OK saw the show today from row H (1st Balcony/Mezz) view was great. There is an overhang from the 2nd balcony but does not interfere W the view. Seatst are comfortable newly reupholstered and I think the knee area is actually a bit roomier too. The stairs are varied too some wider some narrower. ( problem see below)
I didn't make it up to the 2nd balcony but spoke w a theatre goer who advised me of a patron who had fallen, while being seated and had to be ambulanced out. So I think the steepness remains a problem.
I think Mirvish may have forgotten who the average theatre goer is esp w his subscription base and their average age and mobility. There are no stand alone handhold railings and this crowd reaaally needs them. I saw one older gent trip and almost wipe out and numerous older ladies who'd had to check their walkers downstairs and had to be carefully handed down to their seats w the front of house staff.
As for the show- I fricking LOVED IT!.
I don't know who said the quote originally But it goes something like "musical theatre doesn't tell us things that are true, It tells us things we want to BELIEVE are true".
Well, this sh!t is true and tanks gott buoy fer dat.
One one of the worst days in memory, 7000 lost abandoned frightened people were welcomed and made to feel like someone cared about them.
There were some real moments of grace- The bus driver who recognizing an African person w a Bible realizes the verses will be the same and uses that to communicate in a difficult situation.
The Prayer song/scene with all the various denoms praying together for the same things.
The Orthodox
abbi who meets an elderly Newfie who informs him that he is Jewish, but was told to keep the secret.
The Muslim man who is search before being allowed to reboard the planes.
There is a lot of humour but I tink a few Canuck reference may go over the heads of Bway audiences esp da Newfie speak.
I know some reviews have called it "corny" at times but given it's message that we have more in common than separate us and that when things seem at there worst, common humanity and kindness can go along way to help a bad situation, this may be the kind of show New York can use esp in the New Year .
Oh and Jenn Colella was a standout ( constructed that way) it what is mostly an ensemble show. I expect she'll be recognized at awards time.