I'm just getting home from tonight's first preview and I'll start out by mentioning the pre and post-show speeches. Alex Timbers gave a very nice introduction with the typical first preview warnings (we might have to stop the show, etc), but then he added that this was not a painting. It was living, breathing work that would change as the audience reacted to it, and I respect him so much for that. So many shows seems so unwilling or unable to change and he's definitely heading into the preview period with the right attitude.
The curtain call speech was even more exciting because Sylvester Stallone showed up!!
Honestly I don't think it matters what anyone says on this site, or what the reviews are in the papers. This is going to be a big, fat hit. The last twenty minutes are so thrilling that the piece is unstoppable and the word of mouth will spread like wildfire.
That said, I wasn't overly enthused with much of what happened before the big fight sequence, and at intermission I was ready to write it off as a very mediocre evening. The score was shockingly unremarkable, and it pains me to say that because I love Ahrens and Flaherty so much. Luckily act two is basically underscored with Eye of the Tiger and that seemed to be enough to put the audience and myself in a good enough mood.
Andy Karl is doing the best work of his career; they couldn't have scored bigger in the casting department with this role. He has the look, the voice, the swagger and easy charm that makes him a hero to invest in. He really buoys the material he's given.
His big workout sequence reminded me of Spider-Man with the entire male ensemble dressed in the hoodie and sweatpants running around the stage. The audience went absolutely ape**** when the stairs came out and he ran up them.
The set is utterly fantastic, as is the lighting. There are SO many pieces moving all over the place and it all feels so right. It reminded me of what Ghost wanted to be, but failed. The atmosphere created by the set, costumes, etc is perfect, and Timbers must be given credit for unifying the vision of his creative team.
He is tougher job than Bartlett Sher had/has with Bridges though. The problems with JRB's musical are obvious and glaring. Cut this song, change this dialogue. Do these concrete things and you will have a stronger show. The problems with Rocky aren't so easy to diagnose. I found the songs to be most forgettable, but it's not like any of them were screaming to be cut. The book is never cringeworthy or campy, which it easily could have been, and yet I often found the scenes inert.
Like I said though, once that boxing match starts it's the helicopter and chandelier rolled into one. A genuine thrill that gave me goosebumps and had me cheering and screaming.
I preferred both Bridges and Gentleman's Guide to Rocky, but I would have no qualms recommending this one to co-workers, visiting relatives and the like.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
