Posted: 1/28/18 at 8:16pm
Of the four new principals I saw at the Shubert last week, Charlie Stemp was by far the best of them all. I'll see him in anything he's in after this.
Posted: 1/28/18 at 10:34pm
I've only skimmed this thread so forgive me if I'm being redundant....
I fall somewhere in between the yay-sayers and the nay-sayers. I thought Bernadette was quite good, but she didn't have us in the palm of her hand like Bette did. I thought she was kind of sleepwalking through the first couple numbers, but by the time we got the millinery scene, she had woken up and came out guns blazing. And she certainly had no trouble getting laughs from today's audience.
And at the end of the day, Bette was doing Bette, and Bernadette was doing Bernadette. There were no surprises with either of them. Others may disagree, but I think it largely (but not entirely) comes down to your opinion of each actress in general.
Garber's Vandergelder was definitely a different take from DHP. Less grumbly and more flustered. But I think I liked their performances about equally, though neither of them really blew me away.
I actually really liked Molly Griggs. I thought she was adorable. Her take on Minnie reminded me of Dawn in Waitress, a role Griggs would be very good in. I liked Charlie Stemp about the same amount as I liked Taylor Trench, but I liked them both a lot.
All in all, they've done good work with this round of replacements.
Gavin Creel is still bringing it, and Kate Baldwin is a criminally underrated gem of Broadway.
Posted: 1/29/18 at 8:40am
When she is talking to Ephraim, Bernadette must be thinking she's talking to her late husband Michael. It has the same power as the birthday episode of "The Golden Girls" where Rose (Betty White) is talking to her late husband Charlie (Allen Ludden).
Posted: 1/29/18 at 8:51am
Posted: 1/29/18 at 9:29am
I'm planning on seeing the show in March and had a question if anyone could help! I don't know anything about it or the numbers, so I'm wondering if I want to get orchestra seats, am I better being closer up and closer to the far side, or being a few rows back and being slightly more center? Would I appreciate it more being farther back?
Posted: 1/29/18 at 9:48am
Further and closer to center would be better IMHO
Posted: 1/29/18 at 10:07am
Hi I was in row C orchestra (it is actually the 2nd row....) my neck hurt after from looking up...you also don't get the visual of all the costumes from that close....go back about 10 rows I think!
Posted: 1/29/18 at 10:12am
I saw it Saturday night. I was in row C (too close I think ) but I thought Bernadette was great no she is not Bette but who is..>Bernadette is still incredible and funny and her voice sounded great... I did however hate the eating scene that went on way to long and was not really funny after about 5 miuntes...Bette did do this better... Victor was not great...his singing voice is not great...and hit a not during Penny in my Pocket that made you cringe,,..I loved DHP in this and I don't think VIctor is there yet..I am sure he will be shortly... the rest of the Cast is Aplus... During the Put on Your Sunday Clothes scene I actually had tears in my eyes from being so happy..it is still the best show on Broadway!!!
Posted: 1/29/18 at 10:15am
Brad4815 said: "I'm planning on seeing the show in March and had a question if anyone could help! I don't know anything about it or the numbers, so I'm wondering if I want to get orchestra seats, am I better being closer up and closer to the far side, or being a few rows back and being slightly more center? Would I appreciate it more being farther back?"
Depending on how far back in the center orchestra you're talking about, you might want to consider the front mezzanine, as I believe it offers the best views for this show. Also, make sure you use the discount on telechargeoffers.com when looking for tickets!
Posted: 1/29/18 at 10:20am
CT2NYC said: "Depending on how far back in the center orchestra you're talking about, you might want to consider the front mezzanine, as I believe it offers the best views for this show. Also, make sure you use the discount on telechargeoffers.com when looking for tickets!"
Normally I'd go for front mezz but looks like it's mostly sold out for my date. 
I'm looking at either row H mid-left orchestra or row M/N a couple seats in. Is there an actual code for telechargeoffers? Or are the seats just automatically discounted, they show $136 with fees for me.
Thanks for all the responses you guys have been super helpful!
Posted: 1/29/18 at 10:39am
Brad4815 said:
Normally I'd go for front mezz but looks like it's mostly sold out for my date. I'm looking at either row H mid-left orchestra orrow M/Nacouple seats in.Is there an actual code for telechargeoffers? Or are the seats just automatically discounted, they show $136 with fees for me.
Thanks for all the responses you guys have been super helpful!"
If you can get row M side orchestra close to center, I would probably recommend that over row H. Row H is pretty close, so, the further over you are, there's a chance that you'll miss a little of the far stage right action. Since you haven't seen the show before, it's best if you're more centered, so you can have a full-on view. Also, if you're searching for tickets on the telechargeoffers.com website, the discount is already applied, and I believe $136 ($125 + fees) is the discounted price.
Updated On: 1/29/18 at 10:39 AM
Posted: 2/1/18 at 5:13pm
The show is now almost sold out from tonight until Sunday. Impressive (and not something that really happened during the Follies run much if I recall - though it was a larger theatre). However, from next Tuesday onwards things look like they are a little slower. I wonder in hindsight if they shouldn't have had so many 'previews' (maybe the thought was they could ride on fans for the first month, then use the reviews to help the show keep pushing through).
I just read the "Everything Was Possible" book (which is absolutely remarkable) and it is quite hilarious to look back and see how preview periods have changed. In the 70s shows like Follies, Mack and Mabel, A Little Night Music had (in comparison to today's standards) ridiculously short preview periods - and they were brand new shows! I suppose audiences benefit (from the sounds of things, Follies previews were often rough with actors constantly missing lines and dramatic changes were often made). Yet in 2017 Bernadette Peters (and others) walk into a show that has been running smoothly for 9 months and need a whole month of previews? If you went back in time and told this to people in the 70s I'm sure they'd find it hilariously ridiculous.
Updated On: 2/1/18 at 05:13 PM
Posted: 2/1/18 at 5:56pm
qolbinau said:"The show is now almost sold out from tonight until Sunday. Impressive (and not something that really happened during the Follies run much if I recall - though it was a larger theatre). However, from next Tuesday onwards things look like they are a little slower. I wonder in hindsight if they shouldn't have had so many 'previews' (maybe the thought was they could ride on fans for the first month, then use the reviews to help the show keep pushing through).
I just read the "Everything Was Possible" book (which is absolutely remarkable) and it is quite hilarious to look back and see how preview periods have changed. In the 70s shows like Follies, Mack and Mabel,A Little Night Music had (in comparison to today's standards) ridiculously short preview periods - and they were brand new shows! I suppose audiences benefit (from the sounds of things, Follies previews were often rough with actors constantly missing lines and dramatic changes were often made). Yet in 2017 Bernadette Peters (and others) walk into a show that has been running smoothly for 9 months and need a whole month of previews? If you went back in time and told this to people in the 70s I'm sure they'd find it hilariously ridiculous.
2for1 Broadway week...that ends on Sunday Feb 4! We are seeing it tomorrow as we purchased 2for1 tickets and got great seats in the center orch row G!
Posted: 2/1/18 at 6:00pm
Has Bernadette been sick recently? I saw her on Tuesday evening and it just seemed like she had to push to get sound out.
I was not expecting this at all, but I was much more moved by Donna's performance. When Donna was talking to Ephraim before Parade... I was almost in tears. Bernadette's reading didn't touch me the way Donna's did. I see other posters were moved by Bernadette's monologue, but imho, I truly enjoyed Donna more.
The entire show is still so sumptuous. I was smiling from ear to ear the whole time. The stage pictures created during Sunday Clothes are magical. I dragged my boyfriend, who does not enjoy theatre like I, and he truly enjoyed it. His favorite scene was the waiter's gallop and he just loved Jennifer Simard's take on Ernestina (who doesn't)
Posted: 2/1/18 at 6:04pm
Bernadette did appear to be sick last week (coughing in 2 out of the 3 performances I saw). I hope she recovers soon - the last thing the show needs right now is her absence. It appears she is working very hard to keep performing though. I hope her performance isn't suffering too much because they need the positive word of mouth too.
Updated On: 2/1/18 at 06:04 PM
Posted: 2/1/18 at 6:43pm
bandit964 said: "Has Bernadette been sick recently? I saw her on Tuesday evening and it just seemed like she had to push to get sound out.
I was not expecting this at all, but I was much more moved by Donna's performance. When Donna was talking to Ephraim beforeParade...I was almost in tears. Bernadette's reading didn't touch me the way Donna's did. I see other posters were moved by Bernadette's monologue, but imho, I truly enjoyed Donna more."
And Donna didn't even come close to how heart warming Bette was. So I guess Bernadette has some ways to go. Glad I am waiting little bit. I am rooting for her.
Updated On: 2/1/18 at 06:43 PM
Posted: 2/1/18 at 6:58pm
I mean to be honest, I doubt Bernadette will improve on that particular point - it's just personal preference. The way Bernadette delivers those lines right now is exactly like the vulnerability you would see in any of her previous performances (e.g., A Little Night Music, Follies, Sunday in the Park, Mack and Mabel) - her eyes seem to get slightly teary, her voice becomes softer and suddenly her big broad "wink nudge" musical theatre comedy performances becomes more intimate. And the beginning of "Parade" is also sung with that classic Bernadette vulnerability. Can't speak for Donna, but to me it was more effective than Bette. I just don't know what she could possibly do to make this moment more effective - some will buy it and some won't.
Posted: 2/1/18 at 8:33pm
qolbinau said: "I mean to be honest, I doubt Bernadette will improve on that particular point - it's just personal preference. The way Bernadette delivers those lines right now is exactly like the vulnerability you would see in any of her previous performances (e.g., A Little Night Music, Follies, Sunday in the Park, Mack and Mabel) - her eyes seem to get slightlyteary, her voice becomes softer and suddenly her big broad "wink nudge" musical theatre comedy performances becomes more intimate. And the beginning of "Parade" is also sung with that classic Bernadette vulnerability. Can't speak for Donna, but to me it was more effective than Bette. I just don't know what she could possibly do to make this moment more effective - some will buy it and some won't."
@qolbinau; I just want to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your thoughts on Dolly. Your love of Bernadette really comes thru in your honest and sincere words. I have also loved her since I saw a preview performance of Sunday In The Park . Unfortunately; beginning with Goodbye Girl I have never seen her give a performance in which I don't wonder if she has a cold or if she is just having a off night. But I still adore her and I go to everything she is in more than once if I can. I saw Dolly a whole bunch of times with Bette and I also saw it with Donna. I know Donna gave a more legit vocal. But I was thrilled with the charm and comedic chops Bette had. And I have also loved Bette's vocals my entire life. Her voice has a rasp and a mother earth quality like no other. Not everything needs to sound perfect or pretty to be full of joy and life. I can't wait to see Bernadette. I am sure I am going to love her in it but will probably be on the same page as you.
Posted: 2/1/18 at 11:25pm
YES--I snagged a $47 rush seat on Thurs 1/31 just after 7pm for an 8pm curtain
Row L--all the way audience LEFT
GREAT deal
Posted: 2/3/18 at 12:35pm
Saw Bernadette last night (Friday). I've seen all three (Bette, Donna, and Bernadette). I think everyone will have different opinions, but I felt Bernadette was the strongest. Bette's strongpoint was her comedy (where her voice is not her strongsuit), Donna's was her voice (while I felt certain jokes/scenes fell flat), and I felt Bernadette had both (she was in great voice last night, adding many optional high notes into her songs and her scene in Molloy's shop was by far the funniest of the three). Frankly I thought Bernadette was also the best mover of the three - definitely the best "dancer" (not that Dolly has many dance movements), and I felt she brought a certain sex appeal to her role especially during the title song.
That being said, this is a great role - all three brought something very special to the role.
Updated On: 2/3/18 at 12:35 PM
Posted: 2/3/18 at 3:07pm
I am rather surprised at all the praise for Bernadette's acting in the hat shop scene. I thought her acting during the scene was her weakest point in the show... At the performance I attended, there were very few laughs during that scene.
Posted: 2/3/18 at 3:39pm
Perhaps you saw her on an "off" day? Or perhaps I saw her on an "on" day. Regardless - the audience was eating that scene up! I'm not a die hard Bernadette fan like other posters (definitely a fan - but probably equally a fan of Bette and Donna). I simply felt I was missing vocals with Bette and comedy with Donna and felt I got both with Peters. I guess that's what makes for horse racing! Loved all three overall - a great production - never looked at my watch even the third time seeing it.
Posted: 2/3/18 at 3:56pm
Based on the general mood of the thread, it seems more likely that Broadwayphreak saw her on an "off" day. Though it's even more likely still that you both just had different personal reactions to her performance.
Posted: 2/3/18 at 4:05pm
JBroadway said: "Based on the general mood of the thread, it seems more likely that Broadwayphreak saw her on an "off" day. Though it's even more likely still that you both just had different personalreactions to her performance."
Funny. I thought based on the mood of the thread he saw pretty much what’s up there.
.jpg?format=auto&width=365)
