NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Previews- Page 19

[yknot]

Posted: 12/4/16 at 1:30am

You're going to have a great time and fantastic view in those seats.

[Luscious]

Posted: 12/4/16 at 2:22am

Saw the show last night, but before I comment on the show itself, first let me say that in all my years of attending the theater (many), it was the first time that I sought out the house manager because I was so dissatisfied with my seats. And I had premium "stage" seats, no less! My table seats were downstage extreme right. To call these stage seats, and price them at $300 per plus fees, is a real crime. These seats were NOT on the stage. They were one small step up from the orchestra. My view of the actual stage was almost completely obscured by the wall of people surrounding me. I was so disappointed that I sought out the house manager to see if there were any other seats available ANYWHERE else in the theater. At first she tried to convince me to keep the seats, explaining that all the seats were unique. I told her that if by unique she meant boxed in with an almost completely obstructed view, I'd take my chances just about anywhere else. I asked if she had anything in the mezzanine, front or rear, and she said no, they would be orchestra seats. I said OK - just about anywhere else would be better than my dreadful "premium" "stage" seats. She took my tickets and asked me to wait in the lobby for her to return. Less than 5 minutes later she returned with two right-orchestra seat tickets, row G, 3rd and 4th seats off the aisle. She apologized for not being able to secure aisle seats for me. I was perfectly happy with the seats and very thankful for her help. Much, much better view than sitting at that God-awful side table. Be careful when selecting stage seats that they're not downstage. Those seats, even the more centered ones, are just one small step up from the orchestra. What the stage seating chart doesn't show you is that their are several levels to the onstage seating. Actually, I think the upstage banquette seats would give you the best overall view from the stage. If you want the experience of sitting on the stage (the actual stage), which, admittedly, would be a more immersive experience, go for the first three rows of the bleacher seats, as center stage as possible. Otherwise, I'd go for the first row of the front mezzanine. I went up there during intermission to check it out, and the first row of the front mezz gives you a phenomenal overview of the entire stage and the front of the orchestra section. And three's a platform that goes across the front mezz, directly in front of the first row of seats, that's used throughout the show by the performers. Something I missed entirely from sitting in the orchestra. Still, after all was said and done, I was happy with my seat exchange. I would have been miserable sitting in my original seats, and probably would have left at intermission.

As for the theater and staging, truly spectacular! I was very impressed.

As for the show itself, on a scale from 1 to 10, I'd give it a soft 7. I enjoyed some parts very much, the performances were all uniformly fine, and the ensemble works hard. But, aside from 2 or 3 songs, I didn't care much for the score, and some of the lyrics were downright insipid. The book is extremely weak, and what little story there is never seemed to gel, at least not for me. I'm glad that I saw it, but it isn't a show that I'll likely revisit.

Updated On: 12/4/16 at 02:22 AM

[A Canadian in NYC]

Posted: 12/4/16 at 2:46am

Luscious said: "Saw the show last night and before I comment on the show itself, first let me say that in all my years of attending the theater (many), it was the first time that I sought out the house manager because I was so dissatisfied with my seats. And I had premium "stage" seats, no less! My table seats were downstage extreme right. To call these stage seats, and price them at $300 per plus fees, is a crime. These seats were NOT on the stage. They were one small step up from the orchestra. My view of the actual stage was almost completely obscured by the wall of people surrounding me. I was so disappointed that I sought out the house manager to see if there were any other seats available ANYWHERE else in the theater. At first she tried to convince me to keep the seats, explaining that all the seats were unique. I told her that if by unique she meant boxed in with an almost completely obstructed view, I'd take my chances just about anywhere else. I asked if she had anything in the mezzanine, front or rear, and she said no, they would be orchestra seats. I said OK - just about anywhere else would be better than my dreadful "premium" "stage" seats. She took my tickets and asked me to wait in the lobby for her to return. Less than 5 minutes later she returned with two right-orchestra seat tickets, row G, 3rd and 4th seats off the aisle. She apologized for not being able to secure aisle seats for me. I was perfectly happy with the seats and very thankful for her help. Much, much better view than sitting at that God-awful side table. Be careful when selecting stage seats that they're not downstage. Those seats, even the more centered ones, are just one small step up from the orchestra. What the stage seating chart doesn't show you is that their are several levels to the onstage seating. Actually, I think the upstage bleacher seats would give you the best overall view from the stage. If you want the experience of sitting on the stage (the actual stage), which, admittedly, would be a more immersive experience, go for the first or second row of the bleacher seats, as center stage as possible. Otherwise, I'd go for the first row of the front mezzanine. I went up there during intermission to check it out, and the first row of the front mezz gives you a phenomenal overview of the entire stage and the front of the orchestra section. And three's a platform that goes across the front mezz, directly in front of the first row of seats, that's used throughout the show by the performers. Something I missed entirely from sitting in the orchestra. Still, after all was said and done, I was happy with my seat exchange. I would have been miserable sitting in my original seats, and probably would have left at intermission.

As for the theater and staging, truly spectacular! I was very impressed.

As for the show itself, on a scale from 1 to 10, I'd give it a soft 7. I enjoyed some parts very much, and the performances were all uniformly very good. But, aside from 2 or 3 songs, I didn't care much for the score, and some of the lyrics were downright insipid. The book is extremely weak, and what little story there is never seemed to jell. I'm glad that I saw it, but it isn't a show that I'll likely revisit.

 

Do you recall the actual seat assignment that you had. I'm trying to place where you were.  I've got stage seats for April and now I'm worried. 

 

 


"

 

 

 

 

[Luscious]

Posted: 12/4/16 at 2:57am

"Do you recall the actual seat assignment that you had. I'm trying to place where you were.  I've got stage seats for April and now I'm worried."

Table Sec TC 1 and 2

[Theatricality]

Posted: 12/14/16 at 2:26pm

Does anyone know if the cast went to the recording studio for the cast album?

[Jshan05]

Posted: 12/14/16 at 2:36pm

Theatricality said: "Does anyone know if the cast went to the recording studio for the cast album?"

 

I haven't heard anything, but I'd be surprised if they did as the off-broadway recording was terrific. Maybe they will to preserve Josh Groban's work in the show though. 

[broadwayindie]

Posted: 12/14/16 at 3:00pm

There were talks that they were going to record it to conflict with the Ars Nova benefit. I haven't heard anything else. I imagine because of Groban and Denee's additions and that they are both billed above the title and the addition of Dust and Ashes, it would suit them well to record this version

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 12:07am

I saw this tonight--my first show on broadway since the summer--and I really enjoyed it.  I'm sure there's not much to say beyond what's in the 19 pages of this thread (although I haven't read all of it), but wanted to report that Lauren Zakrin was on for Natasha.  I actually missed the slip in my playbill because it was weirdly sticking to one of the pages, but I'm sort of glad because I didn't have that sense of disappointment you get when the slip falls out.  I realized a few minutes in because the opening song identifies her as Natasha and I knew she wasn't Denee Benton, but by that time I was so taken with the immersive experience it barely registered.

 

Well I have no basis for comparison but I thought she was absolutely fantastic!  I have seen some comments that Denee's voice is softer and that is not the case with Lauren.  Her voice does remind me in some ways of Philippa's (although not quite as good), which doesn't surprise me since it appears from her bio in the playbill she's understudied the role from the beginning. (I think?  it says Off-Broadway and at ART.   I'm not familiar with all the iterations.)  There was one song where I felt she was a little screechy on just a couple of notes, but it was the on song with a high belt.  (I don't remember.)  The rest of it she was sublime.  And her acting was really fantastic.  The bottom line is if you see a slip with her name on it, you should not be disappointed.

 

I sat in the stage rights banquettes and absolutely loved the seats.  I definitely would not sit at the tables in front of Pierre's study and I can totally see why Luscious complained.  I could barely see the people in those seats and there was a lot of action around me.  The other tables would be cool in terms of the immersion, but I could see the people twisting and turning a lot to see certain parts of the action.  For me, those onstage banquettes are perfect because you're very very close to the action and completely immersed in it, but you still are able to see absolutely everything.  Highly recommend those seats!

 

The show is totally weird and like nothing I've ever seen and I loved every minute.

[canadian fan]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 10:56am

" The show is totally weird and like nothing I've ever seen and I loved every minute"

Thanks for the great review ChiTheatreFan.....after reading many reviews and looking forward to seeing the show in May, this is exactly what I'm expecting. Weird but wonderful! :)

And I have seats in the right banquette as well, so glad to hear another good report about those seats. :)

 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 11:08am

I saw Lauren at the downtown Kazino and she was fantastic.

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 12/15/16 at 2:49pm

By the way, I remember seeing a comment about the ensemble singing off key. I can see why someone would think that but I don't think they are. I think there are just a lot of very different chords used in the composition. It reminded me of being a kid learning to play piano and having to learn all the different types of chords and thinking some just sounded like weird noise. I don't remember any of that so I absolutely can't identify what categories of chords I'm talking about, but it definitely sounded intentional to me because it usually was resolved when they moved to the next note. 

 

But my basis for this is high school choir and piano and/or voice lessons that ended nearly twenty years ago so I don't claim to actually be knowledgeable. 

 

In any event, the score is not for everyone as it is very unusual. I loved it. 

[Theatricality]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 11:00am

Not sure if this has been asked before or not, so I apologize if it has. Does anyone know where the best seats are to get a letter in the beginning of the second act? When I saw Great Comet, I sat in the front mezz and saw a woman throw a bunch of letters to the orchestra seats from above. Wasn't sure if the seats that are below the overhanging mezz would be best.

[MyMeredithMonster]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 12:01pm

Theatricality said: "Not sure if this has been asked before or not, so I apologize if it has. Does anyone know where the best seats are to get a letter in the beginning of the second act? When I saw Great Comet, I sat in the front mezz and saw a woman throw a bunch of letters to the orchestra seats from above. Wasn't sure if the seats that are below the overhanging mezz would be best.

"

I sat in the front row of the mezz (left center) and I received a letter. 

 

Edit* to mention that this letter was handed to me by an ensemble member and also that I didn't see this performer throw any letters over the edge.

Updated On: 12/21/16 at 12:01 PM

[kdogg36]

Posted: 12/21/16 at 1:46pm

I was in the front row of the mezzanine, all the way to the left, and I got a letter from an extremely cute ensemble member.

[VotePeron]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 1:21am

Anyone know of any discount codes for this for the new year?

[boonanas]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 8:56am

I sat in the very last row of the mezzanine and I got.... a DUMPLING thrown at me.  Also... they tend to give entire rows the maraca eggs.. my row wasn't one of them. Great little keepsakes.

[MyMeredithMonster]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 9:21am

boonanas said: "I sat in the very last row of the mezzanine and I got.... a DUMPLING thrown at me.  Also... they tend to give entire rows the maraca eggs.. my row wasn't one of them. Great little keepsakes.

"

The entire front row of the mezz got the shakers when I was there as well.  So, I did receive a shaker and a letter though I did not receive a dumpling.  I did see dumplings being thrown at the far left aisle of the mezz (thrown back toward the upper rows), but none came toward the middle.

 

[irishgator1]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 10:32am

Well, I feel like a real dumb ass as I got a shaker during previews but didn't know you could keep them, so I dutifully left it in my seat after the show was done.

I'm returning in February so maybe a chance to redeem myself is coming...

[Theatricality]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 11:05am

I sat in the second row of the front mezz, got a shaker but didn't get a note. I kept looking at the performers around me hoping to get one. I could have gotten a dumpling but was too nervous to raise my hand for some reason. 

Also, regarding the alleged Broadway cast recording, if it does happen (and dear God, I hope it does), I really wish they would record The Abduction in its entirety. There's a part where Pierre cuts everyone off and starts singing then everyone else follows along. It's not included in the original cast recording, not sure if that part in The Abduction was added in after. 

[Theatricality]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 11:25am

Can anyone who's seen the show off-Broadway tell me if that part in The Abduction was included in the show, or if it was most likely written in for the current Broadway production?

[SueBee06]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 11:25am

The show is totally weird and like nothing I've ever seen and I loved every minute.

Perfect description! I saw it last night and enjoyed myself immensely even if the show itself is not my favorite. The poor Groban fan next to me was very very confused. And I could kiss whomever recommended sitting in the rear mezz. I ended up being in Row A of the rear mezz and I could see pretty much everything going on.

As I thought about it after, I could clearly see Ars Nova's fingerprints on this whole production (that is not a bad thing). It made me even more pissed at the producers for their attempt to change the contractual billing. I loved that so many actors were returning to the roles they originated.

[Emmaloucbway]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 12:34pm

Theatricality said: "Can anyone who's seen the show off-Broadway tell me if that part in The Abduction was included in the show, or if it was most likely written in for the current Broadway production?

 

"

I am pretty sure it was written for the current Broadway production (or first for the ART production). I saw the show Off-Broadway at the Kazino and didn't remember that part (and it's obviously not on the album). I would love for a new recording just for the new full version of that song! 

[SarahNYC2]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 1:34pm

SueBee06 said: "The show is totally weird and like nothing I've ever seen and I loved every minute.

Perfect description! I saw it last night and enjoyed myself immensely even if the show itself is not my favorite. The poor Groban fan next to me was very very confused. And I could kiss whomever recommended sitting in the rear mezz. I ended up being in Row A of the rear mezz and I could see pretty much everything going on.

As I thought about it after, I could clearly see Ars Nova's fingerprints on this whole production (that is not a bad thing). It made me even more pissed at the producers for their attempt to change the contractual billing. I loved that so many actors were returning to the roles they originated.

 

I am so glad to hear you liked rear mezzanine. I am sitting in rear mezzanine because it was either that or a premium seat and I couldn't justify 400 dollars on a seat!

I am seeing it tomorrow and super excited!

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/22/16 at 2:41pm

Well, I'm sure that they expect loss on the shakers.....but they DO collect them at each show....in some places more obviously than others.

[Up In One]

Posted: 12/23/16 at 10:43pm

Saw this last week and sat in the banquettes stage right. It was a novel experience and the technical redesign of the theater into a Disney/Univeral theme park experience was quite a fete. The musical itself left much to be desired and I don't picture it standing on its own in a traditional proscenium staging. Hal Prince did this so much better and to a much more exciting effect with Candide at The Broadway theater which of course had a much better Bernstein score to work with. I know everyone is going on about the direction but for me it seemed to end with the conception and setting - nothing exciting by way of staging or interpretation happened beyond the unique  nightclub setting. I can imagine what the tent setting was like with real vodka and food and actors flying over the tables. All in all a pretty dull if not unique experience.