SHUFFLE ALONG Reviews — Page 3

songanddanceman2 said: "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? "

Not for nothing, but unless you've seen the show and the musical numbers in question, you can't really quibble with Brantley's decision to make it a critic's pick. When's the last time Broadway has seen musical numbers like this? Especially for a tap show- Savion Glover is an absolute master of the form, and his contributions make up a huge part of the evening. The musical numbers are integral to the whole piece.

songanddanceman2 said: "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? "

Brantley doesn't say he disliked the book- he found that Wolfe has overstuffed it, resulting in some clunkiness.

And this is a production that is more than the some of its parts.

Nice to see the mostly positive reviews. (Most of the criticisms I agree with, but the show's highs vastly outweigh them.) I hope this has a healthy run. I could listen to Audra McDonald sing every night of the week.

Every person who sees this show will have a different take on it, and personal opinions will be diverse.

IMO though, I don't think the "flaws" and "clunkiness" are so overpowering that they unhinge the whole show. I think calling it a "mess" is overstating things a bit. It may not take the direction some might have liked it to take, but it's not that bad.

But then again, that's my opinion.

To suggest AM isn't any good in this and is miscast though is something I don't agree with at all. Lottie Gee is the character diva of the show, and I can't think of anyone more perfect to play her than the amazing Audra McDonald. For me it was perfect casting, and she does an amazing job.

TFMH18 said: "Audra does a fantastic job, but don't you agree she could play this role in her sleep? It doesn't particularly require her to stretch her emotional depths as an actor. I will say once more, were she not who she is, the performance would go unrecognized."

What does it matter if the role doesn't require her to "stretch her emotional depths as an actor" if she's still turning out a great performance?

She's definitely the consummate actress and I can see how this show would not be a terrible stretch for her (though I think she admitted she hasn't tapped in a decade so I'm sure that added a little to the dynamic for her). At the end of the day, she does with the role what we would expect her to do with it. And I loved her in it.

I do think she is well cast though because I really can't imagine anyone else in the role at this point. A diva (though I'm not sure she would consider herself one) playing a diva. I think it's a fine role for her.

That being said, I love great choreography and I think Savion Glover is a genius. I might have seen it just for that, even without Audra in it. Having her in it though completed it for me.

Will the show flutter when she leaves? Possibly. But for me, that's a testament to how perfect she is in the role. I hope it doesn't though, because she certainly isn't the only talent on that stage. The other leads, the supporting cast and the chorus are all just dandy.

In comparison to a role like Billie Holliday, which requires the actor to go to the deepest parts of their soul, Lottie doesn't necessarily seem like a stretch for Audra, true. But where her tremendous skills lies is that she takes this role and makes it all seem so easy. There's so much rich detail in her work- the scene with Florence Mills is a perfect example of it. She's nurturing and warm, yet very funny, and then she breaks your heart as the realization passes across her face that this woman is going to be a massive star and outshine her. It's not the kind of wrenching performance that she gave in Lady Day, but that doesn't mean she isn't mining the scenes for all they're worth. Other actors could certainly play Lottie very well, but what makes Audra's performance so special is that she doesn't have to stretch at all- from the second she walks on stage, she simply is that character. Six Tonys or not, it's an excellent performance by a living legend of the musical theater and a reminder of how lucky we all are that she continues to come back to Broadway.

Brantley got it right and a well deserved Critics' Pick!

One of my favorite shows this season.Once again, Audra seeks to amaze...She's Astonishing!

I predict 10 Tony nominations on Tuesday.

As the Hollywood Reporter states: It goes without saying at this point that there's nothing the superhuman McDonald can't do onstage, but rarely do we get to see her cut loose in exuberant comedic mode to the extent she does here...Even beyond her numbers, McDonald kills it with her timing -- every word, look or gesture smacks its target!

Updated On: 4/29/16 at 11:57 PM

BroadwayConcierge said: "TBone said: "What does it matter if the role doesn't require her to "stretch her emotional depths as an actor" if she's still turning out a great performance?"

Because if I'm buying a ticket to see a Tony record-setter with one of the most legendary and iconic Broadway names of all time, I'd like at this point in time to see something particularly special—beyond great. Please note I have yet to see Shuffle Along (going over the summer), so this isn't my commentary on her performance in the show. I just have to point out the fault I find in your logic."

Isn't it possible she's giving a great performance (worthy of a Broadway star), even if it isn't a stretch for her?

Updated On: 4/29/16 at 12:02 AM

With all this amazing talent in one show---will it have a life after Broadway with 'new' talent?

I think those who are saying this isn't a stretch for her are seriously underestimating how difficult it is to play a comedic role. Think of how many great comedic actors we've seen transition to meaty dramatic roles, but you don't see it happen the other way around that often.



I haven't seen it yet, but this does sound like a departure from her prior performances. I'm very excited to see it next month. I was supposed to see it Saturday night but changed in my tickets when I learned she was out.

"now I feel like I can't miss this."

You can miss it. Actually, you can save your money and miss all three.



"(I'll have another visit in the fall/winter...do we think all 3 will still be playing? ack.)"

I think Waitress and Shuffle Along will. Not so sure about American Psycho.