THE MUSIC MAN Previews- Page 3

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 9:05pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "TaffyDavenport said: "Looking at Instagram, there's no show curtain, just the barn set that was seen in most photos from the invited dress."

The proscenium and flat are ugly as sin."

I find the giant red flood-lights shining on the barn wall to be what is really ugly. Something softer or even a projection of the show's title on the big red wall could be really striking. 

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 9:36pm

Can't wait to hear initial reactions from tonight.

[LesMiz24601]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 9:39pm

TaffyDavenport said: "LesMiz24601 said: "Which thread has the "second hand" reactions? I'm curious."

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1123712&page=8"

Wow was not expecting the early buzz to be so tepid. Like most people I was presuming this was going to be a big lavish production. Obviously it was a first preview but from a production design perspective this seems to have been a missed opportunity.

[sassylash3s]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 9:50pm

I was at the final dress too.  While I'd say my reaction to the show was fairly tepid as well, I don't feel that the show looked significantly less "lavish" than the Dolly revival did.  If anything I think the two are a little too similar aesthetically - I kind of wish they had gone with a different designer.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 10:00pm

Amy Archer said: "Seems like a lot of River City decided to wear marigold yellow on the same day."

Is there a subplot I'm forgetting? Like there are girl scouts who wear yellow or they have to make clothes out of curtains? (Genuine question. I don't know Music Man that well.) The costumes have some of the energy of the Carousel revival which Loquasto also worked on.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 10:47pm

I find it intriguing that -- one half a preview in -- people are fretting over which show will win a Tony when we're right now fighting to get through Christmas and New Year's with half of the shows dark. We have a helluva challenge ahead, and which production is anointed with an award is a luxury fantasy. Let's keep marquees lit, butts in seats, cheers from packed houses this long cold winter. Then maybe which revival is better will resonate.

I still remember this precious turf of Manhattan for 18 months, nothing up, nothing performed. Times Square out of a dystopian sci-fi movie. I walked across it many a day, and recoiled at what we were missing. Right now we're damned lucky to have Music Man, Company, and Caroline atop these vacated boards. I take nothing for granted. We just can't.

Updated On: 12/20/21 at 10:47 PM

[BarnabyTucker]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 10:57pm

Auggie27 said: "I find it intriguing that -- one half a preview in -- people are fretting over which show will win a Tony when we're right now fighting to get through Christmas and New Year's with half of the shows dark. We have a helluva challenge ahead, and which production is anointed with an award is a luxury fantasy. Let's keep marquees lit, butts in seats, cheers from packed houses this long cold winter. Then maybe which revival is better will resonate.

I still remember this precious turf of Manhattan for 18 months, nothing up, nothing performed. Times Square out of a dystopian sci-fi movie. I walked across it many a day, and recoiled at what we were missing. Right now we're damned lucky to have Music Man, Company, and Caroline atop these vacated boards. I take nothing for granted. We just can't."

Love this attitude! :)

[BCfitasafiddle]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 10:58pm

Auggie27 said: "I find it intriguing that -- one half a preview in -- people are fretting over which show will win a Tony when we're right now fighting to get through Christmas and New Year's with half of the shows dark. We have a helluva challenge ahead, and which production is anointed with an award is a luxury fantasy. Let's keep marquees lit, butts in seats, cheers from packed houses this long cold winter. Then maybe which revival is better will resonate.

I still remember this precious turf of Manhattan for 18 months, nothing up, nothing performed. Times Square out of a dystopian sci-fi movie. I walked across it many a day, and recoiled at what we were missing. Right now we're damned lucky to have Music Man, Company, and Caroline atop these vacated boards. I take nothing for granted. We just can't."

Beautifully said.

[HenryTDobson]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 10:59pm

Auggie27 said: "I find it intriguing that -- one half a preview in -- people are fretting over which show will win a Tony when we're right now fighting to get through Christmas and New Year's with half of the shows dark. We have a helluva challenge ahead, and which production is anointed with an award is a luxury fantasy. Let's keep marquees lit, butts in seats, cheers from packed houses this long cold winter. Then maybe which revival is better will resonate.

I still remember this precious turf of Manhattan for 18 months, nothing up, nothing performed. Times Square out of a dystopian sci-fi movie. I walked across it many a day, and recoiled at what we were missing. Right now we're damned lucky to have Music Man, Company, and Caroline atop these vacated boards. I take nothing for granted. We just can't."

No one is fretting. People are excited to get to discuss theatre again and the Tony Awards are a big part of that discussion. While I agree that the Tonys are not the most important thing currently, let the people live and be excited. As you say, 18 months of no Broadway, so there's lots to make up for.

Excited to get to read some first preview reports! 

Updated On: 12/20/21 at 10:59 PM

[jo]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:12pm

Auggie27 said: "I find it intriguing that -- one half a preview in -- people are fretting over which show will win a Tony when we're right now fighting to get through Christmas and New Year's with half of the shows dark. We have a helluva challenge ahead, and which production is anointed with an award is a luxury fantasy. Let's keep marquees lit, butts in seats, cheers from packed houses this long cold winter. Then maybe which revival is better will resonate.

I still remember this precious turf of Manhattan for 18 months, nothing up, nothing performed. Times Square out of a dystopian sci-fi movie. I walked across it many a day, and recoiled at what we were missing. Right now we're damned lucky to have Music Man, Company, and Caroline atop these vacated boards. I take nothing for granted. We just can't."

 

 

Well said! NYC & Broadway are in a fresh fight with the virus and to see shows like TheMusicMan braving the fight is very welcome! Let's support all the shows ( still performing or on hiatus)  &show our enthusiasm for all of them!

Updated On: 12/20/21 at 11:12 PM

[SoCalDirector]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:19pm

What are a nasty little thing to say.  But that's how some negative Nelly's roll.  I live in a world where I'm rooting for both Company and The Music Man to succeed.   Unlike some of the really nasty people on here I would like to see Broadway thrive and continue despite every threat in their way.  I would also love to see people give their opinions after they've seen something.

[SoCalDirector]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:21pm

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "TaffyDavenport said: "Looking at Instagram, there's no show curtain, just the barn set that was seen in most photos from the invited dress."

The proscenium and flat are ugly as sin."

 

So are some people who post on this message board. Your point?

 

[SoCalDirector]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:23pm

rg7759 said: "Say what you will but I think this still reeks of scot rudin to not cancel til after Christmas. At what cost. Hughs reputation"

Well I will say I find this to be obnoxious and rude for you to say. But that's how some people are…

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:29pm

I apologize for getting in the middle of a bitch fight but for anyone who is there tonight, along with your review please talk about any merch you saw? Thank you!

Carry on........

[hollebolle]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:41pm

Saw tonight’s preview—it was super fun and tbh exactly what I expected. Cast is great, of course. The choreography was also excellent (and possibly my favorite part of the show?). I personally didn’t love the backdrops which are designed to look like they were riveted together.

For those curious about merch, they had a few tee shirts, a zip-up hoodie, a pull-over sweat-shirt ( ‘Gary Conservatory’ ), a baseball cap, and a magnet. 

It ran ~2 hours 45 minutes.

Updated On: 12/20/21 at 11:41 PM

[angoradebs]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:47pm

hollebolle said: "Saw tonight’s preview—it was super fun and tbh exactly what I expected. Cast is great, of course. The choreography was also excellent (and possibly my favorite part of the show?). I personally didn’t love the backdrops which are designed to look like they were riveted together.

For those curious about merch, they had a few tee shirts, a zip-up hoodie, a pull-over sweat-shirt ( ‘Gary Conservatory’ ), a baseball cap, and a magnet.

It ran ~2 hours 45 minutes."

Is the magnet just the show logo?

[hollebolle]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:50pm

angoradebs said: "Is the magnet just the show logo?"

I believe so

[hollebolle]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:56pm

It’s also worth noting there was already an understudy in (for Ewart Dunlop), which I think is unusual for a first preview? I don’t know the circumstances but it does make me a little nervous about the coming weeks.

[troynow]

Posted: 12/21/21 at 12:15am

Yes they are battling a couple of positive cases too.

[Lauren2]

Posted: 12/21/21 at 12:18am

Thanks for the heads up on merch and the show! I know they had special playbills. Were anyone able to grab a few extra? Would love one if possible! 

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 12/21/21 at 1:20am

theatreguy12 said: "TaffyDavenport said: "Invited dress was Saturday night, and there are a couple of second-hand reactions on the other thread."

The only thing people will be eagerly awaiting with regard to word from the first previews and then opening night is does it get an A+ or an A++++.

We’re talking about The Music Man. Headed by Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. A feel good musical with great music and some super choreography.

This is a shoo-in. For success, and built in Tonys, from top to bottom.

The rest of the musicals don’t even have to worry themselves. Open up, enjoy, get your deserved Tony nods.

But the writing is as much on the wall for this as it was when Bette was announced for Dolly. You knew it was hers before they even went into rehearsals.

My predictions…Jackman, Foster, Best Revival, and Choreography, Sets and Lightning maybe.

Always open for the underdog win, but I don’t see it here.

"

Jackman, likely. Foster, unlikely. Revival, really hard to tell. Choreography, high chance. Sets, no chance against Company. Lighting, IDK

Edit: I forgot that Paradise Square will probably put up a big fight for best choreo. 

Updated On: 12/21/21 at 01:20 AM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 12/21/21 at 2:11am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8No7IvbmUJI

Sorry... the YouTube link button is not working for me

[SweetLips22]

Posted: 12/21/21 at 3:27am

Without being TOO insensitive can everyone please just shut up unless they have actually been to a preview and comment on what they have seen, thank you.

 

This is a MUSIC MAN preview thread

[RippedMan]

Posted: 12/21/21 at 3:33am

This all sounds to be pretty bland. it's "fine" isn't worth $800 to me. So hats off to the people that paid that, but I'm good. Doesn't sound like the production is all that interesting and just a very, normal, version of the show. I'd hoped that with Hugh's involvement they might have made this an "event" production, but seems like they kept it pretty safe. 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/21/21 at 7:29am

This challenging week, it's a very good sign indeed that an understudy was all ready to go. Sounds like this company has anticipated the current issues, and prepped the show to withstand early and consistent outs. One can surmise that rehearsals were in place to ready a percentage of the swings/covers.  Speaking of understudy appearances in a positive and grateful light after a first preview isn't the conversation anyone expects, but it's welcome.

The new normal re-frames a hoary adage: the show must go on. Well, in the waning days of 2021, the show must only if it can.