TUCK EVERLASTING Reviews- Page 3

[Behind the Curtain]

Posted: 4/26/16 at 11:24pm

I reviewed it when it was running at the Alliance Theater, and I was shocked to see it move on beyond that. I was even more astounded to watch its success tonight from the critics. While I have not seen the current version, I would imagine, it would have had to be redone almost entirely especially through score (expect actors, set and tech) to appeal to a Broadway audience. My review of the regional production:

http://thesoutherneronline.com/frontpage/?p=58972

 

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 4/26/16 at 11:25pm

I think the fact it's getting an overall mixed "meh" reaction from critics is pretty much what I expected to see. I admit, I'm shocked it got a positive from the Times, but the rest is on point with the show. Just.... meh. It doesn't take many risks so it doesn't have as many chances to rub a critic the wrong way that they would give it a negative or an all out pan. Is it good? No. It is bad? Meh. The one thing it has going for it is that it is really the stand alone family show of the season and is a much more vividly colorful and interesting looking show compared to the rest of the season. The critics tend to be a little more forgiving of family shows. Look at Aladdin. It was okay at best but it was a critical darling and even got the Tony nomination. I would not be shocked to see Tuck on the final nominations list next week for the family friendly marketability of it. If Shuffle ends up bombing, this could take it's slot I think a lot of people expect it to get.

[bdn223]

Posted: 4/26/16 at 11:40pm

Let me just say....the reviews are mixed to POSITIVE?!?!?

I will say I liked it but the sense on this board was it was going to get several outright pans and the Spring's big flop alla  Addams Family, Ghost, Doctor Zhivago....the list goes on.

Then again it is this season's only truly traditionally written sappy musical. Congrats all around maybe they can now last the summer.

Updated On: 4/26/16 at 11:40 PM

[Phillytheatreguy10]

Posted: 4/26/16 at 11:40pm

^yeah, nope still spot on! I just don't get it.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 12:12am

I am floored at these reviews... Just... Wow.

[wolfwriter2]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 12:30am

Count me among the perplexed by the reviews. I feel like I saw a completely different show that was just plain boring.

[Hamish3]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 1:19am

Crazy reviews

[ThaddeusBristol]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 3:02am

There's this strange dichotomy between people who have the time and luxury to examine every aspect of Broadway from a home base and those of us who strategically plan our visits from abroad based on viewpoints (expert, and free of conflicting considerations (friends in shows, advertisers, industry gossip, etc.)) we consider genuine and heartfelt, something akin to our own inclinations...to experience an approximation of transcendence. In the past, the Times has been something sacrosanct in guiding the fledgling pilgrim to the best the city has to offer; of late, however, I have to say that the posts offered up here have been invariably more helpful in utilizing my impoverishly convertible currency to something worthy of the expense and effort of making the trek. Thanks to various individuals who have taken time to type out encomiums to Jessica Lange's performance in Long Day's Journey, I actually decided to revisit that endurance test because my memory of her Blanche opposite one of the Baldwin Brothers (Alex, I think) was one of the highlights of my early theatregoing experience. What, you may be asking, does this have to do with Tuck Everlasting? If, on a pleasant Wednesday matinee, with a couple of bucks to spare at  TKTS, maybe I might chance a what-the-hell spree on this endeavour, but given the strapped-to-the-seats-eyes-prised-open vitriol this show has received from day-one, there's no way in hell that I would cripple myself economically by saddling myself with at best (in your view) a "meh" experience. How then, given all this preamble, did the show garner a critic's choice from the Grey Lady? God Knows. However, I now have in my possession a ticket to a Sunday night performance of American Psycho...which I am actually thoroughly excited about thanks to all the posts herein...the soundtrack of the British production...the clips posted on either Playbill or Broadway...in other words, good word of mouth. Either way, keep battling, keep expressing, because your considered opinions help us pilgrims discover treasures unknown hereabouts. In Martin Scorsese's documentary about Fran Lebowitz, Public Speaking, she discuses eloquently about the decimation AIDS did to a generation of experts sitting in expectation of the latest ballet, opera and Broadway had to offer. Thanks to this site, amongst others, I think time has generated a replenished audience sufficient to challenge the establishment with a well-armed rejoinder. While no one relishes the dismantling of sets and distribution of pink slips a savage critique would undoubtedly unleash, it is heartening to know that other sources of "insider" information remain available beyond the conventional outlets.

[Sunny11]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 3:15am

I might be a minority but my decision to see a show is always almost just based on its synopsis; what the story is about, the score, sometimes the cast. I can normally accurately tell from that if I am likely to enjoy it. I don't really listen to world of mouth opinions since enjoyment of art is wildly subjective.     

[devonian.t]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 5:33am

You don't have favourite performers or writers or directors?

 

Maybe these reviews reflect a little of the "Casey can do no wrong" syndrome which is out there at the moment?

 

The show certainly looks lovely.  Haven't heard it yet.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 5:44am

So Isherwood's credibility is completely shot after this season, right? Did he have a Critic's Pick quota he needed to fulfill?

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 7:55am

I agree with the consensus that these reviews are absurd.  As sad as it is to say, this show was a bore with many plot holes and no standout performances (except perhaps Mann and the one who played the guy she ended up marrying).  Bizarre...  

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 8:32am

Am I the only one who thinks Brantley and Isherwood have been bought lately? Some of their Critics' Picks are so baffling, one can't help but wonder if someone's PAYING them to write good reviews.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 8:32am

I can't tell you the last time I read a review from a critic. The only thing I usually take into consideration are the opinions of friends who have similar tastes in shows to mine.  If I plan on seeing a show that has already opened, I am even more less inclined to read anything about it.  Tuck Everlasting, which I saw on Saturday, has got to be one of the dullest evenings I have spent in the theatre in a long time.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 10:35am

I guess,this is the season I don't get what reviewers are thinking.  Granted, they are not the reason I end up seeing or not seeing something. I have tickets to Waitress and Shuffle Along over the next couple of months.  I still need to  decide when to see American Psycho.  But, I definitely am still more excited to see those than I enjoyed Tuck Everlasting.  I also really want to see School of Rock again. Will be interesting to see if this show picks up any Tony nominations. And I really hope it doesn't shut a show like School of Rock out because it is more innocent.

[Huss417]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 10:55am

I'm trying to find the review I read this morning where the guy said after seeing the show when he left the theatre he wanted to kick a dog. This is what happens when I look at my iPad at 4AM. :)

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 10:59am

Will be interesting to see if this show picks up any Tony nominations. And I really hope it doesn't shut a show like School of Rock out because it is more innocent.

I actually think School of Rock will receive Tony nominations for:

Best Musical
Best Lead Actor in a Musical (Alex Brightman)
Best Book of a Musical (Julian Fellowes)
Best Original Score (Andrew Lloyd Webber & Glenn Slater)
Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Natasha Katz)

[little_sally]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 11:02am

iluvtheatertrash said: "Am I the only one who thinks Brantley and Isherwood have been bought lately? Some of their Critics' Picks are so baffling, one can't help but wonder if someone's PAYING them to write good reviews.

 

I had that feeling with Hughie, and now after Tuck and Disaster, I'm convinced. Maybe they're not being bought but perhaps they're kinder to their friends/connections.

 

[Huss417]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 11:03am

Found it. Was in the Jeremy Gerard review I read on deadline.com

"All of which is my circuitous way of avoiding the mostly depressing task of writing about the latest Tuck family visit, in the form of a Broadway musical so treacly you may leave the Broadhurst Theatre wanting to kick a puppy."

And this part. Ouch.

"Winnie is played by newcomer Sarah Charles Lewis and — I will try to whisper this softly, taking no pleasure in it — she is charmless, with all the attributes of an over-prepared, too-polished child actor."

Updated On: 4/27/16 at 11:03 AM

[After Eight]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 11:04am

"And I really hope it doesn't shut a show like School of Rock out because it is more innocent."

 

I found Tuck much more appealing than School of Rock, and not just because it was more innocent. School of Rock was unpalatable in so many ways. That awful lead character!

 

This has not been a good season for musicals, putting it mildly. If I had to choose nominees for the Tony Award, I could only come up with two: Allegiance and Tuck Everlasting. Truly a sad state of affairs.

[little_sally]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 11:26am

Huss417 said:

"Winnie is played by newcomer Sarah Charles Lewis and — I will try to whisper this softly, taking no pleasure in it — she is charmless, with all the attributes of an over-prepared, too-polished child actor."

I don't disagree per say. Her performance isn't nearly as charming or organic as the kids in School of Rock, or the young actors in Fun Home. But then again, I think it's more the material's fault than the actress'.

 

[Corey38]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 1:01pm

I really don't understand why everyone is so against this show. Granted, I haven't seen it yet, but I plan on seeing it this summer. I've watched the promo video over and over, I think it looks amazing. The snippets of songs I've listened to seem beautiful, and the ballet that everyone talks about looks beautiful as well. AKB is amazing, and the girl playing Winnie has an amazing voice. I'm just not sure why everyone keeps putting it down and expecting it to be terrible.

[After Eight]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 1:39pm

Corey,

 

A lot of people, of the "cool," elitist, self-professed "intellectual" kind, are put off by anything that can be construed as "family entertainment." And a lot of them are just plain Grinches.

 

Best to just ignore them. And better yet, avoid them.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 1:51pm

I didn't realize not liking something was being against it. I actually started off with no intentions on seeing it, but the $19.75 deal during previews was very enticing.  I don't go into shows with the attitude that it will be bad. But, if it ends up not entertaining me, then I realize it just wasn't for me. Doesn't mean that nobody else shouldn't like it. It was a pretty show, but the storyline was sort of skimpy and confusing at times. And 4 days later, I don't recall any of the score at all. But, if someone likes it and the show speaks to them, good for them. 

After Eight, as someone who seems to hate 95% of what exists today, you really have no place to call anyone else a Grinch. And also, you posted in this thread, which means you are not avoiding anyone or ignoring them. 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 4/27/16 at 2:14pm

Corey38 said: "I really don't understand why everyone is so against this show. Granted, I haven't seen it yet, but I plan on seeing it this summer. I've watched the promo video over and over, I think it looks amazing. The snippets of songs I've listened to seem beautiful, and the ballet that everyone talks about looks beautiful as well. AKB is amazing, and the girl playing Winnie has an amazing voice. I'm just not sure why everyone keeps putting it down and expecting it to be terrible."

 

Having seen the show and having watched the promo video, I can assure you that promo video makes the show look much more enticing and enchanting than it really. No one here is "putting it down"... Those of us that have seen it have just shared our thoughts, and many of us did not care for it and had very similar problems with the show.