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?
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
