Thoughts on Previews?

[rlb237]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 4:13pm

Hi all, long-time listener first time poster to Broadway World. I'm writing to all of you to get opinions on previews. I've never thought much of them, because I've usually been fortunate enough to be able to get tix to any show I've wanted to see after its official opening. But this year I'm planning a birthday weekend in NYC for myself, and Hedwig & the Angry Inch starts previews the weekend I'm going to be there. I know for certain that I want to see this show, but I'm wondering if I should just wait until it opens officially....any thoughts? Ideas? Opinions? Thanks in advance.

Updated On: 1/13/14 at 04:13 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 4:19pm

I have seen many shows in previews, and they are usually flawless. But, sometimes they are used to work the kinks out. I don't really understand why they are a lot cheaper (it's the same show!) and why reviews come out only after it officially opens. I think you should be fine, get tickets soon though!

[macnyc]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 4:27pm

I tend to see shows in previews because I'm a TDF member, and previews are when to grab the hot tickets, or tickets to shows you hope will be hot! I agree with Sutton Ross. The performances are usually flawless. Besides, if something weird goes wrong, you can tell all your friends about it!

[rlb237]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 4:30pm

Yes, it's the "work the kinks out" idea that is giving me pause! I've read some negative things about previews and some great things about them, too. So I'm torn and on the fence a bit. I live close enough to the city that I can go back a month later if need be, but I also like to be efficient so that's why I was trying to see a couple shows the weekend I'm going to be there anyway (already have my tix for Aladdin!)

Thank you both for your feedback! Much appreciated. If you don't mind, which shows have you seen in preview? Did you go back and see them after official opening dates? Just curious. Thanks again!

Updated On: 1/11/14 at 04:30 PM

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 5:29pm

I saw Big Fish, Murder Ballad, Matilda, The Last Five Years, Death of a Salesman, and Kinky Boots before/after. They were all great in previews, and after they officially opened. The only exception was Spiderman which was a mess during previews, and beyond!

[chrisampm2]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 5:30pm

There are some variables here. Is it a new show or a revival? Did it have an out of town tryout? With the recent Glass Menagerie and Pippin, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend early previews. With something like Hedwig, a revival opening cold, I'd think the second week of previews would be absolutely fine.
But if you're concerned and you'll be back in a month, what's inefficient about seeing one of the other fantastic shows that have already opened?

[HogansHero]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 5:37pm

If you have reservations about it, it is more likely you'll find something to disappoint you. If you have a choice, and it sounds like you do, take the path that is less likely to be disappointing. The first week or so of previews is the one in which the most significant changes will be made, if any, so for some folks, that provides a once in a lifetime opportunity to see something that no one else will ever see or hear.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 5:44pm

Saw Golden Rainbow twice and during previews they had 2 additional songs and a different opening # . It started with a prospector walking across a bare stage that was supposedly the desert. It than led into Golden Rainbow opening # which was later changed to 24 Hours A Day. A different song called Golden Rainbow was written for Lawrence.

Later in the run, Gorme got tired of doing the show and Taking Care Of You with Scott Jacoby was dropped.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 1/11/14 at 6:48pm

With every show, they can get it only so far and then need an audience. Most of the shows I saw in preview and then again after opening really didn't change all that much. Sometimes lines are lost or added and some things just tightened a bit. I was never disappointed seeing a preview.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 1/12/14 at 8:29pm

The two times I have seen a show (The Producers & Jekyll & Hyde - 1997) in previews it was only about a week from the official opening night and they were excellent.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/13/14 at 5:46am

It sounds like that for YOU, waiting until it opens makes more sense. You want to see an incredibly finished product (and that's not a judgement). If you were going halfway through previews I wouldn't say the same thing, however. Seeing it the very first weekend might prove for some (hopefully only minor) issues.

for you: I'd wait.

[rlb237]

Posted: 1/13/14 at 10:38am

I agree that I'd always prefer to see a show after it's officially opened. However, I looked into tickets for Hedwig after the official opening, but the prices are significantly higher, so I decided to go for it with a preview! Like some of you said, if anything, I can tell people if I see something weird or if something is off. Either way, it should be an experience and I'm very much looking forward to it!

Thank you to everyone who has replied with their thoughts and insights to this question!