My First Rush Experience/Tarzan Mini-Review

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 12:37am

This afternoon, I had my first student rush experience. This may be a little unusual because I'm 42, but I'm also a full time student this semester, carrying 18 credits, and losing a lot of billable hours to do it; so based on that (high tuition/lost income), I printed out a copy of my registrration forms just in case, and took a shot at being laughed at and thrown out of the student line. I wasn't!

I foolishly underdressed for the weather and left upstate New York hoping that it would be warmer in the city. Naturally, it was snowing when I got there. I headed to the Richard Rogers Theatre to get on line for rush at 9:45 a.m. and was second on line. At 10:00 a.m., a very kind House Manager took pity on us and let us wait inside. He made it clear that he didn't have to do this and asked us to keep quiet so that the box office staff could work. (Moral of the story: Dress Warmly!)

Maybe it's my 'advanced years', but it seemed like a hell of a deal to me so I didn't understand why people who came later insisted on blocking the doors, conversing loudly, and ignoring his simple requests. I was just praying he wouldn't kick us back outside! As the line quickly grew, the very friendly box office salesman would inform newcomers that there were only 20 seats available for the matinee, but folks counted and recounted ticket numbers over and over, and still gave him a hard time. Maybe it's my 'years' again, but this student rush thing strikes me as being a privilege and I was amazed at how some seemed to abuse it. Others, probably afraid of being cast out into the cold again, were quiet, polite, and appreciative though. In the end, though, I showed off my shiny new student ID and got a front row orchestra seat on the aisle, I was thrilled.

This is the third time I have seen Tarzan. I paid full price the first two times, and had no regrets. I just happen to love the *experience* of this show. I can find the best in almost any show, was a theatre major, saw my first show at 8 (Richard Kiley in the revival of Man of La Mancha), and still catch a dozen Broadway shows a year in addition to directing and designing occasionally. I am what I am and I like what I like. Front row seats + getting to see the set close up + monkeys swinging over my head and flicking sweat on me = A happy me! 'nuff said.

This is NOT a shot, Life Happens , but I saw understudies for Tarzan on my first two visits, so I finally got to see Josh Strickland today and it was worth the wait! I don't where he learned to move like that (yoga/dance/24 Hour Discovery Channel feed?) and his voice was a pleasure to listen to. Jenn Gambatese was captivating as always as Jane and Merle Dandridge was in fine voice, she sounds better every time. Someone made a comment on these boards that Shuler Hensley was just buying his time until Young Frankenstein opens, but I have to disagree, his intensity was frightening which made the tenderness of Kerchik and Kala's 'Sure As Sun Turns to Moon' an amazing and tender contrast. Maybe it was the seats, but there were nuances to his and Dandridge's performances that I never noticed before. It must be, because I was finally able to catch the expressions and individual performances of the ensemble members in the often darker recesses of the stage.

Tim Jerome's Professor Porter seemed a little tired and off the beat today but Donnie Keshawarz's Clayton was villainous without falling into the trap of becoming too much of a caricature. I've now seen all three Young Tarzans and Dylan Riley Snyder's performance was every bit as buoyant as Alex's and Daniel's. He has a nice, clear voice and moves and acts well. I've worked with a lot of kids in theatre over the years, and these guys continue to dazzle me with their energy and enthusiasm. In fact, the energy of this cast seems to have grown each time I've seen the show, perhaps best evidenced by Chester Gregory II's performance as Terk, he looked like he was having a ball up there. They've really come together as an ensemble.

So to the cast of Tarzan and the Staff at the Richard Rogers Theatre, thanks for a great day! I'm going to be hurting from standing for 2 hours but I'm already wondering when I can get down for another student rush. Anyone want to join me?

[tarzanfan]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 2:21am

This is an amazing review of the show and I applaude you for sitting in the rush line. I've done it a few times and have grown to love the experience.

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 12:59pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself, and were able to rush despite your age. In theory, student rush is for those who are attending school and paying tuition and not working (or taking hours away from work to attend school), so there's no reason for you to not be allowed to get a student rush ticket.

But the complaints on the rush line you witnessed is just another example of people thinking they're entitled to too much today. Getting such cheap tickets is a privilege, not a right, and some people forget that. I mean, the other day when I finally won Chorus Line lotto, my friend and I were at first a tad disappointed that our seats were partial view, but then we took a beat and were like, wait, we're paying $20...these are great seats! Heh.

[kyle.]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 3:38pm

Shakespearean, your next student rush assignment is Company!

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 5:00pm

I've done Company twice, as a lighting designer and stage manager. It's not my favorite Sondheim show to begin with but I like the music and don't really want to see the cast cuddling their tubas between songs. Actually, my favorite performance from Company was when Fritzy poisoned Jill and took over 'Ladies Who Lunch' in Camp. That girl had a set of pipes! Of course, nobody compares to the fabulous Elaine Stritch...

As I thought, standing in one place for two hours was rough on the legs and I'm feeling it today, but overall worth the experience. Maybe next time I can bring a folding camp stool . I was afraid that the loss of income that returning to school is going to cause would mean having to cut back on my therapy (going to NYC to see shows!). I guess I'm not the only grey beard on the student lines, nobody even questioned me :)

[steven22]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 9:40pm

who did you see the first two times you saw tarzan?..who played tarzan? where they any good?

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 9:49pm

It snowed in NY yesterday?!

[umgeoboy]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 9:59pm

Thanks for the review!

STudent rush is fun and an adventure. Atleast that is how my friends and I always viewed it.

On an off topic. Thanks for reminding me about Camp's version of The Lady's Who Lunch. I now have to go listen to it.

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 10:42pm

Steven22 asked:
who did you see the first two times you saw tarzan?..who played tarzan? where they any good?

I believe it was Joshua Kobak, both times, and he was excellent. I have seen many understudies over the years and have rarely been disappointed. Let's think about it, almost anyone who makes it to Broadway is going to be better than the dentist cum Sweeney at your local rep (The list of exceptioms in that 'almost' will surely spark another thread but I'm being positive and supportive here!). That said, I really did enjoy Mr. Kobak, as I recall, he had a great voice. Of course, it was great to finally see Josh Strickland and I may even get up at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow to watch him cohost Good Day New York tomorrow morning. I'm still feeling the ache in my heart from Merle Dandridge's second act yesterday, she was simply... powerful.

Yes, WickedGeek28, it was snowing in midtown about 9:30 a.m. but it didn't stick, thank God, nor did it last long. Just enough to remind me to wear a warmer coat next time.

And Umgeoboy, going to the theare has ALWAYS been an adventure for me. That's why I come back again and again, for the sheer experience of it. I can count the shows I truly disliked on one hand (The Homecoming by the Steppenwolf Theatre Company with Gary Sinese about 20 years ago comes to mind). I can almost always find the silver lining! That said, this student rush thing adds an expeditionary element to the adventure. I think it would be more fun to do it with a friend, someon to chat with and hold our place in line should nature or hot coffee call. Anyone want to catch a show next Wednesday afternoon?

[kyle.]

Posted: 1/11/07 at 11:34pm

Shakespearean, you won't even notice the tubas are there! I promise. Not unless you are out to see them. I didn't care for Sweeney much, but Company was the most perfect thing I have ever seen on a Broadway stage. I went in ready for an okay production of Company and left feeling like a new person. I have never felt so connected to a group of actors on a stage before in my life. I went with 5 other people and we all felt the same way. We were literally speechless at the end of both acts. We did not know what words to use to describe what we had just seen in front of us. And one of the people I went with can barley get through shows and 95% of the time ends of leaving at intermission! She was enthralled.

Heck, you should go just for the lighting design! If you get a chance, please don't pass up the opportunity to pay $36 to sit front row for this amazing experience. And trust me, just watch these humans putting their heart out for all to see and you will forget all about the instruments. I would hate to see you pass up this production because of the fact they double as the orchestra. While I do not enjoy that concept, it in no way interferes with this BEAUTIFUL production. One thing that really helps is that most people do not play while singing their songs - so most of the time it just looks like the orchestra is onstage.

Sorry for going on a rant that is in no way justified or needed! But out of all the shows that offer student rush, this one worth seeing! Especially for someone who is a fan of Mr. Sondheim!

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 1/12/07 at 12:03am

OK, I'm sold, it's on my list. Does anyone know how long the rush line gets for Company? Of course, I'll STILL be wondering is someone fed Joanne dandruff shampoo before the show started...

[liotte]

Posted: 1/12/07 at 12:16am

I don't have an answer to the Company question.

But I saw Tarzan tonight and had a great time. I am looking forward to seeing Josh on Good Day NY (well, watching it on tivo tomorrow night when I get home!).

[kyle.]

Posted: 1/12/07 at 12:34am

I went last Saturday night and got to the theatre an hour before the tickets went on sale (with 5 other people) and about 4 seconds after we got in line (we were first) about 5 other people showed up and got in line. They give away the first 2 rows first and then I BELIEVE they start selling seats that have not been sold in the house. But I am not positive on that.

Rush seats go on sale 2 hours before curtain, I would get there a 60 or 70 minute before than if you can. They let you form the line inside the box office to keep warm! :) If you are the first one there though just let the attendant know you are there for rush and you are going to start the line. Be sure to post a review! I'm curious to know what you think of it!

Hopefully someone doesn't feed Barbara shampoo before the show! LOL. Her performance is one of the most underrated on Broadway this season.