Times They are a Changin Monday Night

[FrontRowFan]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 4:29pm

I'm new to the bored and I think I did something wrong...
Here's another try!

I've never felt compelled to post a message on one of these boards until now.



I've been reading all of the threads about the new shows this season and I usually read with pleasure and avid interest; however, after seeing Times last night I have now vowed to start posting.



The show last night was quite good. The story was interesting and the choreography was visually stunning and the acrobatics were exciting. Twyla's miz of ballet/modern/horton techniques was so much more exciting than the usual broadway kick ball change. (Even a little hip-hop thrown in by the character playing the dog)



Anyways: the story was quite captivating and rather easy to follow: young boy (sang and acted wonderfully by Michael Arden) rises above the cruelty of an abusive father to get the girl and the family business. The OLDEST STORY in the book! It was so nice to see this story presented in a non-linear fashion rather than delivered through contrite or contrived bits of dialogue.



Not being a Bob Dylan fan I did not know what to expect but I loved the music, especially the fact that Twyla didn't really force her view points onto the meaning of Dylan's lyrics, which as anyone whose seen "Dangerous Minds" knows, is a hard thing to do.

Also, how could you not love the music when you get to listen to Michael, Lisa, and Thom sing for 90 minutes.



The set was beautiful, the lighting top-notch, and the ensemble dedicated and powerful.

[uwho]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 5:41pm

I can't wait to see this show again to see what they've done with it. I liked it a lot the first time I saw it two weeks ago, and it sounds like it's getting better. With Twyla Tharp choreography, Bob Dylan music and this awesome cast I can't see how it could miss.

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 5:47pm

This is one of the only reviews of the show where everything has pretty much been positive... Maybe its getting better with changes and such?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 5:58pm

Or maybe they just joined to make the show sound better than it is?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 6:01pm

I've seen the show twice...September 29th and October 7th. Except for Lisa Brescia as the lead instead of Caren Lyn Manuel, I noticed no changes to the show at all. It is still awful.

[kaycee]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 6:26pm

Why is everyone so negative toward new shows lately? Isn't there anything people are enjoying anymore?

[fakeblue]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 9:44pm

I love this show. I also saw Monday night was amazing. Coyote's costume was little bit changed. ensemble got some trouble but it's not big deal. then theatre was pretty full. I saw a lot of poeple who enjoyed the show. in addition I'm sure story line has been clear than San Diego. and they are working hard. I hope they effort will be rewarded.
Updated On: 10/10/06 at 09:44 PM

[kikki327]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 9:49pm

how big is John Selya's role? The only reason im seeing the show is because of him! hes amazing....

[fakeblue]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 10:04pm

John is one of ensemble. but his dance was great in the show, which is very important role. because of small cast. I'm sure you should see him.
Updated On: 10/10/06 at 10:04 PM

[jennafan]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 10:10pm

My cousin who saw the show with me in San Diego went to one of the early previews in NY. She said the character of Coyote was dressed like a 'preppy' and he didn't stand out like he did during the San Diego run.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 10/10/06 at 10:32pm

Nice thread FrontRow.
I am glad people are finally saying what I have been saying all along. This is not everyone's kind of show, but it is an imaginative, unusual, beautifully sung and danced trip thru Dylan's music using a slender storyline.
Oddly enough the older audiences who know Dylan and perhaps not Tharp are enjoying and appreciating it better then the younger crowd, (though they are all enjoying Michael Arden and the rest of the cast)
My fingers are crossed that Twyla tightens it up a bit and proves as least some of it's detractors wrong.
Go Twyla!
Updated On: 10/10/06 at 10:32 PM

[FrontRowFan]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 10:09am

"Joined the bored to make the show sound better"??

A little confused by the comment...

I saw the show; thoroughly enjoyed it, and decided to post my opinion seeing as many of the reviews people have been posting on the board have been less than stellar... Also, I stood to bring a new view seeing as I saw the show later in previews, a time during the process of a show where change is supposed to happen.
I would hope that in a forum such as this people could appreciate new work that pushes the envelope and challenges the audience to rise above the usual conventions of naturalism and actually brings a fresh point of view and perspective to the theatre.

[leefowler]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 10:17am

I was going to suggest you might mean "board" instead of "bored", but having seen the show, I think you spelled it right the first time.

[FrontRowFan]

Posted: 10/11/06 at 10:49am

It's interesting that you hate mean people...