TINA Previews - Page 2

[Lot666]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 11:57am

I'm starting to regret having purchased tickets to this. We saw the Donna Summer musical and were seriously disappointed; please tell me Tina is better than that. 

Does the title character narrate the story here as The Donnas did in the Summer musical (I sincerely hope not)?

[ggersten]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 1:58pm

Lot666 said: "I'm starting to regret having purchased tickets to this. We saw the Donna Summer musical and were seriouslydisappointed; please tell me Tina is better than that.

Does the title character narrate the story here as The Donnas did in the Summer musical (I sincerely hope not)?"

Assuming little or no changes from London - there is no narrator. However, the show starts a little like Beautiful in that we are backstage as Tina gets ready to go on - and then the show is all a flashback getting back up to that point.  There was a nice coup de theatre at that point in time.

Also, in London there was a pre-show announcement asking patrons to not sing along until the finale.

 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 2:04pm

Lot666 said: "I'm starting to regret having purchased tickets to this. We saw the Donna Summer musical and were seriouslydisappointed; please tell me Tina is better than that.

Does the title character narrate the story here as The Donnas did in the Summer musical (I sincerely hope not)?"

TINA is LEAGUES better than Summer. The title character does not narrate the story. 

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 2:05pm

my cousin attended over the weekend, not sure of their schedule so I don't know which show see saw but I believe it was the first preview. She didn't give a long review, but she said she loved it and loved the actress who played Tina. She recommended it to her parents who then went and bought tickets. Seems like this will be able to make some $. My cousin and aunt and uncle do not speak for everyone lol, but id classify them as average theatergoers with my cousin maybe being a bit above average. She sees likely 8-10 shows a year if I had to guess? She works in Manhattan and makes 6 figures. If I had that in NYC id go much more than she does lol but I guess id classify her as above average. Anyways, not sure if this helps anyone but id say this sounds like a pretty decent show to me. Nowhere near the caliber of Summer or Margaritaville or Cher, seems to be a step or two above. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 2:10pm

I never could get excited for Summer or The Cher Show despite admiring both subjects’ musical catalogues so I skipped both, but I’m very excited for Tina and my experience tells me to trust my gut. Usually when I see a show because I think I “should” see it (My Fair Lady; Once on This Island; Come From Away), I’m underwhelmed, but when I see a show I’m excited for (Tootsie; Spongebob; Skintight; Kiss Me, Kate, Moulin Rouge!), I have a much better time. If you’re excited for Tina, don’t let those who have negative reactions, dissuade you. Their reactions are valid for them, but not necessarily valid for you.

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 2:12pm

Miles2Go2 said: "I never could get excited for Summer or The Cher Show despite admiring both subjects’ musical catalogues, but I’m very excited for Tina and my experience tells me to trust my gut. Usually when I see a show because I think I “should” see it (My Fair Lady; Once on This Island; Come From Away), I’m underwhelmed, but when I see a show I’m excited for (Tootsie; Spongebob; Skintight; Kiss Me, Kate, Moulin Rouge!), I have a much better time. If you’re excited for Tina, don’t let those who have negative reactions, dissuade you. Their reactions are valid for them, but not necessarily valid for you."

Well said, and should be said for any show you plan to attend! 

[Lot666]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 2:22pm

ggersten said: "there is no narrator...Also, in London there was a pre-show announcement asking patrons to not sing along until the finale."

bwayphreak234 said: "TINA is LEAGUES better than Summer. The title character does not narrate the story."

Thanks for the reassurance!

[BroadwayLuv2]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 5:20pm

I saw the show in London and thought it was incredible. Her story is so inspiring and also very dramatic. By far my fav bio musical I’ve seen and I’ve seen them all.

In London they had printed notices in the restrooms and they also if I remember correctly might have made an audio announcement prior to the show to please not sing during the performance but there would be an opportunity to sign along at the curtain call. I thought this was a great! Does anyone know if the broadway run is implementing the same policy?

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 5:36pm

It does seem to have a solid advance. No discounts available, either. Have they announced a rush/lotto yet?

[ModernMillie3]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 5:51pm

It's a digital lottery. Enter at lottery.broadwaydirect.com/show/tina-ny from 9 AM until 1 PM on the day of the performance, and from 8 PM the prior evening until 9 AM on the day of matinee performances..

[bwayjoey]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 5:51pm

Tina website says the box office is open tonight, Monday, until 8, but there's no performance tonight. Does anyone know if that's correct? In my experience they close at 6 on no show days.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 5:54pm

During previews, the theater's box office is usually closed on Sundays unless there's a performance on Sundays. 10am-8pm weekdays is typical once they start previews, even if they're dark.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 6:08pm

bwayjoey said: "Tina website says the box office is open tonight, Monday, until 8, but there's no performance tonight. Does anyone know if that's correct? In my experience they close at 6 on no show days."

There is a performance tonight at 8PM.

[bwayjoey]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 9:43pm

bwayphreak234 said: "bwayjoey said: "Tina website says the box office is open tonight, Monday, until 8, but there's no performance tonight. Does anyone know if that's correct? In my experience they close at 6 on no show days."

There is a performance tonight at 8PM."

Thanks! I think it was sold out so not listed on Ticketmaster today. I got to the theater at about 6:30,  the box office was open and I got my tickets! 

[KnewItWhenIWasInFron]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 10:32pm

Miles2Go2 said: "I never could get excited for Summer or The Cher Show despite admiring both subjects’ musical catalogues so I skipped both, but I’m very excited for Tina and my experience tells me to trust my gut. Usually when I see a show because I think I “should” see it (My Fair Lady; Once on This Island; Come From Away), I’m underwhelmed, but when I see a show I’m excited for (Tootsie; Spongebob; Skintight; Kiss Me, Kate, Moulin Rouge!), I have a much better time. If you’re excited for Tina, don’t let those who have negative reactions, dissuade you. Their reactions are valid for them, but not necessarily valid for you."

I'm confused about the "should," but maybe if you're going to see shows you don't want to see, it makes sense that you don't like them as much as the ones you actually want to see?

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 10/14/19 at 10:34pm

Yep, makes sense!

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 10/15/19 at 8:27am

ACL2006 said: "It does seem to have a solid advance. No discounts available, either. Have they announced a rush/lotto yet?"

Discount MAIL1 on Ticketmaster has been around for quite a while.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/15/19 at 9:48am

CT2NYC said: "ACL2006 said: "It does seem to have a solid advance. No discounts available, either. Have they announced a rush/lotto yet?"

Discount MAIL1 on Ticketmaster has been aroundfor quite a while."

Thanks!! I usually rely on Broadwaybox or Playbill for discounts. Might be using that code soon!

[bud2]

Posted: 10/15/19 at 1:35pm

I haven't commented here in quite awhile, but check in periodically. My partner, my sister, niece and I went to the first night of previews. We all loved it. While (IMHO) the book could use some editing, Adrienne Warren is absolutely astounding. She received a standing ovation in the middle of the first act, (I've only seen that for Jennifer Holiday in "Dreamgirls" and Andrea Martin in "Pippin" and everyone was on their feet for the finale, which was, for lack of a better word, incredible. I've been going to Broadway since the early eighties, so have a lot to compare it to. For Warren's performance alone, this is not to be missed.

A special shout out to the ushers at the Lunt-Fontanne; the most professional and courteous I've ever encountered. My partner relies on a walker and not only did they escort him to his seat in the orchestra, engage in lengthy conversation while they helped him, but they also came to him right before intermission to see if he needed the restroom. And just before the show ended, they brought him his walker so he could beat the rush of the crowd. They were also right on top of people using their cell phones during the performance. An awesome, memorable night at the theatre.

[carolinaguy]

Posted: 10/15/19 at 1:54pm

Thanks for your report! What was the running time for the first preview?

[bud2]

Posted: 10/15/19 at 1:58pm

Oh, boy; I think we were on the street around 11:00. But the crowd was absolutely frenzied coming in, so the show started a little late.

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 10/15/19 at 3:52pm

Lot666 said: "I'm starting to regret having purchased tickets to this. We saw the Donna Summer musical and were seriouslydisappointed; please tell me Tina is better than that.

Does the title character narrate the story here as The Donnas did in the Summer musical (I sincerely hope not)?"---------
You will love the show- have NO regrets at all- these people who hate the book- and are critical of Warren's amazing performance- forget it- I know you will love it. The book is fine- and goes though all of the predictable life-changing moments in Tina's life- we all know them- Ike and the abuse- poor beginnings, Buddhist chanter- and love with the long term German guy. It is very entertaining- and an audience pleaser- and it will be a huge hit. I love drama- and serious theater that explores ideas, and love historical dramas as well- this is neither- it is an excellent jukebox musical on the life of Tina- well acted, good story, great choreography- Tina style- and of course great music. Do not return your tickets- and write back after you have seen it.

[David10086]

Posted: 10/15/19 at 4:37pm

Lot666 said: "ggersten said: "there is no narrator...Also, in London there was a pre-show announcement asking patrons to not sing along until the finale."

bwayphreak234 said: "TINA is LEAGUES better than Summer. The title character does not narrate the story."

Thanks for the reassurance!"

Thanks from me too! I was so disappointed with “ Summer” which is why I never saw “ Cher” and waited till this past Sunday to see “ Beautiful “. But this reassurance has put “ Tina” on my list to see. 

[gibsons2]

Posted: 10/16/19 at 3:40pm

I saw the musical yesterday and have mixed feelings. I was blown away by Adrienne Warren's singing and dancing abilities, she is undoubtedly one of the most talented Broadway performers I've ever seen. Unfortunately, I think the story itself was more of a filler between the songs. I was hoping to be inspired and touched by Tina's life story, but I felt it was a lost opportunity. Some scenes just lacked purpose or were really banal and simplistic. Almost cringey. I don't know, given it's a jukebox musical, maybe it's the way they should be, but I expected something more deep, given the good reviews and comparison to other similar shows.

My dislike for the story doesn't diminish though admiration I have for Adrienne after seeing her for the first time. I just think she deserved a much better written musical. We were in the front mezzanine and saw that several people leaving after the first act Otherwise, the theater was full.

 

[Lot666]

Posted: 10/17/19 at 10:23am

gibsons2 said: "I think the story itself was more of a filler between the songs. I was hoping to be inspired and touched by Tina's life story, but I felt it was a lost opportunity. Some scenes just lacked purpose or were really banal and simplistic. Almost cringey."

See, this is exactly how I felt about Summer, and now you've got me second guessing my purchase of tickets for this show once again.