TAMMY FAYE Previews- Page 4

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:03am

Thank you! Good to see they cut what I thought were the 2 weakest songs in London.

Looking forward to seeing how it progresses, despite the ludicrously early 'word-of-mouth' here that really doesn't pass muster. 

 

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:22am

This is not a public workshop. This is a Broadway production selling at Broadway prices, and one that desperately needs word of mouth on its side to get its sales up. “Oh, don’t go for a few weeks because I think they’re still fixing it” is not a solid foundation for success.

Nobody here is trying to “kill” this show- and it looks like the negative reactions are not confined to this board. People have a right to share their negative reactions to it."

Actually, previews ARE a bit of a public workshop. Producers cottoned on that audiences would still pay top dollar for seats whether it was a preview or not so they charge full price. Period. Yes, it is a gamble to try material that might not work and deal with negative word of mouth, but that is the risk taken when mounting a big-ass show. 

And yes, I, and many others, have looked at this board long enough to see the haters that lurk waiting to pounce on any new show that doesn't interest them and spread negative reactions, many of which are likely either made up or second hand from something they 'heard from a couple on the subway'. They aren't fooling anyone.

Maybe the show won't work on Broadway. But given what I and a lot of other posters saw in London, this show had a lot of promise with a cracking score, a more than decent book and a unique angle of telling a story. On that merit (and the fact that it had several positive notices including the NYT) it deserves a fair shot and a chance to find its legs. With only 2 previews under their belt, the creative team likely know they have work to do.

And yes, others have hated it on other boards but many have liked it as well. Either way, its really too soon to make conclusions on the fate of this or any other show that has only just began a months-long preview period.

[Wick3]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 8:46am

Last night, the show started a few minutes after 8pm and I left the theater a little bit after 11pm. Intermission felt longer than 15 minutes. Overall the show felt long to me. Reading that it was 2h25m in London without an intermission, this show can probably be 2h45m with an intermission. I'd watch it again after opening to see what changes they made.

Note that Intermission was after the song "Empty Hands" (it wasn't indicated in the Playbill.) 

It was great to see Cerveris back on the Broadway stage again and he does have a gorgeous voice.  I didn't know anything about Tammy Faye beforehand so during Act I I did wonder where the story was going. Act 2 was stronger and I also connected more to Tammy during act 2. 

 

 

 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 9:33am

I've read every report so far, and I have a broader question about the subject's suitability for a lavish Palace-ensconced musical in the 2020s: Is Messner all that compelling a figure in today's culture? Yes, the film offered a revisit of her life and times. But it made less than $4 million at the box office and is notable mostly for Chastain's Oscar-winning performance. (The documentary is generally considered superior, Chastain aside.)  Musical comedies have captured many real women, from St Joan  to Rose Hovick to Eva Peron and Princess Diana, and in the plus column, Tammy Faye was all show biz in self-presentation.

Yet arguably, that ready-to-sing-and-dance aspect is a potential trap. How do you make a woman who already sang her heart on her sleeve perform with freshness? She was almost self-parody when she arrived, and though her cause mitigated her buffoonish profile and had great nobility - finding empathy for the AIDS afflicted during the Reagan era - her story has a sad trajectory and is filled with soft targets for ridicule. By now, the world of televangelicals has been parsed, exposed, mocked. Everything about the world feels like an already overextended SNL sketch. It's hard to fathom how a musical can excavate an evening's entertainment. Is that a problem with this show? My post is a question, not an indictment. 

Updated On: 10/22/24 at 09:33 AM

[akhoya87]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 11:22am

Auggie27 said: "By now, the world of televangelicals has been parsed, exposed, mocked. Everything about the world feels like an already overextended SNL sketch. It's hard to fathom how a musical can excavate an evening's entertainment. Is that a problem with this show? My post is a question, not an indictment."

This was one of my biggest problems with the book.  The musical was obviously trying to satirize the "Electric Church" and evangelical Christianity more broadly (Tammy notwithstanding).  But in order to satirize something, you need to really know it, and I felt as if the book writer had only a surface-level understanding of televangelists and evangelicals.  

[inception]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 12:06pm

Since I bought my tickets back in March, I sent an email to Broadway Direct customer service regarding the change of casting from Andrew Rannels, and received a refund for my full priced ticket.

I like the songs I have heard so far, but I trust the comments of people here who saw the first previews.  From reading their comments over the years I know thst they are theatre lovers, and if anything try to be as kind as possible in their assessments. 

If I'm fortunate, I make one trip a year to New York, so I want to try to see the best shows I can.

With all the time & trouble tech rehearsals take these days, I don't have much faith in shows improving over previews.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 12:14pm

bway1430 said: "Actually, previews ARE a bit of a public workshop. Producers cottoned on that audiences would still pay top dollar for seats whether it was a preview or not so they charge full price. Period. Yes, it is a gamble to try material that might not work and deal with negative word of mouth, but that is the risk taken when mounting a big-ass show."

 

You sound delusional. Previews are to work out technical kinks, get pick up cues, adjust pacing, etc. They are not for overhauling the show. Maybe a song gets cut or added or moved to a different place. That's it. It's not a workshop.

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 1:20pm

You sound delusional. Previews are to work out technical kinks, get pick up cues, adjust pacing, etc. They are not for overhauling the show. Maybe a song gets cut or added or moved to a different place. That's it. It's not a workshop."

You sound rude and a bit mis-guided. Songs get cut during previews. Songs get added during previews. Scenes get cut during previews. Scenes get added during previews. Cast members get replaced during previews. Basically, ANYTHING can happen during previews which is what makes them interesting. True, it's not a full workshop per se, but until the show is 'frozen' it remains a work in progress.

[BETTY22]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 1:44pm

OUCH! This show is not ready for Broadway.

Previews are not the process to fix this. Needed more readings, workshop, out of town productions.....this is a mess. Sadly

[Eddie3]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:01pm

I don't understand the negative responses here. Can it be so different from the show I saw and loved in London? On the other hand, I wasn't crazy about that campfest, Sunset Blvd., either in London or on Broadway, so I guess there's just no accounting for taste.

Looking forward to seeing Tammy Faye here in New York, to see if/how it differs from the Almeida production.

 

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:03pm

BETTY22 said: "OUCH! This show is not ready for Broadway.

Previews are not the process to fix this. Needed more readings, workshop, out of town productions.....this is a mess. Sadly"

Andrew Rannells....is that you?!!!!

Shame.

 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:06pm

bway1430 said: "
You sound delusional. Previews are to work out technical kinks, get pick up cues, adjust pacing, etc. They are not for overhauling the show. Maybe a song gets cut or added or moved to a different place. That's it. It's not a workshop."

You sound rude and a bit mis-guided. Songs get cut during previews. Songs get added during previews. Scenes get cut during previews. Scenes get added during previews. Cast members get replaced during previews. Basically, ANYTHING can happenduring previews which is what makes them interesting. True, it's not a full workshop per se, but until the show is 'frozen' it remains a work in progress."


lol you literally just repeated what I said then added that actors get replaced during previews which is extremely rare

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:11pm

Eddie3 said: "I don't understand the negative responses here. Can it be so different from the show I saw and loved in London? On the other hand, I wasn't crazy about that campfest,Sunset Blvd., either in London or on Broadway, so I guess there's just no accounting for taste.

Looking forward to seeing Tammy Faye here in New York, to see if/how it differs from the Almeida production.

I would take many of the negative comments here and on other boards with a very large grain of salt:

1) Given comments such as "I was in NY recently and really hated it"...um...the first preview was only a few days ago so that seems odd (and quite unlikely) and others that declare that everyone in the theatre loathed it (that's really some special kind of ESP) or "I heard someone on the subway say that it was the worst show ever"....like I said, BIG grain of salt.

2) Don't underestimate the Andrew Rannells fans who have had it out for the show as nauseum ever since he got canned. They have done a fine job and schlocking their poison around but while some of the negative comments might be authentic, many are smoke from a wholly different fire....

3) If everyone posting the negatives was really there, I doubt there would have been that many empty seats. It all simply doesn't add up.

YUGE grain of salt. :-)

 

 

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:15pm

lol you literally just repeated what I said then added that actors get replaced during previews which isextremelyrare"

It may be rare but it can and does happen. A preview period is meant to correct whatever isn't working and that includes more than just a lighting cue or a bad wig.

Not sure why this is an issue to you but ok.

 

 

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:19pm

bway1430 said: "

2) Don't underestimate the Andrew Rannells fans who have had it out for the show as nauseum ever since he got canned. They have done a fine job and schlocking their poison around but while some of the negative comments might be authentic, many are smoke from a wholly different fire....

"

While Rannells may have sold more tickets than Borle if he was in it, I don't think a few angry Rannells stans on social media are a reason at all for sales not being strong

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:30pm

Mr. Wormwood said: "bway1430 said: "

2) Don't underestimate the Andrew Rannells fans who have had it out for the show as nauseum ever since he got canned. They have done a fine job and schlocking their poison around but while some of the negative comments might be authentic, many are smoke from a wholly different fire....

"

While Rannells may have sold more tickets than Borle if he was in it,I don't think a few angry Rannells stanson social media are a reason at all for sales not being strong"

Given that their average age likely puts them right at or just past puberty, I doubt they could afford a ticket. :-)

[Strange Lupone]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:43pm

bway1430 said:

2) Don't underestimate the Andrew Rannells fans who have had it out for the show as nauseum ever since he got canned. They have done a fine job and schlocking their poison around but while some of the negative comments might be authentic, many are smoke from a wholly different fire....
"

Speaking of smoke, what, exactly, are you smoking?

 

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:44pm

Strange Lupone said: "bway1430 said:

2) Don't underestimate the Andrew Rannells fans who have had it out for the show as nauseum ever since he got canned. They have done a fine job and schlocking their poison around but while some of the negative comments might be authentic, many are smoke from a wholly different fire....
"

Speaking of smoke, what, exactly, are you smoking?

If only.

But nice try.



 

Updated On: 10/22/24 at 02:44 PM

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:48pm

I know there's been a lot of noise on this thread, and it's just one perspective, but fwiw Jordan mentioned seeing the show in London and loving it and finding it somewhat lackluster here.  Will be curious how this shapes up during previews, assuming they do use that preview period well.  I might wait til closer to opening to grab a ticket.

[Strange Lupone]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:53pm

bway1430 said: "Strange Lupone said: "bway1430 said:

2) Don't underestimate the Andrew Rannells fans who have had it out for the show as nauseum ever since he got canned. They have done a fine job and schlocking their poison around but while some of the negative comments might be authentic, many are smoke from a wholly different fire....
"

Speaking of smoke, what, exactly, are you smoking?

If only.

But nice try.



"

You’re trying to convince us that Rannells  has legions of vindictive fans out to besmirch an entire production? And you’re accusing me of a “nice try”? 

That said, your evidence of the malevolent Rannells fans please. I’ll wait.

in the meantime, I’ll light up. You ought to give it a try. 

 

Updated On: 10/22/24 at 02:53 PM

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 2:57pm

BroadwayFlash has been banned. A new supreme is rising...

[AP1979]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 3:01pm

Saw Tammy Faye last night 10/21. 
I really enjoyed the show in London. Personally I think this situation needs a little tightening up. But, I’m well aware it’s previews so we will just have to wait and see. Now, don’t shoot the messenger as I know this isn’t a review spot for The Palace. BUT! Beware of the side Orchestra seats, we were K seats 4,6,8,10 and seats 8 and 10 were extremely obstructed partial view seats and should be sold as such. I was honestly shocked. I was in seat 4 but my friends in 8&10 missed half the stage!!! Anyway, that’s my two cents on that. And then there are the bathrooms…..they can literally raise the palace theater 30 feet and yet they couldn’t add bathrooms on the orchestra level? And worse yet I used the bathrooms downstairs and upstairs and they were ridiculously tight. It’s impossible to get in and out not bumping into other guys in the bathroom. 

[bway1430]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 3:10pm

You’re trying to convince us that Rannells has legions of vindictive fans out to besmirch an entire production? And you’re accusingme of a “nice try”?

That said, your evidence of the malevolent Rannells fans please. I’ll wait.

in the meantime, I’ll light up. You ought to give it a try.

Given the negative comments about the show going ahead after he got canned, yes, it kind of adds up. Whether you believe it or not? Up to you.

Do your own research if you want to know....I'm busy looking for my lighter....

 

 

 

[lilpunkin]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 4:54pm

Mr. Wormwood said: "bway1430 said: "

2) Don't underestimate the Andrew Rannells fans who have had it out for the show as nauseum ever since he got canned. They have done a fine job and schlocking their poison around but while some of the negative comments might be authentic, many are smoke from a wholly different fire....

"

While Rannells may have sold more tickets than Borle if he was in it,I don't think a few angry Rannells stanson social media are a reason at all for sales not being strong"

That's hyperbole.


When AR made his announcement on the Tony's red carpet, there were a fair few angry comments on Reddit taking the line that Tammy Faye had done something terribly wicked and underhand towards poor wronged victim AR: that they'd announced AR's casting without his knowledge (even though he was an active participant in the launch event); that they'd announced his casting as a tactic to try to force him into being in the show; that announcing an actor while the final Ts and Is are still being crossed and dotted is unheard of deviousness; that AR quit of his own volition; that the production were mean cheapskates; that he was being badly underpaid; and generally that AR is 100% the innocent wronged party and TF 100% the villain.


Anyone defending the production or taking a more balanced view got downvoted and accused of being haters. I noticed at least two posters (who both had years-long comment histories showing they live in London and appear to either work in London theatre or be keen theatregoers) making comments indicating more went down behind the scenes and that AR perhaps wasn't completely the wronged innocent, and both were quite viciously accused of being liars with a vendetta against AR. Even posters saying TF was wrong to announce him without a contract but AR blurting it out on the red carpet and shading his former employer was also not the most professional behaviour, received hostility.


So clearly there are at least a few passionate AR fans who go off the deep end and type up a storm whenever he's even mildly criticised. Surely anyone who's been on the Internet longer than 5 minutes knows how Extremely Online actor fandoms can be? Is fandom being a bit nutso online really a shock to anyone?



Are they responsible for the low ticket sales? Of course not, but no one has suggested that.


Is it possible that the AR superfans flooding Reddit with downvotes and hostile comments in support of him, might possibly also have made a couple of the online comments slating the show?


Unless your worldview is "no one on the Internet ever lies ever", I fail to see what's so outrageous about the idea that people who post on the Internet might... post on the Internet.

[kdogg36]

Posted: 10/22/24 at 6:38pm

bway1430 said: "You sound rude and a bit mis-guided. Songs get cut during previews. Songs get added during previews. Scenes get cut during previews. Scenes get added during previews. Cast members get replaced during previews. Basically, ANYTHING can happenduring previews which is what makes them interesting. True, it's not a full workshop per se, but until the show is 'frozen' it remains a work in progress."

All these things do happen, but in my experience most shows don't change all that much between first preview and opening. Certainly, it's a very rare occurrence for a show that's very messy in early previews to become a major triumph. So these early reviews do have some value. (Especially Jordan's; he has no track record of reflexively trashing shows.)

Updated On: 10/22/24 at 06:38 PM