The Visit Previews — Page 11

Ripped

The role does not call for a powerhouse singer. The woman is on her last leg(s) . No pun intended.

I'm a huge fan of dark musicals and was very fond of the original 2001 Goodman production. I found the Broadway production of The Visit annoying. It was too dark and too bleak. John McMartin was sorely missed. He was perfect in the part partly because he could sing. As we exited many members of the audience grumbled their displeasure. It pains to me to write this. I was so looking forwarded to being reunited with The Visit.

I have to second that thought. When she walked no the stage in the Rink, it was like they turned the lights on!! I'm not sure though, that she is enough to save this one.

There is still a missing piece that doesn't bring this allegorical play to your soul in the way that Fun Home does.

IMHO

Alan

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Updated On: 4/10/15 at 08:52 PM

There have been more very positive comments on ATC. Maybe the show is really coming around.

Updated On: 4/12/15 at 01:05 AM

Saw the show this afternoon. Odd, fascinating, eccentric. When the lights went out, my first thought was, "I need to see this again." It's economically staged and impeccably performed. One of the most compelling 90 minutes I've seen in a long, long time. Audiences not knowing that they're in for dark and moody -- and expecting more of a star turn from Chita -- will be taken aback, and that might contribute to a quick closing, but I really hope this one makes it.

"I think it's a dubious prospect to last much past the Tonys, but bravo for bringing it in. I'll never forget the show and urge anyone who loves what Kander and Ebb uniquely provide, particularly when interpreted by an artist as fully connected to their artistry as Rivera always is. "

Perfectly said!

I saw it last Friday with my partner and two friends, and all four of us thought it was superb in every department. Its chances of being a hit I don't know about--deliberately, it seems to me, it takes place in a sort of monotone (like the set), but in a good way. Having known the book and play beforehand, this adaptation surprised me by being less cynical and hard-edged than "Cabaret" or "Chicago"--it's actually kind of gentle and low-key, with a quality almost of a chamber opera. No razzle-dazzle in this one. The score is excellent, and there's a lot of it.

Rivera's singing was much better than I expected after reading comments here. In fact, she was pretty great for an octogenarian. How great is it that there's a musical that requires an older actress as the star (the character is supposed to be 63)! If it runs a while, maybe we'll get to see Lansbury in it eventually, and some of the other great stars "of a certain age." I'd certainly go back.

We got our tickets via TDF--front row, center, which I wouldn't care for in many shows but was great for this one, and Rivera spent a lot of time standing right there just a few feet in front of us. It was fun! (She winked at one of my friends during the bows. Was it a come-on?)

"REVIEW

http://simonparrismaninchair.com/2015/04/04/the-visit-review-broadway/
"

Good review, and I concur. Especially in its reviews of Rivera. I almost couldn't take my eyes off of her.

The rest of the cast though was spot on, as well, when my glances did stray from Chita.

Returned tonight! SPOILERS BELOW

It's sharper than ever. Doyle knows how to make use of the preview period and is not afraid to make changes, some big.

One MAJOR change solves most of Rees' vocal issues. Now, "I Must Have Been Something" is a full duet with Anton and Young Anton and some of Antons big notes in "Look At Me" have support from Young Anton. Clearly these changes are meant to keep Rees on pitch, and it works!

The Eunuch's Testimony has been completely restaged and it's even more uncomfortable as they sing right to young Claire who is seated on the ground.

Anton's death is completely different now. Anton leaves the stage and the police man fires a gun shot at the audience from a YELLOW gun, lol. Antons yells are cut.

There are other small dialogue and staging changed throughout, all for the better.

They are definitely ready for the critics! Can't wait to read those reviews. This stunning production deserves to succeed.

Updated On: 4/15/15 at 10:01 PM

I really think that this and Fun Home may be the front runners. I can't imagine anything getting anywhere close to these two shows.