SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE in Performances (The 2017 Revival) — Page 9

For anyone who has seen it, would you know which section of the balcony is better? Aisle D far left ($59) or aisle E/F dead center ($79)? Does it make a difference at this point when I'm already way up there? Is the balcony too high blocking some of what's happening on stage? Thanks!

TheaterGal3 said: "For anyone who has seen it, would you know which section of the balcony is better? Aisle D far left ($59) or aisle E/F dead center ($79)? Does it make a difference at this point when I'm already way up there? Is the balcony too high blocking some of what's happening on stage? Thanks!"

You'll be much better off dead center. I sat in row G center a few nights ago and the view of the chromolume (along with the rest of the stage) was perfect! The sound is also great from up there. If you're on the far side, you might miss some of the action stage right. Whichever seat you choose --- enjoy! The show is fantastic!

So I just returned from the afternoon matinee of Sunday in the Park with George (Feb 25th)

For background - I was only very vaguely aware of the story... had heard the songs “Move on” “Putting it together” in different revues and contexts. But for some reason was always curious about this show. Not curious enough to have seen it in previous productions or revivals. But with all the hype surrounding Jake Gyllenhaal and Annaleigh Ashford starring in this limited run - when I went online, checked the map and saw a front row, dead center seat for today’s show for $200 - knowing there was nothing I had to do today that was pressing - and deciding not to wait till I found one of my friends or relatives who wanted to go/was available/blah blah blah - I decided simply to go by myself.

Thank God I did.

Being at that performance today reminded me why I love theatre. Being drawn into a story and meeting these people you’ve never heard of.... and in the process forgetting yourself, your worries as you go on this journey with these characters.

What a beautiful production. For you Sunday/Sondheim fans, please excuse some perhaps obvious observations by this neophyte:

The first act, I felt transported into the canvas and was meeting these figures that George was trying to capture. By the end of that act, I was in tears as George had finally found the order, design, tension, balance, and harmony he was seeking...

The second act with George’s great grandson George struggling, suffocating in the family craft and finally finding the freedom to “move on” from inspiration from his distant relatives - was an unexpected, beautiful and moving twist - that had me in tears again.

The cast truly lives up to the hype... Even smaller characters were memorable - for example Penny Fuller as the Old Lady/Blair was incredibly moving in her portrayals... Annaleigh Ashford – who I was unfamiliar with till today - now I completely understand why she shares top billing with Jake Gyllenhaal. What a beautiful woman: her presence, her voice - was simply beautiful.

As for Gyllenhaal - I’m kind of shocked it’s taken him so long to make a musical theatre debut. I remember reading people were surprised when he was in Little Shop of Horrors a few summers ago and then took this role last summer. Whats more surprising is how long it’s taken him for to be a legitimate musical theatre star. His voice was phenomenal... and his portrayal was masterful.

For those wondering about the seating - yes front row was a little too close (I figured as much since three or four rows back the tickets were $150 more than what I paid) - but I really didn’t mind. The actors were literally maybe 2 feet away from me - and getting to see them that upclose and actually seeing the tears running down their faces was an experience I will never forget (or regret)

Musically, Sondheim has never been a favorite of mine. I understand his style and technique were he uses dissonance and there’s not the full resolve of melody that people often are seeking. And here it works very effectively - as the moments of full blooded song, melody, harmony, come together at the essential points. I guess that’s why I had only really heard of “Finishing the Hat” and “Putting it together.” In a sense it’s more of a play with music... I don’t mean that to sound overly critical or dismissive (I hate when people do that to other composers) It’s very effective live on stage. But it’s hard for me to imagine listening to the soundtrack repeated times.

That being said, I will never regret this Saturday afternoon spent on Sunday

Damn, those balcony seats are good. I have row E center, and now I believe they'll be swell. Going Easter, by the way. Still seats available. But not likely for long.

Is Jake Gyllenhaal scheduled for all shows? I'm trying to get tickets as b-day gift for a friend who is a huge Gyllenhaal fan, and I cannot find any information on their website, so I hope it means that he is doing every show?

Thanks in advance!

There is no alternate.

Wick3, MinnieFay, steven22 and all who answered my question regarding balcony seating - thank you! Picked up the $59 seats because Wick, I like your thinking!

TheaterGal3 said: "Wick3, MinnieFay, steven22 and all who answered my question regarding balcony seating - thank you! Picked up the $59 seats because Wick, I like your thinking!"

Enjoy the show --- you'll have a great view up there --- and the sound is perfect, as well! The design of the new theatre is really well done.

Also, as an added "bonus" --- there are "semi-secret" restrooms located in the balcony --- so no waiting on a line if you're quick at intermission!

Finally saw this last night, and it was absolutely breathtaking.

What Ashford and Gyllenhaal do on that stage is effortless & deeply resonate. Ashford's Marie was unrecognizable..."Children and Art" was her finest moment of the evening. I've never seen a production where I've felt that Act 2 lived up to Act 1...until now.

Penny Fuller's "Beautiful" was glorious, and brought out the best shades of Gyllenhaal's George. The entire ensemble was spectacular. Some that really stood out were Ashley Park as Celeste #1, Liz McCarthy as Mrs. and Erin Davie as Yvonne. The short scene late in Act 1 with Davie & Ashford was excellent, and reminded me how wonderful Davie is when cast well (Charlotte in NIGHT MUSIC, but not Violet in SIDE SHOW).

As ljay has mentioned several times, if you can help it DO NOT spoil the Chromolume for yourself. Everyone I was with was grabbing each other in disbelief of what they were able to do. I was in the rear balcony and thought we had a perfect view of it.

Don't miss this production - how I wish I could see it again. Also the restored Hudson is BEAUTIFUL.

Caught the show this afternoon and was overwhelmed by it! I has seen the original and felt this version was superior to it. Gyllenhaal is giving one helluva performance as George and his singing voice is astonishing: he hits the notes straight on and sustains them beautifully. Meanwhile he has beautiful tonality and gorgeous chest tones. Will someone please do a production of COMPANY and cast him as Bobby? He should never leave the legitimate stage!

Just saw the show tonight from the 2nd row center orchestra and LOVED LOVED LOVED it! I first saw this production during previews and noticed a few changes:

Overall I was blown away again. Annaleigh really impressed me again with her interpretation of Dot. I got emotional when Annaleigh sang "We do not belong together" near the end of Act 1. From my view I saw her tears rolling down her cheeks.

I hope to see this show again from the dress circle for a better view of the chromolume.

ljay889 said: "The lack of a cast recording announcement is getting me a little nervous. I wonder if PS Classics being on hiatus is hindering things? Although I'd imagine most labels would jump at the chance to record Jake Gyllenhaal in Sondheim's masterpiece."

I agree, I'm nervous that this production won't be recorded, especially since it seems like a no-brainer to get Gyllenhaal's first Broadway musical recorded.

I wasn't aware that PS Classics has been on hiatus, but I just read their statement on their homepage. I was wondering why they hadn't picked up some of the recent shows I thought they would be tailor-made to release.

Apologies if this has already been covered, but has a cast album been announced?