Quick question: Running time for Murder Ballad?

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 6/30/13 at 7:27pm

Thank you for any help.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 6/30/13 at 7:45pm

It runs about 80 minutes, no intermission.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 6/30/13 at 10:31pm

But it feels more like 12 hours.

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 7/1/13 at 11:26am

Can you tell me more about why you didn't like it?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 7/5/13 at 1:02pm

Apologies for my delayed response.

I thought MURDER BALLAD was a deeply misogynistic musical (that just happens to be written by two women) with a non-existent libretto, dreadful lyrics and an even more dreadful score. It was the most interminable evening I've ever spent in a theater. And despite my free ticket, I left the theater feeling robbed. I wouldn't wish it on my mortal enemy.

The two female characters are so thinly (and predictably) drawn, based on deep stereotypes and, in my opinion, rather cruel ones. The crazy psycho ex-girlfriend. The slut. The only fully realized character was a male professor. And even that character is badly written.

I want that time back.

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 9:03pm

Thank you for your input. I did see it, today, and I honestly enjoyed it a lot. But in thinking about your post, I can see how someone could feel that way about the characters. I didn't feel they were deeply drawn, either, but I could still feel their desires and their pain. As for the lyrics, my biggest complaint was not being able to understand them all over the music itself - - it was very loud. But overall, I liked it. Thanks again.

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 7/6/13 at 9:03pm

Thank you for your input. I did see it, today, and I honestly enjoyed it a lot. But in thinking about your post, I can see how someone could feel that way about the characters. I didn't feel they were deeply drawn, either, but I could still feel their desires and their pain. As for the lyrics, my biggest complaint was not being able to understand them all over the music itself - - it was very loud. But overall, I liked it. Thanks again.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 7:43pm

Sorry you did not like it iluvtheatertrash, I liked it very much, thought the music was rocking & the lyrics smart in their story telling way. The story may not be deep, or the characterization but I think the performers/performances made it work.

pacificnorthwest, I guess you were sitting closer to the band, I was behind the bar and had no problem with hearing the lyrics, if you like you can listen to the cast recording on Spotify:

http://play.spotify.com/album/15VUlBxG6ovextVkRgcL7G

[Libby1209]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 7:55pm

I have to agree with iluvtheatertrash. I saw the show a few days ago, and was hoping it would be good. It wasn't. The story was terribly predictable and...boring. In fact, I kept checking my watch every few minutes (that's how badly I wanted it to end). I too had a hard time hearing the lyrics, probably because half of the time, I was looking at the actors' backs. That being said, I did enjoy the four actors' voices.

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 7/7/13 at 10:43pm

And I was thought it was brilliant (and the cast truly irresistible.) There definitely isn't a consensus on this one, which I suppose isn't too surprising for more a experimental, unorthodox show.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 7/8/13 at 2:19pm

I saw it for the third time this weekend. Got to see Jim Newman which I was dubious about when I first heard of the casting after seeing him in HARDBODY. I must say that he was wearing the hell out of that shirt. The hell out of it. Other than that I can't say I thought too much of his performance. Tom is by far my least favorite character. I think Jim is a little too country for this role. I'd like to see someone with a little more rock edge in this role even though it's not going to happen due to the closing.

As much as I love Rebecca and think she's completely perfect, I am interested to see it again with whomever takes over for her.

[ahhrealmonsters]

Posted: 7/8/13 at 2:20pm

Did Will Swenson leave the show? I saw it yesterday, and the insert looked like Jim is a replacement, not an understudy.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 7/8/13 at 2:22pm

Will is on vacation. Jim announced at 54 Below awhile back that he was taking over the role for the time being. I can't remember if Will is going to be back before the closing but I believe so.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 7/8/13 at 6:14pm

Jim Newman posted he is in thru July 18th, I guess Will will be in for the closing weekend.

ClydeBarrow, when is Rebecca leaving, will they be replacing her or is her understudy just going to step in to the role?

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 7/8/13 at 11:06pm

Rebecca leaves the 14th. She is going to be in LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST in the Park. I would assume her understudy will go into the role since it's only a week before closing.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 7/9/13 at 4:39pm

Thanks ClydeBarrow

[jbm2]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 1:29am

How "adult" is Murder Ballad? Appropriate for a teenager?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 1:49am

Like, 19 year old teenager? Definitely.

I loved this show so much, I saw every combination of the cast. It's highly sexual, extremely intense and just really fun.

[jbm2]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 1:55am

How highly sexual?
I am talking 15 year old

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 3:07am

I would not take a 15 year old to see this but it may be a toned down version of the production. The NYC production had simulated sex on bars, and pool tables. It's about cheating, abuse, boning, jealousy, fights with bats, and murder. With hot people. And booze is served.

Your call.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 3/28/15 at 12:11pm

Sutton, I had to cackle at your use of "boning." Thanks for my morning entertainment.