Should I see "Juno" at Encores?
Should I see "Juno" at Encores?
#1Should I see "Juno" at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 5:44pmMy last night in town will be the opening night of "Juno" at Encores. I love Victoria, but have to admit I'm not familiar with the show. I know it has a score by Marc Blitzstein, is based on "Juno and the Paycock," and the original production featured Shirely Booth. I've never heard any songs from the score. I can get a rear mezz seat for $50 in row P (the only thing in my price range). Having never been to City Center, I don't know if this is a good seat or not. Would love advice from those familiar with the show and City Center seating.
#2re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 5:51pm
The City Center theatre is a barn. It's HUGE. I saw FOLLIES in those $50 seats and had a good view though. Unless you need to be sitting really close to the stage in order to fully appreciate it, then I think those seats are fine. It's when you get to the $25 price range that it's pretty ridiculous (though I enjoyed GYPSY sitting in those seats).
I am not a fan of the JUNO score but like everything it's a matter of taste. I have listened to Clark perform a few numbers from the show from one of those special concerts that Encores! used to do at the end of every season. I say if you have never seen an Encores! production and you are a Victoria Clark fan, go see it. I saw her in FOLLIES last year and she was at the top of her game, she gave the kind of performance you'd expect from a Broadway production, she was off-book and didn't forget her lyrics.
#3re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 5:55pm
Thanks Ray--
Having never seen an Encores show, I've always wanted to have that experience. I'm leaning towards buying the ticket at this point.
#5re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 5:57pmSidney, you don't accept PM's, if you're interested in listening to those songs let me know.
#6re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:00pmYes, listen to the OBC. Pm me if you need "help".
miss pennywise
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/7/04
#7re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:07pmSidney, do it!!!
http://www.roches.com/television/ss83kod.html
**********
"If any relationship involves a flow chart, get out of it...FAST!"
~ Best12Bars
#8re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:08pmJust bought my ticket! Ray, I changed my settings so I can now accept PMs.
#9re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:09pmVictoria Clark was born to play this role, originated by Shirley Booth. The score is by the great composer, Marc Blitzstein, who you may know from The Cradle Will Rock. He also wrote the English Lyrics to the first Off-Broadway production of Threepenny Opera. The score has one well-know song, "I Wish It So" that has been recorded by quite a few artists.
#10re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:09pm
I love the play Juno and the Paycock.
I love the score to Juno.
I love Clark's work.
...
If you go, acquaint yourself with the original play. It will help you appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the adaptation.
Chances are you'll never get a chance to see this show done again ...let alone at this level.
Take a chance.
#11re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:10pm
i say, only go if you can objectively view the show for what it is: a concert. in addition, understand that what you are witnessing is a rarity: a revival staged for a show that would never make it as a revival. if you can go without heady expectations and just appreciate a "flawed" production, then you'll have a great time.
have they announced the rest of the cast yet?
#12re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:11pm
Thanks BigFatBlonde,
I'll be sure to read the original play before I see the show.
#13re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 6:13pmYES! Go see it, rear mezz or not its a once in a lifetime opportunity.
-Jeff Bowen's worst onstage line flub.
#14re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 7:44pmI'd just be pissed that it's not a musical about a spunky 16 year old who get's pregnant and gives her child up for adoption.
#15re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 8:20pm
since you've already decided to go see it, my input is moot. I'm ridiculously excited about this show; I love Vicki and I've fallen in love with the score.
and, um, ray-andallthatjazz86, I must say that I am interested in hearing those songs. haha
#16re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 8:31pm
Be prepared, this show is on the "bleak" side. You won't find any toe-tappin' tunes and jazz-hands in Juno.
But there IS a rich and moving score that deserves to be heard again.
One Kind Word is my favorite song in the show. It makes me a little teary.
#17re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 8:41pm
I felt like I was watching the show from an office building a street away when I went to see Applause. And those were the $50 seats.
Still, I enjoyed it, and this looks like something unique as well. I was debating whether to see it. I think I'll go now...but only if I can get decent seats.
#18re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 9:13pmYes, go and have a terrific time!
#19re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 9:46pmOops, I actually made a big mistake, got confused, what I have is Victoria Clark singing from CRADLE WILL ROCK, and Malcolm Gets and Rebecca Luker singing from JUNO (him "One Kind Word," her "I Wish It So"). Sorry for my confusion.
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#20re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:23pm
i got my ticket!
saturday night, march 29th
mid-mezz row c, center!
#21re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:33pmi have a subscription to Encores! i'll be there Saturday afternoon :)
#22re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:36pmThe $25 balcony seats are a much better view then the rear mezzanine seats in that theatre. Yes, you're further away but you can see the stage. The mezzanine doesn't rise enough in that theatre. Get balcony seats and bring binoculars.
#23re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:16pm
ha! I'll also be there Saturday afternoon [and am going to Gypsy that night].
and I actually love the rear gallery seats at City Center...and I don't think you need binoculars there. but I do agree that they're much better than rear mezz seats [as are the front gallery seats, natch].
CurtainPullDowner
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/4/04
#24re: Should I see 'Juno' at Encores?
Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:48pm
The cast will hopefully include, Michael Arden, Ceila Kennan Bolger and Clark Thorell.
Sounds splendid to me.
Videos