PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE first previe

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 10:22am

I'll be there tonight! Really looking forward to it, especially hearing the new score.

Anyone else going? Drinks at intermission?

[WSStory]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 11:28am

I've got tickets for 20th. Please let us know what you think of the show. A new, original musical! Love it!

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:04pm

Leave off the 'W' for savings. HA. I cant seem to get in and edit the title of the thread. Forgive my "Just Woke Up" typo.

It could be the worst thing in the world and if it's entirely original, I love it. It's so nice to see SOMEONE with a fresh idea or two. Plus, the return of Donna Murphy is always welcome.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:08pm

I am seeing it the week after next. I am wondering if the music playing in the video on the show's website is part of the score because I like it.

[CarmenDeBris]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:16pm

I'll be at the evening performance tomorrow! Very excited!

[whatever2]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:18pm

i'd be most obliged if anyone seeing it tonight could post their impressions ...

... i have $10 tickets for tomorrow. My husband is a CPA, and a quick look at the calendar will suggest that i'd better not drag him there if it's a mess!

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:22pm

I'll be posting a "revie" in this thread after the show tonight. I might leave out some W's.

[whatever2]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:27pm

that ould be onderful!

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:27pm

I'm expecting ROZA meets RAGS meets BEACHES. It could be wonderful in all kinds of different ways.

No denying that cast though. Some really great people are involved in this. And Paul Gemignani conducting? Fabulous.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:43pm

I finally get to see Murphy and Zien live onstage. I have seen Gemignani in Sweeney and Assassins and enjoyed him. And I agree MB, with Paul conducting, this could be fabulous.

[Pippin]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:48pm

I'll be there tonight. No idea what to expect but am excited nonetheless.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 12:49pm

I too would like to read the thoughts of those attending this evening. I have to admit that I am most excited about seeing this and "...Vera Stark".

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 1:03pm

GREAT team and cast. I must admit, I don't want to get too excited with so many duds this season. But I am REALLY hopeful this will become my new see again-and-again show.

[egghumor]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 1:49pm

Keeping my fingers crossed that this one's a triumph for everyone involved, especially the writers and the luminous Donna Murphy.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 2:32pm

It really does sound like it has the potential to be good. I'm very interested to hear about it.

[matty159]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 4:46pm

This one really is the big wild card. I am dying to read what people have to say tonight, but am also wondering whether I need to show restraint and wait until after I have seen it tomorrow night. After many big let-downs this season, I am really hoping this is something truly special...and as it is Roundabout, we all know that is a big coin-toss!

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 4:57pm

In my book, Roundabout redeemed itself a bit with Anything Goes. But you still never know with them, of course.

[BwayTday]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 4:59pm

There were a lot of seats available when I checked seats yesterday.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 6:12pm

I read somewhere that there may be a cast album by Jay I believe

We see it next weekend.

[breathyfemalevocal]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 9:17pm

First show ever is happening RIGHT NOW! I'm waiting on pins and needles to hear the first reactions. Come on, Donna, blow them away!!!

Can't anyone tweet at intermission or something? PLEASE.....

[adamgreer]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 11:03pm

Dull. Boring. Uninvolving.

Most of act 2 isn't orchestrated yet and is played with just a piano.

Terrible score. Predictable book. Cheesy.

Donna Murphy does what she can and will get a pity nomination.

More detailed thoughts when I get home.

[bmwpjager]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 11:09pm

^An entire act isn't even orchestrated yet?

Wow...

[thismyshow]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 11:28pm

@adam i call shenanigans....

[Blockhead24]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 11:39pm

I was so bored out of my mind. What was that?

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 4/1/11 at 11:44pm

I'm sad to report that I agree with adamgreer. For a show about the Holocaust it's remarkably inert and boring. I never cared for the characters and wasn't closed to being moved by the story.

It felt like a mash-up of so many shows. I think the opening was taken right from The Prince of Grand Street and as MichaelBennett predicted there are doses of Roza and Rags. There was even a tribute to Onward Victoria when Joyce Van Patten mentioned something about the impropriety of unescorted women!

One of my favorite performances and plays of the past few years was Tovah Feldshuh in Irena's Vow. I know not everyone on this board shared my enthusiasm for that show, but I wept and wept during it. This on the other hand, although not trying to be a tearjerker per se, never was able to hook me. Try as I might I couldn't become emotionally involved.

Yes almost all of act 2 wasn't orchestrated. At first I thought it was a stylistic choice, but I think they just ran out of time to finish. The score is repetitive and generic sounding. I walked out singing, "Stuart play your clarinet!" I guess I was at least hoping the score would be more varied as half of it takes place in 1977 New York City.

Donna's talents were underused. I also felt like she was going to burst into Children and Art any moment playing her older self. The other actors were fine, but no one is really given anything to do. Nothing to sink their teeth into.

The book isn't confusing, but it also doesn't go anywhere. Act 1 kind of rambles and Act 2 starts to verge on Lifetime movie. I will say that I think the authors had good intentions with the piece, but couldn't quite figure out what they wanted to say. What makes this story different/important to hear?