WEST SIDE STORY first preview reviews!- Page 3

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 12:44am

The costumes are flat out terrible. The really need fixed. It is hard to tell what time period the show is set in. It look like someone went to Target or Old Navy to outfit the Jets. Riff has a bright orange t-shirt that is distracting and should go. Plus Tony needs to be more dressed up when he goes to the dance. Right now he is wearing jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt type top.

The female costumes are much more appropriate and eye-catching.

Yes, the surtitles are gone completely.

Updated On: 2/24/09 at 12:44 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 12:45am

Yes, her dancing is subpar and "America" was far better than it was in DC...but it could be even better if she were a stronger dancer.

Believe me, her "A Boy Like That" is perfect in Spanish...she is so awesome while singing it.

"Dance at the Gym" was absolute perfection from everybody!

The costumes for the most part were still awful.

I would recommend front mezz over orchestra for this show...some of the stage pictures are breathtaking.

The subtitles have been gone since like the second week in DC...I feel fortunate to have seen it with the subtitles twice, but they are not needed at all.

[MisterSnow89]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 1:03am

I saw this production in DC and I'm thrilled it has improved. I'm sad i won't get to see the Broadway run.

However, I do wish they changed ABLT to english. I agree Karen's deliever is stunning. One of the most powerful moments in the entire production (that and her taunting scene). However, I felt it could be even more powerful in English because it would be more accesible. I felt distanced because of the Spanish.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 2:15am

Just confused by the sentiment that the "old ladies" could definitely afford full price.

How the heck do you know what they can afford? Good for them for supporting theater and taking the chance. I'm a teacher and I certainly don't have a large amount of disposable income....if I lived in the city I would be taking advantage of any Lotto that was offered to me. I take full advantage of as many discounts as I can, if I didn't I wouldnt be able to afford to go to the theater as often as I do.

[BWayJunkie]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 2:18am

Updated On: 3/17/09 at 02:18 AM

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 2:38am

I'm suprised the subtitles are gone.
Again.

Anyone notice any changes in the Ballet?

[hubee]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 2:41am

I speak no spanish at all and I did not find it distracting. In fact, I loved ABLT in Spanish. The power of the emotions was so huge that you get the point and yes, I think it makes it more authentic. Just think of it as Opera.

Then again, I didn't think Cody was bad at all either so what do I know? I thought he played the "cool" and collected leader perfectly. I also thought Karen Olivo danced a storm, so again, I seem to be in the minority/positive outlook here.

(On the other hand, as much as I love this new WSS, Hair (at least in the Park) was a stronger show and if I had to pick between the two, Hair wins by a small margin).

As for the rush discussion, Rent started out GENERAL rush. not just student rush. Anybody could have done it. Most rushes started out that way, only in the last few years have they all seemed to make it only for students.

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 7:06am

This is a weird question...but what is the curtain/scrim like if there is one?

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 8:13am

Does Curtis Holbrook still do the thing with the nightstick a the end of "Gee Officer Krupke?" And can we have more details on the new staging for this song?

Thanks

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 9:14am

The nightstick is used a lot in "Gee Officer Krupke" actually! With the guys banging each other on the heads with them a lot. Plus, it is like a totally fresh new version of the song, with amazing choreography and new orchestrations. I loved it so much more than I did in DC. They just have all the guys acting out different scenes during the song...and it TOTALLY WORKS! I was thrilled by that number (as was the rest of the audience).

[GottaHaveAGimmick]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 9:19am

Merchandise available? T-shirts reading "I feel pretty" ? A plastic switchblade with "A boy like that" written on the handle? American and Puerto Rican flags in the lobby? ...Just wonderin'.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 9:29am

I noticed magnets, keychains and tshirts. THe glaring omission at the concession stand was the window card

[WestVillage]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 9:33am

"What's the lotto doing? Just helping old ladies get better seats? "

What an immature statement. How do you know these ladies are not living on a fixed income? And honestly, what difference does it make? Why should cheap seats be only for students? There are plenty of people well over college age who can't afford full price tickets. And I'm sure there are many college students who partake in student rush who could actually afford full price tickets (thanks to mom and dad and trust funds). Especially in this econonmy, everyone is looking for a bargain. The lottery does not go by income level or net worth ... it is for anyone and everyone who wants to participate. Sounds like you're just bitter that you didn't win, and acting as if these ladies took your tickets away from you. Just wait til you're a senior citizen and see how you feel then.

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 10:22am

Windowcards and the souvenir book (which is apparently 50+ pages) should arrive by the end of the week...

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 10:25am

Thanks, shesamarshmallow!!!! I am so excited to buy both.

[Justin_Hall]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 10:45am

WWS is the show that first introduced me to musical theater (well, the cast recording at lease). Needless to say I'm incredibly excited to see it live on Broadway.

Even with the criticisms of the dancing and costumes I know I'm gonna love it.

[raulmark]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 10:53am

for anyone who has sen this production
....is America performed with the women only or with women and men like in the movie? just curious

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 11:09am

"America" (thankfully) is performed with women only - the way it should be done.

[Tom's Cat]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 11:13am

I agree completely with dramamama611 and WestVillage. Did you assume they could pay full price because they were dressed nice? I've got news for you kid - that's the way it was ALWAYS done, for years and years. You always dressed in your finest to attend the theatre. Do you have any idea of just how stupid and immature you sound when you make idiotic statments like that?

[Pianolin717]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 11:18am

so, I am TOTALLY getting a program when they arrive, and did anyone notice if they still had the red hats? I lost mine and anyone know when they put them online for order? thats the only way I can get them :/

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 11:21am

They had a red knit winter hat if that's what you're talking about. I didn't notice a red baseball cap though.

[Pianolin717]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 11:23am

thats what I meant, yeah, I would never wear a cap lol
I used to have an avatar with me wearing it... grr, I loved that thing!

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 11:33am

Sorry to all that were "offended," but I stand by my statement. And Tom's Cat, yes I know you're suppose to "dress up" for the theater. I'm not a complete dumb ass, but I was just angry at the time when I wrote that. I in no way retract my statement because I still think it's true, but whatever. To each his own.

And I'm excited to see this production, but now I just have to save up a few more weeks before I can afford it since the lotto is going to be a mad house.

[dihope0914]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 11:45am

Welcome to the real world.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 2/24/09 at 12:13pm

So even if the boys' costumes still suck, they did fix the Jet girls' dresses/skirts?