WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Broadway Previews- Page 7

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/16/24 at 12:01am

I echo many of the similar sentiments.

The choreography and staging are magnificent and Paul Nolan really makes all of the proceedings come alive like a true ringmaster.

The score has a few decent tunes but most are drowned out  by an overpowering sound design.

Gustin and McCalla never really had more than a flicker of chemistry, and Edelman just seems to have wandered into the action from a completely different show.

It really all comes down to the book being terribly messy and unfocused in every way. There are too many subplots and few get a chance to build up properly before they are cast aside or forgotten completely. I think the memory play framing device is terrible (and just because it worked in the book doesn’t make it work on stage) and Act II, with the whole “dream ballet”, the show ends up becoming a casualty of its on wandering mind and I found myself very much lost.

I give it a 5.5/10. I don’t regret seeing it but you won’t find me returning to this circus

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/16/24 at 12:03am

EDSOSLO858 said: "$45 digital lottery begins on Tuesday."

Smart idea. The era of the in-person lottery died with the pandemic and it should stay that way.

My friends and I really do prefer playing the day before and being able to make plans as opposed to showing up two hours before showtime to gamble on a “maybe”

[BETTY22]

Posted: 3/16/24 at 5:21pm

I was both Jesse Green and Elizabeth V at the 2pm show today.

Will give me thoughts later - except to say, the book is a disaster and the score doesn't help. OUCH 

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 1:37am

I saw this on Wednesday (just over a week before opening so probably close to being frozen?) and maybe it was because of all the negative reviews here, but I thought it was a lot better than I expected, a generally enjoyable if sometimes clunky show.  I didn't know the book or movie so I thought the story overall with the way it integrated with the movement/circus acts was pretty cool, though admittedly somewhat trite (it's really not that far off from the extremely trite story that Paramour told).

I agree that the framing device is probably the biggest issue of the show.  I thought the ending was sweet, but the way that older Jacob kept interrupting the show felt like it was just stopping all the momentum, and it seemed like the only thing that really gave us was to foreshadow the "Great Stampede".  It also just felt like they weren't ready to commit fully to having Jacob retelling the story of his life--his narration all but disappears in the second act, outside of being in some of the musical numbers, so what was the point of having him there? (At least in Harmony it was done to create a picture of survivor's guilt). Some of the later musical numbers too seem like they're doing a song and dance number that's somewhat reminiscent of what's happening in the scene, but doesn't directly tie in (a bit like Cabaret/Chicago), and I thought that could've also been an interesting approach to take given the circus element, but it didn't happen enough to feel like consistent storytelling.

I thought the music was fine, and at the very least it was nice to hear a different kind of sound for a new Broadway score, but it seems like it doesn't quite crack the code of what a musical theater score should do, outside of a few specific songs.  I think if they had taken the Cabaret Emcee approach with doing certain circus numbers that would be somewhat tied into the plot as an explicit decision this could've worked, but that never felt like their actual intention.  I liked some of the montage songs like The Road Don't Make You Young and Zostan (though I have no idea what this song is supposed to mean), and Easy and Squeaky Wheel both worked for me in different ways, but the rest of the score felt mostly like it was talking around a point rather than addressing it head on (like a lot of pop songs tend to do).  Though I feel like this could be a score I end up listening to, even if it doesn't necessarily work in the theater.

I haven't seen Pippin, and while I agree the circus stunts aren't as impressive as Paramour, I do think they're integrated really nicely into the show, whereas Paramour really just sketched out a thin plot for the purpose of showing off the stunts. I thought Easy and the other part with the horse was beautifully done, and while a little long and unclear as to its purpose, the fever dream in act 2 was pretty cool to watch in how it was stylized.  The puppets were mostly fine, not as bad as I was expecting.  The horses in general I thought were decent and the animals in The Lion Has Got No Teeth were adequate, but I'm not sure if the mixed mediums for the elephant worked for me with the way that they'd show different parts at a time.  The puppet itself was okay, but just looked a little off (maybe the head needed to be bigger proportionally?), though I do wish they had gone a bit more of the interpretive route just so they could have the elephant do more things.

I definitely agree that Paul Alexander Nolan is the standout of this cast--he definitely has the most stage presence and made The Lion Has Got No Teeth a fun song to watch despite the lyrics being fairly elementary.  The only thing is (and this is probably more on the direction/book) he seems to exude menace a little too early.  Based on the Wikipedia summary of the book, it seems like it should be a bit of a surprise that August has a capacity for violence and cruelty, but there feels like there's always an evil glint in his eye right from the beginning.  I liked Isabelle McCalla and she's great in the role, but nothing about the role really stands out (what even is her act anyway?), and Ken Wulf Clark was on for Jacob in my performance, and I thought he was quite good as well, but the material just didn't give him room to really develop a character.

I don't really expect any super positive reviews for this (probably mostly mixed to negative) but I did think it was an enjoyable watch, and if I knew people who like seeing circus elements, then I'd probably recommend it to them, though I wouldn't necessarily tell people to go out of their way to see this show.

[Musical Theatre Prof.]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 4:31pm

Just attended this musical on Saturday (3/16) after reading all the messages here. Those potentially considering tickets to this musical need to know that this musical has changed tremendously since earlier previews. Many observations people have left on this message board are no longer true. The majority of the show is set during the 1930s depression era—as reflected in the minimalist visual aspects of this production, the people in this cast are the spectacle, not technical or design wizardry. The professional acrobats in this cast are astounding in both their death-defying and lyrically beautiful storytelling on stage. The plot unfolds much like its source material of the same title. Every character on stage is broken by their life-experiences in different ways and the show is actually about how they keep going (choose the ride). For me, the best theatre is about inspiring the audience to participate by engaging their imagination. The circus animal-puppets do just that, if you are not expecting Michael Curry's work as seen in the Lion King, where the animals are the story. (Also note some of the puppets are not the same puppets seen in earlier previews). Adjust your expectations before walking in the door of the Imperial Theatre. Look for what's there instead of what's not. The animals and the music are not the spectacle here, the people are.

[Broadway Flash]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 4:40pm

Is this selling well? It’s not on TDF

[CathyM3]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 5:21pm

Disappointing to read a lot of this feedback. I had high hopes for this one. Seems like spectacle is more important than storytelling with everything that is coming out this season.  Maybe “Hell’s Kitchen” will save the season. 

[Musical Theatre Prof.]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 5:29pm

I have been misunderstood. It is much stronger, better than the production seen in earlier previews!

[The8re phan]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 5:36pm

Musical Theatre Prof. said: "Just attended this musical on Saturday (3/16) after reading all the messages here. Those potentially considering tickets to this musical need to know that this musical has changed tremendously since earlier previews. Many observations people have left on this message board are no longer true. The majority of the show is set during the 1930s depression era—as reflected in the minimalist visual aspects of this production, the people in this cast are the spectacle, not technical or design wizardry. The professional acrobats in this cast are astounding in both their death-defying and lyrically beautiful storytelling on stage. The plot unfolds much like its source material of the same title. Every character on stage is broken by their life-experiences in different ways and the show is actually about how they keep going (choose the ride). For me, the best theatre is about inspiring the audience to participate by engaging their imagination. The circus animal-puppets do just that, if you are not expecting Michael Curry's work as seen in the Lion King, where the animals are the story. (Also note some of the puppets are not the same puppets seen in earlier previews). Adjust your expectations before walking in the door of the Imperial Theatre. Look for what's there instead of what's not. The animals and the music are not the spectacle here, the people are."

Thanks for the update --- I'm not seeing this until early April, and this gives me hope!

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 5:41pm

We all know the level of changes that can be made during previews are minimal. Sure the pacing can tighten and little edits here and there but this needed some major re-working. I have no problem with a bare bones approach and the sets and "home made" looking puppets didn't bother me. What confused me was the "memory play" frame-work which felt completely unnecessary as well as the fact that none of the songs actually advance the story. I left thinking "I bet this is a really good read", sadly it didn't feel like a story that benefitted from a physical production.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 5:43pm

I'm not sure I'd put too much stock into a possible shill.  But as I'm seeing the show in a few days, I remain hopeful.

 

[Hope Lombardo]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 5:51pm

dramamama611 said: "I'm not sure I'd put too much stock into a possible shill. But as I'm seeing the show in a few days, I remain hopeful.

I hear what you're saying (and you might be right) but I do worry that if I ever write positive things about a show that I might be seen as a paid shill, if you will. That said, I didn't write this one so we'll see how the opening night reviews go!

 

Updated On: 3/18/24 at 05:51 PM

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 5:55pm

Hope Lombardo said: "dramamama611 said: "I'm not sure I'd put too much stock into a possible shill. But as I'm seeing the show in a few days, I remain hopeful.

I hear what you're saying (and you might be right) but I do worry that if I ever write positive things about a show that I might be seen as a paid shill, if you will. that said, I didn't write this one so we'll see how the opening night reviews go!

"

You also didn't join today and start defending the show. Hence why it feels shill-ish. Writing positive feedback doesn't equate to being a shill 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 6:16pm

Exactly. The "professor" joined just today but has read all the comments previously and already revisted the show, where EVERYTHING has been magically fixed.  It's all possible, of course, but unlikely.  There have been other good or positive reviews without accuasations of being a shill.

It's not about it being positive, it's all the other stuff.  And, Hope, I think you've been around enough to be able to say what you think without facing that kind of scrutiny.

[Talyn]

Posted: 3/19/24 at 12:35pm

Saw this during the Atlanta premiere and coming out of the show I said "They have a LOT of work to do to get this ready for a Broadway audience." My biggest complaints were the book, the songs and the direction (when your audience doesn't know where to look on stage, your direction is bad)... and it seems all of the same issues exist in this production as well. Being from Atlanta, I hope it does well, but I'm not holding my breath.

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 3/19/24 at 1:22pm

I saw the show on Saturday night having never seen the film nor read the book and I really enjoyed it.

The story is compelling and kept me invested through out and curious as to what was to come next. I thought the book was done well and my only real issue was Act One was a long one and they kept almost faking out the audience with - THIS is the finale, nope - THIS.. nope, just kidding - THIS is.. almost the act finale. 

The music was very pretty and I would and definitely will be listening to the cast recording when it comes out. Was it the most memorable score ever? No. Did some of the songs start to sound the same? Yes. But, enjoyable nonetheless. 

The choregraphy, the puppetry, and the aerial work was stunning. I've not stopped thinking about the sequences with the horse nor the moment we finally got to see the elephant in full for the first time. Those acrobats and dancers are absolutely crushing it on that stage. 

I thought Grant was wonderful and making such a great Broadway debut. I kept thinking about how he had such an ease on stage and how it felt like watching someone coming home to a place they always belonged. He and Isabelle had really cute chemistry and sounded lovely on their duet in Act Two. 

Isabelle is lovely and does the best she can with a rather thankless role, but she sings beautifully and we do connect with Marlena as a character. 

Paul Nolan is such a star and his character is so slick and controlling, but still charming. He sounds great on his big solo moment in Act One.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Did anyone else get a weird almost throuple vibe when August gave Jacob AND Marlena the jewlery in Act Two? Obviously there was no indication of anything like that, but I just weirdly got that vibe. 

If I had one another semi-gripe with the book/frame work, I just felt like the older Jacob character got too much in the way. I had just seen The Notebook for the matinee on the same day and the way the characters were able to breathe a bit more independently of each other was missed here. I felt like while Gregg Edelman was wonderful, I just felt like that character got too involved in things that were moments meant for the young Jacob. 

I sat in the front of the rear mezzanine which was a really great view and I didn't miss any of the aerial or acrobatic work. 

If stage door is your thing, Grant, Izzy, Greg, and many of the ensemble members came out after the show and signed and took photos. 

Overall, it was a very entertaining show and I would absolutely go back and see it again. 

[Barbour Pole]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 4:12pm

Hope to get back to see this and see the changes!

[Musical Theatre Prof.]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 4:31pm

To those who thought my posts were a "shill," shame on you. Yes, I only joined the day I wrote my post because I do not typically post in chat rooms because of similar discourse. I felt I had to join and post because what people who had attended earlier previews described was not the show I saw. Fact. I thought people should know that. I never said, "EVERYTHING was magically fixed," as one person wrote. Another person posted, "We all know the level of changes that can be made during previews are minimal." I do not view as minimal the cutting and/or learning of new songs and dialogue as minimal changes. More than minimal changes during previews have been documented in many, not all, musical theatre productions. No, one does not redesign the set in previews or throw out an entire book, but substantial changes are why previews exist. A man sitting near me at the performance I attended turned to me after the show and said, "I'm sorry for crying. I have not cried in years." Fact. Something in the show obviously moved him. The audience at the performance I saw thoroughly enjoyed the show and responded viscerally with laughs, sighs, gasps, tears, cheers, as well as applause. What if they did not have that experience because of words they read here?

[BETTY22]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 8:30pm

Musical Theatre Prof. said: "I do not typically post in chat rooms because of similar discourse."

BE YOU......your voice is just as important as everyone else on this board. 

WELCOME........

 

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 8:49pm

Let's compare the song list from 1st preview with the song list from opening night...fairly confident it will be the same...

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 10:20pm

I actually enjoyed this far more than I expected to! No, it's not perfect, but I had a very enjoyable time.

Gustin is serviceable but NOLAN? TERRIFIC. I'd but tickets for something BECAUSE A of him. 

I sat in the ringside seats, second row, house right, on the aisle. Yes, the stage is a little high to be that close, and I certainly wouldn't recommend the first row. But wow did it make the acro amazing.

 

Some of the puppetry was stunning, particularly the horse work. The dog was cute, and I understand the criticism on the Elephant. But the audience loved it, and it worked well enough for me. 

 

The score was not exciting and some of the writing was clunky, but I actually shed a few years at the end. I liked this FAR better than Notebook, which I saw the night before. 

 

 

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 10:25pm

dramamama611 said: "The score was not exciting and some of the writing was clunky, but I actually shed a few years at the end. "

I know this is a typo, but I'd pay quite a sum of money if I could 'shed a few years' at this show.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 10:29pm

Lol! I'm not even going to fix it! 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 11:11pm

I enjoyed this, as well. It was much better than I expected, and the acrobats created some really beautiful stage pictures. For me, on the whole, it’s a much more successful romantic drama adaptation than The Notebook.

Updated On: 3/21/24 at 11:11 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 11:16pm

Saw this again tonight and I'll be damned. I really need to hand it to this show -  they used their preview period and did what so many shows nowadays refuse to do and that's to work on it and fix it and when the curtain came down for act one I looked at my friends and we all just went "Wow". The score still isn't one of my favorites but even that's been fixed a bit, I feel. But this truly went from a show I didn't care for to a show I'll now recommend to people. Good on them.