Report from my Broadway Weekend

[BWAY_Rob]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 4:28pm

I spent last weekend in NYC and was able to see several Broadway shows. I wanted to share my thoughts on the different shows.

First, I want to thank everyone for the advice about flying into Laguardia. It was great. It seemed smaller and older thank JFK, but definitely closer to the city. It only took 20 minutes to get there on Monday morning and going through security was much faster than JFK.

On Friday night, I saw 'One Man, Two Guvnors'. It was very funny. I wish I hadn't read the spoilers on this board, but in a way I am glad I did because I would have felt completely duped if I hadn't. James Corden was brilliant and 'Christine' stole the show. I didn't like The Craze. Way too many songs. They just seemed out of place and I think it took away from the show.

On Saturday I saw a matinee of 'Bring it On'. I didn't think I would be saying this, but I LOVED it! It made me smile, laugh, tear up a few times and I left with the songs still in my head. The cast was great and the cheer routines were amazing. The songs were very similar to some of the songs from 'In the Heights'. (In my head I could hear "We are Powerless" during "It's all Happening" lol) I also love the St. James theatre. I think it is my favorite. I liked the show so much I went back and saw it again at the Sunday matinee.

Saturday night I saw 'Newsies' for a second time. The first time I was in the front row. Not a good place to sit for this show. This time I was in the 4th row of the mezzanine. Much better view. The show was also tighter. I am not a fan of Jeremy Jordon, but he was even better this time. Great dancing. Great young energetic cast too.

On Sunday evening I went to see "Chicago". I had never seen the show and thought I should give it a try. I HATED it. Seriously hated it. I didn't like the set. I didn't like the music or the dancing. The story was fine, but I knew that. I didn't care for the two leads. The actress that played Velma was just creepy. Tony Yazbeck was fine. It was very strange but I was like the only American in the theatre. The entire theatre seemed to be filled with people from Eastern European countries or Asians. It was just different. I also hate the theatre. There was a thread a few weeks ago about the ugliest theatres - I'm not sure if the Ambassador was mentioned, but it needs some work. The floor literally gave under my feet when I was walking to my seat. The chairs moved and creaked when you sat in them and there was little leg room. Oh well, at least I can check it off my list.

All in all, it was a good weekend. Great weather. Some good shows. Lots of fun! Looking forward to my next trip in December.

[macnyc]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 5:04pm

Glad you had fun! I was thinking of seeing Newsies again (I love it), and I was thinking of sitting in the orchestra this time, not too far back. I'm hoping that discounts will improve, but probably not in the near future. By the time I get there, Corey will be in the lead.

I've been toying with the idea of seeing Bring It On too.

I got to like the Craze after a while. The songs really grew on me.

[Quiche2]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 5:15pm

I agree with you on your opinion with BRING IT ON. I saw it in Charlotte, NC on tour and LOVED IT. I think it was the funniest show this season for all the shows that came through Charlotte. THE ADDAMS FAMILY was pretty funny too, that also came through this season.

[BWAY_Rob]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 7:58pm

For Newsies, I would try to sit maybe 5 or 6 rows back in the Orchestra or in the Mezzanine. Front row was way too close. You missed a lot of the dancing.

I agree, Bring it On was really funny! But it was surprisingly moving in parts too.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 8:08pm

I had the same reaction to BRING IT ON. Whether its a well written show or not, the show was surprisingly pure fun. GREAT entertainment. I liked it so much, I've seen it 3 times, each with a different circle of friends who equally enjoyed it. (Have I really seen it 3 times? I'm still shocked that thats happened.)

[jv92]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 8:08pm

Re: CHICAGO. I think the show is in very poor shape, if I'm not mistaken. I've avoided seeing it lately, but people have told me it isn't up to par. I'm sorry you didn't like it, but it's really a wonderful show when it's not sloppy. The score is fantastic!

[ChiChi]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 8:58pm

So do you think that Chicago has just gone stale?

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 8:58pm

I saw it in March and it was in MUCH better shape than it was eight years ago.

[BWAY_Rob]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 10:36pm

I think it is probably just me. The show didn't appeal to me at all. I didn't like the style of it. I know a lot of people really love this show. Obviously it is still selling tickets. But it just wasn't for me. And the theatre was really bad...

[jv92]

Posted: 8/29/12 at 11:21pm

I haven't been in the Ambassador in...eight years? Maybe seven? Perhaps it could use a paint job. I think CHICAGO is a wonderful show, but I think it's run its course. But it still can pack 'em in.

I like PHANTOM much, MUCH less than CHICAGO, but Hal Prince goes in every few months to work with new actors and make sure it's not getting stale, which is why it tends to still be entertaining (if hollow), and a big sell-out hit. God knows what will happen when Hal passes on.