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#76

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 10:48pm

I'd asked in a previous thread, but I'm curious as to what the front row in the Orchestra section is, and if the stage is high (like BULLETS...). Any insight greatly appreciated!

#77

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 10:54pm

highly recommend front mezz for this show, PERFECT view of everything.

#78

Fearing that I might be the only one who did not care for this show, overall. Though it has a very strong first half, I've never seen a show turn such a 180 in the second.

Spamalot (which it longs to be...), it is not.

#79

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:15pm

For what its worth, I like this show far more than SPAMALOT. Glad to see so many others enjoying it.

#80

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:16pm

I was at the invited dress Saturday and to me, the stage seemed high, but not super high. I think front mess would be where I would choose to sit if I had my choice.

My thoughts are quite simple: I really liked it. I thought it was a really funny show with some superb performances, namely Brad Oscar. I love Brad Oscar and I'm a big fan of his work, but this is the best he's done in a while. I perferred his portrayal of Nostradamus to ANY part he played in The Producers. It's so early, but if that performance was Tony nomination worthy, don't be surprised if this is too.

I was surprised by the dancing and movement in the show! More then I expected, but it was tight and used well. Costumes, scenery, and lighting are in good shape. Add me to the list of fans of how they decorated and use the proscenium.

It's really in pretty tight shape and I expect it to get better with time. I look forward to seeing it again in May to see how it is then.

I don't want to say it's a thinking show, but the references to other musicals, pop culture, and the like may stump some. I felt like it was a smart show--funny, a few naughty bits to get a chuckle, but mainly relying on good music and a solid book in the hands of a very talented cast to make it soar.

A big shout out to the ensemble. There are some true veterans in the cast--several people who have done 8, 10, or more shows and they shine.

I was happy with what I saw and already have recommend it to friends. This was only the second time I've been to an invited dress and it was a lot of fun. Giving people a chance to win a seat there was a great marketing move and it made it different then just performing for friends and family. I'm optimistic about this. I think it could be quite successful if they keep up with the strong promotions and strong word of mouth. It won't be a show for everyone, but for me and my companion, it was absolutely a show we'd buy tickets to see.

#81

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:17pm

Just saw the first preview. It's definately spamalot meets the producers, and although I didn't care for spamalot I enjoyed something rotten very much.

Act 1 is almost perfect (with some real stand out moments ), but act 2 is a bit of a mess.

Cast are all strong, with Brian D'Arcy james stealing the show. Christian Borle I was less sure about, his act seemed to get old fast, and God knows what accent he was going for when in disguise.

Some of the humour was too stupid for my taste, but I plenty around me seemed to be lapping it up

With work this could win best musical, it's very classic broadway

#82

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:19pm

I went into this show knowing nothing about it. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought there were some truly hilarious references, the 5th number got a massive standing ovation during the first act.

Highly recommend!

Updated On: 3/23/15 at 11:19 PM

#83

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:21pm

Casey Nicholaw has done it again. Seriously, talk about everything this man touched turning to gold.

How nice to walk out of a musical and having not one tune in your head, but five or six competing for airtime.

Brad Oscar stopped the show COLD with his Turn It Off on steroids number "A Musical." Not since [tos] has a song (or musical) had more theater in-references. Flops, hits, you name it.

It's very difficult to discuss the show without spoiling the jokes. They come fast and furious; even reading the song titles can ruin some of the surprises. For example, the act one finale is called

SPOILER

Bottom's Gonna Be on Top, as Brian D'Arcy James plays Nick Bottom and he's finally envisioning writing a successful play. The bottom jokes get a laugh every time.

END SPOILER

Brian is hilarious and anchors the piece. He is somewhat crazy, but basically the closest thing to a straight man (you see what I'd there) it had to offer.

Brooks Ashmanskas has modeled his performance after one of our own: dear old After Eight! This is exactly as I envision him in real life, and every line is hilarious. He even gives a good old Datalounge Eldergay HISSSSS at one point that had me in stitches.

Borle smolders and could easily be on his way to winning a second Tony (featured actor). Instead of warning about strobe lights and menthol cigarettes, Something Rotten! needs to warn about Borle's tight pants that may cause fainting, drooling and other, um physical reactions.

The tapping is first-rate and totally puts to shame the soft shoe Stairway to Paradise in AAIP.

John Cariani is the co-lead with Brian and is very sweet and funny. The part isn't as flashy as some of the others, but he manages to make it memorable.

It's so nice to go to the theater and just laugh and laugh. I had such a nice time that I wish I could go back tomorrow. I do think the $37 seats will disappear quickly as word spreads; this reminds me exactly of the feeling I got after the first preview of Book of Mormon. No one knew what to expect going in and after the electric reception you just KNEW something very big hit New York.

Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco. Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!

#84

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:24pm

Someone please post a song list

"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new." Sunday in the Park with George

#85

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:29pm

Hate being the Debbie-Downer on this one...really wanted to like it. Really wanted to love it. I'll write more later...but I need a drink or two....

#86

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:29pm

Felt so sorry for Brian D'Arcy James. He can't seem to cut a break. SO much heavy lifting for a show that only repays the favor about 50% of the time.

First act doesn't click in until the show stopping "A Musical" number. And then it retreats again. Some music is catchy and some songs just lie there. And some songs are so word heavy that you miss some [probably] mega-clever lyrics.

Major prob is the plot. Again...plodding. The numbers liven things up (duh), but the story is stock and, in the second act, a bit of a bore. A courtroom scene, ripped out of Producers and Dolly, is thrown in for whatever measure. But the act just grinds to a puerile halt.

But the audience ate it up with the proverbial ladle. Be curious to see how a "regular" audience reacts to all the in jokes. I predict 2 1/2 yrs for the show. Pleasant, but much ado...about not much.

#87

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:30pm

I sat 6th row center orchestra. The first few rows are definitely too close. Show was very funny. 1st act much better than 2nd act - which shouldn't be the case! Closing number was real flat - which surprised me to say the least. Thought it would finish stronger. Christian Borle for supporting is looking good. Brad Oscar should definitely win Tony for this. Overrall I liked the show but it does need some tweaking before opening night.

#88

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:35pm

Will this win Best Musical instead of The Visit?

#89

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:36pm

Yes.

#90

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:36pm

I think it could do,with work.

#91

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:37pm

I think it has a very decent shot at Best Musical, but I think it will come down to this or Fun Home, not The Visit. All three could, and probably are the safest bets for nominations at this point.

Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco. Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!

#92

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:39pm

Right. THE VISIT will certainly be nominated, but I don't think many will be expecting it to win.

#93

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:40pm

I was off to the side in rear mezz and didn't feel like I missed anything, I don't think there's a bad view with the way things are staged since nothing really happens upstage where angles would be an issue.

The second act is more "traditional" but certain scenes still have the over the top group numbers that I think give the first act so much punch. The ensemble is really solid and looks like they're having a blast on stage. It was fun watching them soak it all in during the standing ovation in the first act.

I normally gravitate to musicals that aren't quite as comedic, but left the theater with a smile on my face, humming some music.

#94

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:41pm

ROTTEN! possesses virtually everything the Tony voters love. In my mind, FUN HOME will take book and probably score (though I would go with ROTTEN! for score) with ROTTEN! rightfully taking the big prize.

Updated On: 3/23/15 at 11:41 PM

#95

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:43pm

I normally gravitate to musicals that aren't quite as comedic, but left the theater with a smile on my face, humming some music.

I am the same way, so I'm glad to hear that.

#96

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:50pm

So excited to read people's thoughts on this show...I got tix for May!!! :)

#97

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/23/15 at 11:53pm

Sorry to be the downer here, but I thought although some of it was fun, it was sort of the same joke over and over. A lot of theatre in-jokes. The music wasn't that interesting, but I really liked Christian and some of the other performances. Still, overall it felt like Spamalot meets The Producers, and wasn't nearly as good or funny as either. I've got tickets again with a friend in a few weeks, so hopefully it will improve. It wasn't as messy as "Bullets Over Broadway"...

#98

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/24/15 at 12:04am

I agree that this show will be the surprise hit of the season and will take home the big prize.

#99

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/24/15 at 12:05am

The theater in-jokes were all the fun though. Who doesn't love a good Chess joke?

Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco. Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!

#100

Something Rotten Previews

Posted: 3/24/15 at 12:08am

Can I get a merch report?

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