NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 Previews — Page 9

Mister Matt said: "I only like about 50% of Sunday in the Park, so for me, that's probably well within spitting distance. I think. Is there a special tape measure for establishing the spitting range of one musical to another? Are only certain elements spit-worthy or is it based solely on the degree of magnificence, and if the latter, how is that measured? Farenheit, Centigrade, Kelvin? Or is it more geometric in nature? Is the act of spitting competition-based or more cause-and-effect?



"

"Magnificence" is subjective, so are beauty, fun...

Curious what we think the best bets for performer Tony noms are from this show. It's largely an ensemble show and this is a really crowded year..

When I saw the staging downtown, I thought Brittain Ashford was the performance standout (next to Phillipa Soo, who obviously isn't involved here) and the most likely for a nomination (in supporting)....

Updated On: 10/26/16 at 04:29 PM

I would think Denee would have to be pretty extraordinary to bump one of those all stars (Midler, Ebersole, LuPone, etc) from the lead actress in a musical category. But of course the Tony nominating committee has done stranger things.

I just got out and have pretty mixed feelings. Parts of it were overwhelming in the best way possible. Groban (when he was actually in it) was wonderful.

Some of the sections really drag. And the characters aren't nearly enough to earn some of the emotion they're trying to generate at the end.

But all that being said, I had an amazing time. The highs are so high, it's like nothing else I've ever seen.

The staging and lighting are phenomenal

I saw this on Wednesday (26Oct2016 matinee). I wanted to comment on the question of seating, but could not find that link, so please forgive this message's placement.

Regarding whether STAGE seating is a good idea, I think it boils down to whether you want to just VIEW the action or be A PART OF the show. Sitting on-stage, one definitely feels part of the production. The audience on-stage is organically woven into the design, not just an add-in. Definitely more integrated than, say, the Spring Awakening bleachers on-stage. Second choice would be the first row of the regular orchestra, since much happens there also.

The on-stage seating is rather vast, with several different sections. I was surprised that the rest of the orchestra [regular] seating seemed smallish (also given a serpentine platform bisects the orchestra seating). I could not really see the mezz., although there were ramps up to that section from the main stage.

A warning: the entry to the stage involves several (20?) stairs up and down. A man in front of us had two(!) canes and really struggled. If you have mobility issues, please see the House Manager or an usher to find another way to the stage (from back-of-house perhaps).

Some other thoughts: this is a spectacular show, rather than an intellectual night-at-the-theatah. More event than deep drama. The setting was amazing: rather than depending on movable set pieces they relied on the overall design, creating specific environments with lighting and lyrics. The lighting, IMO, was special. Note: if you do not like strobes and intense light (were you freaked out at "Curious Incident ..."?, for example), better skip this one.

One of my pet peeves these days is Sound Design. Often the lyrics--especially--and the music is muddled and flattened (looking at you Waitress). The Sound Design for "Comet" was such a welcome exception: we could hear everything distinctly, quite the achievement with so much going on. Grateful for that.

I agree that they need to work on the Comet, kinda underwhelming. PLEASE no projections, tho. Also the setup for the Comet song (JG) was confusing. WTF is his issue? Hopefully, they can clarify the metaphor of the Comet (foreboding a tragic war?) and make the visual more compelling. They still have a bit of time to work on this, and need to do so.

I hope these comments are helpful to those considering this show.

I'm just going to chime in with a quick seating recommendation.. I sat in the first row center of the front mezzanine last Thursday and the seats were impeccable. While there may have been more things happening below us and out of our line of sight, I only once found it noticeable (Denee walked into the orchestra during Charming and we couldn't see her then). As with most seats, chorus/musicians/dancers were around us constantly. They did give out the perogies in the mezz (we didn't get them), and the basket of shakers came through later (those we got). I also got one of the letters that were handed out at the start of Act II. Twice Denee walked in front of us and once Josh walked in front of us (he also sang right in the middle of the Mezz at the railing for a bit). Honestly, I found the seats to be a fantastic way to see the show. I can see how sitting on the stage would also be fun, though a completely different experience.

Has anyone even told us of the merchandise? (I don't remember, and don't doubt that I may have missed some posts.)

dramamama611 said: "Has anyone even told us of the merchandise? (I don't remember, and don't doubt that I may have missed some posts.)



"

I don't have photos or prices (except for a couple), but here are the items I recall seeing:

Window Card ($20)

Magnet ($10)

Flask

Moscow Mule Copper Mug

Red patterned Scarf

T-Shirt that lists the names/descriptions as they were done in the opening number

They also have the 'sippy cup' things with the Great Comet logo on them if you get drinks for inside the theatre.

haterobics said: "So, doesn't sound like I really need to wait this one out as far as things being settled in previews? Thinking of doing onstage seating over the weekend... If I can sit upstage of Pierre's Salon, facing toward the orchestra, or to stage right of the Salon, facing toward the center, does either jump out as better? Thanks.

"

I would personally suggest going with the seat that faces toward the center. You should be able to turn a bit to see the back of the stage and out at the orchestra / mezzanine when things are happening in different areas. I feel like you'd miss out (or be uncomfortable) trying to turn back and see the things at the back of the stage from the 'upstage of the salon' seats. Admittedly, I didn't do on-stage seating so I may be wrong on how easy/hard it is the turn in those chairs. Also, you may want to note that for a good deal of the show Josh Groban faces out toward the orchestra from the salon.

MyMeredithMonster said: "I would personally suggest going with the seat that faces toward the center. You should be able to turn a bit to see the back of the stage and out at the orchestra / mezzanine when things are happening in different areas. I feel like you'd miss out (or be uncomfortable) trying to turn back and see the things at the back of the stage from the 'upstage of the salon' seats. Admittedly, I didn't do on-stage seating so I may be wrong on how easy/hard it is the turn in those chairs. Also, you may want to note that for a good deal of the show Josh Groban faces out toward the orchestra from the salon. "



Sounds good, that was seat I was leaning toward.

If you're talking about the seats directly upstage of Pierre's Salon along the rail, you'll have great interaction but it might be difficult to see everything. My onstage preference would be as downstage in the banquettes as possible and toward center stage - I had a seat right next to a side table right as they start to curve and thought it was great because you could look both upstage and into the house quite easily. The sunken tavern seats that swivel (I think only the inner most ones?) may not be bad.

Oh, and to add to the merch list, the sweatshirts (embroidered logo on front, printed on back) are $55.

Updated On: 10/28/16 at 01:29 PM

I was in the second row on banquettes, stage left, on the aisle closest to the middle of the stage. Lots of interaction. Got food, shakers, a guy in leather hot pants strokes my beard. There were a few things going on behind me I had to turn around for, but I never felt like I missed anything

To anyone who has done the onstage seating --

Can you bring your stuff (coats, bags, etc.) with you to your seats, or do they have lockers or require checking these items?