PipingHotPiccolo said: "sorry, a mess. i had hoped that it would be silly but at least funny, engaging. nope. whats so surprising is that this is an original story, yes? meaning, its not a retelling of a cheesy old movie plot that doesnt make a ton of sense, its a new original story that doesnt make a ton of sense. god the story/writing here makes Hells Kitchen seem like Shakespeare.
what hells kitchen has going for it are those banger songs that glide us along- even the lesser known numbers just pop. huey lewis (for me anyway) is no alicia keys, so the score blended together into one long peppy soda commercial from the 80s. im not familiar with his music but i expected that once the show got going, id recognize a few, but alas.
the cast is top notch, though. really through and through talented without exception. Corey Cott and Mckenzie Kurtz belong in a better written show with better songs to sing- but they both pull off a lot with what they have. She especially has killer comic timing and killer vocals- thats a combo i hope gets noticed by the right casting folks. Tamika Lawrence is the only one given funny lines, and she makes a meal out of each one.
orchestra was mostly full. was seated just behind jordan donica, grey henson, andrew durand, jerry mitchell...
"
I too was at the show tonight! - I think I saw you & didn't know it, since I noticed Andrew Durand sitting there. (I was front row mezzanine, just off of center.)
However, I must say that I have a completely different opinon of the show. - I LOVED IT!
Yes, I am a big fan of Huey Lewis music. Yes, I love these type of feel good, escapist shows. (And, I've seen many shows throughout my 36 years on this Earth.) - But, all and all, I got a big kick out of Bobby's classicly, convoluted story (reminded me of Bye Bye Birdie in some ways) & hearing those songs performed in a Broadway theater (even if some were altered a little). I will be telling everyone I know that they should see the show and have themselves a fun, 80s throwback night that gives them a chance to mentally cut loose and enoy themselves.
While I know that the show is struggling a lot, add me to the list of people who really wish that this show can continue on a bit longer. As far as I'm concerned, there's always a place on Broadway for a show like this, along with the more dramatic/heavy shows that spread deeper messages.
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