TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START — Page 3

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#51

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:12pm

Just got back to my room.

So let’s start here:

Yes there is special drinks, no I don’t know what they are. The cups saw I got tipsy at Tootsie. No song list. The merch was mostly shirts and a refillable bottle and something else I forget, but no window card yet.

Show started at 8:07 I left the theater at 10:50. They passed out Dorthey’s headshot and resume at the end tonight.

First, there’s an overture! Not a long one, but it’s there and the audience showed their appreciation. Act 1 was about 90 minutes there can be a few cuts, but ACT 2 needs more to “get to the point” for me.

I laughed a lot. The cast is amazing. Matt McGrath is onstage for less than 10 minutes and gets a lot of laughs. Santino was so good, but the supporting cast could all get nominations. You can tell a David Yazbeck show as it sounds like Full Monty and Stiles gets a “Modle Behavior” like number and kills it, multiple times, but Andy Grotelieschen as Jeff the roommate was probably my favorite supporting character. John Behlmann was also great. Lilli Cooper was fine, but the character is a litttle underwritten. I think a few cuts in places would make her role seem like more.

I’m sure someone else is going to break down everything, but that’s what I got, but I would buy my tickets as it was highly enjoyabale and even the curtain call was great as there are many things that will make you laugh if you’re an actor.

#52

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:13pm

Robbie2 said: "How's the score, choreography and design elements?"

score was fun. very varied. I could say they could stand to lose 1-2 ballads.

they should give Sarah another number. she has one song early in act 1 that is HILARIOUS. and then she kind of reprises it throughout the show. would be nice to see her sing another song...

choreography was nothing to drool over. very basic. but this show isn't about the choreography. they kept doing this one weird box step type thing over and over and over.

design was also basic. nothing of the design was like OMG wow. with the exception of how quickly Santino changes in/out of drag.

Updated On: 3/29/19 at 11:13 PM

#53

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:14pm

I agree the second act was rough. I think the real problem pretty music throughout was the score. It’s just not good. There were lines where I physically cringed. At one point they rhymes Gone with Gone with Gone with Gone. And that was supposed to be one of the more serious numbers.

Santino is great but I felt like he was never really given a number to shine in the second. Honestly I can’t really remember the tune of any of the songs.

The book is the best part. Cut the music down to only when they are performing the show Dorothy is staring in and make it more of a play would be my solution. I doubt any dramatic cuts like that will happen though.

It was a fairly well sold house tonight. The orchestra seemed sold out. I was surprised given when I was considering buying tickets last night there were almost 300 seats still left according to Ticketmaster. I’m interested to see if it sells well and how many changes are made.

#54

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:16pm

Hopefully the wonderful whiz-ard will post his usual all inclusive review shortly.

#55

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:17pm

Clyde15 said: "Santino is great but I felt like he was never really given a number to shine in the second. Honestly I can’t really remember the tune of any of the songs."

yeah for being the main character, theres nothing of him singing that really stood out for me.

the only song that stood out is Sarah's salsa sounding number. cause it was catchy. and repeated several times lol

#56

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:18pm

Also I noticed they were filming the show tonight in the back on at least one if not two cameras. Wasn’t the nicest equipment so it doesn’t seem like B-Roll. Anyone have any idea why?

#57

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:21pm

Clyde15 said: "Also I noticed they were filming the show tonight in the back on at least one if not two cameras. Wasn’t the nicest equipment so it doesn’t seem like B-Roll. Anyone have any idea why?"

Most of the creatives were 2 rows behind me and the person running the camera kept talking to them so I’m guessing it was for them to review.

#58

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:38pm

• Looks and feels like a third-rate touring company production

• Songs are not memorable or enjoyable

• Book is funny... but completely void of all the movie's heart and wit

Updated On: 3/29/19 at 11:38 PM

#59

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:45pm

That sh#t stank. I can't even comprehend how Yazbek goes from The Band's Visit to this. Talk about a dud. The cast is fine. Fontana is good, but not Tony worthy. Stiles is great and a nom should be coming her way. If you love theater and want to continue loving theater... don't see this.

#60

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:53pm

I’m sure it’s a better show then The Prom and Be more chill.

#61

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:54pm

I’m surprised to read some of the negative comments here. I do think act two could stand to be tweaked and trimmed, but I loved the score and thought the book was downright hilarious.

My biggest fear going on was how they handled the change from soap opera parody to that of musical theater. Overall I think it was a switch for the better, but I did take two issues with the idea, one minor and one major. The minor problem is that now Michael is really toying with people’s lives/paychecks/futures in a way that he wasn’t on Southwest General. Emily Kimberly could always easily be written out of the soap if/when things go south, but a lead of a Broadway musical is not so easily replaced; he’s not just messing with their emotions, but their livelihoods.

The bigger problem involves SPOILER (if you don’t know the film) Dorothy’s reveal. In the movie, the funniest scene is easily Emily Kimberly’s revelation that she’s really Edward Kimberly. Not only does it work for the story, but it’s such an ultimate soap opera trope that it works on a meta level that is missing from the musical.

Otherwise, the musical theater stuff is really funny. The choreography was a riot and remind me of the stuff in Head Over Heels, which maybe was some unintentional shade. The new plot also allows for a lot of insidery theater jokes that will be easy for people here to enjoy. I adored Julie Halston’s Adela Holzer type producer.

I agree with the poster who said Lilli Cooper (as Julie) has the best song. It’s a “I Can Do Better Than That” song, with a killer melody and idiosyncratic lyric placement that delights the ear. Sticking with The Last 5 Years theme, Sarah Stiles’ first number is a “Climbing Uphill” description of the torturous audition process.

Both John Behlmann and Andy Grotelueschen are very, very funny and are each afforded a comic number in act two.

I swear one of Santino’s number has strains of “The Microphone” in it; I enjoyed his material, but he needs an 11 o’clock number that packs a bigger punch. He doesn’t need to go full on J&H “Confrontation,” but it couldn’t hurt to have a “Duet For One.”

I liked the design and the costumes. There are no projections- it feels more old school musical comedy.

It might not be a perfect show, but it’s a lot of fun. A musical comedy that lives up to its promises of tuneful songs and big laughs. This is our last musical of the season, and it’s nice to end things on a high note.

Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco. Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!

#62

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/29/19 at 11:56pm

_(•_&bull_/ said: "I’m sure it’s a better show then The Prom and Be more chill. "

I saw The Prom last night, and while Tootsie had a much higher production value I laughed and connected more with the Characters at The Prom. With Tootsie I didn’t feel bad for Michael at all. He got everything that was coming to him and only then seemed to feel bad about his actions. I would say each have their strengthens and weaknesses but at least i would see The Prom again. I probably wouldn’t see Tootsie again

Updated On: 3/30/19 at 11:56 PM

#63

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:03am

Seeing this tomorrow- but based on tonight's feedback it doesn't sound like much has changed since Chicago, if at all. Santino still has that boring song at the end, and the ending itself is abrupt. Oh well, the show is still 85% awesome (in my opinion).

"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."

#64

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:06am

Marlothom said: "Seeing this tomorrow- but based on tonight's feedback it doesn't sound like much has changed since Chicago, if at all. Santino still has that boring song at the end, and the ending itself is abrupt. Oh well, the show is still 85% awesome (in my opinion). "

That ending is so weird. I literally said to my friend “was that it?”

#65

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:08am

The ending is the same as in the movie, complete with the famous line of dialogue. (The setting is now a park and not a sidewalk.) Tootsie the musical is a true adaptation and not a copy and paste job, but retaining the small and quiet ending is totally in keeping with the spirit of the film.

Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco. Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!

#66

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:09am

Sounds like they're sticking with that ending. I hope they make more of the Gypsy robe!!!! They slowly cut it in Chicago. More insider theatre jokes!

"Observe how bravely I conceal this dreadful dreadful shame I feel."

#67

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:12am

I agree ^. The Prom is definitely the feel-good musical of the season and people are really connecting with the show.

#68

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:15am

WhizzerMarvin said: "The ending is the same as in the movie, complete with the famous line of dialogue. (The setting is now a park and not a sidewalk.) Tootsie the musical is a true adaptation and not a copy and paste job, but retaining the small and quiet ending is totally in keeping with the spirit of the film. "

Ahh ok I’ve never seen the movie, but I was familiar with the story. I guess that’s a cute way to pay homage, since they changed a lot of the other stuff. I still wish he had a bigger song at the end

#69

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:16am

Charley Kringas Inc said: "Excited to hear reports on this! There are definitely some things I hope they've changed since the first Chicago tryout performance, and a lot I hope they've kept.

One lyric change I hope is solved: during Sandy's panic attack song, she sings "Next thing I know I'm in Taco Bell stuffing my face with wings", and I'm not sure that Taco Bell sells or has ever sold wings."

The line in Chicago was "stuffing my face with meat."

A lover of theater for decades. Teacher by day. Family man by night. See more theater than most, oftentimes a hesitant plus one.

#70

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:30am

I'm with Whizzer, I am also surprised at some of the reactions here. Team Prom is working hard tonight! (Joke)

What a fun night in the theatre. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. I agree that the show is long and the score needs some work, but after some of the movie to musical adaptations we have had previously this really shines. They really adapted the movie to the stage and it works. And it's the best book of any musical comedy I've seen in ages. The reveal does need work though.

Interesting to see comparisons with The Prom (which I didn't love). IMO The Prom felt regressive and like a show from the year 2000. This feels super 'up to date' in the best way. I thought they handled the sexual politics really well without being to preachy while still being smart. Tootsie will give Prom a run for it's money come Tony time and I think Hadestown will be their biggest hurdle.

The cast is hysterical and I think Santino has the Tony in the bag. I also see nominations for Lilli and Sarah for sure and possibly even Andy, John Behlmann, and maybe as a stretch Julie Halston and Reg Rogers.

^Whizzer you're right, the musical theatre choreography bit was hilarious, but I thought was more a dig at a Jerry Mitchell type?

Updated On: 3/30/19 at 12:30 AM

#71

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 1:55am

BdwyFan said: "I agree ^. The Prom is definitely the feel-good musical of the season and people are really connecting with the show."

Huh? The Prom is barely making ends meet week by week, not sure how much a general audience is connecting with the show. Tootsie, Aint Too Proud, and Cher are all pretty "feel-good" so not sure I would consider The Prom that show "of the season"

#72

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 2:02am

My friend has been seeing shows in NYC on vacation all week. So far, he’s seen King Kong, Network, Oklahoma!, Phantom, King Lear and then Tootsie tonight. Here’s what he said about Tootsie:

“Best show this week...might see Tootsie again tomorrow...wow...So funny...Well written...It was soo good...The score was amazing...The jokes were spot on...It’s as good as Kiss Me Kate...It’s not just a backstage show...Three will win Tonys...For sure...It’s a difficult score...With lots of punchlines...And jokes...I can’t wait for the recording...It was hilarious but not jokey”

Considering my friend’s standards, I consider that a rave.

Updated On: 3/30/19 at 02:02 AM

#73

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 9:14am

Fitfully amusing and passably entertaining. Unfortunately, neither the amusement nor the entertainment was sufficiently sustained over the course of an overlong evening. The score was unmemorable. There were a number of laughs, but the flip, oh-so-hip nature of the humor became ultimately wearying. Julie Halston was able to get the biggest laughs of the night with her inimitable delivery.

#74

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 9:23am

NYCblurb said: "Charley Kringas Inc said: "Excited to hear reports on this! There are definitely some things I hope they've changed since the first Chicago tryout performance, and a lot I hope they've kept.

One lyric change I hope is solved: during Sandy's panic attack song, she sings "Next thing I know I'm in Taco Bell stuffing my face with wings", and I'm not sure that Taco Bell sells or has ever sold wings."

The line in Chicago was "stuffing my face with meat.""

That’s so funny, I must’ve misheard it. I remember thinking, “what?”. On the other hand, that means the punchline is still weak because Taco Bell isn’t really known for their meat. I know it has to be Taco Bell to rhyme, but they don’t sell many one-syllable items.

#75

TOOTSIE the Musical: PREVIEWS START

Posted: 3/30/19 at 9:28am

• Looks and feels like a third-rate touring company production

• Songs are not memorable or enjoyable

• Book is funny... but completely void of all the movie's heart and wit

SHILL FOR SOMEONE. JOINED THIS WEEK.

A lover of theater for decades. Teacher by day. Family man by night. See more theater than most, oftentimes a hesitant plus one.

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