To those who have seen Sunday in the Park...

[cello_dude]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 2:30pm

I am thinking of seeing this show. I love the OBC but am hesitant to see it because I have heard that the 4 piece "band" does no justice to the OBC. I would really appreciate the opinions of anyone who has seen it. What did you think?

[jv92]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 2:36pm

See it! It is absolutely one of the most breathtaking productions to grace a Broadway stage. The full orchestrations are superior, of course, but the four piece orchestra does sound rather nice. It doesn't really bastardize the score. At least, I don't think so.

[rosekwbp]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 2:38pm

Absolutely see it. It was a wonderful show. I didn't even notice the four piece orchestra.

[jrb]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 2:43pm

The orchestra was a disappointment to me. The french horn was replaced by a sax, and the full sound is lost to one-sided, thin sound.
That being said - go see this. The visuals are stunning. Well worth a viewing. Strong lead performances too, I think.

[paphillyguy]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 2:49pm

Stay away. I did not enjoy the show at all.

[singingbackup]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 2:52pm

It's a beautiful piece lovingly rendered by a top notch cast and stunning visuals. It also succeeds where others have failed in breathing new life into the second act. Not an easy feet. It's moving and marvelous.

[verynewyorkcurious]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 2:54pm

Why not see it?

Do you usually give this much consideration before you see a show?

[H.Higgins]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 3:06pm

See it.

This is one of the most stunning and moving productions I've ever seen. The reduced orchestra did not detract from my experience in the least. In fact, I don't really listen to the original recording anymore. Evans and Russell gave superior performances, in my opinion, and thus, I find myself listening to London revival recording, regardless of the change in orchestration.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 3:19pm

The 5 piece band manages to sound like a 2 piece band. The vocal performances are flat and uninspired. If you want to hear an expert performance of this glorious music, stay far far far away from this production.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 3:33pm

I thought the orchestra was terrific! See the show, you'll enjoy it.

[antiandrewx]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 3:39pm

The orchestrations are not as good as they are on the OBCR, but the production is really moving and brilliant. Ms. Russel is amazing! Definitely see it - you'll be happy that you did.

[WestVillage]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 4:25pm

Like the OP, I love the original Sunday, and was incredibly disappointed in the revival .. .so much so that I left at intermission. The small orchestra makes it feel like you're watching a rehearsal, and I was incredibly unimpressed with the cast. This production was a huge bore to me ... did not find it in any way moving, but instead found it dull and lackluster.

[BustopherPhantom]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 4:28pm

Love the original orchestrations. Love the new orchestrations.

Visit them on their own terms, and you'll get sucked in.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 4:35pm

One of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. Loved the orchestrations -- I'm a big supporter of the "expose the lyrics" philosophy when it comes to Sondheim. Try to look at it on its own terms, rather than going in with the purist chip on the shoulder.

Updated On: 3/24/08 at 04:35 PM

[Roscoe]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 4:37pm

Exposing the lyrics is one thing, but obscuring the music is another. An atrocious revival in every way.

[EugLoven]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 4:38pm

You should have no hesitation to see this production.

It's as if Sondheim and Lapine wrote a musical and it has finally come into fruition 20 years later.

This restaging (it seems incorrect to consider it a revival) is monumental and unbelievable. Truly a most captivating and emotionally-affecting theatrical experience. Unforgettable and indescribable.

[aliciag]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 4:39pm

I really enjoyed the revival. Granted this was my first introduction to the show... but I think it is a very moving piece of theater with great performances that you will enjoy. And although it is always nice to have a big orchestra I thought the small one in this instance did it justice and in no way detracted from the performance.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 4:56pm

The original production only had 11 pieces--to reflect the colors of the painting. Some is lost in this translation, but it certainly does not detract from the brilliance of the show.

I do have personal issues with this production as I was closely tied to the original.

However, it is still a beautiful and ultimately profoundly moving experience.

Don't miss it.

[lakezurich]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 5:45pm

I am going to see the revival in 2 weeks! I am really excited!

[BroadwayGuy12]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 5:49pm

I watched the OBC DVD and listened to the OBCR many times before seeing this revival, and the smaller orchestra didn't bother me. I actually thought it would, too, so I was pleasantly surprised when it didn't matter. I loved this show. I definitely recommend it.

[Ole Chum]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 5:55pm

you will enjoy it, even if you are disappointed that its not the original.

the performances (especially jenna russell) are great, and the projections/set are really cool.... the second act is VASTLY superior to the first, and i agree the orchestra really sounds very very weak most of the time...

but its worthwhile, i enjoyed it.

[Weez]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 5:58pm

I find it terribly interesting how this revival seemed to go down an absolute storm here in the UK, but is dividing people between "love it passionately!" and "hate it fervently!" now it's on Broadway. I wonder why that is? Is it just because people are remembering the OBC? If that's so, does that mean the OLC stunk? I would be very upset and refuse to believe it if that were the case.

[Scripps2]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 6:12pm

I don't the OLC stunk but it did feel like hard work sitting through it. Maybe, being a lot younger, I was much less perceptive though.

[BroadwayBound062]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 7:00pm

Go see it, if you don't you will regret it...

[Roscoe]

Posted: 3/24/08 at 7:37pm

Don't bother. If you do, you'll be out money that could be better spent elsewhere. To say nothing of the time that could be better spent watching paint dry.