#26
Posted: 3/29/12 at 9:54pm
Really? “Broadway” Font? F*CK you, projection designers.
Nice Work If You Can Get It — Page 2
#28
Posted: 3/29/12 at 10:14pm
There seems to be a lot of hatred for this show. Everything they do people just criticize. But that's life .
#29
Posted: 3/29/12 at 10:32pm
Did anyone ACTUALLY see the first real performance of it?
#30
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:05am
Now that the first preview is over, I feel like it's okay to post my thoughts- I saw the invited dress last night. I went in cautiously optimistic and excited to see Kelli O'Hara on a Broadway stage again. I was anxious to see how Matthew Broderick worked, especially after seeing the rehearsal footage. From start to finish, I absolutely loved it.
The set works very well and is at times gorgeous. Everything ran very smoothly for a dress rehearsal. The costumes are great and really get you into the feel of the period. The score is great and is well-sung all around. I would say that I was familiar with over half of the songs, but there were some nice new gems that I loved.
Kelli O'Hara blew me away, as always. It was so fun to get to see her in a different type of role and I thought she knocked the comedy out of the park. Matthew Broderick was a pleasant surprise for me. He played it exactly as I thought he would, with all the timidity, but it really worked for the character, I thought. His character was a playboy, but if he'd been more self-assured and charming, I think his character would have been less likable. The supporting characters all got their moments to shine, with Michael McGrath running the show.
I thought the direction and choreography were great and I think it will only improve with time. It did run a little long last night, and there are definitely some kinks to work out, but I hope we can all remember that this is a brand new musical debuting on Broadway without a try-out. I recognize that there is room for improvement, but this is a fun, bubbly show that could win over the audiences with its old-fashioned charm. I really hope that other people enjoy it as much as I did.
So there's an opinion from a non-shill (aside from the fact that I think the world of Kelli O'Hara).
The set works very well and is at times gorgeous. Everything ran very smoothly for a dress rehearsal. The costumes are great and really get you into the feel of the period. The score is great and is well-sung all around. I would say that I was familiar with over half of the songs, but there were some nice new gems that I loved.
Kelli O'Hara blew me away, as always. It was so fun to get to see her in a different type of role and I thought she knocked the comedy out of the park. Matthew Broderick was a pleasant surprise for me. He played it exactly as I thought he would, with all the timidity, but it really worked for the character, I thought. His character was a playboy, but if he'd been more self-assured and charming, I think his character would have been less likable. The supporting characters all got their moments to shine, with Michael McGrath running the show.
I thought the direction and choreography were great and I think it will only improve with time. It did run a little long last night, and there are definitely some kinks to work out, but I hope we can all remember that this is a brand new musical debuting on Broadway without a try-out. I recognize that there is room for improvement, but this is a fun, bubbly show that could win over the audiences with its old-fashioned charm. I really hope that other people enjoy it as much as I did.
So there's an opinion from a non-shill (aside from the fact that I think the world of Kelli O'Hara).
#31
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:08am
Saw it tonight. The set and dances are as one would guess, first rate.
I didn't' like the first act. It dragged and I just didn't think it was very funny. Only two numbers really worked. Jennifer Laura Thompson taking a bath (Delishyus) and O'Hara's showing surprising physical comedy chops (Treat Me Rough).
Although the show was three hours long, the second act was very good, and very funny with much better pacing and all of the numbers working pretty well with some of them terrific. It begins to some very nice dancing by the chorus to "Lady Be Good," after which Kelli knocks it out of the park with "But Not For Me." What follows is good old-fashioned Gershwin style musical screwball comedy. And one is much more aware that what one is seeing is a modified "Oh, Kay," in the same way "Crazy for You" was a modified "Girl Crazy." Of the generally fine supporting cast, Judy Kaye is hilarious and delightful. Michael McGrath brilliantly channels William Demarest in his Preston Sturges roles. Estelle Parsons is a treat when she finally arrives as deus ex machina.
I am generally so over Broderick, but I have to say that - on balance - his dopey deadpan schtick grew on me and ultimately worked its charm here; at least it began to gel in the second act where he and everyone else are so much better served by the book.
The audience seemed crazy about it.
All in all, I give it a B-.
By the way, does anyone agree with me that lately second acts seem to be a lot better than first acts in musicals, reversing tradition?
I didn't' like the first act. It dragged and I just didn't think it was very funny. Only two numbers really worked. Jennifer Laura Thompson taking a bath (Delishyus) and O'Hara's showing surprising physical comedy chops (Treat Me Rough).
Although the show was three hours long, the second act was very good, and very funny with much better pacing and all of the numbers working pretty well with some of them terrific. It begins to some very nice dancing by the chorus to "Lady Be Good," after which Kelli knocks it out of the park with "But Not For Me." What follows is good old-fashioned Gershwin style musical screwball comedy. And one is much more aware that what one is seeing is a modified "Oh, Kay," in the same way "Crazy for You" was a modified "Girl Crazy." Of the generally fine supporting cast, Judy Kaye is hilarious and delightful. Michael McGrath brilliantly channels William Demarest in his Preston Sturges roles. Estelle Parsons is a treat when she finally arrives as deus ex machina.
I am generally so over Broderick, but I have to say that - on balance - his dopey deadpan schtick grew on me and ultimately worked its charm here; at least it began to gel in the second act where he and everyone else are so much better served by the book.
The audience seemed crazy about it.
All in all, I give it a B-.
By the way, does anyone agree with me that lately second acts seem to be a lot better than first acts in musicals, reversing tradition?
Updated On: 3/30/12 at 12:08 AM
#33
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:26am
Pretty good. He and Kelli have a charming song and dance in act 1 to "S'Wonderful" and the two do a great job with a sustained dance break. He does a good job leading some of the group numbers, too. There was one point during "S'Wonderful" where he and Kelli dance up onto some chairs and a table and they go so slowly that it's a bit tedious. It stilts the flow of the number a bit, but otherwise, I thought he did a great job with the dancing. Granted, of course, that he's not given Sutton Foster's choreography from Anything Goes.
#34
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:29am
I found it enjoyable, polished, and professional. The book is smartly written, funny, and cheeky. The dancing is smooth and stylish. The songs are as fresh and as winning as ever. I particularly liked the orchestrations.
Jennifer Laura Thompson, Judy Kaye, and Estelle Parsons were all wonderful. I was glad to see Matthew Broderick back on track. He was more animated and at ease than he has been for years. Kelli O'Hara makes the most of a rather dull role.
Jennifer Laura Thompson, Judy Kaye, and Estelle Parsons were all wonderful. I was glad to see Matthew Broderick back on track. He was more animated and at ease than he has been for years. Kelli O'Hara makes the most of a rather dull role.
#35
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:50am
Saw the first preview tonight and just loved it. It is such a great time. People coming out of the show just couldn't stop talking about what a great time they had. Full house and everyone on their feet at the end.
The music is just amazing and fits perfectly within the storyline. Funny as hell and with the right comedic actors making it work just right. I thought that Matthew and Kelli had wonderful playful chemistry and they were very sweet together. Kelli's voice is a dream and Matthew also sounded pretty good, maybe his voice could be a bit louder. Their dance to "S'Wonderful" is worth the price of the ticket alone. They received great applause half way through the number. Some of the choreography is a bit too intricate and sometimes makes the actors hesitant, Matthew especially. I'm sure those things will be worked out.
Michael McGrath and Judy Kaye should get their Tony duds ready because they will be there for sure. Fabulous performances by both. I feel that the character of Duke (Chris Sullivan) got way too much time and those numbers should be cut, they did nothing to enhance the story. No knock on Chris, he was great but the show needs to be cut about 20 minutes.
All in all, a wonderful show and for a first preview I thought it was first rate.
The music is just amazing and fits perfectly within the storyline. Funny as hell and with the right comedic actors making it work just right. I thought that Matthew and Kelli had wonderful playful chemistry and they were very sweet together. Kelli's voice is a dream and Matthew also sounded pretty good, maybe his voice could be a bit louder. Their dance to "S'Wonderful" is worth the price of the ticket alone. They received great applause half way through the number. Some of the choreography is a bit too intricate and sometimes makes the actors hesitant, Matthew especially. I'm sure those things will be worked out.
Michael McGrath and Judy Kaye should get their Tony duds ready because they will be there for sure. Fabulous performances by both. I feel that the character of Duke (Chris Sullivan) got way too much time and those numbers should be cut, they did nothing to enhance the story. No knock on Chris, he was great but the show needs to be cut about 20 minutes.
All in all, a wonderful show and for a first preview I thought it was first rate.
The only review of a show that matters is your own.
#36
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:55am
I saw it tonight too and really enjoyed it. Kathleen Marshall has once again flexed her director/choreographer muscle and her considerable talents have yielded a gem at the Imperial. I mean if she was able to get Broderick his groove back then this woman can do anything!
I agree with Henrik that act two was better than act one, but for a first preview the whole thing was already very slick and act one will tighten over time. Jennifer Laura Thompson does score big with "Delishious" and Kelli playing against type is hysterical in "Treat me Rough."
Judy Kaye is so terrific I think she could easily get a Tony nom. I don't want to spoil anything but she steals the show during a luncheon scene. Michael McGrath may be doing the best work of his career. He always reliably shows up, and here Marshall gives him a well-deserved moment in the sun.
I agree about Kelli singing "But Not For Me." Perfection. Broderick seems to be the component people are worried about (as was I) and I has to say I was pleasantly surprised. Henrik, wise as ever, puts it well that his charm grows on you. He got a lot of laughs and I think he'll loosen up a bit in the first act over previews.
As mentioned Estelle Parsons has a near cameo role, but is excellent. It's nice to see her return to her roots with her first two Broadway credits being the brilliant Happy Hunting and Whoop-Up. The fact that she went from the ensemble of Whoop-Up to have the career that she had is amazing.
LOVED the sets and costumes. Gorgeous stuff.
I was smiling and laughing the whole time. I turned to my friend at intermission and asked if we could skip Don't Dress For Dinner tomorrow and just go back and see this again. Unfortunately I fear we will going to the American Airlines, but I'll be returning to this as soon as I'm able.
I agree with Henrik that act two was better than act one, but for a first preview the whole thing was already very slick and act one will tighten over time. Jennifer Laura Thompson does score big with "Delishious" and Kelli playing against type is hysterical in "Treat me Rough."
Judy Kaye is so terrific I think she could easily get a Tony nom. I don't want to spoil anything but she steals the show during a luncheon scene. Michael McGrath may be doing the best work of his career. He always reliably shows up, and here Marshall gives him a well-deserved moment in the sun.
I agree about Kelli singing "But Not For Me." Perfection. Broderick seems to be the component people are worried about (as was I) and I has to say I was pleasantly surprised. Henrik, wise as ever, puts it well that his charm grows on you. He got a lot of laughs and I think he'll loosen up a bit in the first act over previews.
As mentioned Estelle Parsons has a near cameo role, but is excellent. It's nice to see her return to her roots with her first two Broadway credits being the brilliant Happy Hunting and Whoop-Up. The fact that she went from the ensemble of Whoop-Up to have the career that she had is amazing.
LOVED the sets and costumes. Gorgeous stuff.
I was smiling and laughing the whole time. I turned to my friend at intermission and asked if we could skip Don't Dress For Dinner tomorrow and just go back and see this again. Unfortunately I fear we will going to the American Airlines, but I'll be returning to this as soon as I'm able.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#37
Posted: 3/30/12 at 1:03am
One thing I noticed with Estelle is that she kept referring to Broderick's character as Jaimie...Isn't it supposed to be Jimmy??
The only review of a show that matters is your own.
#38
Posted: 3/30/12 at 1:05am
What was the set like?
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "
#39
Posted: 3/30/12 at 1:07am
Thank you, Kathleen Marshall, for giving us one of the most fun nights in the theater I can remember in a long long time. She really outdid herself tonight and I think this is her best work to date. Some of the things going on stage tonight had my mouth wide open in shock then followed by smiles and laughter. My cheek bones still hurt since I was smiling the entire show. I honestly cannot wait to go back and I hope this gets recorded ASAP. Brilliant performances all around (yes, even Broderick was great).
Thank you again, Kathleen. This is a real triumph.
Thank you again, Kathleen. This is a real triumph.
#40
Posted: 3/30/12 at 1:09am
So I know it's early...but do we think Broderick could get a Tony nom for the role?
#41
Posted: 3/30/12 at 1:12am
Also - how big's the orchestra/anyone wana post a list?
#42
Posted: 3/30/12 at 1:14am
Considering Broderick's competition (Norm Lewis, Raul Esparza, Danny Burstein, Jeremy Jordan, Steve Kazee) I think he'll have a battle getting in there, but it wouldn't be impossible.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#43
Posted: 3/30/12 at 1:51am
Nice to hear that that rehearsal footage was misleading (i guess most people here were right that it should never have been released).
So if it's a modified take on Oh Kay! in a way, as Henrik suggests, does anyone remember a rough song list? My mother and her boyfriend saw a production of Oh Kay! done last Fall in San Francisco that they both loved, but her boyfriend mentioned being disappointed that he only knew two songs (he likes to think of himself as a Gershwin know-it-all though I wouldn't classify him even close). I assume they kept both of those in--Clap Yo' Hands and, of course, Someone To Watch Over Me?
So if it's a modified take on Oh Kay! in a way, as Henrik suggests, does anyone remember a rough song list? My mother and her boyfriend saw a production of Oh Kay! done last Fall in San Francisco that they both loved, but her boyfriend mentioned being disappointed that he only knew two songs (he likes to think of himself as a Gershwin know-it-all though I wouldn't classify him even close). I assume they kept both of those in--Clap Yo' Hands and, of course, Someone To Watch Over Me?
#44
Posted: 3/30/12 at 2:01am
MusicMoll wrtoe:
"and fabulous singing just put buttercream frosting on a chocolate cake"
Besides being a possible "joined this message board today to shill" person, am I the only one that read "buttercream" as "butt cream" and got really confused?
Anyway, thanks to the non-shillers that actually went out to see the show. I was trying to figure out how the season would shake up, and this was the only big question mark. That promo rehearsal video that they released didn't really make me think that this would be much of a contender, but it looks like it may have a chance.
"and fabulous singing just put buttercream frosting on a chocolate cake"
Besides being a possible "joined this message board today to shill" person, am I the only one that read "buttercream" as "butt cream" and got really confused?
Anyway, thanks to the non-shillers that actually went out to see the show. I was trying to figure out how the season would shake up, and this was the only big question mark. That promo rehearsal video that they released didn't really make me think that this would be much of a contender, but it looks like it may have a chance.
Xanadu! Can't cry on cue!
#45
Posted: 3/30/12 at 2:24am
Does anybody know yet what dates Kelli will be out? I understand she has to go rehearse and perform in "Far From Heaven" at Williamstown. She must have an amazing agent if the producers are letting her leave "Nice Work" in the height of the summer season to do another show.
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
#46
Posted: 3/30/12 at 2:25am
Does anybody know yet what dates Kelli will be out? I understand she has to go rehearse and perform in "Far From Heaven" at Williamstown. She must have an amazing agent if the producers are letting her leave "Nice Work" in the height of the summer season to do another show.
"It does what a musical is supposed to do; it takes you to another world. And it gives you a little tune to carry in your head. Something to take you away from the dreary horrors of the real world. A little something for when you're feeling blue. You know?"
#47
Posted: 3/30/12 at 6:23am
This was a great show and I highly recommend it. It was so much fun and everything from music to sets to acting and choreography was fabulous.
Updated On: 3/30/12 at 06:23 AM
#48
Posted: 3/30/12 at 6:33am
The songlist is:
Sweet and Lowdown
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Demon Rum
Someone To Watch Over Me
Delishious
I've Got to Be There
Treat Me Rough
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
Do It Again
S'Wonderful
Fascinating Rhythm
Lady Be Good
But Not For Me
By Strauss
Do Do Do
Hanging Around With You
Looking for a Boy
Blah Blah Blah
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
Will You Remember Me?
I've Got a Crush on You
They All Laughed
Some of these songs were new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing them and the old standards done in a new and exciting way. Personally, I think they should cut By Strauss and Blah Blah Blah and do one or two less reprises to cut down the show.
Sweet and Lowdown
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Demon Rum
Someone To Watch Over Me
Delishious
I've Got to Be There
Treat Me Rough
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
Do It Again
S'Wonderful
Fascinating Rhythm
Lady Be Good
But Not For Me
By Strauss
Do Do Do
Hanging Around With You
Looking for a Boy
Blah Blah Blah
Let's Call the Whole Thing Off
Will You Remember Me?
I've Got a Crush on You
They All Laughed
Some of these songs were new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing them and the old standards done in a new and exciting way. Personally, I think they should cut By Strauss and Blah Blah Blah and do one or two less reprises to cut down the show.
The only review of a show that matters is your own.
#49
How exciting!
Posted: 3/30/12 at 7:38am
How exciting!
CHURCH DOOR TOUCAN GAY MARKETING PUPPIES MUSICAL THEATER STAPLES PERIOD OIL BITCHY SNARK HOLES
#50
Posted: 3/30/12 at 8:44am
@henrikegerman
By the way, does anyone agree with me that lately second acts seem to be a lot better than first acts in musicals, reversing tradition?
I completely agree with you. I first noticed it when I saw the Book of Mormon last week...and at intermission was like..."This is what everyone is raving about?" then after the second act...I loved it.
Same thing happened to me with Newsies, after the Act I I liked it thought the choreography was amazing, but then the second act began, and the show may have lose its spectacle but really finds its heart.
It may be because its no longer, accepted to have the classic musical comedy thats thin on plot but thick on laughs and fun. The first act is now lets have exposition galore and create some sort of plot in which hilarity or fun ensues in the second act.
By the way, does anyone agree with me that lately second acts seem to be a lot better than first acts in musicals, reversing tradition?
I completely agree with you. I first noticed it when I saw the Book of Mormon last week...and at intermission was like..."This is what everyone is raving about?" then after the second act...I loved it.
Same thing happened to me with Newsies, after the Act I I liked it thought the choreography was amazing, but then the second act began, and the show may have lose its spectacle but really finds its heart.
It may be because its no longer, accepted to have the classic musical comedy thats thin on plot but thick on laughs and fun. The first act is now lets have exposition galore and create some sort of plot in which hilarity or fun ensues in the second act.
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