SUMMER The Tour

I don't see a thread about SUMMER or its tour. I may have missed it, I don't have much luck with the search feature here. Anyway . . .

Saw the tour last night in San Francisco. My friend loved it. Me, well, I didn’t hate it, and it was a comp ticket through my friend’s job, so it’s not like I feel cheated out of $150. I was never a big Donna Summer fan. While I learned a little bit about her life and history, the book scenes moved so quickly there wasn’t much time to reflect or absorb the content.

The parallels to The Cher Show, another jukebox using three actresses to play a celebrity at different life stages, were of course on my mind. I thought The Cher Show did this much better and overall was a better production that kept my attention more than Summer. I’m sure it helped that I was more familiar with Cher’s catalog than Donna’s.

That said, the music and sound system were wonderful, and from a surprisingly tiny orchestra of five. All the set pieces where pushed on and off stage by the cast. No tracking in the stage? Was the Broadway production staged this way? Felt a little cheap to me, like a college production.

The audience appeared to be half rabid fans and half older folks (likely BSF subscribers). The former half was loud and boisterous giving lots of entrance applause, if you will, to many of her more popular numbers. As often happens, a few stood at the start of “Last Dance,” moved for a bit, then saw they were the only ones and after a few moments, sat down.

I’m not all that familiar with McAnuff’s work, though I LOVED “The Who’s Tommy” and somewhat “Jersey Boys.” I’m glad there was no intermission, it wasn’t needed and otherwise they would filled in more dance breaks and I suppose some more songs from her catalog.

Updated On: 12/5/19 at 02:18 PM

I loved Summer, but I am a big fan. However there were many inaccuracies, in the book, of her life and when something happened.

PatrickDC said: "I remembered I wanted to ask here, for those who know Donna’s life and career. Why did they have so many actresses playing male roles, including some prominent men in her life, like Giorgio Moroder? It’s made clear she was used badly by men, professionally and personally. Is there symbolism to a woman taking control and playing (nearly) all the roles? I feel like I’m missing something I should have grasped."

We didn't get it either. Like I said, we found the whole thing very disappointing.

I think they should have gone MORE female and just had no males in the show. She was abused by men, so I think to eliminate all the men would have been interesting.

No on Broadway there was automation. The set came from upstage right and left via tracks and the ladies came on and off via elevator lifts at the front. Sat to see they couldn't find a more interesting solution than just people pushing set pieces on and off. Maybe they're trying to make up for their lost money? But it does sound cheap.

How's "Hot Stuff?" to me that was best in terms of direction on Broadway.

PatrickDC said: "Broadway SF just sent an email announcing $45 orchestra seatsfor the last two weeks of the tour stop. Must not be selling very well. The Golden Gate was SRO when I saw it Wednesday night, but it just opened so I think it was mostly subscribers."

Patrick, our group last night enjoyed it and the audience reaction was very similar to your opening night audience. Don't know about the Golden Gate orchestra, but the mezzanine was very sparce.

I actually enjoyed the show more than I thought I would, given the NYC reception. Thought that all three Donnas were in great voice and thought the musical highlight was McArthur Park. Guessed that the set wouldn't be automaton, but members of my group didn't know the difference and no one groused.