THE MUSIC MAN Previews- Page 25

[broadwaybaby4423]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 12:49pm

willep said: "I also just want to say that I disagree with broadwaybaby about Iowa Stubborn being a big miss. I thought it perfectly told us everything we needed to know about those characters and the town. It sets up how stiff and uppity they are and helps show how much they change when Hill comes to town. It made complete sense to me."

 

I thought it lacked energy and comedy. Which could partly be blamed on music direction, but the night I saw it nearly all of the laugh lines were missed. I think the production really could have had an interesting commentary on the judgmental nature of an insular community to outsiders. I think that is something that is really relevant at the moment and a lot could be mined from that. But I think the number lacked a point of view both in direction and performance. The ensemble didn't seem uptight and intimidating, they seemed bored. 

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 12:54pm

willep said: "Never said he couldn’t sing, just that his singing voice isn’t and never has been for me. Everyone has different tastes."

Yep, the user's sarcastic response to mine doesn't seem to understand that I have an opinion and they can have a different one. What a concept. Anyways, I hope when Hugh takes his many vacations later this year, Norm Lewis can step in because he was a brilliant HH in DC and they need to cast more POC overall. 

[mamaleh2]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 1:03pm

Those who criticize Hugh and Sutton for supposedly “breaking” a la GOLDEN RAINBOW during the delightful “Marian the Librarian” number  have it dead wrong. Marian has reached her breaking point of iexasperation with Hill’s shenanigans, so she forcefully shoves his hat onto him in a “get out now” gesture. Jackman’s facial expression at that moment registers surprise and a bit of delight at how much spunk this librarian has. This piece of business is perfectly in character and puts a button on a dizzingly intricate, magnificently choreographed scene. 

[Loopin’theloop]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 2:45pm

Sutton Ross said: "bk said: "Did Robert Preston's singing do it for you? Harold Hill is not a singer's role."

Lolz. Tell that to Norm Lewis. On Broadway? In a musical? Then you should be a professional singer along with everything else that comes with being on Broadway. Period."

No. What’s required of you, in a musical is that you give that material what it needs and do it justice. 
 

Not everyone needs to be sung in rich, classic, open throated tones. Robert Preston could sing, he could sing perfectly well. The point is that the role of Harold Hill is not one that requires what would normally be described as a ‘beautiful’ voice, nor does it require extremes of vocal dexterity. It isn’t written for that. 
 

Being a singer, by definition is someone who hold pitch. The Carol Channings of the world, we’re professional singers. 
 

Harold Hill requires charm, comic chops and an actor. You’d be better off telling that to Norm ‘Ursula, give Ariel back to me!’ Lewis, before he picks up a script for a book scene. 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 2:59pm

I'm so glad you figured out how to quote posters. Good for you. Norm Lewis got raves for his performance, I think it was nice to see a Harold that has a stunning voice, charm and comedy chops. Your personal attack on him failed. Miserably. 

You don't get to tell me what I consider a singer, period. I think we're done here? Yeah. 

Updated On: 2/10/22 at 02:59 PM

[SueFB]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 3:31pm

Jeez, the drama got pretty thick and fast around here all of a sudden. 

Anyway, somebody asked about reviews. Vogue's profile of Hugh that came out today is certainly full of raves, for what's not actually a review. Paid publicity? Maybe. I mean, I felt the same way as this writer when I saw the show, but it's clearly not hitting everybody the same way. 

https://www.vogue.com/article/hugh-jackman-music-man-broadway

"Everything about the production, from the deep bench of sterling performers in the cast (Jayne Houdyshell! Jefferson Mays!) to the burnished glow of Zaks’s staging and the propulsive wit of Carlyle’s choreography, is designed to give pleasure—and succeeds! On the night of the first anniversary of the Capitol insurrection, the audience that I was a part of was grateful—ecstatic, even—to bask for a few hours in the simple and complex joys of musical comedy."

[jo]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 4:07pm

There  are passages that seem like an early  review in the VOGUE featured article.

The feature was  written by Vogue's theatre critic Adam Green ( son of Phyllis Newman and famous lyricist Adolph Green)

 

" But on the night of his return, Jackman was back in full, defiant force, giving the musical performance of his career—part Gene Kelly, part Ray Bolger, part Paul Newman circa The Sting. He captures the roguish charm of a swindler and womanizer who loves the game, as well as hints of the melancholy of a man who keeps moving to outrun his loneliness. Sex isn’t a word normally associated with The Music Man, but with Foster, in glorious voice, as his foil—a guarded woman who dreams of a romance she’s not sure exists—the heat and longing between them is palpable. “You put the two of them together,” says Zaks, the show’s director, “then sit back and enjoy the greatest spectator sport, which is watching two people struggle to connect.”

Everything about the production, from the deep bench of sterling performers in the cast (Jayne Houdyshell! Jefferson Mays!) to the burnished glow of Zaks’s staging and the propulsive wit of Carlyle’s choreography, is designed to give pleasure—and succeeds! On the night of the first anniversary of the Capitol insurrection, the audience that I was a part of was grateful—ecstatic, even—to bask for a few hours in the simple and complex joys of musical comedy. “I’m not interested in reconceptualizing the show or finding the dark heart of The Music Man,” Zaks says. “God bless people who want to go that way. But I want to make this the joy machine Meredith Willson intended it to be.”  "

 

[Loopin’theloop]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 6:29pm

Sutton Ross said: "I'm so glad you figured out how to quote posters. Good for you. Norm Lewis got raves for his performance, I think it was nice to see a Harold that has a stunning voice, charm and comedy chops. Your personal attack on him failed. Miserably.

You don't get to tell me what I consider a singer, period. I think we're done here? Yeah."

Attack? Dramatic much? 
 

It’s apparently ok for you to wax away on why you consider to be a singer? There’s some hypocrisy there dear. 

Whatever type of performer you might prefer in the role, that’s all fine and well. You are however choosing to undermine other people’s enjoyment of a production by pointless comparison. And when someone else does the same to you we get ‘nobody gets to tell me anything about anything. Period’ like some angry soccer mom, in iPhone footage captured outside a Walmart where she argues with someone wearing a mask. Dreary. It isn’t one rule for you and a different one for everyone else. 
 

Enjoy what you enjoy and let others do the same. 

Updated On: 2/10/22 at 06:29 PM

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 2/10/22 at 7:22pm

I had gone into this fairly blind, only knowing the general gist of The Music Man and having only heard cover versions of the most famous songs, but I was quite pleasantly surprised by this show.  I was in the box so my view wasn't the best but a good amount of the show is done downstage and I don't feel like I missed anything too insignificant, and it was wonderful to be able to make out the actors so clearly.  As others have said, I think Sutton is a highlight of the show, and I can see why there's such a fervor around seeing Hugh perform, as this is definitely a great role for him (though I thought his dancing was better than his singing--he definitely knows how to sing, but he just doesn't have that full-bodied voice many other musical theater stars have, though it didn't really bother me for this production).  The two leads had fantastic chemistry together and I liked that the romance actually had time to develop. 

It might have been my viewing angle, but Marian the Librarian just didn't quite land for me.  There's a lot going on but mostly I just felt bad for Marian, and there was too much movement to know what to be paying attention to in a way that just left me feeling disconnected from the scene (though I think I saw Sutton trying to suppress a smile multiple times during the number).  The ensemble, especially the children, were incredible dancers as well (I loved watching Zaneeta and Tommy in particular) so I never really felt that the dance breaks were too long, and overall it was just a really wonderful time.

 

[forfivemoreminutes]

Posted: 2/23/22 at 5:47pm

Saw this today with a rush seat (row V seat 36, the last row with the furthest seat to the right in orchestra right). The rake of this theatre is not great, so if you’re short like me (I’m 5’1), I would recommend getting a aisle seat if you can or bringing a booster seat (since I was in the last row, the ushers offered to get me one because I was straining to see over heads). The view was pretty good - it was full view and I didn’t miss anything, even though I couldn’t see far back into the right corner of the stage. I couldn’t see facial expressions well, but it was a great view for the dancing, and I had a lot of leg room. I’m not a huge fan of the “story” of The Music Man (I think there are some plot holes and some dubious consent happening with Harold pursuing Marian even after she says no MANY times and then being rewarded in the end), however, I thought the show was a lot of fun. Winthrop is adorable, Sutton is particularly good at acting Marian, and the dance numbers are excellent. I loved the big ensemble numbers, and the child ensemble members in particular impressed me. I wouldn’t have paid much more than I did to see it, but I would recommend doing rush if you can - I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/26/22 at 12:11am

The creative team for this show has gone out of their way to make the material politically correct, yet the title of the show is blatantly inappropriate for our times. Shouldn't it be called  THE MUSIC PERSON?

[inception]

Posted: 2/26/22 at 10:00am

Dollypop said: "The creative team for this show has gone out of their way to make the material politically correct, yet the title of the show is blatantly inappropriate for our times. Shouldn't it be called THE MUSIC PERSON?"

In this day & age, I don't feel like it is appropriate to use "The" in the title, since it may suggest that only that person makes music, when anyone & everyone should feel encouraged to make music.  Perhaps a more appropriate title would be A Person who Makes Music, Maybe.

.

.

.

;p

 

Updated On: 2/26/22 at 10:00 AM

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 2/27/22 at 2:33am

inception said: "Dollypop said: "The creative team for this show has gone out of their way to make the material politically correct, yet the title of the show is blatantly inappropriate for our times. Shouldn't it be called THE MUSIC PERSON?"

In this day & age, I don't feel like it is appropriate to use "The" in the title, since it may suggest thatonlythat person makes music, whenanyone&everyoneshould feel encouraged to make music. Perhaps a more appropriate title would beA Person who Makes Music, Maybe.

.
You folks really think you're being edgy and clever, don't you?

 

Updated On: 2/27/22 at 02:33 AM

[Papi2013]

Posted: 2/28/22 at 2:41pm

KevinKlawitter said: "inception said: "Dollypop said: "The creative team for this show has gone out of their way to make the material politically correct, yet the title of the show is blatantly inappropriate for our times. Shouldn't it be called THE MUSIC PERSON?"

In this day & age, I don't feel like it is appropriate to use "The" in the title, since it may suggest thatonlythat person makes music, whenanyone&everyoneshould feel encouraged to make music. Perhaps a more appropriate title would beA Person who Makes Music, Maybe.

.
You folks really think you're being edgy and clever, don't you?

"

I think folks are just bored with it all.  So things are crossing over to the bitchy side.

[teos]

Posted: 3/25/22 at 4:30pm

I saw the show on Wednesday and at one point Marian pushes Harold away vigorously. Harold wiggled a bit and I wondered if she had pushed him too hard because Hugh and Sutton were laughing their asses off...

[conealpetterson]

Posted: 3/25/22 at 6:23pm

I was there too on Wednesday.  It looked like she initially accidentally whacked him with a hat during Marian the Librarian and they got the giggles.  And then she pushed him too hard in a later scene.  It was fun to see the two of them having so much fun.  

[veronicamae]

Posted: 3/25/22 at 7:47pm

Was there last night (Thursday) and she pushed him/they got the giggles then as well; did it happen twice? Is it actually part of the show?? lol

I had Mezz E 20 and it was only $99.00. View was wonderful. I think one more seat over would have doubled the price.

[Bigserver1]

Posted: 3/25/22 at 7:54pm

veronicamae said: "Was there last night (Thursday) and she pushed him/they got the giggles then as well; did it happen twice? Is it actually part of the show?? lol

I had Mezz E 20 and it was only $99.00. View was wonderful. I think one more seat over would have doubled the price."

It is part of the show. I saw it opening weekend (Saturday 2/12) and the same thing happened. There have been reports of it ever since previews. It’s a planned character break to make the audience laugh, and it works well and gets the reaction they were striving for. 

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 3/25/22 at 8:03pm

How is the attendance of both leads? Has Sutton missed performances?

[SueFB]

Posted: 3/26/22 at 10:43am

MadsonMelo said: "How is the attendance of both leads? Has Sutton missed performances?"

Sutton has only missed three performances (as in performances that went on with an understudy), after she tested positive for Covid back during the Omicron surge in late December. The show then shut down for 10 days after Hugh also tested positive. Besides that period of time, both Hugh and Sutton have been on in every show. 

 

[MadsonMelo]

Posted: 3/30/22 at 11:35pm

I know many disliked the show, but I had a blast. Jackman is such a charismatic persona that I feel thats impossible to escape his charm, and here was no different.

He, and Sutton, elevated the show many times, the chemistry was there, and the choreography is classic and perfection. I was in love with the detailed costumes, cant say the same for the set.

Its not my cup of tea as a musical, but its amazing to see a classic on stage led by 2 perfect stars.

[SaraOSU]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 4:23pm

I'm not sure which board is most appropriate to post this, so I thought I'd start here. I'm looking to get tickets but it seems I'll have to do resale for the dates we're available (either 4/15 or the matinee on 4/16). Which are the most trust-worthy? Any other tips for getting tickets? Or suggestions on where to post this? 

Thanks!

[Melissa25]

Posted: 3/31/22 at 6:43pm

I’d recommend Stubhub since they guarantee purchases.  Typically prices drop the closer you get to the day of performance.

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 4/14/22 at 10:49am

Finally saw the music man last night. I absolutely LOVED it. Having also seen the Funny Girl matinee the same day, it was a great day for my Theatre loving heart; my first 2 show day since 2019.

Our tickets - 

We initially bought Orch J13/15 for $284 (yikes lol - officially surpassing Hamilton as the most money I’ve ever spent on a ticket - oooof) back in September but I saw the day before that they lowered the $550s to $294. Decided to splurge another $20 total and “upgraded” our seats to Orch F seats 6/8. Sooooo worth it to be closer! I had to call to make the exchange as it was within 48 hours but Telecharge customer service was very helpful! 

My short backstory with TMM -

I first saw the Music Man in 2000/2001 (unsure of the exact date - I was 9 or 10 LOL). It was my 2nd Broadway show (first was technically the lion king in 1997 or so) but my first show with my parents. I remember listening to the recording a lot as a kid (as well as RENT, hah) but other than a few of the songs, I remembered nothing of the plot. I also avoided reading anything here on BWW! Wanted to go in with an open mind. 

The show -

The plot was so silly and stupid but, everything else made up for that. I now realize just how many things Schmigadoon took from this show. 

I absolutely loved the opening number on the train. The cast’s energy, the wheels and the wires moving…. It was just SO fun. Hugh got an insane entrance applause. He is incredibly charming and looked SO comfortable on stage. I will now certainly pay to see him in ANYTHING. Sutton was FANTASTIC as usual. Hilariously dorky at every turn. Her and Hugh have great chemistry; Loved the bit they do with the push, and the funny aftermath - the whole audience was cracking up and cheering. 

The entire cast was top notch. Jefferson Mays was a standout, which was no surprise and the quartet was heavenly! The kids were unbelievable! The entire ensemble gave their all - truly everyone looked like they were having the time of their life on stage.

Loved the choreography. The sets didn’t really impress me aside from the Library - absolutely gorgeous. I found the backdrops to be pretty boring aside from when the little horse and buggy made its way into town - that was adorable. Not to mention when the horse and buggy on stage!!! Beautifully done. The costumes were stunning. 

After the show they did the BCEFA speech. They raised $60,000 in one night!!!!!! Three people generously split the prize $20k each!!!!!! I have never seen anyone raise this much money in a single performance, and this excludes the Red bucket brigade. The bidders went home with signed gloves and a poster (one screamed they were in it for Sutton’s autograph, not Hugh’s - which got a hilarious reaction from the audience and everyone on stage, especially Sutton who mouthed “what is happening!!!!” And she started kissing the gloves as Hugh joked they had their DNA on them), and the third person ended up with a signed whistle and poster. 

Overall, a very enjoyable night. I highly recommend this Revival to anyone. 

Updated On: 4/14/22 at 10:49 AM

[jo]

Posted: 4/17/22 at 9:53pm

Meet the new kids on the block ( in The Music Man) 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CcbpEJpF8LJ/