New Movin Out Tour

[JenniferLynn2]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:07am

Hey! I am new here, but just wanted to share a little about my favorite show ever! I saw Movin Out on Broadway 24 times and the 1st National 4. A couple of weeks ago, I trekked down to Atlantic City to see the new (non-union) tour. My expecations were low, but they were greatly exceeded! I went out of morbid curiosity (along with a member of the OBC), and must say that it was a great show.

To start with, the band was AMAZING!!! Matthew Friedman rocked the house, and he hit a couple of notes that none of the previous "Piano Men" would have even attempted! The band, though smaller than on the B'way stage, sounded full, fresh and all around perfect.

The dancers were young and energetic and did a great job with the choreography! They need a little work on the subtext of the show, especially given that this subtext tells the story in place of dialog. However, given all the injuries they have already sustained and the fact that they are newcomers and the new tour is still so new, I believe that they will come into their own with that, and that this tour will soon shape up to be a top-notch representation of an awesome show!

So, if the tour comes near you, take the opportunity to see it. I don't think you will be disappointed!

[Glory]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 12:32am

I'm glad somebody reviewed this because I also saw the first national tour and was amazed by it. This tour is coming back towards me and I didn't know if I should, but now I am going to deffinitly check it out! Thank you for the review!

[spy_cee_mustard]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 8:34pm

I saw 'Movin' Out' this past Sunday, the matinee show on August 5th. I have to say that it was just amazing. I saw it on Broadway 3 times, and the first National Tour 2 times. I didn't expect much this time either, but the new production is outstanding.

I agree with JenniferLynn2 about the Piano Man. Matthew Friedman was by far the best I've seen in the role. I have never heard anyone sing like Matthew. To be honest, he made Michael Cavanaugh sound like a whining teenager. There is something very masculine about his voice- sorry, but that's the only way I can think to describe it. And none of the other Piano Men that I have seen could be described that way. He also played the songs so well, and I was blown away by how he never even once looked at his hands. As if you couldn't tell, I was so impressed with him. He was the highlight of the show.

The dancers I saw were great, too. I know that I saw a few understudies, but it didn't matter because they all did terrific jobs. Drew Heflin was outstanding as Eddie, and Shana Harris was a real spark plug as Brenda. JenniferLynn2, did you see anything different in the dancing from the other productions? I was watching pretty carefully, but I didn't notice anything. And I thought they did a pretty good job telling a wordless story.

What's the difference between Equity and non-Equity, anyway? Based on what I saw on Sunday, when it comes to quality there is no real difference at all.

Glory, you are going to love the new 'Movin' Out'. Enjoy!

[winston89]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 10:30am

There are people who would see that a tour is non equity and refuse to go. they automatically think that non equity autiomatically equals bad and that the actors don't have as much talent as thoughs in equity. I strongly disagree. I feel that a non equity tour is just as good ass a union one. And that being in the union or not has nothing to say abouot the talent of the actors. You can be a crappy actor and still be equity and vice versa.

Also, there had been some stories about dancers not being treated properly on the Movin Out tour. That is a problem with non equity shows in general. That the actors don't have the protection of the union. So, when things are bad they are on their own.

There was even a story where one of the female dancers filed a law suit saying that she was sexually harassed in the show whilst on tour. I don't know if the tour she was on was equity or not. But, it is still the point that non equity tours are not always protective or theier casts.

[BwayBoy25]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 12:27pm

know where i can find the casting/locations for this?

[spy_cee_mustard]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 6:27pm

Thanks for the explanation! Very helpful. FYI, the dancer who sued, Alice Alyse- spelled something like that- was on the first tour, which I would guess was the Equity tour. I saw her on Tyra Banks. She came across like she was looking for an easy handout.

[Yankgrl46]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 6:49pm

The Atlantic City version is wonderful! I received free tickets c/o Harrah's and went in with rather low expectations, but enjoyed it almost as much as the Broadway version. If you get the chance (although I believe it closes on August 21st, to make way for The Producers) go see it!

[Philbroadway]

Posted: 8/19/07 at 1:16am

Wow! I saw the new Movin' Out group in Atlantic City today and tonight. Both shows were outstanding! I have seen Matthew Friedman before and his voice and presence are as strong as ever. His show was very strong and the band was great! The dancers for that show were young and strong.
The other show (matinee) was with a new Piano Man, Kyle Martin. He was outstanding! He was strong on the high notes, in fact, he hit notes I haven't heard since Michael Cavanaugh. He was very engaging and the dancers were great as well. Drew Heflin was fantastic as Eddie and I enjoyed the girl who played Judy (didn't get her name). Go see it if you can while it's still in A.C.!