New Member, General and DEH questions

[RexWalls]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 10:22am

Hello all, new member from Cleveland Ohio and very happy to be here.

I love theater, particularly musicals, and I'm travling to New York this fall for my first Broadway show. I'm already planning my next show, and I have a few questions.

What are the chances of the original cast of DEH recording a live show to sell as a dvd/bluray?

Is it still possible to purchase affordable tickets to view original cast this year? 

If I miss the original cast, is it the end of the world? Should I still get tickets or try another show? What are your thoughts?

[froote]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 10:32am

1. Chances of DVD with original cast are minimal, like 5%. Only recent examples I can think of non-revivals that recorded their original cast for public release are Hamilton (still many years before we'll see that) and Newsies. Recording shows is very expensive and whilst DEH is a hit it's not Hamilton and it's not Disney.

2. I believe the only options at this point are winning the lottery or if you look in the cancellation thread here on this board there are people who have got tickets through Telecharge a few days before when tickets seem to randomly pop up.

3. No, not the end of the world. I believe Ben Platt is easily the best aspect of the show but others may disagree and think the show works as well without him. We don't know who his replacement will be. He may be as good, worse or even better. Whilst the rest of the cast range from decent to very good (Rachel Bay Jones), I don't think any of their performances are so impressive that you should feel like you need to see them. I'm not a big fan of the show in the first place and think there are many other better shows on Broadway so yes I personally would say it'd be worth seeing another show if you can't get tickets to this one.

 

Updated On: 7/19/17 at 10:32 AM

[asimplegal2]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 10:51am

Welcome!!

1. Probably not. Definitely not any time soon.

2. Depends on your definition of affordable, but probably not.

3. No it is certainly not the end of the world! I saw it with the original cast, and they were solid, but I think a little over-hyped. And there are a lot of other amazing shows in New York right now. If you still wanted to see something contemporary/realistic/emotional, you could check out Come From Away!

[Lot666]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 10:52am

I agree with most of what froote said.

While I very much enjoyed Dear Evan Hansen, my take was that it is The Ben Platt Show and I'm in the (minority) camp that expects this piece will be diminished when he leaves. Quite simply, I felt that the show itself (particularly the book) wasn't as good as Mr. Platt's absolutely phenomenal performance.

If it's a show you're sold on, I'd figure out a way to get in there before his contract ends in the fall. If you're on the fence, I'll just say that I thought Come From Away was a more successful production overall (a more cohesive combination of story, score, lyrics, and ensemble cast).

Your mileage may vary.

And now, scores of others will post to tell you why I'm wrong. 

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 11:15am

^ We don't need to. The awards and critics have spoken. Proof is in the pudding, sweetheart. 

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 11:18am

1. Chances of DVD with original cast are minimal, like 5%. Only recent examples I can think of non-revivals that recorded their original cast for public release are Hamilton (still many years before we'll see that) and Newsies. Recording shows is very expensive and whilst DEH is a hit it's not Hamilton and it's not Disney.

I believe the last DVD/Blu-Ray release was Memphis.

[asimplegal2]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 11:20am

Liza's Headband said: "^ We don't need to. The awards and critics have spoken. Proof is in the pudding, sweetheart. 

 

"

yes and Tony voters and theatre critics have proven to be VERY unbiased and trustworthy over the years ....

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 11:21am

I absolutely do think that the DEH OBC is special enough that it's worth seeing even at premium prices (considering the premiums are not nearly as steep as, say, Hamilton). And plus I've heard the cancellation line is not as crazy.

But if you can't afford it, it's not the end of the world. As amazing as Ben Platt and the rest of the cast are the show is the star. It's just a very beautiful story.

If you don't end up seeing DEH here are some of the best shows you can see without donating your kidney:

1) Waitress. I'm going back to see this a third time. It has a wonderful score by Sara Bareilles and the character of Jenna I think has already become one of those classical musical theater heroines.

2) Hello Dolly! on Tuesdays with Donna Murphy. Bette tickets are hard to get (although non-premium seats do pop up now and then) but Donna Murphy tickets are always on steep discount codes. And Donna is wonderful as is the rest of the Hello Dolly! cast.

3) Great Comet. Definitely a unique experience.

4) Kinky Boots. It's a veteran show but a lot of fun. 

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 11:22am

Are you suggesting a conspiracy, coordinated by Marc Plat?!?! 

[RexWalls]

Posted: 7/19/17 at 12:12pm

Thanks everybody for the responses! very informative!