Posted: 4/28/16 at 8:55pm
That seems to be the consensus on this board as well. I remember Sondheim's book saying that most musicals had a fantastic act One, because they poured all of their energy into fixing that, and not on Act Two. That must have been what happened here. I also think it probably should have had a tryout, but I think it's a great musical and hope it does well!
Posted: 4/28/16 at 8:58pm
Chicago Tribune, LA Times, Hollywood Reporter, AP, New York Magazine and The Wrap are all largely great reviews.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:01pm
NYMag calls it "life-changing theater." A very good review indeed.
Updated On: 4/28/16 at 09:01 PM
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:02pm
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:04pm
Theatermania put into words what I have been thinking since seeing it. "An enchanting night on old Broadway". That is exactly what it was. Flaws amd all.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:10pm
So far, this is what I had hoped for. Acknowledging the flaws, but showing appreciation for what this show is doing and why it is worthwhile.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:12pm
Scarywarhol said: "So far, this is what I had hoped for. Acknowledging the flaws, but showing appreciation for what this show is doing and why it is worthwhile. "
Agreed 100%.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:15pm
Audra is getting some mighty powerful raves and I couldn't be happier for her. This isn't just the equivalent of Streep syndrome, cheering whenever she steps foot on stage. The transformation she went on from first to last preview was astounding and she will once again deserve to be a frontrunner for the Tony.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:16pm
But it does once again throw into question what kind of hit the show will take without her for such a long stretch soon after opening.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:16pm
Yep, the talk from earlier today about Audra possibly being pushed out of a nomination seem very unlikely now.
Considering how messy these reviews could have been, I think the production will be very happy with these. Definitely veering more towards positive than negative, whilst still acknowledging the flaws.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:45pm
Positive - http://www.ew.com/article/2016/04/28/shuffle-along-broadway-ew-stage-review
Posted: 4/28/16 at 9:59pm
""Shuffle Along" is, after "Hamilton," the second best new musical of the Broadway year."
Due deference, paid in full.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:01pm
Critic's Pick. By Brantley.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/29/theater/review-shuffle-along-returns-to-broadways-embrace.html
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:01pm
This show is certainly enjoyable, but I'd hardly call it a great musical. I wouldn't even put it as the 5th best of the season.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:05pm
Brantley hits the nail on the head 100%. It's flawed, but when it flies, it SOARS. It'll be interesting to find out what Tony category this ones competing in tomorrow.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:07pm
Wow, Brantley is a flat-out, unqualified rave for Audra.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:12pm
In my ideal world, Audra, Cynthia, Jessie, Carmen, and Laura would be nominated. Wonderful as Phillipa is, her nomination would just be part of the HAMILTON nominations sweep. What a great year for female performances in musicals.
Updated On: 4/28/16 at 10:12 PM
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:12pm
Me too, pupscotch. I really enjoyed this musical a lot, and to see such wonderful and legendary talent on that stage was a real treat. It's nice to see it getting some love at least.
I concur with the sentiment of Sondheim that you've referenced, and maybe that's why I haven't been as hard on this musical as many have been with regard to the second act.
I've seen very few shows where the second act overpowers the first. First acts are often flashy as the story is set up for the audience, and it's often followed by a second act that takes on more mellow, often contemplative tone as resolutions in the story are reached.
Now obviously this isn't the case for all musicals, but it is for many. So while many have slammed this musical for its second act on here, I was a little more forgiving, I guess. Because I've seen it happen before, plenty of times. And with a musical that is so on fire like this one throughout act one, the second act will maybe come off a little more understated than some would like be it in the storyline, or whatever. You've seen pure amazement through act one, you want it to continue.
As for the Deadline review that knocks the choreography though? Sorry, he lost me as soon as he said that, and it made me highly suspect of everything else he said at that point. The choreography in this show is among the best I've seen. There is indeed A LOT of it, but it is just so amazing I enjoyed every second of it.
pupscotch said: "That seems to be the consensus on this board as well. I remember Sondheim's book saying that most musicals had a fantastic act One, because they poured all of their energy into fixing that, and not on Act Two. That must have been what happened here. I also think it probably should have had a tryout, but I think it's a great musical and hope it does well!
"
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:14pm
Which it should be. 
She is radiant up there on that stage!
wonderfulwizard11 said: "Wow, Brantley is a flat-out, unqualified rave for Audra.
"
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:16pm
There's any surprise that Audras getting raves? Really?!
shes the only reason they won't tear this hot mess of a show to shreds.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:17pm
I'm not surprised that she's getting raves, of course she's fabulous. It's just that this isn't a situation like Lady Day or even Porgy and Bess- she's not as much of a lead in this show, so I wouldn't have expected to see so much of the reviews focused on her.
Posted: 4/28/16 at 10:18pm
So he dislikes the book (the new thing about it) but likes the songs and talent. And it's a critics pick because that's ok?
