GeorgeandDot said: "I mean, I don't think this needs it's own thread, but I also thought that Tootsie was pretty godawful aside for the phenomenal performances that elevated the material. The book was funny aside for the plagiarized director dance scene that was taken directly from Robin Williams in The Bird Cage. Yazbeck's score has moments, but most of it falls flat and the set was ugly.
I think the show's biggest issue is the lowering of stakes. In the film, Dorothy is on live TV in front of millions. Michael becomes a nationwide phenomenon. Here, Dorothy is in a Broadway show in front of a much smaller audience. The stakes don't quite feel as high as they could."
Right on all counts, GeorgeandDot, especially the lowered stakes. Had the same thought about The Birdcage scene but agree the book is strong overall. Yazbek's score is completely forgettable aside from "What's Gonna Happen"- big letdown after Band's Visit. And while I agree the performances are strong overall, I confess Santino didn't wow me as much as I thought he would. Maybe it's because I didn't see him in Cinderella and I haven't watched much Crazy Ex-GF, but I think his likely Tony win will more be by default than a matter of him actually deserving it.