SOME LIKE IT HOT On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread- Page 32

[A Director]

Posted: 12/28/22 at 12:27am

everythingtaboo said: "Saw the show tonight in the orchestra. While I did have some issues with it - did Sugar need one ballad after another?! - overall I had a blast, and so did the full orchestra and I think full mezzanine. Casey's choreography can be a bit much at times, but I really thought it served the frantic nature of the storyline well. And the score was very hummable and made you want to bounce in your seat. What score can do that nowadays? Borle was fun and Ghee was a total showstopper, Hicks was lovely, and Del Aguila and Williams were delightful scene stealers.

I do wonder what the thought behind opening in December was. I think the show could do very well with word of mouth, but to open on the precipice of the slow Winter months, I do hope there's some reserve. If it could run slowly to make it to the Easter/spring break crowds, I see momentum building from there."

Looks like there aren't enough people who want to bounce in their seat. I guess the days of old-fashioned musicals is over.  Perhaps, they appeal to a niche audience or need names in the cast to succeed. Yes, the film is well-known, but do today's audience know it or have seen it?  The people who wrote the show are not well-known. How many people know who wrote the Hairspray score?  And, then there is the logo. It is awful and tells you nothing about the show or even gives a little hint. The show is set in the 1930s, but logo doesn't read 1930s.

 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 11:53am

The film is best known to boomers (yet we were kids when it came out) and our parents, but our parents, to be polite, aren't always regular theatergoers anymore, and boomers don't treasure the piece beyond childhood memories. If those with an active memory of the film -- from television -- are 65-75, the show needs a raison d'etre to sell tickets.  I say this as a boomer indifferent to the show's profile until I saw it this month and loved it. I don't know how to reach "us" but I'm not sure the way into our hearts is via film associations. It's just not in our storytelling lexicon.

For the record, I saw Sugar on Broadway when I had just turned 20, and I remember saying, "this feels very old fashioned."  Why? Hair was running, as was Promises with an electric, groundbreaking Bacharach score. And, the day I saw Sugar I went to see Fosse's 2-month old Pippin that very night, with infectious, soft rock Schwartz music.  A reminder: this wasn't fresh musical fodder to many in 1972.  

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 12:38pm

It's clearly turning into a tough sell maybe because of its dated source material and who that actually appeals to. They might've been better off doing "Bosom Buddies: the Musical" with Tom Hanks producing. heehee

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 1:43pm

Word is that a priority loan has been taken out to help the show survive. 

This show should have opened four months later than it did. But too many gung-ho (can that term still be said?) producers think all is well in the state of Denmark and that the people will simply flock back to the auditorium like it’s 1999.

Updated On: 12/29/22 at 01:43 PM

[vegas3]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 2:17pm

As a boomer myself, I vaguely remember the film from seeing it on television as a child (or teenager, maybe), and recall it as amusing yet already kind of old-fashioned as well as overacted.  The film's strengths were its charismatic lead performers.  Without those folks, a new version of the work would have to offer up something pretty spectacular to compensate.  A fantastic score or a breakout performance might have drawn me in.  Even though I still have two slots left in my January trip, SLIH has fallen off my list.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 2:24pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "Word is that a priority loan has been taken out to help the show survive.

This show should have opened four months later than it did.But too many gung-ho (can that term still be said?) producers think all is well in the state of Denmark and that the people will simply flock back to the auditorium like it’s 1999."

 

Considering that the co-lead producer is The Shubert Organization, I think they have a better understanding than you of the current marketplace.  

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 2:35pm

JSquared2 said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "Word is that a priority loan has been taken out to help the show survive.

This show should have opened four months later than it did.But too many gung-ho (can that term still be said?) producers think all is well in the state of Denmark and that the people will simply flock back to the auditorium like it’s 1999."



Considering that the co-lead producer is The Shubert Organization, I think they have a better understanding than you of the current marketplace."

Lol have you seen the “current marketplace” grosses? Have you seen how many shows have closed recently and how many are on the brink?

Maybe realize that there have been a bunch of bad decisions by a bunch of experienced producers on a bunch of shows, and their “understanding” has led to this situation today.

Updated On: 12/29/22 at 02:35 PM

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 3:38pm

vegas3 said: "As a boomer myself, I vaguely remember the film from seeing it on television as a child (or teenager, maybe), and recall it as amusing yet already kind of old-fashioned as well as overacted. The film's strengths were its charismatic lead performers. Without those folks, a new version of the work would have to offer up something pretty spectacular to compensate. A fantastic score or a breakout performance might have drawn me in. Even though I still have two slots left in my January trip, SLIH has fallen off my list."

That's a shame.  You're missing a great show.  And the majority of critics (and posters on this board) agree.

I almost didn't go, but for the reason that the thought of another movie to Broadway show was something I was having an issue with.  Even though it's a movie that the majority of people walking by the Shubert probably don't even know about.   What is it, 60 years old?

If you don't like a flashy and splashy musical with great choreography and overall performances (even if they might not be stunt casts), then maybe you wouldn't like this. I know there are some who are looking for a Bette Midler or Hugh Jackman to sell it for them.  And that's okay.  But personally I don't need that.  

Christian Borle and Adrianna Hicks alone, not to mention the team behind this musical and Casey N. at the choreography helm should be enough to draw a theater lover.  Add the positive reviews and it's a given.   

People though will choose to see this show, or not, and if they don't it will sadly close.  But at least I got a chance to see it.  And while some would look back and say well that was no loss that I didn't see it since it obviously wasn't good or it wouldn't have closed so soon.....again, they missed out on a great show.  And those who agree far outnumber those who don't. 

I was in the city with a friend who just so  happened to have another friend in the city at the same time so she was going to meet up her if I was okay with it.  She invited me, of course, to join.  But she knew I was a big Broadway fan so if I wanted to catch an extra show that was cool by her too.  I decided to put my anti-movie to Broadway bias behind me and see it.  When I met up with them later, my jaw was on the floor when they asked how it was.  I was like....one of the most fun musicals I have ever seen.  And of the 120 odd shows I've seen, a good percentage of them on Broadway, that's saying something.  

Good luck to the cast and creators.  The critics, and the fans who have seen it are with ya.  Whether or not those who aren't so much in the theater "know" are willing to give it a shot will remain to be seen.  But I wish them luck.  It was a good one!  And while a few might not agree, and that's okay, the proof is in the numbers on this one. Of those who saw it.  Unfortunately this musical might be facing something bigger than all of us.  A trend away from the splashy musicals of days gone by.  As someone else noted on here.

 

[christinelavin]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 3:43pm

BorisTomashevsky said: "JSquared2 said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "Word is that a priority loan has been taken out to help the show survive.

This show should have opened four months later than it did.But too many gung-ho (can that term still be said?) producers think all is well in the state of Denmark and that the people will simply flock back to the auditorium like it’s 1999."



Considering that the co-lead producer is The Shubert Organization, I think they have a better understanding than you of the current marketplace."

Lol have you seen the “current marketplace” grosses? Have you seen how many shows have closed recently and how many are on the brink?

Maybe realize that there have been a bunch of bad decisions by a bunch of experienced producers on a bunch of shows, and their “understanding” has led to this situation today."

There's an article in the NYT this week about the Metropolitan Opera going through the same thing -- it's post-pandemic problems, and it's affected every type of live entertainment. It doesn't help to criticize people who are doing their level best to stay in business.

For the poster a few minutes back -- I consider J. Harrison Ghee a breakout performer; I was at last night's performance sitting next to a family from PA -- it was the first Broadway show for all five of them (parents, three kids who looked to be 12 - 15 years old). They were out of their minds with joy by the end, standing and cheering and stomping -- an experience I'm sure they'll remember always.  

Don't let the relatively few nay-sayers here sway you -- when there's hundreds of theater-goers having a blast every night. Christian Borle is also at the top of his game, and Kevin Del Aguila beguiles the audience from the word go. 

In a word? Go!

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 4:02pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Not a great choice for advertising. I saw the show again last night and even though Angie was out (you realize how impeccable her comedic timing is) everything else was still wonderful. I was front mezz and could see the mezz was maybe 65% full which, for a Friday night the week after opening to great reviews, isn’t ideal.

I could see and hear that a LOT of people were tourists and they all had a great time so my hope is that the show starts to pick up steam with travelers and becomes one of the shows they want to see while in town.


Oh and Casey Garvin does this cute little thing where he walks onstage and just exists and it’s the best thing ever."

Love the reviews, Jordan.  How many times have you see it now?

I just LOVED this show.  And I went in skeptical, and almost passed on it, because I was thinking....just another movie to musical thing.

I sure hope it lasts.  Ghee, Borle and Hicks....not to mention everyone else on the stage is knocking it out of the park.  

Did I walk out of the theater humming any of the songs.  Not really.  Except for maybe the title number a bit.  But while I was watching the show I enjoyed every single one of them.  If that makes sense.   The lyrics were witty and the music was just uplifting.  And in a time when we really need it. As wonderful as musicals like Fun Home, or Next to Normal, or DEH are, sometimes you need this too!

And CN can "overdo" the choreography all he wants with the tap, etc....because I loved every second of that too.    

The audience was eating this show up from start to finish.  And was completely abuzz walking out of the theater.  In fact, I was followed by this couple and I overheard the woman say, "Now THAT is what makes NY theater special."  I turned to her and said, "Spectacular wasn't it?"  She was like, "OMG, there are no words." lol 

What I paid some note too though as well is I had a group of six 20 somethings  (on the lower end of the 20s too) sitting in front of me.  I kinda got the sense they were SLIH groupies because they were into this musical so much.   I hope the word gets out to more of that age group because musicals like this are damned fun.

Thanks for your insight, Jordan.

Updated On: 12/29/22 at 04:02 PM

[MCfan2]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 6:16pm

Social media is endlessly fascinating. Classic film Twitter adores the movie Some Like It Hot and speaks of it as something always fresh and funny; this board is all "Pfft, that ridiculous outdated old thing." I know, two different niches with different priorities and values. But still fascinating.

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 6:27pm

Is this idea from days of yore where people left the theater singing the entire score a reality or is this just revisionist history? I don't believe that back in the day scores were so memorable that people left singing multiple songs. Let's be real...you leave either singing the title tune or whatever the orchestra playoff music is. 

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 6:47pm

christinelavin said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "JSquared2 said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "Word is that a priority loan has been taken out to help the show survive.

This show should have opened four months later than it did.But too many gung-ho (can that term still be said?) producers think all is well in the state of Denmark and that the people will simply flock back to the auditorium like it’s 1999."



Considering that the co-lead producer is The Shubert Organization, I think they have a better understanding than you of the current marketplace."

Lol have you seen the “current marketplace” grosses? Have you seen how many shows have closed recently and how many are on the brink?

Maybe realize that there have been a bunch of bad decisions by a bunch of experienced producers on a bunch of shows, and their “understanding” has led to this situation today."

There's an article in the NYT this week about the Metropolitan Opera going through the same thing -- it's post-pandemic problems, and it's affected every type of live entertainment. It doesn't help to criticize people who are doing their level best to stay in business.

For the poster a few minutes back -- I consider J. Harrison Ghee a breakout performer; I was at last night's performance sitting next to a family from PA -- it was the first Broadway show for all five of them (parents, three kids who looked to be 12 - 15 years old). They were out of their minds with joy by the end, standing and cheering and stomping -- an experience I'm sure they'll remember always.

Don't let the relatively few nay-sayers here sway you -- when there's hundreds of theater-goers having a blast every night. Christian Borle is also at the top of his game, and Kevin Del Aguila beguiles the audience from the word go.

In a word? Go!"

Yes, Christine!   I agree!  Love your story.  And I also agree about Ghee.  Ghee was fantastic as well.

I know that theater is a very subjective thing but as I walked out of the theater I couldn't help but think that with what I had just seen, my personal feelings about it, and the reviews it had already gotten, this would be a hit.  Upon meeting up with my friends afterwards, I was like, the only way a person couldn't like a show like this is if they were void of a pulse, or just such a theater elitist that they need to be the one to go against the grain on that which is popular.    

Imagine my surprise to see the convo turning to money being put into it to keep it afloat.  I mean, what?   That all goes totally against the critics and even the majority of posters on here, including you and me. 

I wish them the best and I sure hope it catches on.  Broadway is a diverse place and there is still a place for this kind of musical.   I hope.

I understand that flashy and splashy musicals are not everyone's cup of tea, but to deny what is going on up there on that stage, I mean, even if it's not your favorite, or doesn't even make your top 20, I'm not sure how one would not at least consider this good.  Even if you want to say "good, not great."  

But to call it awful. Don't get it.   

[JasonC3]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 7:45pm

My circle who saw the show would all agree with "good, but not great."

[Anthony Sunday]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 8:10pm

theatreguy12 said: "christinelavin said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "JSquared2 said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "Word is that a priority loan has been taken out to help the show survive.

This show should have opened four months later than it did.But too many gung-ho (can that term still be said?) producers think all is well in the state of Denmark and that the people will simply flock back to the auditorium like it’s 1999."



Considering that the co-lead producer is The Shubert Organization, I think they have a better understanding than you of the current marketplace."

Lol have you seen the “current marketplace” grosses? Have you seen how many shows have closed recently and how many are on the brink?

Maybe realize that there have been a bunch of bad decisions by a bunch of experienced producers on a bunch of shows, and their “understanding” has led to this situation today."

There's an article in the NYT this week about the Metropolitan Opera going through the same thing -- it's post-pandemic problems, and it's affected every type of live entertainment. It doesn't help to criticize people who are doing their level best to stay in business.

For the poster a few minutes back -- I consider J. Harrison Ghee a breakout performer; I was at last night's performance sitting next to a family from PA -- it was the first Broadway show for all five of them (parents, three kids who looked to be 12 - 15 years old). They were out of their minds with joy by the end, standing and cheering and stomping -- an experience I'm sure they'll remember always.

Don't let the relatively few nay-sayers here sway you -- when there's hundreds of theater-goers having a blast every night. Christian Borle is also at the top of his game, and Kevin Del Aguila beguiles the audience from the word go.

In a word? Go!"

Yes, Christine! I agree! Love your story. And I also agree about Ghee. Ghee was fantastic as well.

I know that theater is a very subjective thing but as I walked out of the theater I couldn't help but think that with what I had just seen, my personal feelings about it, and the reviews it had already gotten, this would be a hit. Upon meeting up with my friends afterwards, I was like, the only way a person couldn't like a show like this is if they were void of a pulse, or just such a theater elitist that they need to be the one to go against the grain on that which is popular.

Imagine my surprise to see the convo turning to money being put into it to keep it afloat. I mean, what? That all goes totally against the critics and even the majority of posters on here, including you and me.

I wish them the best and I sure hope it catches on. Broadway is a diverse place and there is still a place for this kind of musical. I hope.

I understand that flashy and splashy musicals are not everyone's cup of tea, but to deny what is going on up there on that stage, I mean, even if it's not your favorite, or doesn't even make your top 20, I'm not sure how one would not at least consider this good. Even if you want to say "good, not great."

But to call it awful. Don't get it."

This rubs me the wrong way. Like you said, theater is subjective. There's no need to accuse those who didn't particularly like the show of being devoid of a pulse or detesting splashy musicals.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 8:46pm

I wonder if they’re trying to get a “name” to do a stint in the show asap. 

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 9:16pm

theatreguy12 said: "christinelavin said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "JSquared2 said: "BorisTomashevsky said: "Yes, Christine! I agree! Love your story. And I also agree about Ghee. Ghee was fantastic as well.

I know that theater is a very subjective thing but as I walked out of the theater I couldn't help but think that with what I had just seen, my personal feelings about it, and the reviews it had already gotten, this would be a hit. Upon meeting up with my friends afterwards, I was like, the only way a person couldn't like a show like this is if they were void of a pulse, or just such a theater elitist that they need to be the one to go against the grain on that which is popular.

Imagine my surprise to see the convo turning to money being put into it to keep it afloat. I mean, what? That all goes totally against the critics and even the majority of posters on here, including you and me.

I wish them the best and I sure hope it catches on. Broadway is a diverse place and there is still a place for this kind of musical. I hope.

I understand that flashy and splashy musicals are not everyone's cup of tea, but to deny what is going on up there on that stage, I mean, even if it's not your favorite, or doesn't even make your top 20, I'm not sure how one would not at least consider this good. Even if you want to say "good, not great."

But to call it awful. Don't get it."

I didn't like it, and I;m not void of a pulse or a theater elitist. I thought it was awful because the score was awful, the book was awful, the acting was pretty much awful, and all the humor and edge from the movie was gone in an attempt to make this an after-school special.

I saw several other Broadway shows during this time period (Piano Lesson, Kimberly Akimbo, revisited ITW) and loved them all.

[theatreguy12]

Posted: 12/30/22 at 12:49am

Really no need to be offended over some comment I made in jest to a couple of friends about a musical I just saw and happened to love.  Hence the wink.  But to those who were, my apologies. 

It just seems odd that a musical that received such praise from most of the critics, seems to be at least considered good (to great) by most people who saw it would be dubbed "awful." That's quite an extreme.  Especially when describing the acting. 

I'm wondering what shows in recent times have opened to a majority of praise but still struggled to get off the ground. 

[Anthony Sunday]

Posted: 12/30/22 at 3:00am

theatreguy12 said: "Really no need to be offended over some comment I made in jest to a couple of friends about a musical I just saw and happened to love. Hence the wink. But to those who were, my apologies.

It just seems odd that a musical that received such praise from most of the critics, seems to be at least considered good (to great) by most people who saw it would be dubbed "awful." That's quite an extreme. Especially when describing the acting.

I'm wondering what shows in recent times have opened to a majority of praise but still struggled to get off the ground."

I'm with you on calling it "awful" - it's certainly not awful!

I do think there's a reason for the show's divisiveness, though. Much in the same way certain detractors are picking it apart, some "Hotheads" seem enamored to a fault. Middle-of-the-road opinions seem few and far between.

Updated On: 12/30/22 at 03:00 AM

[tirecage]

Posted: 12/30/22 at 3:37am

The powers that be over at SLIH have gotten mighty bold and stingy with their “winning lottery” ticket locations. A $40 ticket got me a side balcony seat - not much of a bargain, considering the cost of a full-price balcony seat is not all that much more. The kicker is that you are stuck with the lousy seat because you prepay for your lottery ticket upon winning without knowing your seat location. Pretty tricky way to sell off your crap seats by calling them winning lottery seats. Learn from my mistake - don’t fall for it. This show can use all the goodwill it can muster right now, and sticking lottery winners in the nosebleeds is not gonna help matters. Give the nosebleeds to the heavily papered seatfillers instead. Felt too disconnected from the show up there in the balcony to give any kind of ringing endorsement, unfortunately, though the actors are giving their all and then some.

Updated On: 12/31/22 at 03:37 AM

[inception]

Posted: 12/30/22 at 7:59am

tirecage said: "The powers that be over at SLIH have gotten mighty bold and stingy with their “winning lottery” ticket locations SNIP

How full was the rest of the house?  This should be the busiest week for shows, & I imagine that this is one of the only big musicals with a lot of availability at TKTS. I'm guessing that many of the people lining up there are ending up at this show.  If they can fill the rest of the house, then lottery winners will not get prime seats.

[BJR]

Posted: 12/30/22 at 8:07am

BorisTomashevsky said: "Word is that a priority loan has been taken out to help the show survive.

This show should have opened four months later than it did.But too many gung-ho (can that term still be said?) producers think all is well in the state of Denmark and that the people will simply flock back to the auditorium like it’s 1999."

This sounds right, as these are experienced producers and I imagine they intend on making it til June. Now, whether or not Tonys will help him (I think it couldve if it was a huge hit), we'll see. But they're gonna try to hold on.

[kdogg36]

Posted: 12/30/22 at 11:22am

Bill Snibson said: "Is this idea from days of yore where people left the theater singing the entire score a reality or is this just revisionist history? I don't believe that back in the day scores were so memorable that people left singing multiple songs. Let's be real...you leave either singing the title tune or whatever the orchestra playoff music is."

My hunch is that a lot of people went to those classic shows already knowing many of the tunes from radio play or gathering around a piano. I suspect something akin to this is still the case for a handful of popular shows like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, where many audience members are already fans via the cast recording. 

I think Sondheim said that, if audience members are humming a tune from a previously unfamiliar musical, it can only be because the composer has seen fit to repeat the tune many times - which is why he heard so many people humming "A Weekend in the Country" at intermission. :)

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 12/30/22 at 12:15pm

kdogg36 said: "Bill Snibson said: "Is this idea from days of yore where people left the theater singing the entire score a reality or is this just revisionist history? I don't believe that back in the day scores were so memorable that people left singing multiple songs. Let's be real...you leave either singing the title tune or whatever the orchestra playoff music is."

My hunch is that a lot of people went to those classic shows already knowing many of the tunes from radio play or gathering around a piano. I suspect something akin to this is still the case for a handful of popular shows like HamiltonandDear Evan Hansen,where many audience members are already fans via the cast recording.

I think Sondheim said that, if audience members are humming a tune from a previously unfamiliar musical, it can only be because the composer has seen fit to repeat the tune many times - which is why he heard so many people humming "A Weekend in the Country" at intermission. :)"

The last time this has happened to me were probably Bridges - instantly wanted to hear the score again, Fun Home - loved the mother’s song and kept humming it - and Hadestown - loved a lot of the solos. So I think it’s still a thing for sure. Just sounds like this score is more Catch Me If You Can than Hairspray. 

[sondheimfan2]

Posted: 12/30/22 at 1:56pm

I am definitely in the minority on this show, which I didn't see the need for. Yes, I enjoyed parts of it, but when the show ended, I thought it was okay. One of those shows that I am glad I got a ticket on TDF and didn't pay full price. 

The man-in-a-dress update was underwhelming and felt tacked on. 

Been seeing Broadway musicals since the early 1980s, and the last 5 years or so have really been disappointing with shows like Rocky, Pretty Woman, Groundhog Day, Tootsie, and Mrs. Doubtfire (in which I left at intermission - a first for me).

I'll take a revival like Company or Once on This Island or a new musical like Hadestown before I'd recommend Some Like It Hot at full price.  What passes for a quality musical continues to boggle me.

Updated On: 1/2/23 at 01:56 PM