Today's Wall Street Journal - Lennon Worst Musicial Ever

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:08am

This morning's Wall Street Journal has the most scathing Lennon review to date. " Don't be fooled by the twisted piece of rubble on West 44th Street. It isn't a burning building - it's the worst musical to hit Broadway..."

It's really just hateful and mean-spirited.
Updated On: 8/19/05 at 10:08 AM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:12am

Yeowch. That is harsh. Lennon is not "good theatre," but it's still a pretty enjoyable show, with a cast of very talented people. That's just really mean.

[442namffug]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:15am

It's not mean!!!! It's TRUE!!!! Why should the producers of Lennon get away with letting families buy tickets for 100 bucks when the show is crap! Thank goodness that this newspaper had the common sense to let people know NOT to see this show. I'm realllyyy hoping that this will alert anyone out there who is supporting or producing another crappy musical like this, or ASU, or Good Vibrations, that it's time to STOP and produce GOOD theatre.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:21am

"...get away with letting families ..."

You lost me, as a reader, right there.

[442namffug]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:22am

Well you obviously have trouble understanding english then....it's not my problem....

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:22am

Well it is mean. The reviewer Terry Teachout said. "By the end of the first act, I was muttering, "bring out the deranged assasin!" But alas, Lennon needed no Mark David Chapman to supply the coup to grace. It was dead on arrival!


Updated On: 8/19/05 at 10:22 AM

[442namffug]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:24am

HOW IS THAT MEAN?????? It's a review! What was the reviewer supposed to say? "I honestly didn't care for it." or "It's not my taste." The whole show sucks! Tell it like it is...

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:25am

1. Didn't they say the same thing about Brooklyn? The worst musical ever part?

2. Of course they see that; I think you have to look at it for what it is, which of course the critics wouldn't be too willing to do. It's not exactly musical theatre as convention might see it, and if it doesn't follow form, that's more reason to call it bad. Lennon had plenty of imperfections and could've benefitted from more work before it was frozen, but it's far from the worst musical ever to hit Broadway.

And no, 442. That's the problem with the critics; there's a way to tell it like it is, and still be *remotely* respectful, without having to lie about it. But it's almost like it's all about who of them can be the bitchiest and make the most scathing comments.

Updated On: 8/19/05 at 10:25 AM

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:26am

Wanting Mark David Chapman to come out and kill the cast before the end of the first act isn't mean?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:27am

He said he wanted him to kill the CAST?! Ouch.

[zelda]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:30am

apparently they missed Amour

[442namffug]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:30am

It's not mean at all. I agree. Anyone who wants to waste the public's time and money with crap deserves to NEVER work in this industry again. These are just the type of people who are ruining the reputation of theatre. And if you took his little joke offensively...then please, get a life. I really hope this message gets through...although I have a feeling we'll be seeing OZZY THE MUSICAL, QUEEN THE MUSICAL, and MICHAEL JACKSON THE MUSICAL in the next 3 years.

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:34am

I agree with luvtheEmcee there is a way of delivering objective criticisms. I'm not personally offended by it, but it is mean spirited! And I think Michael Jackson the musical would be a hoot, think of the possibilities :)

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:37am

I saw Lennon on Tuesday night, and after the show there was some guy talking to the cast members about the reviews. I was like "oh God, don't do thaaat...." eesh.

[442namffug]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:40am

"And I think Michael Jackson the musical would be a hoot, think of the possibilities :)"

I'd rather NOT think about the possibilities...you are the problem with theatre today! eeeeesh

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:44am

Think of the families.

[JACXR71]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:47am

There actually is a "Queen the Musical" of sorts playing in Vegas right now - it's called "We Will Rock You." No idea what the plot is or what kind of reviews it's gotten, or if they're planning on bringing it to NYC.

[SorryGrateful]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:52am

I haven't seen it, but I highly doubt Lennon is the worst musical ever. Hyperbole, anyone?

Posted: 8/19/05 at 11:00am

442namffug - why all the personal attacks ? Why am I what's wrong with theater? Maybe the NT Times should do an article about me if that's actually the case.
Updated On: 8/19/05 at 11:00 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 11:02am

That little orangatan (I think?) is just so cute!

Posted: 8/19/05 at 11:24am

luvtheEmcee -- thanks , it is an orangatan, they look like little hairy people to me.
Updated On: 8/19/05 at 11:24 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 11:25am

He's lovely. I want to hug him.

(NOT have somebody shoot him, thank you! ahem.)

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 11:35pm

Tomas- Your avatar is adorable.
And I agree with Emcee, there's a way to say things and a way not to say them. You thought the show sucked? Fine. You can still say that and at least ATTEMPT to be respectful about it.

[Corine2]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 11:39pm

They have got to be kidding. They need to see more theater.
Will Chase was brilliant in the role. If only it was more of Will Chase and Chad Kimball.
This show was a Tony award winner compared to some of the shows I have seen.
If you look at it as a great concert with low expectations you will be surprised and entertained.
BKLYN was so much worse.
I had fun.
Guess the Wall Street Journal writer missed:
Vincent The Musical
Bklyn (The so called musical)
Jackie Mason's musical

Updated On: 8/19/05 at 11:39 PM

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 8/19/05 at 11:41pm

Alright, 442namffug, you really have no clue what you are talking about, pal.