SIDE SHOW Reviews- Page 7

[Robbie2]

Posted: 12/1/14 at 9:43pm

The capacity is 1710 per wikipedia and the balcony is closed for SS brings the capacity to 1303 now.
So, at 55.6% the average house per night was only 725 for an 8 performance week with a capacity of 1303 seats.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 12/1/14 at 9:48pm

^ Got it. 1303 is just slightly above what a mid sized theatre seats. I think that even if were playing a house like the Brooks Atkinson or Nederlander, it would still struggle to find an audience.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 12/1/14 at 9:56pm

Still say it would have been a better fit in a 1000-1100 seat house as it needs that intimacy.
Brooks seats 1069
Nederlander seats 1232
The Walter Kerr @ 975 seats would have been perfect!

[brucebossa]

Posted: 12/1/14 at 10:41pm

And I say the St. James was the only theater available and offered to the production at the time the director and the DC Cast was available.

People: you can't just pick a time and theater for anytime you want.

I guess that's why people play fantasy football.

[Up In One]

Posted: 12/3/14 at 5:10pm

"A show that can break your heart and lift your spirits in equal measure."

“Side Show,” the musical about the conjoined twins’ life and times, has been re-imagined by Oscar-winning director Bill Condon, making his Broadway debut in a hauntingly beautiful revival at the St. James Theatre. With the perfect pairing of Emily Padgett (Daisy) and Erin Davie (Violet) leading a talented ensemble, the moody production focuses an unflinching gaze on people often dehumanized by society."

Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Pittsburgh Post Gazette

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 12/5/14 at 11:25am

Saw it last night- and it was really good- I cannot understand how anyone could see this show and not love it. I read many of the reviews of this show early in its run, and many of the posters almost had me canceling my plans to see it- what a mistake that would have been. The show is very good- the music, dancing, the story, the acting- all excellent. Maybe not in a class with Kinky Boot or Beautiful- but a very entertaining evening- and the story and some of the music is quite memorable. SEE IT if you get the opportunity.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/5/14 at 11:36am

^How was the house? That's the burning question these next two weeks of December.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/5/14 at 11:52am

Did any one see Megan McGinnis the other day when she went on for Erin Davie?

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Posted: 12/5/14 at 1:11pm

"I cannot understand how anyone could see this show and not love it".

True, but that's not the problem. The problem is getting people to see it in the first place. Good word of mouth alone (even with the great reviews) is not enough when you don't have enough people spreading the word.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 4:49am

On a Thursday night, the orchestra was pretty full- and the balcony had a lot of empties. I know that word of mouth will not fill the seats if people simply do not want to give it a try- I was referring to the negative reviews on THIS site- read the first few pages- and how I was discouraged by the reviews on THIS site- everyone is certainly entitled to their own POV, but I wanted to assure people that the show is excellent. Will it run through Tony awards time- actually, not promising considering the weekly grosses- quite poor- if it closes in January, that would not surprise me.

[decotodd]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 1:03pm

Saw the show last night and really enjoyed. Frankly, liked it much better than the praised Beautiful. Maybe i just root for underdogs (Loved BRIDGES). Theater appeared packed and fhe crowd was very enthusiastic. Strongly recommend.

[brucebossa]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 5:20pm

Was at the matinee today. Very full. Mezz almost full! Great news

[brucebossa]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 7:56pm

PS - saw Sutton Foster at the SIDE SHOW matinee - she said she was there to see her friend Megan McGuiness, who was on for the 2nd time as Violet.

[NewBe]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 8:28pm

Bruce if you are going to talk about 'Side Show' that is fine but disclosure on who you are is important. Your opinion cannot be subjective

[brucebossa]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 8:42pm

Hi - well, I don't think I was giving opinions - I was stating capacity today and Sutton's appearance - for those of you who DO NOT KNOW, I am on the ATC Board as bruceb and am widely known to be married to Bill Russell... I do not "shill" or argue with anyone's opinions. Today I stated 2 facts I saw at the show because I was there.

So that is who I am - my full name in BRUCE BOSSARD and I do not post under anonymous monikers. Anyone else want to give out your names?

Is that OK with everyone or should I not add "facts" to the SIDE SHOW listing? It's not like I have ever said BUY TICKETS - or THIS IS THE BEST SHOW EVER.

Or should I not post? Your call.

[DCS]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 8:51pm

Bruce,I dont think it's that much of a secret who you are and I always enjoy reading your posts about Side Show since you are well connected and have factual information to share, rather than rumor and conjecture that comes from other posters. I'm a big fan of the show and have been since 1997 so I am thrilled to hear that audience size appears to be increasing! Oh, and if anyone wants me to reveal my true identity, just let me know

[NewBe]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 10:47pm

DCS I know who you are just keep it a secret

[brucebossa]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 10:50pm

NewBe: love that you joined just today. Just for this? I'm so happy. And since you know me, who are you? Would love to chat in person.

[DCS]

Posted: 12/6/14 at 10:53pm

Well, thank you, NewBe....I'm not sure who you are, but you can always email me and let me know who you think I am Would be happy to chat!

[JBradshaw]

Posted: 12/7/14 at 1:47am

Just curious are there any upcoming dates Megan is scheduled to go on?

[brucebossa]

Posted: 12/7/14 at 8:37am

No word on any future appearances for Megan yet.

[Steve721]

Posted: 12/7/14 at 10:52am

I saw the show last night (Sat., Dec. 6).

I very much wanted to see the original Broadway production, had an opportunity to do so, and passed because I thought it would run longer given the reviews. This time I didn't make the same mistake, and I was not disappointed.

While there are flaws in the show--the second act drags at times and some of the lyrics are treacly--I thought it was powerful and emotionally overwhelming. Of course, the heart of the show is the sisters, and Emily Padgett and Megan McGinnis were simply terrific in the roles--superbly acted, deeply affecting performances. And their singing was out this world; the two big ballads ("Who Will Love Me As I Am?" and "I Will Never Leave You") brought the house down.

The supporting players were also very fine, including Robert Joy (as the evil Sir) and David St. Louis (who has a power-house voice) as Jake. The artists who designed and executed the "freak" make-up and the wigs and the costume designer also contributed greatly to the success of the show.

In thirty-plus years of New York theater-going, I've seen hundreds of Broadway shows, and it's easy to get jaded about seeing yet another musical. But I really felt an emotional connection to this show that unfortunately happens less and less frequently. So it's great to see a performance that, every once in a while, reminds me of why I have spent so much of my time (and cold hard cash) doing this.

Updated On: 12/7/14 at 10:52 AM

[brucebossa]

Posted: 12/7/14 at 2:59pm

Megan is going on in today's matinee

[Robbie2]

Posted: 12/7/14 at 3:44pm

Wondering why Megan is on again...is Erin Davie sick?

[broadwayfan1995]

Posted: 12/7/14 at 10:34pm

Megan was on as Daisy today, not Violet.

EDIT: Apologies for the wrong information. I saw a post with an insert saying she was on for Daisy. Just saw a follow up saying the insert was wrong. Updated On: 12/7/14 at 10:34 PM