Once Around the Sun previews review

[Starchild]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 12:09pm

I went to see OATS on Wednesday night. The show is still in previews, through this week, and they are still tweaking the show. It opens August 11 for a limited run off Broadway at the Zipper Theater, 336 West 37th Street between 8th and 9th Aves. Here are my thoughts, for anyone interested.

This show is not a regular musical in the Broadway tradition. It is a show about a guy who's in a band, basically. Not a grand theme, just a story about love and life. That said, I REALLY enjoyed it. I failed to find anything really wrong with the show. And I tried to be critical, really. The music is great, I thought the story was plenty compelling, and overall the acting was solid. Most of the actors have to play instruments at some point in the show (5 of them are in a band) so it was a great balancing act to do both. HOW FUN to act like a rock star, huh?

The story centers around a guy who's in a band that isn't making it, and he is tapped by a former star/current record producer to have a solo career. Problem is, the band members are his friends his uncle, AND his fiancee (played by Caren Lyn Manuel, of BKLYN u/s fame!) Well, of course he goes for it, and the rest of the show is about what happens next.

My friends thought the first Act needed some work, that the pacing of some of the acting and the story was a bit slow. I agree that parts of it could be tightened up (there's a bit too much of the wedding singer thing (the band plays wedding gigs) that isn't really about advancing the plot (it gives the actors time to change clothes on stage, actually....). But I never felt bored. The other criticism of the first Act is the question of whether this show wants to be concert or musical? But again, I didn't really have problems with it.

The second Act is terrific, it really ties the show together (as it should) and the music is great. Aside from one or two lounge- act-type songs, the music is mostly pop and rock fare. Again, not your typical B'way musical songs which are often very attached to the show's staging. The music is thematically linked but can also stand alone.

The director really used the tiny Zipper theater (under 300 seats) to its best advantage. For example, some props are pictures projected on a screen; it was clever and probably necessary considering the space. A standout actor was Jesse Lenat who plays Dave and Guy Lomax. His comic timing was spot on! I really enjoyed his performance. Kevin Mambo has a fun turn as an American-Idol star. I thought generally all the acting was good, and the vocal performances of all the actors are wonderful, especially Maya Days singing a capella in Act one.

I really enjoyed the show and recommend it without reservation to anyone who likes rock and pop music. It's a fun time and a good story. Not sappy, and it rings true. While it is not a grand theme like more traditional musicals, it is still a worthwhile and extremely enjoyable show. I would love to see it have a LONG run off Broadway. I think it's certainly got that potential.

So there you have it. And for $34-$37, even if you hate it (which you won't), what have you got to lose? It opens August 11. At present it's slated for limited run, so go see it now!

http://www.oncearoundthesun.com/

discounts at Broadwaybox.com and TDF for members
http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/once_around_the_sun_nyc_tickets.aspx

Updated On: 8/5/05 at 12:09 PM

[Sarah2]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 6:27pm

Great review! I'll definitely try to see the show if I get a chance. :)

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 6:29pm

Cool. I want to see this, if for nothing else than the AIDA, RENT and Taboo alumni in the cast.

[BluCat500]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 6:58pm

Quick question, semi-related because hes in the cast, IBDB says John Hickok was born in 1957, is that correct? If hes really 48...he doesn't look it...maybe I'm just crazy

[Harpo]

Posted: 8/5/05 at 7:48pm

Thanks so much for the review. I have tix for the current closing date on Sept 18. Another message board has very mixed reactions to it, some very negative. Am looking forward to seeing it. Wish I could see it in previews to compare.

[Starchild]

Posted: 8/6/05 at 1:18am

Hickok looks 48 to me.... i was real close ! I hope y'all enjoy the show, it's light entertaining fare, but definitely entertaining! come back and let me know what you thought!

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 8/6/05 at 2:09pm

I saw "Once around the Sun" a week ago. I liked it also. I did student rush for $20. I think Asa has an amazing voice! I recommend seeing it!

[midtowngym]

Posted: 8/7/05 at 9:47pm

Just returned from tonight's show. Quite enjoyable. There's much talent onstage. John Hickok, Asa Somers and Maya Days are especially strong. 'Once Around the Sun' could be a hit (although the other songs, while competent, are disposable.) The book is full of cliches--cute guy sleeps his way to the top, returns to the group he abandoned for redemption, etc. However, it's got humor, beautiful voices, energy and a game cast.

Updated On: 8/8/05 at 09:47 PM

[GirlfriendFromCanada]

Posted: 8/7/05 at 10:40pm

I really enjoyed this show. As someone who has been supporting real people like the characters of Kevin and B Side, it was really easy to get invested in and be entertained by. I really enjoyed the plotline, even though it does come close to be cliche and predictable. The cast is incredible, I can't even single anyone out as being better than the rest, though Asa Somers does shine in the lead role. I saw an understudy of Hickok and am actually excited to go back to see this again, and him in the role. I was very entertained, found most of the songs catchy and memorable (the ones that were meant to be anyway, as not all were) and I especially liked the context the songs were used, almost always directly involved in the plot. I even liked the use of the projection screen, which is getting to be an over-used trick these days! Good stuff, I recommend.

[midtowngym]

Posted: 8/8/05 at 10:24am

The projection screen was occasionally distracting. When you've got real talent onstage, as this show has, you don't always need it.
And as good as Somers is, for me, Hickok was the standout.

Updated On: 8/8/05 at 10:24 AM