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

[MezzA101]

Posted: 10/3/23 at 2:58pm

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.

 

[StylishCynic]

Posted: 10/3/23 at 5:35pm

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”."

That song is as close as we’ll ever get to having Sondheim score the phone book. 
 

You missed one of the key, internal rhymes on that lyric:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

We do expect a little latté later

but we haven’t got a lot of latté now.  

 

[vitor.rc]

Posted: 10/3/23 at 5:43pm

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

[vitor.rc]

Posted: 10/3/23 at 6:04pm

theblackumbrella said: "Per the SHED:We will have merchandise forHere We Arebeginning mid-October!"

I'm glad they'll get us some merch to buy!! Unfortunately I believe I won't be able to buy them at The Shed, as I'm leaving the city next wednesday.

I'll see the show tomorrow for a second time and maybe next Tuesday I'll check if they already got some merchs. If not, I'll find a friend to send it to Brazil later this year 🙏 

[TheWindAndTheRain]

Posted: 10/3/23 at 7:38pm

Dennis O’Hare is out tonight

[binau]

Posted: 10/3/23 at 8:00pm

Wow I’ll be there so I can see how it compares. Sad he was great! 

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/3/23 at 11:32pm

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

[binau]

Posted: 10/4/23 at 1:07am

Dennis O’Hare is missed - his replacement though had a stronger voice so it is interesting and nice to hear the ‘I’m sorry’ melody sung with a stronger clear on-pitch voice (kind of like going from Roger Rees to understudy in The Visit to a much less substantial extent though lol). Dennis O’Hare’s general creepiness and weirdness is missing though, which I thought was funnier, fit the tone of the show and Tracie B’s character though. Sadly I think the understudy did mess up a lyric. Eeek. As for the ending, I don’t know if I dozed or something but I don’t really know what people are talking about re: new finale. 
 

 

[binau]

Posted: 10/4/23 at 10:35am

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

[WesleySideStory]

Posted: 10/4/23 at 11:48am

Sad there isn't any general rush for all the remaining tickets. And only a small portion of tickets through TodayTix app. Wish TodayTix would be able to rush off the remaining seats in the house that weren't bought.

There are still several for tonight that I wish could be rushed later today.

 

I don't like my odds on the lottery and limited rush alone

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

Posted: 10/5/23 at 5:07am

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]

Posted: 10/5/23 at 12:52pm

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!

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

Posted: 10/5/23 at 2:06pm

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!

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 10/5/23 at 4:28pm

broadwaybabywannabe2 said: "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've just turned 75, and yes, this will only happen once. The show is fascinating, and yes, I wanted more music. Ever since I  saw the early shows where he just wrote the music, I have been entranced. When ANYONE CAN WHISTLE closed on me back in 1964, I was devastated; several of the opening night reviews were fascinating, and I felt cheated. Seeing the OCR a few months later at Sam Goody's, I bought it, rushed home and played it. When I got to the title song, beautifully sung by Lee Remick, I was devastated all over again by the truth and beauty of the song. I did see a goodish production of it at Berkshire Theatre Festival in 1980, but was not satisfied, and ultimately convinced Steve and Arthur Laurents to let us do the show off-Broadway for three weeks as a benefit for BCEFA.

Back to HERE WE ARE: let us all be grateful to Tom Kirdahy and his production cohorts for giving us the last of the best. It is beautifully done, both in design and performance, and that's all we can ask for. Give yourself the joy of MERRILY and HERE WE ARE, and be grateful for what Steve has given us, time and again.

[jakebloke]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 7:00am

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?

[binau]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 7:05am

Is it possible they tried something and then removed thinking it didn't work?

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 9:07am

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

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 9:12am

quizking101 said: "(Is there stage dooring at The Shed? *ducks*)"

I believe it’s just in the lobby.

[WesleySideStory]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 9:47am

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]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 10:01am

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. 

 

[signorafosca2]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 10:05am

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??

[JoeW4]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 10:54am

To piggyback on what was mentioned above regarding the "value" of what's being presented being akin to Broadway - part of that is from the audience demand standpoint, yes, but it's probably on the payroll side too. The reason Off-Broadway tends to be less expensive is because the labor is usually cheaper. But when you look at this lineup of established artists, they most likely all negotiated Broadway-level rates based on their clout.

Add to that, based on language on the website, it seems like Tom Kirdahy is really spear-heading this as if it were a commercial production, albeit in partnership with their non-profit venue. As opposed to, say, the Public spear-heading a production that also has enhancement money from commercial producers waiting in the wings.

I still agree that the prices are ridiculous. But they're ridiculous because they're ridiculous, not because it's Off-Broadway.

[WesleySideStory]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 11:22am

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. 

[northlandfan]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 6:57pm

Hi there
 

Just returned from New York City after  seeing a full week of shows including 3 Sondheim musicals

merrily we roll along

Sweeney Todd

Here we are.

We loved all three shows!

Here we are was the one we enjoy the most.

The venue was an  intimate type of theater. We sat Row B center, which was the perfect spot to see the show(anything closer would be too close). Even though it cost $250 it was well worth it. To answer your question there is a stage door, and all of the cast came out and was gracious enough to sign our play bills and have a chat and take some pictures. Rachel Bay Jones was a highlight for me as I enjoyed all of her previous work and she is simply amazing in this show. She is so kind and generous with her time and spent time chatting with the 20 or so people waiting for her to come out.

Most  of the cast were interested in knowing if we enjoyed the show and Tracie was a hoot both in the show and at the stage door. Bobby was amazing to meet and David Hyde Pierce as usual was so kind and enjoyed speaking to his fans. Please be aware that they start asking you to check your bags if you’re carrying anything more than an 8 1/2 x 11“ piece of paper in terms of dimensions. Many were upset that they had to check their bags as this was not told to us prior. Lucky my small bag holding my water was smaller than this😂

[Jesse St. James]

Posted: 10/6/23 at 8:27pm

how is front row for this show?