As someone who doesn’t love British humor, I was super skeptical of this going in. That being said, I really loved this!
The five person cast is doing some truly stellar work. The versatility on display in each performance is wildly impressive. I fully expect Tony nominations for some cast members (especially Jack Malone).
The writing is so clever, witty, and sharp. The book and score are about as solid as they come. I am surprised at just how catchy the score is. I will definitely be listening to the cast album!
Really neat set and lighting designs - LOVED the glitzy finale. So far, this has been the biggest pleasant surprise of the season for me. I was thoroughly entertained and charmed, and I highly recommend this!
I’m doing a double Mince from the front row today. That $39 front orchestra flash sale came in CLUTCH
I didn't know how I was going to react to this one but I liked it. Did I LOVE it, not really. I am still soul seeking why it didn't fully land with me. It might be the bit of whiplash I kept feeling between genuinely clever scenes and total unhinged absurdism ones. It might also be the struggle to make out half of what was being said. This was my first time in the Golden... is the sound system always that bad? Anytime they were singing a group number it was like... noise gumbo to my ears then trying to piece together what I just missed.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
This is the one complaint that gives me pause, especially because it comes from several people on this thread who otherwise enjoyed the show. I’m very much a lyrics person, I have realized, and I would be disappointed if I got too lost to appreciate a lot of it.
I don’t want to have to listen to the cast recording beforehand. My daughter saw it in London and didn’t have that problem, though she had really good seats.
I don't know what to say? See Boop or Smash instead? Then you can say you were one of the few to have seen them. I think it's guaranteed that you will have multiple opportunities to see many productions of OM for the rest of your life.
Totally unrelated to the show itself, but I'm really curious about the front row situation. I saw the Saturday matinee from the front row and it was right up against the stage (with no legroom and with the stage above eye level). I'd also sat in the front row the second time I saw Prima Facie and don't remember it being anything like this, with a comfortable gap from the stage. Did Prima Facie remove a row or two of seats, or is the position of the stage variable?
Swing Joined: 7/2/08
The view upstairs is just fine, it's the sound design up there that stinks. Saw it Wednesday night and I couldn't make out half the dialogue or lyrics. Two nights later, I sat downstairs after winning the Telecharge lottery and I understood every word, every lyric. Doesn't anyone do sound checks in these old theaters anymore?
The Golden is a play house primarily. It has not had a new musical since Avenue Q 20+ years ago.
They are working it out . I hear improvements from audiences every week.
ardiem said: "Totally unrelated to the show itself, but I'm really curious about the front row situation. I saw the Saturday matinee from the front row and it was right up against the stage (with no legroom and with the stage above eye level). I'd also sat in the front row the second time I saw Prima Facie and don't remember it being anything like this, with a comfortable gap from the stage. Did Prima Facie remove a row or two of seats, or is the position of the stage variable?"
I felt horrible for the people in the front row, I felt you guys were like pressed up against the stage. I was third row center and I was still too close. So yes, they definitely removed a row or two at least.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
inception said: "I don't know what to say? See Boop or Smash instead? Then you can say you were one of the few to have seen them. I think it's guaranteed that you will have multiple opportunities to see many productions of OM for the rest of your life."
We’ve had a good relationship on this board but it’s pretty obvious from other comments that many people - including folks who have enjoyed the show overall - have had major issues with the sound design (depending on their location in the theater). Maybe I wouldn’t have that problem at all. Others are warning about the front row.
I’m asking a sincere question about sound issues as someone who recommended this musical to my daughter when she went to London last year. Are the cheaper rear mezzanine tickets a problem when trying to understand the lyrics? Would I be better off in the orchestra, even rear orchestra?
Anyone who finds such questions annoying is free to ignore me.
I'm sitting in the front row of the rear mezz on Weds. Will try to remember to report back my take on the sound.
bear88 said: "
Anyone who finds such questions annoying is free to ignore me.
My apologies if my flippant reply offended. I haven't seen it yet, so I don't know if the sound issues will get fixed by the time you are there.
The front row was pretty great. Plenty of leg room. Most people had their purses/backpacks/posters in front of them (the stage indents lower) and still had leg room. The view is great from there as well and some the cast looks your right in the eye. We had a great time in these seats with good room compared to many Broadway theaters.
Updated On: 3/17/25 at 05:36 PMUnderstudy Joined: 12/13/10
Sutton Ross said: "ardiem said: "Totally unrelated to the show itself, but I'm really curious about the front row situation. I saw the Saturday matinee from the front row and it was right up against the stage (with no legroom and with the stage above eye level). I'd also sat in the front row the second time I saw Prima Facie and don't remember it being anything like this, with a comfortable gap from the stage. Did Prima Facie remove a row or two of seats, or is the position of the stage variable?"
I felt horrible for the people in the front row, I felt you guys were like pressed up against the stage. I was third row center and I was still too close. So yes, they definitely removed a row or two at least."
I can’t find a seating chart but according to the reported grosses Prima Facie had 12 more seats per performance. So if anything they had one more row? Stereophonic had 12 fewer than Mincemeat. So 802, 778 and now 790. I feel like a dweeb for looking this up but also love that this industry makes it possible… given the rain effect I can’t imagine PF’s stage was set lower either.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
inception said: "bear88 said: "
Anyone who finds such questions annoying is free to ignore me.
My apologies if my flippant reply offended. I haven't seen it yet, so I don't know if the sound issues will get fixed by the time you are there.
Don’t worry about it. I was excessively snarky myself. It’s all good.
CoffeeBreak said: "The front row was actually pretty great. Plenty of leg room. Most people had their purses/backpacks/posters in front of them (the stage indents lower) and still had leg room. The view is great from there as well and some the cast looks your right in the eye. We had a great time in these seats with good room compared to many Broadway theaters."
I also sat in the front row on the third Saturday of previews. I’m about 5’7 the stage was quite near and just above my eye level but still yes there is adequate leg room. The cast rarely goes too close downstage as they usually stay center stage so you do have a great view of everything that is happening. I did find the orchestra flat in the first part of act 1 but it became crisp and clear by the middle of the show until the end. While it did help that I listened to the cast album beforehand, I still quite understood almost every line of this wonderful cast except for the opening of the second act. But then again I was quite laughing out loud at that brilliant second act opening so that may contribute in me misunderstanding some of the lines. I also had a hard time understanding Zoe Roberts when she raps but those were just a few lyrics. I would definitely choose to sit in the front row again if I have a chance. It was magical seeing Jak Malone perform the opus Dear Bill right in front of me. Truly one of the best experiences of my theatre going life!
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