Broadway Legend Joined: 9/10/05
"...Hairspray, which I loved" Ah, Walt. Finally we agree! I loved "Hairspray", too. I haven't seen this show but I will on my next trip to NYC. How was Richard Blake? Did he get a lot of stage time?
Blake is FANTASTIC in this. He plays the role very similar to Matthew Glave, from the movie. He had a lot more stage time than I'd thought he would, which was a pleasant surprise. I think his part will make more sense if they re-work the end a bit, but he's one of those very SOLID actors who just owns the stage.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/10/05
Thanks. I wish someone would give him a leading part in a Broadway show. He was terrific as Tony Manero in the tour of "Saturday Night Fever" which would have been much better in NY if he was cast in that role to begin with.
Stand-by Joined: 12/2/04
Wanted to post some thoughts on seeing the first Wedding Singer preview last night. I went with three friends and we were still giddy this morning. We went in not expecting much, what a pleasant suprise. As another poster mentioned, I have seen all of the new shows this season and last (with the exception of Jersey Boys) and this has by far become my favorite new show.
The energy never lets up. The opening number Wedding Day sets the bar and the cast and ensemble goes full blast from there. I can't recall having so much fun at a show period. It was the kind of feeling I thought I would get from Hairspray but didn't.
The music is likeable. Especially enjoyed the assorted 80's riffs. Stand out songs for me were Wedding Day, It's All About the Green, and Single.
The sets are great. The group especially enjoyed the restaurant scene where the Newark water tower was revolving. The scene with Julia in the plane was hysterical.
The book was OK. It pretty much follows the movie script with some changes.I found the characters and relationships fairly well developed. The impersonator wedding scene at the end of the show is priceless. We had tears streaming down our faces. I don't want to give too much away, but that last scene is worth the price of the ticket. It was one of the most surreal scenes I have ever witnessed.
The choreography was also outstanding. Great ensemble numbers especially It's all About the Green and Single.
Performances were also good. Laura Benanti was a very believable Julia. The guy who played Robbie (sorry..no Playbill with me) was OK. If anything he was the weak link, but still very good. Standouts are Debbie and Richie. There are so many clever moments to share, but I don't want to spoil anyone elses enjoyment of the show.
Everyone in the theater seemed to be having a ball and words outside the theater were extremely positive. I loved this show so much I'm bordering on being a shill. Hope to catch it again on TDF before the cheap tix dry up. I will go out on a limb here but I can see Tony noms for Best Musical, Score, Choreography, Costumes, Sets, Actress and supporting actor/actress.
Wedding Singer a fun and pleasant suprise.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/05
wow, just heard lots of positive reviews
i originally didnt wanna see this, but ill have to reconsider...
the end of Act 1 was worth the price of the ticket alone!!
Also... the hilarious, hilarious TABOO (via "George") joke was amazing. I missed the next few lines because i was pretty much rolling.
just throwing out some good memories. :)
Stand-by Joined: 12/2/04
The end of Act 2 is also worth the price of the ticket.
Replace DisneyWorld with "The Wedding Singer"
http://stewiedisneyworld.ytmnd.com/
Swing Joined: 1/30/06
I was at the show last night and enjoyed it. The audience enjoyed it. One thing that bugged me was the fact that they used expressions like "dude" and "24/7" in a show that takes place in 1985. I was 21 years old in 1985 and never used the word "dude" except when referencing a ranch. It's a small, stupid thing, but it bugged me.
Had a good time. I would recommend it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/10/05
"ATC" is another broadway board: "All That Chat" (talkingbroadway.com)
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/05
what kind of merchandise did they offer?
cant wait for the cd! any news on it?
i heard there were taking pre-sale orders at the theatre, its supposed to come out in april
i heard there were taking pre-sale orders at the theatre, its supposed to come out in april
They didn't say dude in 1985? Or 24-7? Are you sure? Granted, I was born in 1985, so I wouldn't remember. I guess dude was more of an early 90s word.
I saw it tonight. I rather liked it. It's not mind blowing theater but it's a nice show.
Sony lists the CD as being released on 06/06/06.
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