Sondheim and Ives' HERE WE ARE at The Shed- Page 44
Sondheim and Ives' HERE WE ARE at The Shed
schubox
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/16/16
#1075Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 12:26am
n2nbaby said: "Call me crazy, but I just don’t see this transferring but, hey, crazier things have happened.
It is worth seeing 100% if you’re a fan of this cast and/or Sondheim."
Agree. Doesn’t seem like something that would transfer. And this cast is absolutely stacked.
#1076Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 12:35am
If Days of Wine and Roses could transfer, I see no reason why this couldn't and shouldn't. I enjoyed Wine and Roses, but Here We Are is a better show and production. Not sure either show will/would be particularly successful on Broadway, but it's nice to have smart adult musicals given a chance on a larger stage.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#1077Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 4:28am
For those that have gone recently... what's the current running time? Still clocking in at 2:30?
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
MrBroucek
Swing Joined: 8/20/23
#1078Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 5:33am
Also can recent attenders confirm if there is any music in the final five minutes or so?
Please and thanks!
#1079Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 6:00am
In a weird way I actually think Here We Are has more commercial prospects than both Passion and Road Show. That’s not high praise, and it doesn’t NEED to transfer (maybe it’s better to quit while you’re ahead). But it’s hard not to be impressed at how much has gone into this production. Wasn’t an article saying someone put an $8 million enhancement? Maybe with these ticket prices and run they can recoup that but it does make me wonder if someone has bigger ambitions.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#1080Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 6:13am
MrBroucek said: "Also can recent attenders confirm if there is any music in the final five minutes or so?
Please and thanks!"
There’s music but no singing.
#1081Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 11:37am
binau said: "In a weird way I actually think Here We Are has more commercial prospects than both Passion and Road Show. That’s not high praise, and it doesn’t NEED to transfer (maybe it’s better to quit while you’re ahead). But it’s hard not to be impressed at how much has gone into this production. Wasn’t an article saying someone put an $8 million enhancement? Maybe with these ticket prices and run they can recoup that but it does make me wonder if someone has bigger ambitions."
That sounds about right, but since The Shed is mostly a presenting house, I can't imagine they spent much to be begin with.
#1082Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 9:05pm
ljay889 said: "If Days of Wine and Roses could transfer, I see no reason why this couldn't and shouldn't. I enjoyed Wine and Roses, but Here We Are is a better show and production. Not sure either show will/would be particularly successful on Broadway, but it's nice to have smart adult musicals given a chance on a larger stage."
I'm hearing though Broadway is not the intention for this production. Now will it extend after reviews is the question?
"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new."
Sunday in the Park with George
Mskuphantm
Chorus Member Joined: 10/1/23
#1083Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 9:13pm
Completely unnecessary to transfer to Broadway, the only difference between off broadway and broadway is the number of seats truly and of course the Tony's... if anything I can see this extending and possible replacements eventually.
On a different note, Rachel Bay Jones, there were certain phrases, singing, timbre in her voice that were extremely similar to Bernadette Peters!!! To the point of you felt and heard Bernadette in the room. She was definitely a muse for Sondheim that's without a doubt!
Voter
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/20
#1084Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/9/23 at 9:54pm
For those you have seen the show/production, can someone please elaborate on the “stimulated gunshots” that happen in the show? Are the gunshots pre-recorded? Coming from the sound board?
My private messages are open as well.
Thank you!
#1085Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 12:28am
Went again tonight and if I truly enjoyed it when I saw the first preview, I think I kinda loved it tonight. They've cut a little over 5 minutes from act one and a little over 8 minutes from act two so I think the show feel tighter and the cast is finding so many new comedic moments in their already hilarious dialogue it's even more of a joy to watch that ensemble, and I didn't think that would be possible.
Funny story. As we were leaving tonight, an older woman was next to us on the street and we spoke for a minute. She sounded very "meh" on it because "there's no hummable songs" and we just had to laugh. I think Sondheim would have very much appreciated that interaction.
#1086Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 8:20am
According to ATC, the producers are not inviting any voters of various bodies (i.e. Drama Desk etc.) to the run.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
#1087Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 9:41am
How odd. I wonder why that would be.
rattleNwoolypenguin
Broadway Star Joined: 10/11/11
#1088Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 9:49am
People who have seen this- would you say this is Sondheim's best musical since Passion?
#1089Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 9:50am
Also meant to say that there's no new music at the end of act two. Did they add something and then remove it?
#1090Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 11:31am
I do wonder if they really did try the singing in the finale at that early performance, or if maybe someone was confused and expected no underscoring and was surprised to hear any music at all in the finale? Could've been a misunderstanding. Either way, I do wish there was a little singing in the finale. I see the show again on Sunday, but I've accepted there won't be anymore singing.
#1091Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 11:40am
It’s a tough one. But I really think the lack of music in act two makes sense once the piano dies. Curious if Ives wrote that plot point in there as a way to explain it. But when the piano works again that symbolizes the return of the music and not having another song is the only thing in the show that I personally think doesn’t work and truly makes the piece feel unfinished.
JSquared2
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/23/17
#1092Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 11:42am
rattleNwoolypenguin said: "People who have seen this- would you say this is Sondheim's best musical since Passion?"
Well he only had one other show after PASSION, and that was BOUNCE/ROAD SHOW -- so not a wide body of work to choose from.
#1093Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 12:08pm
ROAD SHOW is a much fuller score, and I do think it's very good. There are several Sondheim "standards" in it, but the boring book often weighs down the show.
Of his newer songs written in this century, "Brotherly Love" (Road Show), "God!" (Sondheim on Sondheim), and "She'll Be Back" (Cut from ITW movie) - I think HERE WE ARE is better. HWA is lighter Sondheim, you can feel he let his guard down, and was trying to have fun with this score. It's quite refreshing.
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#1094Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 12:10pm
rattleNwoolypenguin said: "People who have seen this- would you say this is Sondheim's best musical since Passion?"
I would rank it his worst work he has ever done. Everyone around me was confused but needed to justify the ridiculous ticket prices so they just pretended to get it. I heard someone say people are suffering from "Sondheim lust". Made me smile. People should be singing through the duration of a musical, that's kind of the point of their existence, imo. Gorgeous space and very talented cast though.
#1095Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 12:48pm
Sutton Ross said: "People should be singing through the duration of a musical, that's kind of the point of their existence, imo.
"
No.
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#1096Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 12:52pm
It's my opinion so it's not a yes or no situation 
#1097Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 1:01pm
Depends on what you mean. Sung-through like Evita or Umbrellas of Cherbourg? No.
Beyoncé is not an ally. Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Carter. #Dubai #$$$
#1098Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 1:52pm
Sutton Ross said: "It's my opinion so it's not a yes or no situation "
The thing is, musical numbers are there to dramatize specific moments where they are needed. I didn't miss the music at all during the second act, and that did not diminish my enjoyment of Act 1 as well. You would think this could not work, but it does.
Sutton Ross
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#1099Sondheim/Ives HERE WE ARE @ The Shed
Posted: 10/11/23 at 1:55pm
That's great that it worked for you, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. It just didn't for me and that's perfectly okay.
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