Sondheim and Ives' HERE WE ARE at The Shed — Page 42

At the first preview there already was Sondheim/Ives-centric table of books. Some other theater titles as well.

Here We Are" is a better title than the oft-repeated "Square One," which I don't feel ever makes sense. Also, for anyone new to the area, please make time to walk around. That whole neighborhood is wonderful. And then you look for and approach The Shed, perhaps for the first time, announcing in big letters: Here We Are.

binau said: "Have we discussed one of the clever lyrics? It’s something like “we expect a little latte later but don’t have a lot of latte now”."

My favorite part! I can't stop thinking of it! So good! The whole 'I'm so sorryyy' is amazing

Dennis O’Hare is out tonight

How was it tonight, binau? And how was the updated finale with the singing?

A couple other thoughts having gone a second time and also familiarised myself a bit more with some of the songs:

1. I was once again surprised at how polished and complete the show feels (despite the whole lack of second act songs). It really is a new addition to the Sondheim cannon, a new complete (at least for me) world, a new crazy cast of ensemble characters, a lavish production, great book writing. I just love this. I think the show is so bizarre, so abstract that I really just need to buy the libretto and study it to really see how much depth there is there and I can't wait for this.

2. I am particularly haunted by the two 'man' and 'woman' characters, and especially the way that they are on stage before the show starts and the way they kind of chair various scenes - they are these two weird creepy dark beings that almost feel like MCs coordinating torment on these characters. I find Traci Bennett to be particularly hilarious in her facial expressions, physical movements, and her haunting voice through "it is what it is" - it's so hilariously dark - one of my favourite songs in the show. I wonder if there might have been a way to represent this in the artwork.

3. Amber Gray doesn't have any real standout musical moments but she does sing a few lines that are memorable because her voice is so distinctive. Also, she has so many excellent comedy moments.

4. For me, the best songs that definitely have repeat listening and watching value are the "Sorry" song, Tracie Bennett's haunting "It is what it is" and especially the duet between Jin Ha and Micaela Diamond (though I don't know how I feel that the comedy seems to interrupt the sincerity of it - like Sondheim was ashamed for being sincere). I am really, really struggling to find much value from the "Perfect Day" song and the kind of 'theme' passage of the show. I don't really understand musically what is being said and why it is musicalised like this (to me it sounds like a Saturday Night Live parody of a musical)...and unfortunately because it's such an important song with the opening and reprises I kind of feel it's hurting the score for me. It's not a very melodic score, but it completely suits the character and context for songs such as "Sorry" and "It Is What It Is"........and I'm afraid that "Perfect Day" is spoiling it all a little. Likewise for passages such as Diamond's "end of the world" which make perfect sense to sound a little lacking melody given context, but I think it would work a lot better if there was some contrast with more musical melodic moments that could have been found if Perfect Day was better. If anyone wants to try and defend the song or explain the way I should be feeling listening to it feel free haha. I WANT to enjoy it of course, I just can't seem to.

Overall, I did find it more enjoyable the second time now that my expectations were fully aligned with the material.

Updated On: 10/4/23 at 10:35 AM

SisterGeorge said: "broadwaybabywannabe2 said: "i just booked this musical in honor of Stephen Sondheim, for my birthday trip to NYC...seeing this and MERRILY to celebrate my 76th year!...all the posts here make me so excited to see this final Sondheim entry into his canon!"

I just saw them back to back--and I realize you already have your tix--but for anyone else who decides to do a double feature, I would suggest taking a cue from Merrily and going backwards in time: See Here We Are first and Merrily second."

Thanks for this tip and that’s how I have planned. Merrily on my birthday, Here We Are the night before!

SisterGeorge said: "broadwaybabywannabe2 said: "SisterGeorge said: "broadwaybabywannabe2 said: "i just booked this musical in honor of Stephen Sondheim, for my birthday trip to NYC...seeing this and MERRILY to celebrate my 76th year!...all the posts here make me so excited to see this final Sondheim entry into his canon!"

I just saw them back to back--and I realize you already have your tix--but for anyone else who decides to do a double feature, I would suggest taking a cue from Merrily and going backwards in time: See Here We Are first and Merrily second."

Thanks for this tip and that’s how I have planned. Merrily on my birthday, Here We Are the night before!"

It will be hard for anyone or anything to top that gift. Enjoy!"

RIGHT??...How many times does one get to 76!

I was able to get a rush ticket for last night. I didn’t know anything plot wise going in and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Great cast. There is a lot to unpack and I find myself thinking about it and so feel like it warrants a 2nd viewing.
last night, there wasn’t any singing during the finale.


also there were still rush tickets available at 3:30 pm so maybe they did release more tickets?

(Is there stage dooring at The Shed? *ducks*)

I wonder then about the rush. Did you get it at that 3:30 pm time.



At 9am EST. I try on todayTix and the tickets get held really quickly and I try again after five minutes and by then it says sold out and to try again a different time.

Didn't think I could come back later that day? Thought it was early in the morning or try again the next day.



I really want to see this but I'm stil stunned at the cost for an off broadway show

JasonC3 said: "Serious question: if nothing changed about the production or the cast, but this was in a Broadway house, would the ticket price stun you less?

I certainly acknowledge a historical delineation has existed, but for me the investment in the production (cast, staging, orchestra size, et al) matters more than where it is staged when I consider the appropriateness of the ticket price.

"

This! The production presented is as lavish as any Broadway show, with a decent sized orchestra and a crackerjack cast. We should be applauding new avenues for top-tier theater instead of complaining! I mean really, would you rather be sitting in the Lyceum or The Shed??

You're right that its not about the fact that its off broadway. I often as well note that the production value at a strong regional theatre or an off broadway show is just as good as broadway itself. Generally the advantage is that it's a little cheaper.

I don't mean to be grumpy I understand shows are expensive. I am just trying to be as thrifty as possible since I want to see a few other off broadway plays while I'm in the city next weekend. So learning more about getting Rush tickets will be helpful for this show.

I am seeing a production at New York Theatre Workshop and it's much cheaper so I think I was just surprised. Didn't mean to disparage off broadway particularly.

how is front row for this show?