ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME - P/reviews & News Thread — Page 4

I’m sold for whenever this comes to Broadway. Actually super excited for this and can’t wait to see it!

I tend to turn a blind eye to jukebox musicals with wishy-washy narrative structures and form. I'm willing to be forgiving towards jukebox musicals because of other production components that could make-up for their dramaturgical shortcomings.

Though I'm not crazy about the idea of UOOMT's story, I think it could possibly work if the top 1/3 of the show is re-written, and if the plot and characters are introduced differently. That's a relatively easy fix. What needs complete overhaul is the lack of directorial vision and creative design concept. The set is LED walls. The walls on the sides rotate as wings for actors to enter and exit. There's a fixed metallic runway and staircase that looks like an industrial fire-escape, a red ladder that is never utilized, and movable platforms on wheels. Besides the walls on the side, there's no automation. The stage is simply lit with the most basic lighting plot. There's no mood setting, the use of lighting as part of the story-telling, or even use lighting pragmatically to help the audience focus on certain actions or characters. The costumes are cheap, and the boys' costumes look like they were bought at the last minute from H&M (not even Uniqlo). For such a show that is meant to be a camp fest and features two gay/queer characters, there's absolutely no boy skin to be seen. Throw in a tank-top instead of the horrible shirts. The rest of the costumes look like they were acquired from random costume facility and stitched with random peices. There's absolutely no unity or consistency in the style or design.

The staging is amateur pantomime at best. There are times when actors just stand there while other action is happening around them. The male ensemble is especially given very little characterization and attitude. There's so much stomping around on that house deck, and the sound gets picked up by the mics. The entrances and exits are sloppy and limiting, and there's absolutely no fluidity or beauty in the way the show moves.

Musically, the arrangements are completely 1-note and basically not given a pop theatre treatment. What makes the songs in &Juliet work is the fantastic musical reimagining of these great hits that make them sound up to date, and sometimes completely reimagined as a ballad or duet. There's no underscoring or use of music to enhance the story when it's not a musical number.

As in most cases, AEA and AEA-level cast always delivers and is not at fault. Justin Guarini is fine though I found him to be a bit grown up for this role. He's got the voice, he even has moves. But he's not a comedian and can only do so much to elevate the crap he's given. Excuse me but who is Briga Heelan, why doesn't she have any music and/or musical credits, and so why was she given this lead role? No! Re-cast ASAP! Aisha Jackson is a cutie pie, Mimi Scadrulla is talented enough though Belinda is purely written as "fat and funny" which I find unpalatable. Ryan Steele does a fine job, and of course Emily Skinner is queen and is grossly overqualified for this nonsense.

This is not a pre-Broadway run. It's a fancy workshop with no attention to any detail, originality, or innovation in any department.. Even if re-written and redesigned on paper, their current budget is not big enough for this kind of musical.

Reading these reviews I'm kind of curious how this even came to be? It's directed by 2 choreographers we haven't heard of, the lead is a new person with no prior experience. It kind of explains how the show looks as bad as it does. Fun concept, but the execution looks bad for even a regional theater level.

Does anyone know when this is expected to come to Broadway? I’ve tried researching, but I can’t find a proposed time frame. Perhaps nothing’s been announced yet, so curious to know what you guys think

There have been references to it opening this summer, which would make sense in terms of the pandemic subsiding and grabbing the tourists that should be back in greater force at that time. It will probably not get much love from certain sectors but the overall crowd response reflects that it succeeds at what it sets out to be, which is a pure night of fun. They know they have a money maker on their hands but they have to time it right.

I hope they lean into the adult humor/camp/raunch for this one when it transfers. It succeeds in that aspect better than the family friendly aspects of the show.

...are LEMPICA and & JULIET actually happening on Broadway in 22-23?

ah --- knew about & Juliet but hadn't known that about Lempicka (or maybe I forgot).

I suppose we will also eventually see JAMIE on Broadway. I don't think the film made enough impact to help or hurt it?

"They probably also know that this won't be a major Best Musical contender at the Tonys"

Don't underestimate, though, the impact of touring potential on nominations and for that matter, wins. But, just guessing, I don't see it trying to cram itself into this year's field.

Yes, but all the musicals you list were nominated (I'm not debating worthiness here) and that was more the point. After the disasterous pandemic years, I don't think I'm being too cynical on this issue.

But, who knows what impression this will make once reconfigured for a Broadway stage.

I agree with the sentiment but that doesn’t always execute. There have been plenty of jukebox musical flops. They definitely have some tightening to to the the book, how this is marketed, etc because this has the potential to be a hit. A guaranteed one? Absolutely not.

Have there been any updates on this? I loved this stupid show and would love to listen to it again lol.