Sidd the Musical @ Dodger Stages

I had a friend in an off-broadway workshop production of this musical a few years ago. IT was very much a Buddhist version of Superstar. I was underwhelmed. I'm a bit surprised, actually, that the show has moved to Dodger Stages although I suppose it's fair to say they truly did make some positive changes

I ran screaming at the intermission. And I NEVER do that. There's some good talent there, but the show is just not good.

Then again, I didn't hate Ring of Fire. So take it as you will.

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I saw it and loved it. It has great music and I think it is a great mix of real talent. I am probably going again next week with a friend.

They did not officially fire the leads. They 'replaced' the lead with the man who orriginated the role and the female-lead 'departed the show' so the understudy is taking over.

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I was there last night too. I went back, only because I love Manu Narayan and was interested in seeing how we would change the show. Although I was prepared to run screaming one more time...the good news is that Manu changes the show immensely. Sidd is immediately a stronger character, more fleshed out, than the previous actor. There is enthusiasm in the role, and it seemed to permeate to the rest of the cast, and everything moved at a more rapid pace. Act One is not as interminable, and Manu has great chemistry with the other new actress. And since I did stay for Act Two, I have to say it had potential, and actually some real nice moments. And genuine laughs! I'm not familiar with the source material, regrettably, so I can't compare. As theatre though, it could've done with some major truncating of songs, the straight Fosse-ripoff choreography (which unfortunately, left half the audience stifling laughter). And the book is what it is, for better or worse. But it does get better in the second act. Was I moved. No. Was I entertained. Yeah, I guess.

It's not a rave, but it's hardly the plodding disaster I saw last week. I guess that's what previews are for.

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I agree with a lot of what you said Taboo. I didn't want to say it so bluntly yesterday, but the choreography in the show was indeed laughable. But not as laughable as the final song, which is a clap-along and sing-along. People around me were clapping along but obviously making fun of the show, and I felt terrible for the cast. The actors all looked embarassed at that moment and that's the image I left the theatre with. Took me right back to my Jean Ann Ryan days on a cruise ship. For the casts' sake I do hope they make some cuts and start with clap-along ending.

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It was. Over-papered, actually. They had to turn people away at the door.

Anyway, I liked the show much more than I thought that I would. The new cast in much better. The material has a LOT of strong points in it. The scenic design is appropriate and well-done for the most part. It needs to clean up a bit before it opens, though. A lot of material from the second act can be cut... many of the songs just drag on. I'd recommend it, though. Very "Once on This Island".

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I will take a pass on this one. No interest in this one at all

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I like Hesse... I like Manu... interested.

Music sounds baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad though.

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Updated On: 3/11/06 at 11:30 AM

Oh, put the shill alert away.

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Jingle belle-No, I'm not involved in the show. Whether or not it does well doesn't impact my life in any way. I asked because I do know if it's papered or not and I always wonder how others claim to have this knowledge. thanks for clarifying.

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N.P. All's well.

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Updated On: 3/12/06 at 01:01 PM