THE OUTSIDERS Broadway Previews — Page 3
#52
Posted: 3/30/24 at 1:21pm
Has anyone rushed recently/ gotten one of the 30 under 30 rush tickets ? thanks!
#53
Posted: 3/30/24 at 1:50pm
CJRochester said: "I saw the show last night (Thursday). The largelyyoung student-aged audience was very well behaved. I satin front mezzanine, house left (A-7), which I thought was an ideal seat.
The song list is printed in the Playbill. That's not alwaysthe case with shows in previews, so I gather at least the that aspect is frozen.
As others have said, this felt a bit likea cross between West Side Story and Newsies, a heavy and intense story filled with class struggles and teenage angst.
A very strong performance by newcomer Brody Grant as Ponyboy. He never leaves the stage, even when other actors have their solo moments. In fact Brody enters 10-15 minutes before curtain time, sits on the tire stage right, and writes in his notebook. He ignores the audience taking photosjust a few feet away, and keeps looking at his notebook or offstage.
Sky Lakota-Lynch as Johnny Cade broke my heart. I remember him being so funny as Jared in DEH several years ago. His acting in this role is understated but quite powerful.
I loved the score and thought the staging was very inventive. The rumble in the rain brought back memories of that awful West Side Story four years ago. I kept thinking this is how they should have done it.
Stay goldPonyboy. xoxox"
You hooked me and were reeling me in, but lost me with "that awful West Side Story four years ago."
Sister George
#54
Posted: 3/30/24 at 2:51pm
I saw this last night. Overall, I loved it. They take some big swings in terms of storytelling and staging that were really impressive and surprising. The production is so real and earnest and daring; it's the complete opposite of a Casey Nicholaw or Jerry Mitchell show (I love them both, but they do what they do.) I'd always rather see something that really goes for it, even if there are a few moments that don't quite get there.
The score is beautiful, especially Tulsa 1967, Great Expectations and Stay Gold. When the cast album comes out, it's going to be on constant rotation. Brody Grant in particular sounds incredible. I've seen The Notebook and Water for Elephants and this was by far my favorite of the three.
P.S. J Lo and Ben Affleck were a few rows in front of me!
#55
Posted: 3/30/24 at 5:05pm
Y'all have me very excited!
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#56
Posted: 4/4/24 at 12:06am
Matt Dillon was in the audience tonight.
Oh and for the show, I'm joining the chorus of people who absolutely loved it. Beautiful, sweet show.
#57
Posted: 4/4/24 at 12:30am
Are those seated in the first row of the orchestra warned beforehand that they may be pelted with pebble pellets during the show? Not sure what the material is, but that cannot be pleasant. I saw some of them shielding their faces with playbills.
#58
Posted: 4/4/24 at 8:37am
gibsons2 said: "Matt Dillon was in the audience tonight.
How incredibly special to have Matt in the audience!!
Oh and for the show, I'm joining the chorus of people who absolutely loved it. Beautiful, sweet show."
#59
Posted: 4/5/24 at 10:46am
Playbill has this nice article about Brody Grant and Sky Lakota-Lynch.
The Outsiders' Brody Grant and Sky Lakota-Lynch Are This Generation's Ponyboy and Johnny
#60
Posted: 4/5/24 at 11:13am
Based on these reactions, I'm starting to see a glimmer of the emergence of a front-runner in this packed but somewhat mediocre season.
#61
Posted: 4/5/24 at 11:56am
Rentaholic2 said: "Based on these reactions, I'm starting to see a glimmer of the emergence of a front-runner in this packed butsomewhat mediocre season."
I haven't seen all brand new musicals this season yet, but The Outsiders is the only one that felt like a breath of fresh air. It's not flawless but it's definitely a front-runner to me. The most finished and well-rounded new musical so far. I loved Suffs too, but it felt a little underbaked and forced. Was rooting for Lempicka until I actually saw it :(
#62
Posted: 4/7/24 at 9:48am
I'm curious if anyone who saw this earlier in previews has seen it again recently and if significant changes have been made? I'm going to try to come back later this spring and might see it again. Prioritizing other shows first, but if there's time I really did enjoy this on first preview though it needed some tweaking and cutting.
#63
Posted: 4/7/24 at 11:53am
I had a 30U30 ticket and sat J23, it was definitely obstructed, but not nearly as bad if I was on the other side of the theater.
This is my pick for Best Musical so far. Guaranteed Direction and Lighting noms. Probably Sound Design as well. It did look like they forgot to switch out one of the rain mics after that section since one character was completely muffled. That's all super small potatoes. (For context: The others I've caught so far open are Notebook, SUFFS, W4E, HRR of the new new stuff)
Brody Grant Best Actor nom. What he did is insane. I do wish him and this entire cast would bump up the diction by 40%. They all sound gorgeous but damn can it be hard to make out. I would also love to see love for Joshua Boone for Supporting Actor in a stacked season as well. The men are all on fire. I stand by saying this feels like West Side Story for white men, but I think that's more coincidental than anything.
I do have to say, with how strong the men are, it makes the women stick out like sore thumbs. I really didn't like Emma Pittman in this role. Truly, if I didn't know her from BTTF and Chicago, I would've thought this was her first onstage Broadway role. No stage presence, no strength in vocals until her very last number (which I call the "audition cut" phenomenon in casting) and I may be too harsh, but spotlighting a female character like that and falling flat is disappointing, especially when the white girls auditioning for this role would form a line down the block. It just made me think... they couldn't find anyone better?
Also shout out to Barton Cowperthwaite who had a BRAIN TUMOR removed just a few months ago, then jumped into this very physical show. Very well done. Excited to see this run for a long time, hopefully.
I'm just here so I don't get fined
#64
Posted: 4/7/24 at 10:24pm
theatretenor2 said: "I'm curious if anyone who saw this earlier in previews has seen it again recently and if significant changes have been made? I'm going to try to come back later this spring and might see it again. Prioritizing other shows first, but if there's time I really did enjoy this on first preview though it needed some tweaking and cutting."
Copying my post from a little while back in this thread below :)
Saw the first preview and then saw the show tonight (Wednesday 3/27). Happy to report that they've made significant changes and improvements to the staging and lyrics of "Hopeless War", which was really the only low note I had from first preview. Also loved the new staging of "Stay Gold" with Johnny being down on the floor and more interactive with Ponyboy. And once again so floored by the pure talent of this cast and the quality of this show. I could go on and on but I'll limit my fangirling...
So yeah they definitely made changes, but it depends what you consider significant. As others have noted, the song list is printed in the playbills and has not changed to my knowledge, although I haven't seen the show in April. I thought Hopeless War was a real weak point that took me out of the storyline completely at first preview, but I had no complaints upon second viewing. They changed lyrics, shortened the song, and added both Socs and Greasers on the stage on either side of the hospital set-up. There were definitely other changes too, but Hopeless War and Stay Gold staging stood out the most to my friend and me.
#65
Posted: 4/8/24 at 7:52pm
I’m debating if I should buy this in advance, I’m actually gonna be in town Tony weekend so my only opportunity is June 15 for the matinee and I found a code, which expires tomorrow but is it worth $159
#66
Posted: 4/8/24 at 8:37pm
justherehanging said: "I’m debating if I should buy this in advance, I’m actually gonna be in town Tony weekend so my only opportunity is June 15 for the matinee and I found a code, which expires tomorrow but is it worth $159
The answer is yes
"
#67
Posted: 4/8/24 at 11:27pm
I went back tonight and confirmed that I really do think this is my favorite new musical of the season, I just love it so much. From the first preview act one is essentially the exact same length and act two is 3 minutes or so shorter so there hasn't been anything substantial changed. I do like the new staging of "Stay Gold" very very much and think it works so much better. I feel like performances have only gotten stronger in the past few weeks and have faith the reviews will be very kind to this one and then, maybe, they'll have a long life on Broadway. Fingers crossed for it.
#68
Posted: 4/9/24 at 9:20am
Jordan Catalano said: "I went back tonight and confirmed that I really do think this is my favorite new musical of the season, I just love it so much. From the first preview act one is essentially the exact same length and act two is 3 minutes or so shorter so there hasn't been anything substantial changed. I do like the new staging of "Stay Gold" very very much and think it works so much better. I feel like performances have only gotten stronger in the past few weeks and have faith the reviews will be very kind to this one and then, maybe, they'll have a long life on Broadway. Fingers crossed for it."
Do you think it could be emerging as the front runner for Best Musical? Otherwise I'm not quite sure what else it could be
#69
Posted: 4/9/24 at 10:13am
I honestly have no clue. The season doesn't really seem to have a frontrunner which is why "Illinoise" is rushing in, I guess. I didn't get to see that before so I can't comment on if I think it has a shot but apparently a lot of people do, to spend that cash to get it in so fast.
Updated On: 4/9/24 at 10:13 AM
#70
Posted: 4/9/24 at 11:08am
I love the storytelling, directing, and most of the performances happening in this show, Particularly, I think the Curtis brothers individually are doing great work. For me, the one weak link here is Sky- he's too one note in his performance, he mopes around from the time enters and doesn't go anywhere even when there is a a character arc. I understand he's a victim of circumstance, but I just don't root for his Johnny, in fact, I don't really feel anything and that's an issue for me. This along with The Notebook have definite sightline issues that should've been easily worked out- creative teams, please move around your audience and check on these things! At least the seats are labeled partial view now when buying, but the number is too high. I think Brent Comer is also a standout over Josh Boone as far as supporting characters. Again, I felt him to be one note, outside of his big song which he smashes- in fact when I saw it the first time it was almost as if his scene with Sky when his parents are fighting totally stalled the momentum that had been building- it was slow and had way too much air in it. I have tickets to see this again a few more times, I think this has a shot for a nomination for Best Musical as well as other things- the rumble choreo is especially jaw-dropping- but, I don't see older Tony voters, of which there are many, going for this. It's such an exciting season as far as the work that is happening on Broadway and this year's Tony's will hopefully be exciting for that reason. I hope they spread the love around! I think Illinoise could pull an upset a la Contact winning Best Musical. We shall see and honestly, I kinda love that!
Updated On: 4/9/24 at 11:08 AM
#71
Posted: 4/9/24 at 10:52pm
There was a medical emergency tonight and they had to stop the show.
About 25 minutes into the second act I noticed some people out of their seats in the front row and then more getting up and moving about and then a few others coming from a different part of the theater to join them.
The actors were incredible as it looked like they had no idea what was going on because they were in a very serious scene and it took a couple people waving and one person yelling to stop the show for them to realize.
The house lights came up and a few announcements were made for the next 20 minutes or so letting us know they would continue at some point and then that EMS had been called. EMS got a big applause when they came and they made a point to let us know the person was okay.
After the show resumed, the three guys came out and sort of hyped up the audience a little bit and then got right back into it.
Thoughts on the show: truly did not think I was going to like it and it's currently my second favorite of the musicals to open this season. The second act has a lot of pacing and story issues but the first Act is quite wonderful and on the whole I really enjoyed it.
#72
Posted: 4/9/24 at 11:30pm
I was also at this nights Performance. I wonder happened. I thougt it was an older Man having a stroke or something. But it looked like a younger guy when he walked out.
I had a hard time getting into the Show. But I also didnt know the Story. I sat last row of the orchestra. I sat in the exact same seat last year for Parade. This time I didnt like the seat so much. The tecbooth was in my view and obstructed parts of the stage. I dont remember that beeing a Problem last year. Then the mezzanine cut off the top of the stage. And at times the lighting was very dark so it was hard to see certain things. Then again you had the lights from the booth and the Sound from the Bar behind you disturb. It was hard for me to concentrate. Maybe with a better seat, beeing more on the Action, would have helped. Also I didnt to 100% symphathize with the maincharacter. There were also some plot things I didnt really get. They were running away, then there is a whole song about never going back. Then, boom a church is burning and boom, they are back home. And I had trouble unverstanding the Actors. But it had a few nice Songs and visuals. The Highlight for me was the fight Scene in the rain.
#73
Posted: 4/9/24 at 11:39pm
I was there too and it seemed like the young man sitting in the front row had a seizure. There was commotion in the front row for around a few minutes before they finally stopped the show, which was a good call since it was the scene right before the fire.
Opening night is on Thursday so not sure if it was a press performance this evening. It's in great shape and probably 'frozen' by now.
#74
Posted: 4/10/24 at 1:24am
Opening night is on Thursday so not sure if it was a press performance this evening. It's in great shape and probably 'frozen' by now."
The "Inside the Playbill" is posted on Playbill Vault, which suggests it's frozen as well.
#75
Posted: 4/10/24 at 10:09am
I was also there last night during the medical emergency. Was shocked how respectful the audience was - could hear a pin drop. The actors reacted quickly and handled it with such professionalism. When they came back on to re-start the scene, they made sure the audience was okay and immediately got us back into the tense moment they were building up to. Was really astounded by how the whole thing was handled. Hope the guy with the medical emergency was okay! He seemed to have walked off with EMS, so hopefully wasn't anything major.
Anyway.. echoing what most people here are saying about the show, I thought it was incredible!!! The singing, acting, songs, book, staging, choreography, lighting, and overall the whole tone of the show really just checked all the boxes for me! A lot of times in a show there are standout performers, but in this they all were equally amazing! After each song ended, I thought to myself "I can't wait to re-listen to this song". That never happens to me when going into a show where all the music is new for me. Their voices were captivating. The actor playing Ponyboy had a wonderful voice, but my favorite was from the actor playing Darry. Also, SodaPop had a standout song where I was like WOW he can sing! The cast had wonderful chemistry together, particularly the 3 brothers. They were so believable. I think the weakest in terms of acting was actually Johnny. I wanted to connect with his character a bit more than I actually did. Not to say he was bad, but maybe a bit one note for me.
This was a very physical show - sort of reminded me of Newsies with the very energetic, athletic type of dancing. The fight scene was truly something spectacular. I was completely mesmerized during that whole scene. My seat was center mezzanine, 4th row from the back. Overall thought it was a perfect head-on view and especially a really great perspective of that fight scene.
I really loved the gravelly stage that they had. The use/re-use of the boards and tires were fun. The fire effects were awesome. Overall, the lighting was one of my favorites in this show (truly something I don't usually pay much mind to) but it helped evoke such an intense mood throughout. I loved how dark everything with little bits of light/gold sprinkled throughout.
I saw some comments where people thought Act 1 was better than Act 2. I actually felt opposite. I felt Act 1, while a good set up, didn't have as much progression of the story as Act 2 did. Also the effects, emotion, and songs in Act 2 were just more captivating to me.
It's been a long time since I've come out of a show immediately saying that I can't wait to see it again. This really did that for me.
If anyone who did the lottery can comment on their seats that would be greatly appreciated. Now that I've seen it full view, I am okay chancing it for a partial view seat if necessary so that I can see it again. Just can't keep shelling out more than $100 to see this more than once haha
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