I saw this production again in its new West End home this week. It still cracks me up so much. Mel Brooks should be proud that there's still a desire for this musical and that it will hopefully last long after he's gone. As for the production itself, it definitely feels different in a bigger house than when I saw it at the Menier last year. That said, it was meant to be on a bigger stage. Andy Nyman is PERFECT as Max. He really embodies the character as his own, while still incorporating comedic elements reminiscent of those used by Nathan Lane when he created the role for the stage. Marc Antolin's Leo Bloom is fresh and spinebendingly funny! Aside from those two, Trevor Ashley as Roger? HOLY HELL! I don't think I have laughed so hard during a show as with his performances of "Keep it Gay" and "Springtime for Hitler." In these challenging times, we need comedic musicals like this one. I love how the director Patrick Marber scaled it down to focus primarily on the writing rather than big flashy sets. I have no doubt this production is bound for Broadway soon. Probably sooner than you think. The night I went, I spotted Jeffery Seller in the audience. So hopefully, we will see Bialistock and Bloom back on Broadway. I think it would be perfect to have this revival back in New York just in time for Mel Brooks' 100th birthday. Anyway, has anyone seen this production yet, or are they planning on seeing it?
Stand-by Joined: 3/26/24
Hearing raves and the reviews are stellar and yet it is not selling well at all. Even in a very small house. Wonder why?
Leading Actor Joined: 3/29/25
Most dates this month right now are sold anywhere between 60-70% with many a bit beyond that for next week. That's pretty typical for a lot of shows, particularly musicals, in London right now, even those with strong reviews.
It's the time of year when things feel a bit flat. I don't think any show has "must see" buzz among the masses. And for plays, quite a few of those recently open have received lukewarm reviews and mixed reactions.
Agree with the above, nothing screams must see to me. I looked at going later this month for a week and can usually find more than enough to fill a week. This time around I decided not to go ( it’s a long way from Australia ) cause nothing was must see.
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