THIS AIN'T NO DISCO thread — Page 7

I saw the matinee yesterday - bought tickets a while back as I am a fan of krystina alabado and stephen trask. I have mixed feelings, but I think as I've sat thinking about it they've grown more positive. I think the show definitely had....a LOT going on....I almost want to see it again just so I can process it better, not necessarily because I liked it. I didn't mind the music - some of the songs I would absolutely love to hear again. I thought the performances were incredible, particularly peter laprade, will connolly, and chilina kennedy. I did really enjoy all of the character's stories - especially chad's - but it just had so much going on. But I did find myself invested in the character's throughout the show, so I'm not sure what exactly I would cut from it. and while it left something to be desired I also thought the ending was realistic and nice - for example, when Chad walked out wearing a college t-shirt, that was a simple but really nice addition. Certain parts were also uncomfortable, and not in the good way - I don't think blatantly showing self harm was necessary at all, and it could've been handled better. Overall, the show has grown on me, and it has certainly left me thinking about it for a while, so it definitely accomplished something. I've also been reading up a bit on andy warhol and studio 54 since I got home and it's an interesting piece of history I admit to not knowing much about, so if nothing else, it's thought-provoking and certainly unique, and definitely entertaining - I don't think it deserved reviews as brutal as it's been getting, but I'm also fairly easy to please.

Updated On: 7/29/18 at 12:55 PM

Why was it so terrible? (I find it really telling that the Atlantic is *not* extending this show by an extra week or two.)

This ain't extending or moving...

Here's a scene that came out of nowhere. Lights up:

Coat Check Girl A: Hey Misch?

Coat Check Girl B: Yeah Tiff?

Coat Check Girl A: I want you to call me Cameron from no on.

Coat Check Girl B: Why?

Coat Check Girl A: Because I think I'm a man. Is that okay?

Coat Check Girl B: Oh I always knew, Cameron.

Then they sing a song about how much they love each other and kiss at the end.

We have NO idea who these people are nor do we give a **** about them. It was SO awful.

And don't get me started on the random monologue about getting raped and impregnated by the stepdad. They handled these issues so poorly that it was like a slap in the face every time they would open their mouths.

I think you just found them attractive because the choreography is awful.

I was certain Tony D'Alelio was Andy Mientus for the entire first act.

As far as not mentioning AIDS: This Ain't No Disco takes place in 1979/1980. I'm not an AIDS historian, but I believe in those years AIDS pretty much didn't even have a name in the U.S. It was just a collection of strange illnesses that seemed to be occurring in gay men. So by setting the show in 1979/1980, the creators could capture the last of the "carefree" era of free love and having sex without consequences.

macnyc said: "As far as not mentioning AIDS: This Ain't No Disco takes place in 1979/1980. I'm not an AIDS historian, but I believe in those years AIDS prettymuch didn't even have a name in the U.S. It was just a collection of strange illnesses that seemed to be occurring in gay men. So by setting the show in 1979/1980, the creators could capture the last of the "carefree" era of free love and having sex without consequences."

The heyday of Studio 54 was the period from 1977-1979 (before Rubell and Schrager went to jail for tax evasion in early 1980), and AIDS was still unheard of at that time. The first AIDS cases were not reported in the United States until June 1981.

I thought this show had a myriad of problems, mostly stemming from a lack of direction (the show sometimes flowed to quickly, sometimes had awkward pauses and transitions, and it seemed like cast members were all in different shows). I did find a few of the songs quite brilliant and, with a better book and director, I'm convinced there was a great show in there somewhere - unfortunately it'll never see the light of day.

All of that said, opinion is a funny thing. I found Rubell and Blinky's portrayls to be hot messes. Blinky's, fortunately, was an enjoyable hot mess. I cringed ever time Rubell came on stage and would have cut him or re-written his character entirely. I'm rather shocked that so many seemed taken by the character as presented in this production.