Robin and the 7 Hoods Photos

Hueys Pop pretty much summed it up. There is a problem for the book writer inherent in all the musicals using old songs. The transition from the dialogue to the song creates problems with mood and emotion. ( spoiler). Early in the second act with Robbo in jail, he and Marion are engaged in a conversation with a couple a of cute exchanges. Then she breaks out in the song All the Way. All the Way is a heart wrenching song. She performed it wondefully. It fit the musical but it didn't fit the cute catchy dialogue leading up to it. This type of thing drives me nuts. Momma Mia negotiated this problem by keeping everything light. Jersey Boys by placing the songs in a different context ( and by having a great book). But here placing very serious songs in what is primarily a light hearted story is much more difficult. I think Rupert Holmes did a credible job but still the book is the weak link.

I love the Old Globe!

(That's all.)

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Saw this last night and really enjoyed it. I didn't have as much problem with the book as some, but I agree a few of the songs didn't match the tone of the scene where they were placed.

A good strong cast, but Eric Schneider, while very good, seems a bit young to play this Frank Sinatra-esque part. Will Chase and Amy Spanger were the stand outs for me in large supporting roles. Also, I really enjoyed Adam Heller, in a fun role.

The choreography and direction are top notch.

All in all a really good time for me.

Here's the song list as of last night:

My Kind of Town (Chicago Is)
Come Dance with Me
You Can't Love 'Em All
Call Me Irresponsible
My Kind of Town (Chicago Is) (reprise)
What Makes It Happen
I Like to Lead When I Dance
I Like to Lead When I Dance (reprise)
Life is for Livin'
Walkin' Happy
More Than Likely
Same Old Song and Dance
Ain't That a Kick in the Head

(Love Is) The Tender Trap
All the Way
Come Fly with Me
Come on Strong
High Hopes
Love is a Bore
Come Blow Your Horn
All the Way (reprise)
Life is for Livin' (reprise)
Ring-a-Ding Ding

I quite honestly haven't seen the movie, but I read elsewhere that they threw out the plot and started over.

As you can see, there are lots of terrific songs in the show currently. They could probably lose one or two to the benefit of the overall production.

Mr Roxy - Looks like almost all of the music from the movie is gone

New article from the LA Times linked below. On page 2, there's a paragraph addressing your observation, but I'm sure they wanted to use more well-known songs to draw audiences. Besides, once they dropped the movie's storyline, those songs may not have fit.

I'm hoping the reviews on Friday are great and that this one has legs that will carry it to Broadway!



LA Times - July 25, 2010

Updated On: 7/25/10 at 02:08 PM

bb6,

Do you think it would have a better chance if it had bigger names, say if it reunited Harry Connick Jr and Kelli O'Hara in the Robbo and Marian roles?

Those tunes are right up his alley!

I've said this before. Jersey Boys has set the bar very high for subsequent jukebox musicals. JB works because the book is terrific. Robin has far better music, far better choreography, and a cast of established performers. Yet the story and the pace does not immediately grab you. It needs work in that area. I don't think that any amount of star power would make the difference between this being a huge hit or just a nice try.