THE MUSIC MAN Reviews — Page 2

BrodyFosse123 said: "SueFB said: "jacobsnchz14 said: "Wanted to bump this in anticipation of tomorrow’s opening. Do you think we will get some reviews tomorrow even with all the aforementioned press invites during previews situation?"

I believe tomorrow's show show starts at 6 pm and therefore should conclude around 8:30. They should have plenty of time. I'm amused at the idea that some press deadline for the morning papers is the biggest concern. The reviews are all online. The main goal for many is to get out there first. By having to wait and see the show on Opening Night, it only means they can't have it all ready to go and hit ENTER on their submission as soon as the curtain falls.”

Publications purchased preview tickets for their critics so they saw the show this past week. They may tweak and edit a little bit but the reviews are ready. No one is running anywhere after a performance and stressing themselves to get a full review completed on a deadline. Just because the production didn’t “invite” critics doesn’t mean critics didn’t get tickets to a preview performance.

in that case, why was this even a story?

If I had to guess at a theme though the reviews -- which we presume will spill forth in 24-72 hours -- it will be a thoughtful appreciation of Jackman's and Foster's belief in musical theater as culturally foundational, the art form's survival worth fighting for in the pandemic-and-politics-challenged America of 2022. The beleaguered production arrives with the stars' unimpeachable good will a part of its DNA. They endured a postponement, a cast unable to assemble together for early previews, both leads weathering infection and illness, and then a tentative return after a shut-down This costly, high ticket entertainment celebrating both Broadway's musical theater legacy and the industry's ability to re-launch with a needed mega-hit, is a specific kind of root-for. The stars are beloved, if for different reasons, and together they're very special right now: their earnest desire to give us what we're plunking down our money for is no small part of the event.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/10/theater/the-music-man-review.html

So did they let Jesse Green in early? That's an awfully thoughtful review to be written in an hour (and right on the money based on what I saw in early previews, though I liked Sutton more than he did)

Updated On: 2/10/22 at 10:27 PM

Jesus, I bet they weren’t expecting these reviews.

Hahaha. Fax.

Can’t wait for the reaction from the Producers. “F em all! We got their money. What do we care if they actually like it! Mwwaaahhhhh haaaaaaaa haaaaaaaa!” - Diller, Geffen and Friends

THE MUSIC MAN Stirs Up Good Trouble — Review (Theatrely)

Just a note for anyone reading all these that The Independent and SFGate are both the AP review as well.

‘The Music Man’ Broadway Review: Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster Star – Deadline

Huh. I largely agree with what the reviews have been saying uninspired vision, underwhelming set, generally great cast, etc. But of the two leads, I thought Hugh was the stronger performer. (I think the takes on Sutton's My White Knight are . . . generous.)

Eh, what do I know.

If anyone wants to feel geriatric:

There is nearly as much time between the opening of HELLO DOLLY and MUSIC MAN (five years) as there was between the 03 & 08 productions of GYPSY and the 05 & 10 productions of LA CAGE.

This realization brought to you by those -- including myself -- who have been thinking of DOLLY as "recent."

Updated On: 2/11/22 at 12:06 AM

Those saying that the show doesn’t need raves are mistaken. To sell $750 tickets you need people desperate to see a sellout hit. This run has been far from a sellout and with a generous exchange/return policy as well as cancelled shows they are in a far different position than the “no refunds or exchanges” days of yore. Even scalpers have been able to get their money back.