seriously...are people just ignoring this thread because it doesn't make LENNON look amazing? Or do people really not care about this show?
re: Munk's LENNON review#12
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:43am
munk - You've missed a lot on your hiatus.
I think people don't take the show seriously anymore...and all the real Lennon fans are sleeping.
re: Munk's LENNON review#13
Posted: 9/12/05 at 12:29pmWell I can certainly see how people just ignore this show - that's all it deserves.
re: Munk's LENNON review#14
Posted: 9/12/05 at 12:34pm
munk, don't hate me. You know I have a thing for Julia. 
re: Munk's LENNON review#15
Posted: 9/12/05 at 12:53pm
I don't hate you. But if Raul knew that you were being unfaithful to him for a WOMAN, he might.
I like Julia, too...it's just the show I don't like.
re: Munk's LENNON review#16
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:02pm
Munk, I adore your reviews. The critical detail you give to veiwing a show reminds me of, well, me.
I agree on almost every point of your review, especially the point that there could have been a great show in more capable hands, yet this is a mess. The other point is that even though the material is subpar, the cast is excellent. I honestly wish that Will Chase had been able to simply "play" Lennon, then Chuck, Terrance and Julia and could have been given Lennon songs in other roles. Less "concept," more "coherent."
I'm glad you are back!
re: Munk's LENNON review#17
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:02pm
Yeah, he may not approve of that so much. We'll have to discuss this with him.
Time to bring some love to the Hilton.
re: Munk's LENNON review#18
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:04pmI don't know though, Emcee. Maybe it's Adam you'll have to worry about with that. Raul doesn't seem to have a problem with dating several people at once.
re: Munk's LENNON review#19
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:05pm
No comment.
However, I think I'll have to discuss it with Adam's HAIR before I actually bring the matter to the man himself.
God, I need to get out more.
re: Munk's LENNON review#20
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:07pmnevermind
re: Munk's LENNON review#21
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:22pm
i must say that i am quite insulted, as i'm sure terrence mann would be, after reading your critique not only of his performance in Lennon but of his career as a whole. afaik, mann was drawn to this show for personal reasons, and he is one of the greatest actors whose work i have been witness to, whether on stage or screen.
i am also confused. why can NO ONE on this website grasp the simple concept of "HIS words. HIS story." every bit of dialogue spoken by John Lennon in this show is straight from his lips, taken from interviews and such. the show doesn't insult Yoko Ono Lennon as much as many sadistic theatregoers would like because John loved Yoko. your opinion, my opinion, don scardino's opinion of Yoko--none of them matter. this show is about John's opinions. and he loved Yoko.
My avatar: Yummy, no?
re: Munk's LENNON review#22
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:34pm
I understand the concept "His words, His story"
I know that John Lennon loved Yoko Ono, and two of my favorite songs are John's "Love Is" and Dar Williams' "I won't Be Your Yoko Ono" both about the loving relationship between the two.
It may for you, but for many people this show does not show the emotional connection of this bond.
Also, just because it is all John Lennon's words does not mean that is accurately depicts the man or his ideas, Scardino can clip together snippets of interviews to say whatever he wants.
I actually enjoyed the show, but it is not great theatre and in my opinion is no where near as strong a show as it could have been.
re: Munk's LENNON review#23
Posted: 9/12/05 at 1:48pmNo, the show doesn't insult Yoko Ono. I never said it did, not did I say that it should. You need some work on your reading comprehension, my darling. All I said was that this show made Yoko out to seem like an unsung hero - like an angel. I'm not saying that she's a bad woman - all I'm saying is that when this show is supposed to be about John Lennon, they made it really about Yoko Ono. Your rant is really uncalled for and unfounded...
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/5/04
re: Munk's LENNON review#24
Posted: 9/12/05 at 2:04pm
Overthemoon didn't say you said the show insulted Yoko (though you did a rather nice job of that yourself). Maybe you need to work on your comprehension skills,yourself, darling (and maybe try to be just a touch less condescending while you're at it - that's what I call uncalled-for).
Everyone knows this show's a flawed one. Why are you beating this dead horse with an overly long review?
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