The Visit Previews — Page 5

For those who saw it today. Is Doyle still using the applause break at the end of YELLOW SHOES? There wasn't one in Williamstown, and the number certainly calls for applause, but it felt a little awkward at the first preview.

Updated On: 3/29/15 at 01:10 AM

I caught the show last night. I went in with very high expectations- I was looking forward to 'The Visit' more than any other show this season. The evening unfortunately left me cold.

I felt that the night lulled along, and that nothing really elevated the show to dramatic heights. The score could have very well been the highlight, but it is second rate Kander and Ebb. The book lacks dramatic tension and simply plods. For the first time in a long while I actually pulled out my program to see if the show was almost over. On a plus side, the set and lighting design are striking.

It was thrilling seeing Chita live, but as others have said on this board, I don't quite understand the hype about her performance. Jason Danieley was a standout.

Really, really wish I would have enjoyed this show more. I am very curious to see how this will be received after opening.

ljay- I wish I could recall if there was an applause break after Yellow Shoes, but I simply don't remember.

glitter:
at the signature she didn't use the cane either after he hair/dress change...
i saw it a couple of times there and that always caught my attention.

would love to know the reasoning behind that decision.

"Just saw the commercial with the new voiceover on ABC.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkCJHrptN6A"

That's a terrific advertisement. But I HATE the tagline. The Best Revenge is Revenge? Huh?

AAO26 I just double-checked the video from Signature right now and she clearly has a cane. Maybe it changed during previews?

And arbitrarily make her ineligible? Ridiculous. You don't give someone a lifetime award to get them out of the running for another.

A day later, I wanted to expound on my thoughts having seen Saturday's matinee.

I adored the set and that it greets you upon entering the theater. Certainly sets the tone. The lighting was stunning and added another layer of depth to the setting and tone. I also was impressed by the costumes, so very striking.

The only technical weak point, IMO, was the sound. The mics were not balanced well at all. Some characters were too loud, others needed more power.

I loved the presence of both the casket as well as the spirit of the young lovers. Both were constant reminders of the past AND the future. I did find the blocking to be a bit redundant, even though I think I understand WHY, I did want a bit more variety.

As to the music, I am no expert to orchestrations or composition. I enjoyed the score, but am unsure if I'm interested in a cast recording. I do love me some Kander and Ebb, but this wasn't quite in the same clubhouse

But as to the book and overall production, I was fully enveloped within the world created. I was intrigued, surprised and ultimately satisfied. I found many of the performances strong, particularly that of Daniely and Rivera and the two lovers. I thought that Rees had lots of moments, but they weren't all connected.

I can't say I fell in love with The Visit, but I enjoyed it immensely. And am wondering if I can trim the play into a 40 minute playable story. While I wouldn't recommend this to everyone, I will to most of my like-minded theater friends.

Funny overheard conversation: a middle aged couple was loudly expressing their dislike of the show. Then the man turned to his wife (?) and said, "So, what do you want for a souvenir?" Who wants a souvenir of something they didn't enjoy??

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Saw the show today- Chita was perfection and just plain wonderful. The show overall was rather boring for me- it kinda started at one speed and kept that for the Act. It was interesting how the feel of the show changed whenever Chita wasen’t on stage. The show looks beautiful and the set is awesome- it felt like a painting come to life. Its funny- Some guy actually fell asleep behind us and started snoring loudly until somebody woke him back up. Nathan Lane was at the show tonight.

We did the rush to try and get a ticket for my mom- There was only like three people in front of us for rush and we were actually able to get a seat right next to me, so we got to sit together. The Rush only costs $30- Can't beat that!

Stage door- everyone came out and signed. Roger Rees seemed out of it at the stage door, maybe a little drunk. Chita took a while to come out- about 2 hours, but was extremely kind and thankful to everyone who waited. It was interesting- there were two kinds of stage door people there- polite and not soo polite. One couple had lots of stuff for Chita to sign and actually told her where on the photo to sign and what pen to use. They also chased the actors down the line asking them all kinds of questions, but not once did they say thank for anything or the actors time. The rest of the people there were nice and respectful.

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Updated On: 3/29/15 at 07:58 PM

Here's some great interviews with the cast and creators from the press day. It does include *SPOILERS.*

http://www.theatermania.com/video/after-more-than-a-decade-chita-rivera-brings-kande_757.html

What a strange little show. It's a (very black) operetta turned on its head completely. Chita is a presence, boy! She just has to lift her cane, or tilt her head, or gaze into the audience and she has us mesmerized. The rest of the cast is very good, and the girl who plays Young Claire is gorgeous. As nice as it was for the producers to let the press (and public) see that sneak preview of "Love and Love Alone" in recent days, it's really the highlight of the show, so I'm sorry they spoiled the surprise.

I can't see this lasting past Labor Day-- less if Chita doesn't win a Tony. It's very bizarre, and while it left me thinking for the rest of the evening about what I just saw (which is a plus for me), I know that the current dunces that go to Broadway musicals don't want to think and definitely don't want bizarre. But I'm glad New York is seeing it.

I think this would have had an audience thirty years ago. It's no stranger than something like FOLLIES or any of the Prince-Sondheim shows, and those ran, even if they didn't make money.

But unfortunately, most audiences don't go to the theater to think or have an experience anymore. Unless that experience includes Pinot Grigio in sippy cups.

Updated On: 3/30/15 at 11:20 AM

when it ended my jaw was on the ground.

That's how I get every time I see it. Absolutely chilling. it leaves me with the feelings and thoughts that I often go to the theater trying to find.


But unfortunately, most audiences don't go to the theater to think or have an experience anymore. Unless that experience includes Pinot Grigio in sippy cups.

Sad, but oh so true.

@ EthelMae -I agree. No highs and lows, just one long note. Which made it drag. This is certainly not a show for the masses at all.

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Same thing for me, Jordan. But I've said from the start that this definitely won't be a show for everyone, so I respect that some aren't as taken with it. Also, a little surprised that After Eight hasn't commented on it, given that he usually sees early previews.