THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Off-Broadway) - Previews- Page 4

[E.Davis]

Posted: 3/29/13 at 6:22pm

She is not.....So that is just awkward.

[Taryn]

Posted: 3/30/13 at 5:22pm

Just got back from it. Betsy Wolfe, as has been said, is really phenomenal. She's far better than her show partner, unfortunately. Kantor is in fine enough voice, but he was so frustrating to watch in his earlier uptempo numbers when his idea of barely-contained excitement for this girl he's crazy about is...sticking his hands in his pockets. He just had so little energy in his body, and I felt like he was an actor who needed some serious training in physicality. Betsy, however, was fantastic throughout, and really had a physical life as well as a vocal one for the character. I do, however, think that Kantor really blew it out of the water with "Nobody Needs to Know." That was really his shining moment, as "Summer in Ohio" is Betsy's.

I really liked the use of windows and lighting, although I felt the literal set pieces shoved on and off stage was a bit odd on top of the more abstract backdrop. It's hard for me to put my finger on it exactly, but.

I will say that overall it was an enjoyable, interesting show to watch. Just one with problems.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 8:29am

WOOOOOOOOW is pretty much all I can say about this. I saw it last night and I am still reeling from it. This production was fantastic from the leads to the set to the lighting.

I was a little worried that Adam was going to be copying NLB in his performance which I think he did in places but he definitely made the role his own. Taryn, I know you commented on his body language and I noticed that in the beginning. I didn't mind it at all because that was showing how he was this awkward Jewish guy nervous about going on a date with Cathy and the whole writing success. Adam is definitely my new dream man based on that performance.

There aren't really words to describe Betsy because she is beyond phenomenal. She made this role her own from the first moment she walks on stage. Her comedic chops are spot on throughout and I'll reiterate the collective thoughts from everyone else and praise her "Summer in Ohio" as one of the standouts.

I wish this could run longer because I would see it at least once a week. Luckily I'm going back (at least once) during the remainder of the run. I hope the reviews after the opening tonight give it the accolades it deserves.

Also if they don't release a new cast recording it would be a HUGE missed opportunity.

Updated On: 4/2/13 at 08:29 AM

[Sauja]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 9:24am

This is the second time in the past week that I've felt on the completely opposite side of the coin from all of the posters here. A sincere question for those of you who have posted about it: did you know the show going in? Or was this first exposure?

I knew the basic concept of the show but nothing beyond that. I think I may have heard someone sing "Summer in Ohio" at Joe's Pub, but that's about it.

I agree that Kantor and Wolfe both have serious pipes, and I found their performances beautifully sung and largely faultless. But I found each character impossible to connect with and hugely unlikeable. I never believed that they had been in love in the first place and was more baffled that they married than upset that they broke up. It all just felt like twee navel-gazing, like I was sitting in on the therapy session of two egotistical brats that I just couldn't stand.

I confess the moment that pushed me from dislike to dread was Jaime's book reading. If you're going to pretend your main character is a stellar novelist, don't let him read some hackneyed, cliche ridden pablum and expect us to believe he got a great review in The New Yorker.

But beyond that, the design was simply so ugly. Some of the worst projections I've ever seen. Poor, lovely Betsy Wolfe in the most unflattering clothes. A faux proscenium looking like ripped up paper poorly painted blue...

I just kept wondering if this would work better on a recording than live since it felt so dramatically inert to me. Bottom line: I don't blame the wonderful actors, but I liked nothing else about it and will officially go on record that no writer should ever direct their own work.

[dave1606]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 10:12am

I had a closer reaction to Clyde Barrow. Saw the show last night, and loved it. I have listened to the cast recording many times, but had never seen a production of The Last Five Years until last night. I was really impressed.

I loved the production itself, and more importantly, Betsy Wolfe. She really should have been included in that future legends of musical theater, because she is a star. I have seen her in everything since Everyday Rapture, and I have loved watching her career blossom.

She is absolutely fantastic in this. As everyone has mentioned, Summer in Ohio was truly brilliant, but her whole performance was wonderful. She is so charismatic. I especially loved the audition scenes.

Adam Kantor was my concern going into this. I was not a fan of him in Rent, and wasn't sure he would be up to this. But he was wonderful. He is in great voice, and was a good match to Betsy.

The sound in the theater is particular wonderful, and very rich.

Overall the play really worked for me, I was heartbroken by the end. I will say that my boyfriend had a closer reaction to Sauja. He found the play cold and distant, but liked the music. To each his own, but this worked for me on every level. And I want a new recording with Betsy and Adam stat.

Matthew James Thomas was in the audience last night.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 10:20am

I will say that it might be a little difficult for people that aren't familiar with the show to connect with it as much. For one thing, I think you definitely have to understand the concept going in because it's not expressly stated and I see how it could be confusing for some.

Even if you're not as familiar with the music, I still think it evokes emotion from the audience.

dave, I'll see your Matthew James Thomas and raise you a that gay chorus boy from SMASH who was in the audience too.

[cannison101]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 11:23am

Is anyone aware of any days that either of the understudies are set to go on?

[Harpz2006]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 1:53pm

I saw the matinee on 3/30- same day as Taryn. I thought both actors were fantastic and felt that Adam nailed "Shiksa Goddess" and really won the audience over at that point... people were laughing from the very first line. Something got very off musically at the end of "Moving Too Fast"... not sure if Adam skipped a line or if the tempos got off or what, but for several measures, the band and Adam were very off and the piano player turned around and seemed to be giving some directions to one of the cellists... just curious if anyone else has noticed issues in that part.
"Summer in Ohio" was the highlight for me... that was a song that I always found a little grating... but Betsy gave it new life and made it hilarious and moving and beautiful. The show got pretty stagnant around "If I Didn't Believe in You" and I didn't find that song as engaging as it could be. In fact, I had to wake up my guest next to me after that one! Overall, loved it... wasn't crazy about the sets or those TV screens, but the performances were great, particularly Betsy's.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 1:56pm

Has Kantor cut down on the riffing at all?

[Harpz2006]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 1:58pm

On Saturday, he seemed to be riffing at most every opportunity... a lot in Shiksa and Schmuel especially...

[LYLS3637]

Posted: 4/2/13 at 2:38pm

I saw the matinee on 3/30 as well and I needed quite a few tissues at the end thanks to the combination of the score, cast, and orchestra.

Both Betsy and Adam really made each character likable and relatable. I feel like we've all been there-- young, in love, yet completely self-absorbed and wrapped up in our own hopes and dreams. Neither character is perfect, but it's real. You see their faults, but you also see flashes of their quirky personalities and their humor. I loved Adam's awkward nervousness and Betsy's neurotic idealism. I could see myself in those two people (warts and all). This score has never sounded better and the orchestra was probably the best I've ever heard. I'm thrilled they didn't try and mask its sound-- they were at full volume and every part could be heard perfectly.

I can not wait to see this again. I truly think it's the best thing I've seen in years.